el mundo de corazon

Ending the 4 days trip in Bali

2011-06-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

The last 2 days of the trip on Bali paradise island. We went for water rafting in a river of which I could not recall the name now. I have the tendency of having a hard time to recall name of places these days. That is really bad. How should I pick up a language then if my memory is that bad! OucHh! Anyway, for this water rafting that we had, my personal comment, view was really good due to the resorts they had along the river. Challenges, I almost wanted to say 'none'. On second thought, there was a lil'. After all, this was my second time of water rafting and the first one, had it in Sg Padas of which is much fun and not over commercialised. Perhaps, the one we had in Bali was rather commercialised.

After the water rafting, we were back on our journey for... shopping! Gee... for me, it's really too much of shopping I must say. On top of that, at least 90% of the things were repetitive. Hence, does not really fancy the shopping session. We dropped by in Tanah Lot, and there goes another massive shopping session. Whew... Anyway, there were many different experiences in each of these places. Earlier in Ubud, it wasn't a good place to bargain and ended up not buying for you'll get some really bad looking faces or worse still, scolding... whoops! As for other places we go later, the locals were much better and friendly. such as Sukawati. Bargain all you want! In fact, I happen to be in about 1 or 2 stalls which do not require any further bargain. Because they simply offer the best price, of which my cousins had to bargain for more than 10 minutes for the same price. In fact, when I buy more, they gave me discount without having me to ask! I do miss that 2 stalls for they were really nice people.

Now, on the 3rd night, first taste of nasi padang in Bali. We were there late, hence, most of the dishes were gone! Little choice, yet, I still enjoy it. Nasi Padang has always been one of my most favoured food ^.^ And not to be forgotten, they have Factory Outlet Sales next door and the discount was up to 85% for all branded sport goods! Well, I didn't buy.. Yup, I didn't. Had too limited time to have a thorough look on the displayed.. it was already 9.30pm when we managed to enter the outlets. Now, we were rushing to our new sleeping place, the Ellie's place.

It was indeed a great place! Quiet and pleasant! They served wonderful breakfast alongside with melodious music... I couldn't agree more that it was a great place to lie down and have a good nap or read a book! That, I call the best way to be back to yourself, a moment of self-reflection ^.^

Over the last day, we checked out and had our very first walk in Kuta area. And voila, it's shopping time again. I did not buy anything and simply walked and walked and walked and walked... But... I had an ice-cream... the hazelnut with rum! It was incredibly tasty! I wish I get to taste it again... yum... no, this shouldn't be the right sound for it. It should be 'sluRp'! ^.^

Later, we headed for massage and SPA. One thing to take note on, 1 hour massage is never enough! Do not restrict your massage hour! Maximised it... at least 2 hours is a must for a good and relaxing massage. As for the SPA, not much of comment. Perhaps the scrubbing was good... can still feel the softness on my skin now.. after 2 days ^.^ But I guess at current time, I enjoy the massage better than the SPA ^.^

The massage and SPA somehow marked the end of our journey in Bali for this round. And some personal thought to chip in... as we travelled over the island where most call her a paradise... I had a moment of self-reflection.

I saw uncountable masterpiece on the island and all these, were produced with perfect passion! However, they were not sold at an any much higher price, comparing to some 'masterpieces' that were well recognised, with their creators' name on.

Was it mainly because there were mass production although each of them were supposed to be unique in their own way, that the value were ceased? Many did mentioned that art is priceless! When it comes to places like Indonesia where many beautiful artwork produced, the people behind these were forgotten... at most of the time. I find myself to be one of the many who behaved the same. At this particular moment, I learn that at most time, I've been complacent too. I complained and judged, but I sometimes forgotten to reflect it on my own. It's good to have a moment of self reflection... indeed.

People behind these art shall deserve a good respect from me... if not us. I learn to appreciate every single tiny thing I encounter, once more... Thank you, Bali ^.^

Day 2 in Bali

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Day 2 in Bali. Apparently, 2 hours after updating the post of Day 1, we were awoke again for the very great morning! Three hours of driving from Kuta to Lovina, northern of Bali for... Dolphins and sunrise! That three hours just happened to be our sleeping time in the car all the way throughout the bumpy roads. Seriously, if we were to be sold to somewhere else, I guess we wouldn't have know it for we were sleeping like a baby.

When we were there, and here we come! The sunrise, the dolphins! I recalled that we used to be taught on the right word to describe a group of dolphins... now, dear teacher, I can make a very good use of the word for the very first time. I saw many schools of dolphins! Oops, did I use the word in the right way? I really can't say that I saw a school of dolphins for we really saw many dolphins everywhere this morning! On the surface of the sea water and right beneath our boats as well. It was great!

What more after the sunrise and dolphins? Breakfast of course! Simple yet filling American Breakfast and English Breakfast. By the way, the orange juice we had was rather salty. One, we asked for orange juice without sugar. Two, we suspected that it was salty due to the water source which could be from the sea ^.^ We don't know for we didn't ask.

Next, we headed to Kintamani for the volcano mountain view. Simply good ^.^ And... before that, this morning from 5.30am onwards till noon about 2.00pm, I was still walking on my barefoot! Haha... ooh well.. that's an insane thing to do. When we visited the garden where we can get Luak Coffee, the walking paths were filled with sharp tiny stones everywhere. Phews... sweat! ^.^

Finally after that, I manage to get a new pair of slippers. Finally...

Next thing, we were in Ubud and had our lunch. I was having my own share of lunch at Bumbu Bali while my companions were trying out the Babi Guling dishes next door. Ain't too sure how it tasted, again, but the outlet was incredibly crowded!~ As for my side, simple and nice vegetarian dish with jackfruit and tempe. That dish was really good and... I'm missing it now.

After the lunch, there goes our whole evening! Shopping! Lots of thing to be packed now. So, guess I shall keep things posted tomorrow evening (if there is wifi available in the hotel we are going to check in tomorrow). Else, let's catch up later when all of use are back in Malaysia ^.^ Ooh by the way, it's another adventure tomorrow! Water rafting! ^.^

P/s: Monkeys are all over my sane mind now... goSh... ^.^

Day 1 in Bali

2011-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Right, we've touched down in Bali! Our first day and we were greeted by a great local tour, Casena. Apparently, some of us missed his name and called him Caseno accidentally ^.^

Now, for day 1, we checked in to Almaris Hotel in Legian. It's a decent and new hotel, this is the 6th month of its operation, as what Casena told us. Well, this round, as usual, wasn't completely planned on what, where and when! But, everything turns out perfectly good up to now.

After checking in, we headed to Padang Padang beach where the movie 'Eat, Pray, Love' has taken its shot here. This was the place where Julia Roberts was seen having a great party night on the paradise island. Basically, those huts we saw in the movie were built mainly for the movie. After the shooting, everything was taken off. Thus, they are not available there anymore.

However, many people are heading to this very beach which had appeared on the cinema screens many months before this. I guess about 95% of the visitors are foreigners, including ourselves. Except that we weren't there with our bikinis but about 90% were there with their bikinis and sun bathing. Ooh yes, many were doing the surfing there as well. How I wish I am doing that too!

Next, we headed to Pura Uluwatu from there. Here, we grabbed a quick snack food, the local satay! It's made of pork. Well, it contains the pork and liver as well. Don't ask me how it tastes, if you have ever had a meal with me, you know that I can't have meat in my mouth ^.^ But I saw everyone was enjoying the food ^.^ So, it must be good.

And there we go, entering the temple area! No shorts, but cloth was provided to cover all those who were in shorts or hot pants. This place was filled with monkeys. No intention to feed any of the monkeys, but I must admit, they are much alike a human, they have naturally gelled hairstyle! Phew! Cool!

Before we entered, we were warned that no earings, no necklace, simply, no anything to enter this area. Yes, we were warned! It offers a wonderful sunset view over the cliffs... but what do you know next? One of the many handsome monkeys hugged my leg, and my natural reaction was to kick the monkey away, and the next thing... when I lifted my leg, the monkey pulled off my slipper! Argh!! Now, I don't get the slipper back anymore. So, I decided to leave the other side of my slipper there. Tips here, no shining, shimmering, fancy stuffs to enter this area! Don't put yourself at risk! Eew... why would a monkey hug me? "-_- For the sake of the shining deco on my slippers! Good job! Now I really fall in love with the monkeys... And so, I was walking on bare foot from 6pm to 11pm today ^.^

Before we leave the place, we saw another monkey catching a toad and played with it. How? The monkey actually squeezed the toad and pulled its leg! We thought the monkey was trying to tear the toad into parts.. but it wasn't. Casena was telling us that the monkey was playing with the toad. Indeed, when the monkey let the toad go, the toad stayed there and not moving anywhere. I was saying, perhaps this is the way that the toad loved to be stretched and massage... well, we must agree that human is not the only living being who enjoyed worldly stuffs these days :P

Final destination of day 1, Jimbaran for seafood! Wonderful night view and ambiance for a romantic dinner! I couldn't agree more to this! Ain't cheap but it's a great place for a dinner on the beach with waves and cooling wind, fine sand... simply back to nature ^.^

Alright, I guess I could have written more. But, will just have to put a stop at the moment. Will have to wake up in about 2 hours for a long journey on dolphin watching activity tomorrow morning. Cheers friends ^.^

Brand new week and coming brand new year!~

2010-10-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear XXXXX,

To whoever it is. We have touched down to the 10th month of the year 2010 and it seems that time really passes fast. No one can really predict what will happen next. Right, you may say GOD could predicts. In fact, GOD does not predict, GOD plans!

At current moment, we really do need to appreciate rather than holding grudge. At times, I thought I'm rational enough to control my emotion. But it isn't. I allow my emotion to control me instead. This is not the right thing to do. Yet, I allow it to. Merely because I didn't want to think too much. Until someone stood up to me and tell me, "Hey, Fiona, are you out of your mind?!"

And there goes my answer, "Why?"

It's a neverending process if we would prefer to take grudge on people. In fact, Buddha, the great teacher taught us to not clinging to any uncertainty happening or things. The Lord Jesus, or the Great Allah told us to be rational and understanding the living's right. Everything happens for a reason.

So do you and me. We are here for a reason. If we do not know it today, we shall know it the next second for we must be here for a cause and an effect. In Buddhism term, it's called 'karma'.

Whatever term it is, it is actually referring to the same thing. Remember a story by a Zen master?

Let's recall right now.

Situation: Gentleman A, B and C are looking onto a cup of tea.

Gentlemen A, B and C: Wow... this drink is really good... not tastless like a glass of plain water. Yet, not harmful like other sugar-added drinks!

Gentleman A: This is actually 'cha' (in Chinese)
Gentleman B: No-no, this is 'teh' (in Malay)
Gentleman C: Both of you are wrong. This is actually the 'tea' (in English)

And so, the Master Zen who observed the whole incident voiced out:

Gentlemen, please cool down. All of you are right. Be it 'cha', 'teh' or 'tea' or anything else... aren't we referring to the same thing? Why do we have to argue over a thing we know it's the same... just that the names are different.

It is really mind opening. We always quarrel or argue over a minor thing on who's right or wrong. But when it comes to the conclusion, we are actually referring to the same thing whereby it's only the words we use to describe it is different. At the end of the day, it function exactly the same. Why don't we stop arguing and focus on the productivity?

After all, the human race mentioned that human race will never learn from HISTORY. We are only REPEATING IT! That's not the reality. Rather than misunderstanding others, why don't we put aside the 'misunderstanding' and start 'UNDERSTANDING' each other instead?

Is it still a contradiction?

2010-09-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Looking into this, are we living on behalf of others perspective or on behalf of our own?

Try to think about it... when someone is telling us, "You don't look good in that outfit", from a stranger, how would you react?

i. I care so much over what I heard and make an immediate improvement over it, looking forward for a positive comment from anyone

ii. I didn't even consider that a matter and go on with my day

iii. Or simply, "Hey you, what has it got to do with you?"

Perhaps that's the same thing that happens to us most of the time. When our friends are claiming that we are amazing, silly, nerd etc... it's still up to us on how would we like to react. Now that human should realise that every individual is unique and there it no 100% match of similarity, not even identical twins.

We have our rights to comment at most time but seriously, we do not expect it to actually change another's world, completely. Up to this day, there are still part of the human nation who would favour the 'superiority' over their status by getting control over somebody else's life. It is true... this happen at most of the time, without one realising it, at all.

Not a typical year end, but an amazing one!

2009-12-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

Right... it was't a typical way to end the year of 2009! The moment when everyone else was busy to secure themselves a place for countdown, I was somehow still driving my car from Kuala Terengganu back to Kuantan... Departed from 9.00pm and voilà, was back at home right at 00:00:00 of 01.01.2010!

The first thing I did in 01.01.2010 was to was my dearie car... been working real hard for several days...

So, I shall declare that I've completed my year 2009 with yet another new experience... having spent up to 16 hours of time in a cold room of the temperature in between -18°C to -22°C... between frozen food and hardened ice-cream... phew! One of the new exploration before the year end... great!~ Somehow, felt my fingers hardened and turned real red when I was in the ice-cream cold room... anyway, was grateful that we also have supportive colleague to help out with our mission - stock check! Haha... without them, I think many of us would have fainted right in front of the cold room... freezing cold!~ As well as the supportive team to make things happen... we are looking forward for up to 99.9% of stock accuracy in this year! ^^

Amani

2009-11-24T05:55:00.000-08:00

"Amani, nakupenda nakupenda wewe, tunataka wewe"
-Peace, I love you, I love you, you, we want you, you-
quoted from http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=501705

The news had just reported on yet another gun shooting incident in Africa causing an eight-year-old child to have lost his clarity in speech, to have to breathe without a nose, and unability to lead a normal life where every child deserved to.

What did the history teach us human nation? Haven't we realise what life is all about? I told myself not to make comparison from one to another because every life is unique and everyone has their own destiny.

But all that have come to my six senses (touch, see, smell, taste, listen and FEEL) are telling me, I am so lucky... for I do not fight for food, I do not steal to feed, I do not hide for safety, and most importantly, I do not struggle to live.

What makes me wonder right now, when someone on the earth is actually fighting for food, stealing to feed, hiding for safety and struggling to live... I see many who are fighting NOT TO EAT (finishing own portion of food served) for wanting a fabulous shape, stealing NOT TO FEED but to satisfy the wilderness within self, hiding NOT FOR SAFETY but to avoid responsibility and reality, and most importantly, struggling NOT TO LIVE but to being above everyone else by hurting or killing.

How often do we appreciate PEACE or should I say AMANI?

At certain time, I may recall some incidents reported in media and start questioning "what if it happens to me?" Will I actually be as strong as I think I would? As calm as I think I could?

Nevertheless, several people from the hall of fame has succeeded into delivering important message to the human nation. One of the must be the late Michael Jackson. Regardless what people may be thinking of about him, one thing I can be sure of, he showed the world how important it is to start proctecting our mother nature... our future generations' future. Anyone get to recall the 'Earth Song'? Or the MTV shown? No? How about 'Heal the World'?

Next would be the late Wong Ka Kui, a member of a famous band named Beyond. Apparently, I learnt the word AMANI from one of the songs.

Like it or not, each and everyone of us are definitely connected in one way or more. When one is hurt in any way, it will definitely be felt by another in some other way.

At this moment, you may feel great for taking a revenge on a person you hated. But do you realise that you may be the person who feel sorry in return? I happen to learn about this, HATE's best friend will always be GRIEVE.

Some may say it hard, and some may even say it impossible, but why don't we try? There's no harm trying... after all, there's something hidden in the word impossible... if we want to... we could have read it as I'M POSSIBLE.

Assessment... Kino... Gombak Toll... Skytrex... Kuantan

2009-10-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

Right... took a day leave to KL for some kind of assessment on Friday... wanted to go to KL merely for Skytrex at first. But received a call a week before, so, took a leave on Friday. Been spending one whole day in KL, Serdang and Sri Petaling on Friday. Eventually, have to leave Sri Petaling within 30 minutes because was rushing to Gombak Toll to send something to another friend before 11pm. There goes my whole Friday.. gee... Anyway, I managed to get me something from Kino... 2 books which I hope I get to finish them real soon. Been keeping too many books since the beginning of the year... phew... but, at least did finish half of the piles... not bad I guess ^^

Here comes Saturday! Yoohoo... I'm back in Skytrex after two years! Here I come, Extreme Challenge! Hihi... Cacamon and Yanni didn't make it so, two of my cousins joined instead - Jane Sai Hui and Jane Win Nie. Haha... we had a great time there though. Anyway, I miss the big net so much! I still couldn't stop myself from repeating this as I wanted to take up the big net challenge so much! It's my all time favourite! Apart from the flying fox of course...

Have met Julien and Pakku... not Nana this time.. Cacamon and I both agreed that Pakku is more handsome compared to two years ago! Don't get much chance to talk to the both of them this time round. Hopefully there'll be chances to talk to them more soon ^^

And Sunday... make a move from KL at 9am and here I am right now... photos posting time! ^^

http://picasaweb.google.com/yingsim85/SkytrexAdventure#

Human ain't robot

2009-10-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Human are lucky as we are always given 'options'. How can we actually compare a human with a robot and vice-versa, a robot with a human? Robot will never be given any option, be it for the robot or for others.

We may somehow categorize a human as a robot when his/her life seems robotic. Repetitive of following: wake up, breakfast, work, lunch, work, dinner, sleep and it goes on the same till the day the person got fed up.

Well... seriously, this really depends on how an individual handles it. We, H.U.M.A.N, are always provided with options. It's just a matter of whether we value the options given/available.

Australian town bans bottled water - Times Online

2009-09-27T00:26:00.001-07:00

Australian town bans bottled water - Times Online

Shared via AddThis

Again, it's time to re-calculate our carbon footprint!

My result from http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx:

Your footprint is 3.13 tonnes per year
The average footprint for people in Malaysia is 7.00 tonnes
The average for the industrial nations is about 11 tonnes
The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 tonnes
The worldwide target to combat climate change is 2 tonnes

I guess I'm doing better than 2 years ago now ^^ Perhaps I've miscalculated something? Anyway, the most important thing is to do the most we can ^^

Walking side by side

2009-09-13T02:56:00.000-07:00

Have anyone ever wonder the way the person next to us is walking will somehow reveal something interesting? At some point, I don't feel good when a 'friend' chose to walk behind me, neither when it's in front of me. When we name a person as 'friend', no one is supposed to be superior. Friends are supposed to walk side-by-side.

Photo credit: Michaela Rae from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelarae/80983358/

What's my current status?

2009-08-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing much in my mind to blurt out at this moment, because I'm 'lost' for a while... yes, 'I am'. Which is obviously indicating I'm still in the midst of 'lost'.

Right... what's my current status? Unknown. That shouldn't be the answer. The answer should be something precise. When I mention about my 'current status', what's in your mind?

State of health? Relationship? State of wealth? Occupation? State of mind?

Well, I guess I might be doubting every single one of these. Really. Maybe that's the after effect of not having enough sleep. End result, moody, prone to carelessness, negative thoughts etc etc.

As of this, I think I'll have to look for an excuse to back up myself (human's nature :P). Yes! The haze could really be the cause!! It causes me to be moody, then lost, and eventually throwing more negative impact to myself. Haha... this is really bad.

There shouldn't be blame on others. It should always be back to oneself, back to myself. Okay, time to really generate positive thinking. Let's start with getting enough sleep!! Hooray... slumber time ^^ Guess I'm a lil' out of control tonight ^^ Good night!~

Utilizing another 50 bucks

2009-07-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

(project/area description of the children's origin that Mui Qoon and I are currently sponsoring)

You read it right... that's the commitment we've (Mui Qoon and I) made to sponsor another child from Vietnam this year along with the great effort by World Vision. Didn't mention much about the child we'd begin sponsoring last year due to... ain't too sure if we are that much committed. But now, we're sure we are!~

I mean, come on... so many around us who's still suffering from hunger and starvation. Looking back into ourselves, we are lucky enough because we need not suffer the hunger. Yet, we neglect the importance of food, especially to those who are less fortunate.

We are feeding ourselves with so many fancy food and beverages which sometimes, we are not able to consume them all. Hence, leaving the leftover aside, pay the bill and leave. Just a simple calculation, for all these 'yam-chaR' activity, I do think that I can easily spend an amount of about 10 bucks to 20 bucks for a glass of drink and some finger food - that's for me alone. Now, if I'm meeting up with several friends, let say if I'm generous enough, I can easily spend about 40 to 50 bucks on the bill - for just one meet up.

Well, honestly, I'd even spent about 60 to 70 bucks for a meal of two persons. And I paid up the bill for such kind of meal at least twice a month. Therefore, I don't think that it's torturing (vocab is not good enough to find another word to describe :P) to pay up 50 bucks monthly to sponsor a child which may help in many other ways.

I may not be able to contribute my time and physical effort to help them, at least, with that limited figure, it means something to these children.

To make a more obvious comparison?

50 bucks monthly for a child vs. 50 bucks per meal for myself

A better picture now perhaps? ^^

Just in case for those who would like to find out more about the child sponsoring program, do drop by at these websites
http://www.worldvision.org/

http://www.worldvision.com.my

Hola de Kenyir

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Right... been away from the civilization for another 3 days this year... half of the time I'd spent away from civilization last year. Comparison? I would say... both has got their specialty.

And this time, I was in Kenyir Lake with another group of guys. Let me calculate... a group of 7 guys... At least, I was not required to prepare any dishes this time.. Haha... however, guys will always remain as guys, cleaning dishes remained as my task. Be it in Redang Island or in Kenyir Lake, it remained the same :P

Before I forget, perhaps someone could remind me, all other specialty that I'd forgotten about Kenyir Lake, other than the largest man made lake in Malaysia and was formed due to the building of Kenyir Dam.

Now, to the trip's part.

Very simple facilities provided. Yet, there was television equipped with satellite broadcasting facility. Gee... but that's only from 7pm to 7am the next day. After that... please get back to fishing... or any other thing that you can think of doing. Otherwise, just sit still and enjoy the nature. Maybe if there're mahjong or poker cards available... the group is able to perform another form of swimming - land swimming - on the table.

As for me, I guess what I did most was reading, napping, washing, photo-snapping. Haha... other than that... right, one thing that I'll never miss up when I'm back in the nature - jungle trekking! Yoohoo... it's great!~

Perhaps that's what I should call... my second home sweet home. We did stopped by at the swimming pool.. oops, I mean waterfall, on the second day, and there goes me, back in the jungle barefooted. That's me and eventually, I've got myself some stains on the foot as I walked on the leaves or any other kind of plants that produce liquid. And they are still on my foot today ^^

Well, guess it's time to take a shower and back to my reports...

Phew... after several months, I'm off from office after 8pm again. That's what we call l-i-f-e... haha... tonnes of thing to learn...

As for the photos... there're available in my Facebook account. Again... only one out of the 113 photos 'contained' me in it. Haha...

Away from office for a week

2009-05-15T04:55:00.001-07:00

Been away from office for almost a week now! Whew... this is really a great long break! One more week to go...

Anyway, happened to know that Ah Gor is not feeling good lately. Gor... take care ya!~ Not too sure of what happened to you but one thing I can be sure of, you'll be fine in no time ^^

Oops.. why am I away from office for two weeks? Hihi... not too sure if I should mention about it. Well, let's wait for the good news to arrive before announcing. If it isn't a good one, well, just get over it and head off for a brand new day ^^

Meanwhile, am thinking if this is the good time that I should be planning for some new adventure? Or should I concentrate on my work right after this long break? *Sob *sob... no pay leave!~ Wua wuah!! ^^

Phew... annual dinner

2009-05-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Finally, the night's over! Thanks to the committee and the commitment given throughout the month to work on the annual dinner. One thing deeply regretted for the rest of the night, we didn't snap much photos for memory. Hmph...

Anyway, am looking forward for our committee dinner by the end of May. By then, we shall snap more photos.. (fingers crossed).

Now, the annual dinner's over... are we looking forward to something else?

Another day has gone

2009-04-22T05:01:00.001-07:00

"Another day has gone, I'm still all alone..."

That's the beginning of the song 'You are not alone' by Michael Jackson. Out of a sudden, I thought to myself, "yes, indeed, another day has gone... and what have I done?"

Am so upset to answer myself "nothing".

Looks like the road is still long... but not knowing the exact direction. Am still turning around and back to the same old spot again... and that's definitely meaningless.

Well... time to boost up the energy and fighting spirit!

Had recently recapture a small part of the Disney Animation Movie - Mulan. Would like to quote this, "...this represents discipline, and this represents strength. You need both to reach the arrow."

Of course! So, that shows I really need to start planning for something. I chose not to remain in the concrete jungle for the sake of the great blue sky and the great blue sea. However, I ended up trapping myself within a 'concrete plant' when the sky and sea are only a few steps away. Did I make the wrong decision?

So many things to do... yet so lil' time to get them done

2009-04-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Considering about what I've been doing for the past one year... well, I have not done much. Started to get sick of it I think... I'm sick of not going for evening relaxation activity... I'm sick of not being a 'human'... and most of all, I'm sick of myself.

Yup... should be spending more time for myself... but I doubt how often did I do that?

Thinking about this, I started to wonder... what is my hobby? We used to annouce our hobbies to the world... and at the end of the day, how many of us actually pursue greatly on our hobbies? I would be the first one to raise my hand up to indicate that I'm not one of them.

I'm not complaining about my life, but I'm more likely to complain about myself. Phew... I guess I'd just spent another year not knowing what I've done.

Probably this is really the time for a change?

Is something wrong?

2009-03-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like the road not taken or less taken really has tonnes of reason on why it should not be taken?

Anyway, like what Thomas A. Edison said, he didn't failed many times before inventing the very first light bulb in the world... in fact, he had found many ways that failed the process of making a light bulb!

Good! That's what I should have in my mind! And perhaps, that's how I can make tomorrow a better day to live on...

Climbing over the roof

2009-01-11T03:25:00.000-08:00

Great! Though this is not the first time climbing over the roof, yet, it still feels as great as the first time! Especially in the dusk... the atmosphere is simply indescribable... without any man made items blocking my view. However, sitting on the roof top in the middle of the night is as great!

"Starry starry night....."

Why am I there? Haha... well, was actually filling up the holes in between the roofs... otherwise the rain water will be dripping again when it rains heavily. Ooh lovely sky!~ ^^

White Christmas!

2008-12-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

Yes... Christmas's just passed two days ago and new year is coming! Anyway, I just couldn't stop myself from recalling the very white Christmas I had this year! Haha... Alright, it wasn't snowy white Christmas... but... raining Christmas. It has somehow turned the surrounding white! And eventually, that's the day I actually catched a cold. One of the 'best' Christmas gift of the year I guess as I'm still having the flu right now.

Ever since after working, it looks like I'm spending less and less time for myself. For the time being, it's all about work. Trying to adjust a little here and there and crossing my fingers to hope for the best. I did told myself about all work and no fun = no life.

Therefore, it really is the most important turning point I have to make to make my day to day life meaningful.

And my long resting friend - camera... we should really be on the move soon! ^^

Decrement of petrol price?

2008-10-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

Forth decrement of the year?

Let's see... eventually, us, the citizen will be commenting over the increment. Try to put it this way. Remember the last increment of petrol price we had? It was incredibly high.. for us, the low income citizen. So, let say if the increment can be made within the range of 1 cent to 99cents. Be it 1 cent or 99 cents, we'll still be dissastified over it.

Now, try to think about this... if we're going to 'make noise' over it for whatever amount of increment it could be, it seems that the HIGHEST increment will benefit 'some party' the most.

Alright, now that we'd made noise over it - for the HIGHEST increment. Eventually, the price has been decreased (for whatever reason) and we're happy about it!

Again, now try to think carefully... after the forth coming decrement, is the price lower than the price before increment? N-O no. In fact, this is NOT a decrement at all, it is an indirect INCREMENT in a way where we'll have less to comment about - mainly because of the 'key' of magic - illusion.

Now that the petrol price is slowly decreasing, are the exorbitant foods and goods going to decrease as well? We sure know that the price of petrol is directly affecting all other prices... when it increases. How about when it decrease?

The tolls are still high, the foods and daily consumed goods' prices remained the same. So, am I supposed to be happy over the 'illusion' of the petrol price is decreasing gradually?

Our team building

2008-09-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Three weeks gone and we're in the fourth week of September now! That's the final quarter of the year 2008! Goodness!! What have I been doing for this year? I couldn't really recall.. not to mention, what have I been doing for all these years? ^^

Anyway, two weeks ago, we had our company's team building activity in Awana Genting. Needless to say, it is always fun to enjoy with a group.. what more this was a big group and we came from three different states.. Kelantan, Terengganu and of course, Pahang!

Had been preparing this team building activity for exactly a month and it turned out to be, can I say it 'just nice'? Hihi... Basically, we had a few activities there for that two days one night team building. And.. what more can I say, the biggest group of the whole team which departed from Kuantan arrived the latest... so, one conclusion to say it all, the whole event did not go as planned in itinerary.

Anyway, not a big issue... I think ^^ And our activities? Of course we have ice breaking! It consisted of only a game but it took us an hour or more. Later in the evening, we had scavenger hunt. I personally love this as this hunt enable the participants to snap photos for remembrance at the same time ^^ I was the person who prepared for this scavenger hunt and for all you know, the hints I gave them the most were related to the dustbin! Due to this reason, they questioned me in the end - "Fiona, are you in love with the dustbins?" Hihi...

After everything's done for our first day, we did reviewed over the photos and they were lovely - both the team members and photos! On our final day, we had our team building activity which was provided by Awana Genting - we chose abseiling!

Well, wasn't as scary as I thought it would. In fact, it was fun! Especially in a place like Genting! You know it's cooling there ^^ Fine, if you don't know, you know it now ^^ Alright, probably it's time to sleep now. Allow me to drop a few photos here... well, photos say them all! Sometimes, a photo speaks a thousand words! ^^ Nite nite!

The land belongs to no one

2008-09-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

We do not own the land.. none of us does. Yet, issue has been raised again. We claimed that our country is peaceful and this is also a main attraction to tourists and investors.

Well, it seems that some ammendments have to be done on our Geography and History lessons. Unity? I doubt. Racism issue has been raised over and over again. There's no way to cover an issue anymore as we're in a world without boundary.

We know the existance of internet. There's no limitation within the world of internet. We are connected 24/7 and free to share regardless where we are.

This is no longer a time where we use the combination of a mastermind and tonnes of weapons. There's no more heavy solid steel weapons for 'war'. The only weapon we have for 'war' is the unlimited sources of information to have us enlightened.

'Brainy' is everywhere. The only way to differentiate an useful 'brainy' is to measure how does this 'brainy' contribute to the development of humanity rather than destroying it continuously.

爱得累、恨得也累…

2008-09-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

爱得累、恨得也累……不如就不爱也不恨。可是、不爱又不恨、不是很矛盾吗？原来、各有各精彩。只是要看个人的选择而已。一些人选择了勇敢地爱、而一些就选择了狠狠地恨。还有一些、就是不敢爱也不敢恨。说真的、其实不到我们去管。每个人有各自的选择。对与错也不轮到我们去评论。

其实、只要对自己所做的一切负责任就是最好。很多时候、身边的人都会对自己说自己做错了什么、该怎么补救之类的。但、也有很多时候、当一个人能够给一个超级好的意见或解决方法给别人的时候、原来他自己是无法做得到的。别当身边的人是白老鼠。

就算是白老鼠也好、它是有自己的权力去选着它的生活。除非、它是被抓进笼子了。就算身边的动物或朋友给多好的意见也好、白老鼠的一生仍然是在笼子里面。若身边的朋友真的能帮得了、它们该是行动去救白老鼠而不是不断地给一大堆对白老鼠没用的意见。

请了解、当白老鼠不能在自由自在到处跑时、它要的不再是意见而已。甚至、它可能是什么都不需要、却只需要一双耳朵、就是那么简单。

原来、现代人很多都已经变成了那只困在笼子里的‘白老鼠’。不断地寻找、却不肯离开拢子因为生活丰衣足食。但、它也不断地可望会有外面活得自由自在的朋友献一双耳朵给他。其实、困在笼子里的‘白老鼠’们、你怎么选择你的一生无人可完全帮你做决定、可是别不断的加重外面世界朋友的负担了。

大家的路程肯定是不一样、但每一个人所付出的并不会比任何人少。

'Satisfaction NOT guaranteed'

2008-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

It is the time of the year again! What is my greatest satisfaction for the time being? Well, life is one treasured 'item' which is 'satisfaction not guaranteed'. What I'm sure about is our parents tried their best to satisfy our needs throughout our life. That's how great parents can be.

As for me, I doubt if I could be a good parent myself. Not to mention about whether I'll be getting married. But, I doubt if I could be selfless and always making my children my first priority.

At most time, we were given such phrase 'satisfaction guaranteed' for buying an item or so. We can even ask for refund for any services or item we're not satisfied with. But with life.. NO NO. It is not 'satisfaction guaranteed' nor it is refundable.

Yes! We did not chose to come to this world. But our parents tried their best to satisfy not only our basic needs, but almost everything they could. And sometimes too much that it is causing one to be a spoilt-brat.

For all I know, parents did not owe me. In fact, I felt bad to see them suffer for me... yet, most of the sufferrings they endure were not made known to me.

It isn't world parents' day or mom's or dad's day today. But out of a sudden, I felt so grateful for having them around me up to this day. Though sometimes I felt annoyed. But that's human and what makes it a life - we sure do need spices in our lifes.

And we do not have to wait for world parents' day to show our gratitudes to them. It is a lifetime 'task' as a human to feel thankful. Because parents do not owe us anything... the only reason they are doing so much for us is all because they love us.

What is life's biggest satisfaction?

2008-08-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

I sure don't know about your life's biggest satisfaction neither am I sure about my own life's biggest satisfaction. Well, had a short chat with a friend this morning and we were discussing about life's biggest satifaction and how do we actually measure our lives' achievements and successes.

So, anyone has the answer(s)? But please don't list them down as we are very sure everyone has different preferences. As the saying goes, 'one man's meat is another man's poison'. It doesn't mean that my preference will definitely be someone else's preference.

Each of us has different need and urge. Somebody else's need and urge may seem like what I thought I needed but actually, I can simply improvise it or take it as a guideline. I don't mean that person's need and urge isn't ideal... it's just that probably it's not completely what I wanted or perhaps it's partially.

Therefore, it's simple. I take a lil' bit here and there and make up something for myself. Something I need for myself. This 'formula of living' are meant for myself. I 'designed' it for myself. I can't guarantee that it will surely works. Hence, I have to keep improving it til' I achieve what I wanted. And for sure, I can't rely somebody else to build this 'formula of living' for me. As everybody else needed neverending time to improve their own. That is why we share and we observe... that is how we help one another ^^

The same thing goes to everybody else.

We may envy, we may hunger for something but we shall never lose our will to live. Oops.. what's my main point again? ^^

Anti-corruption?

2008-08-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

As early as eight this morning, I received a SMS from my dear brother. It was related to an anti-corruption act. Let's not discuss about the person involved. Anyway, the SMS goes like this - 'A' left behind a bag on a coffee table. 'B' and 'C' were sitting on the next table. They saw it, hence, went over to take a look. The bag turned out to contain a large sum of cash. And for all you know, 'B' and 'C' were under arrest on the spot when they open the bag 'out of their curiosity'.

Now, let's not talk about politic.

Let's further discuss about the anti-corruption bureau's action. Well, I really wish to know, will I be arrested when I was caught red-handed for opening a bag full of cash without knowing what's inside before hand? Can someone answer me?

For instance, if I am not suppose to open the bag up, then should I just leave it there? Grab hold on it and send it to the police station without any early inspection? Call the police and wait for the police officers to arrive before opening it? Or open it up and risking myself to be caught when I know nothing?

Let us take the option of sending the bag to the police station. Are we not suppose to open it up and figure it out what's inside before that? We'll definitely get a good kick if we're actually bringing a bag full of dust or rubbish to the police station. Or if I'm totally wrong, please correct me.. thank you ^^

Or.. to call up the police and wait for them to inspect what's in it? Erm.. hello.. I'm not talking about any country. I mean it, NOT ANY country. But.. do you actually see any police officers patrol on their foot instead of driving in their comfortable air-conditioned patrol car in... (fill in the blanks please).

So, we couldn't really stand at one particular place to wait and anticipating a police officer to pass by in order to inspect the bag. Again, we have to call. But, aren't we suppose to check on it before we call? Or, ACCORDING TO THE LAW, we are not suppose to touch the bag - at all?

Can someone guide me through this? I really wish to know more on the procedure. At least, we, the citizen know what went wrong when we encounter such situation and REALLY know what we are suppose to do.

Only the best for you

2008-08-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Only the best for you
by: Fiona S. Wong

I tried to look for every single shadow
Every single shadow of you
But I found none

I tried to hunt for rainbow
Every time when it rains because of you
And I knew that I must force myself to back the sun

Once when I realize there’s no more rainbow
Not even a single shadow of you
I know that’s the end and I’m gone

All that I asked from you is only a bow
A bow of last respect from you
For what can be done has been done

I told you once that I don’t wish to lie beneath the cries of crow
At this last moment I wonder the memories are still with you
Probably all the memories are gone

There’s no more now
Not even future
For I am gone

It is not a sorrow
For this is the cure
The cure for at least one

And finally I hope you’ll grow
With all that you’ve secured
From day one till the day I am gone… forever

Politic again?

2008-08-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

It has been months now! It's all about politic. Ever since we see the changes in our country's politic, politic news has been the main focus in Malaysia. Somehow, it has been months since I last heard the DJs in radio discussing topics other than politic.

Don't we have our life besides politic? Politic is important. But at the same time, let's focus on more issues rather than ONLY politic. Newspapers? Radio? Television? Internet? Coffee shop? Can never run away from politic I guess.

This is also the time I got so fed up over the local newspapers and news report. Please bring us something fresh and new.

News is all about NEW! FRESH! GREEN! Or else it's all dull!~

It happens although it shouldn't

2008-07-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yes! It happens although it shouldn't..

"Are we contributing to wastage?" - food in particular. How often do we order more than what we will eat? At most of the time, this is what I heard, "...I know I can't finish that but it doesn't matter. I'm paying for that portion, so just let them serve what I deserve with the amount of money I pay..."

'D.e.s.e.r.v.e'

Just because we deserved the portion for the amount we pay, we are causing food wastage... although we never did have the intention to finish up the food. Be it expensive or cheap, it is still an act of wastage.

Maybe we will not be offered a cheaper price for a smaller portion.. but if you don't feel good for paying the same amount for lesser food.. ask for 'wrap-up' / 'ta-pao' then. And here, I would like to remind you, do bring along a tupperware - just in case. When we are trying to reduce food wastage, we are trying to do our part to protect our mother earth. Reduce plastic usage!

Back to food. Maybe some will say that they will not even eat the food even if they bring back the remainder food. So.. instead of wasting, why not ask for a smaller portion? Whether we will be given a discount for the smaller portion or not, at least... we are not contributing to wastage.

The first step will always be the hardest part. But once done... it can never be easier. It's as simple as that. But still... it has to come from within our heart. For the thought + action + sincerity that make the difference.

Nice cake

2008-07-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

About two to three weeks ago, my cousin came to Kuantan for a weekend visit. She was staying in Swiss Garden Resort Hotel. Not much to comment on the hotel itself but hey! Their cakes are really great! By right, we thought of getting some food on the way going back to the hotel room. So, we made our stop at the lounge or whatever you call it, I'm not too sure as well. We were ready to pay the 'reasonable' sum for our indulging chocolate moist cake, apple pie and carrot cake. But wait.. we were offered discount! I couldn't really remember how much was the discount. Anyway, those cakes and pie were really great! As for the discount case, usually the discount will be offered after tea time is over. I will surely make it a point to get another piece soon.. yum yum!~ Haha.. sorry for sharing it only a few weeks later. But I can't really put the blame on my workloads. It's more likely to be human's practice... TOO BUSY TO KEEP OURSELVES BUSY! Ooh my, I really find that true. In fact, I do think that I have the time for myself and yes, I do! For my daily evening brisk walk or jog. And other than that, I guess more often than not, I declined them with one same word - busy! No no no... mustn't make that an excuse. But, well.. human. Not meant to be 'fake' and putting on the 'mask' but sometimes... it has to be in such a way to make another person feel better.. or am I thinking too much? Haha.. alright.. I must make it clear.. I am not too busy of keeping myself busy but I am really busy. So, don't feel offended when most of the time you're getting the same reply from me... "I'm sorry, I couldn't make it to meet you". For I really have something to do ^^ Hihi...Alright, now I must really stop. It's time for me to pay a visit to my dreamland now... ^^

P/s: Must really try out those cakes whenever you have the chance to drop by there... or at least, before they change another chef ^^ Well.. we won't know when it is. Just want to share a little more. Recently, I read through a research report which shows that Malaysians are one of the those who changed jobs most frequently! And.. it is not

surprising.. yet... ^^

100 billion dollar note in Zimbabwe

2008-07-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Are you aware that a new 100 billion dollar note will be used in Zimbabwe beginning on Monday?

WoW! Can you imagine? I only get to be a 'millionaire' twice when I went to Indonesia a few years back. But right now.. you can make yourself a billionaire in Zimbabwe in no time!

Anyway, that may not be a good news as this is a result of inflation. So, what's the point of having such a HUGE amount of money and yet only few items can be obtained or purchased?

A Zimbabwean man holds on May 16, 2008 a new five hundred million dollar note in Harare, May 2008. Zimbabwe, grappling with a record 2.2 million percent inflation, has introduced a new 100-billion-dollar bank note in a bid to tackle rampant cash shortages.(AFP/File/Desmond Kwande)
(extracted from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/five-hundred-million-dollar-note-zimbabwe/photo//080719/photos_bs_afp/d7d67d669ce6b78d97da061eb1f9277f//s:/afp/20080719/bs_afp/zimbabweeconomyinflation080719174524;_ylt=Ajc86vswvjNfvXr202zfuAyoOrgF)

.....

2008-06-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Admit it... 'you're' falling prey into the blogging world as well! The 'you' are not really 'you'... The 'you' I meant here are those who criticised bloggers once... especially before our country's GREAT general election.

One: Bloggers are liars! - Now that 'you' too are blogging, are we suppose to call 'you' a liar too?

Two: Bloggers are not trustworthy! - Are 'you' saying that you too are not t.r.u.s.t.w.o.r.t.h.y?

Three: Bloggers are bias! - Yes.. of course. Bloggers are human too! Are 'you' trying to tell me that the local media are not bias?

Four: Bloggers create stories! - What's the problem with it? We need entertainment too! That reminds me of a common Malay saying, "Siapa yang makan cili, dialah yang merasa pedasnya"

Maybe we are kids, adults, veterans or so. But each of us is gifted with the ability to think. We are able to analyse and to make our preference on which to believe. When we criticised it doesn't mean we are going against 'you'. Nobody loves trouble or war. We criticised because we want things to be better. When no other options are available for us to channel our voices, what's wrong for us and for 'them' to blog? Also, there's another saying in Chinese, '清者自清'. Besides the ability to think, we are also gifted with many other senses whether to see, listen, feel and so on.

P/s: This is purely a random thought I had in my mind. Not meant to offend anyone and if it does, my sincere apology. Also, please re-think about this if you are really offended - Siapa yang makan cili, dialah yang terasa pedasnya.

Those good ole' games!~

2008-06-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Congkak, batu seremban, galah panjang, pepsi cola etc... I happened to see a group of teenagers playing galah panjang in Taman Gelora today. Wow! It must have been almost 15 years since I last played the game and honestly speaking, I miss it.

What is the name of the game we used to play in junior primary school? I remember singing... "...under the rainbow, under the sea bom bom bom, July forever, July for me under forever..." Roughly. And what's for kids today?

Playstation! Be it I, II, III or PSP.

How about those good old marbles - guli? Haha... the colourful gems we used to love and making it as part of our barter system when playing masak-masak.

Those were the days... ^^

Jogging under the drizzle

2008-06-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! I never felt so good ever since... hrm.. well.. there's nothing to compare. Anyway, it was really great to jog under the drizzle. Can't even differentiate which patch was the sweat and which was the drizzle.

It was the chill and soft breeze from the South China Sea. I can't say that it was rejuvenating, but at least, I felt good.

Anyway, about two weeks ago, I noticed that there were Town Council Officers walking around Taman Gelora's jogging track in their blu-ish uniform. Kudos to them! They'd showed that it pays to break the rules! Just imagine, how inconsiderate these people are for riding their motorbike on the jogging track?

First of all, the terrible gas smell that spoils the whole great environment while fellow joggers are enjoying it. Next, they just love to move anti-clockwise then back to clockwise again and it it very annoying! Now, please pay for doing so! Sometimes, please show respect in the sense of when one respect others, one is also respecting oneself. It's not a thing to be done because one will get a certificate proving that one is respectable... it is a value of humanity.

Also.. why would one want to smoke when one is intending to jog or exercise? I am not going againsts smokers, but please be considerate. We are there to enjoy the beautiful environment, exercise, gathering or so but not to be either first or second-hand smoker. How do you feel when you're sleeping at a reasonable sleeping hour and somebody kept playing drum or heavy metal music next to you or next door?

In memory of the children sacrificed in Sichuan’s earthquake – Author unknown

2008-05-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is a brief translation on the poem dedicated to the children sacrificed in Sichuan's earthquake on May 12, 2008 which I'd posted on May 22, 2008. My sincere blessings to those who're involved whether directly or indirectly in the earthquake... may whoever and wherever they are, be blessed.

In memory of the children sacrificed in Sichuan’s earthquake – Author unknown

Child, grasp your mama’s hand fast

The path to heaven is too dark

Mama’s worried you’re gonna knock your head

Quick! Grasp your mama’s hand

Let mama go with you

Mama’s worried the path to heaven is too dark

I can’t see your hand

Ever since the collapsed wall

Has taken away the sunlight

I never get to see

Your tender eyes anymore

Child, go

The path in front

Has no more worries

No more mountains of text book

And papa’s fist

You have to remember

Mama’s and papa’s faces

To be reunited in the future life

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mama, don’t worry

The path to heaven is rather narrow

There are many school mate friends

We said : Don’t cry

Anyone’s mama is our mama

Anyone’s child is mama’s child

Days without me

Shower the survived children with mama’s love

Mama, please don’t cry

Mama’s tears can’t brighten up our path

Let us go slowly on our own

Mama, I will remember mama’s and papa’s faces

Remember our promise

To be reunited in the future life

In memory of the children sacrificed in Sichuan’s earthquake – Author unknown

Translated by Fiona S.

Hide and seek

2008-05-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Almost a month now since I last read for the sake of exam. For the past two weeks, I’ve been reading quite a number of books for the sake of reading and it was great! Well, that’s not the main thing.

A while ago, I was lying on the floor of the living room. Then I notice the long time left unnoticed empty space in between the three seats chair and floor. I couldn’t really remember when was the last time I actually had the attempt to crawl or hide beneath the long chair… gee… it must be very long!

If anyone reading this remembers the game we used to play LAST time… when we were in pre-school or perhaps until junior primary school? Hide-and-seek! In school compound, we have the remaining of the school to play it before the bell rings to mark the beginning of the afternoon students’ session. That must be one of the best exercise we had then as we were running to everywhere just to locate the best place to hide before the ONE counted until… 10, 20, 30… or up to 100. It all depends on how big was the area we were playing.

Back at home, I must say that it was very common that we’ll hide our little body beneath the chair or in the cupboard. Basically, no matter how many times we played it, those were the common spot for us to hide and yet, we played the game from time to time until we were old enough to find that the game is no longer an interesting game for us anymore.

Now back to the moment when I saw the empty space beneath the three seats chair. The space looks neither too big nor too small but I made an attempt to slide myself in. Anyway, I found that I couldn’t slide my whole body in anymore like me and my friends used to do last time.
Though I couldn’t slide in, I continued to lie on the floor and laugh to myself. Next, I told myself…

“… they (the adults) used to tell me how lucky I am to be a kid. I watched the television and the actors or actresses used to repeat the same phrase. But I couldn’t really understand why. As a kid myself then, me and my friends used to talk among ourselves – the adults never really know how terrible it is to be a kid. Now that I’ve left my childhood and slowly stepping into the same world of different perspective, I started to understand what used to be cliché to me when I was a kid – it is so nice to be a kid again!...”

Whether a kid or an adult, I am grateful that I am alive.

悼四川地震死難的孩子... (作者不詳 - author unknown)

2008-05-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

孩子，快抓緊媽媽的手

去天堂的路，太黑了

媽媽怕你碰了頭

快 ! 抓緊媽媽的手

讓媽媽陪你走

媽媽怕天堂的路太黑

我看不見你的手

自從倒塌的牆

把陽光奪走

我再也看不見

你柔情的眸

孩子，你走吧

前面的路

再也沒有憂愁

沒有讀不完的課本

和爸爸的拳頭

你要記住

我和爸爸的模樣

來生還要一起走

* * * *

媽媽，別擔憂

天堂的路有些擠

有很多同學朋友

我們說 : 不哭

哪一個人的媽媽都是我們的媽媽

哪一個孩子都是媽媽的孩子

沒有我日子

你把愛給活著的孩子吧

媽媽，你別哭

淚光照亮不了我們的路

讓我們自己慢慢的走

媽媽，我會記住你和爸爸的模樣

記住我們的約定

來生我們一起走

-----------------------------------------------
悼四川地震死難的孩子作者不詳

Say my prayers

2008-05-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a week now ever since the 512 incident - 7.8 earthquake in Sichuan, China. My mind goes blank each time I read over the news, listening or watching the news. Up to this day, I heard of stories about missing family and friends. Then, how a grandma tried to protect her pair of grandsons when the earthquake took place and she lost her life there and then - her grandsons survived.

Also about mother who lost her beloved baby to the disaster.. she was seen carrying the little motionless dead body after the earthquake. As she embraced the body, she cleaned the face and body of the little darling and put on new clothes for the baby. That's the love of a mother.. barely having a chance to see the little one grows.. and at this time, I told myself.. I am grateful for I am alive.

However, there's one I can hardly forget.. one of the survivors found was given a saw to remove part of his rotting leg on his own. The surrounding has made it impossible for the rescuers to do that for him. I was astounded. What will I do if I'm in his shoes? I don't know and I don't even want to imagine.

As for today, I saw news of the new survivors.. and some, had eventually lost part of their body - hands and/or legs. We knew how critical it is when it comes to rescuing people.. though we are not one of the rescuers, but we've heard and watched enough for us to understand it.

Of all the incidents that took place, I must agree that Vice President Wen is a great man and he has set a very good example to the leaders of the rest of the world. Actions do speak louder than words! Leaders do not necessary contribute only his/her intelligence in thoughts and words.. actions count too.

Vice President Wen does not only send his order to his men to do their work.. in fact, he himself is involved with the rescuing work. This reminds me, one does not gain more respect because one is richer, smarter, more handsome or having a higher social status.. in fact, the respect can never be measured with such. Respect shall come when what a person does has at least touched ONE person's heart.

I'll say my prayers... to all those involved in this natural disaster - directly or indirectly.

Also, I wish to quote the Vice President of China - Wen JiaBao (溫家寶)

"...您幸运活下来、就好好的活下去"

("... you are lucky to have survived, you should go on living your life fully")

溫家寶 - Wen JiaBao (May, 2008)

Back from Krung Thep

2008-05-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

Sawadee-kha...

Beautiful.. right? ^^

Don't ask where am I.. I was one of the photographers! Hihi.. somewhere around Wat Arun.

Modern pose with traditional costumes. Good one girls! Hihi...

Oops.. Sophia was the background.. not a mistake. This was intended ^^ Hihi.. Lots of water lilies and lotuses are available in Thailand.. wow!

While writing our message on the Artist's Place guestbook..

Sophia took these while me and Maggie were sleeping. Well.. these photos from the plane don't come easy. Each of them took at least 10 seconds for that particular shot! Why? Haha.. simply because I'd forgotten to turn off the timer setting in my camera and Sophia went on to snap photos with it without any adjustment. Hihi.. ^^

Mark, Maggie and Sophia. Mark helped us a lot throughout our stay in Krung Thep... from the moment we step into Thailand.. oops.. I don't think so. It should be even earlier. A few days before we departed from Malaysia actually. He helped to arrange our accomodation in the Artist's Place.

In Wat Arun. Well.. for all you know, it's terribly hot! I can't believe it that the two ladies were willing to stand under the hot sun and pose in front of the camera. Haha..

The owner of The Artist's Place.. Charlee. A very nice man and he tried to help in any way he could and often suggesting us the best way to get to the place we're intending to go.

Voodoo dolls are seen everywhere in Krung Thep.. but we didn't buy any. Although they said the voodoo dolls are supposed to bring lucks, but.. we chose not to be ^^ A snapshot will do maybe ^^

My second visit to Starbucks in Krung Thep.. while waiting for Gavin.. we killed our time there ^^ Very nice environment.. it's along Khao San road.

Nothing much. Just a public phone that we don't get to see in Malaysia. So, just a snapshot ^^

While waiting for bus to Siam Square.. this's somewhere around Wat Pho. By the way, before we went in to Wat Pho, we had a wonderful lunch at the jetty.. lots of fresh fruits.. yummy yummy.. pineapples, papayas, watermelons, fried sea mussels, papaya salad and more fruits! Delicious! Then we went to a shop opposite Wat Pho.. the owner is a Chinese lady. Oops.. forgotten to take a photo with her. She's very friendly and when I uttered my limited Thai to her "Khun pen khon jin chai mai kha?" (Are you a Chinese?) and "Khun phut pha sa jin dai mai kha?" (Do you speak Chinese?) she began to speak to the three of us in Mandarin and finally Hakka! Haha.. there's more.. she even treated us delicious rambutans from the fridge.. wow!~ Thank you Mrs Wong.. Well, of course I managed to return her kindness.. I do have some delicacies from Malaysia - heong pia! It really came in handy. I handed her one and she loves it.. good! Hihi.. Before we left, she even offered us the whole bag of rambutans.. but we didn't take it ^^

Fiona, Tao and Sophia after having their Japanese cuisine for dinner in MBK shopping mall. Goodness.. we spent two days in Siam Square shopping area! Haha.. Including MBK as well.. can't believe it! Tao is my Thai friend and we finally get to meet up in Krung Thep. She's a friendly and nice lady.. ^^

Sala Daeng.. a few hours after spending our time in Patpong. Wait.. we didn't go for any Tiger shows not Ping Pong shows okay? Don't think too much! Haha.. however, we spent quite some time in Boots (pharmacy) to get our plasters.. for me and for Maggie. Well, my sandfly bites still there.. eew.. And for Maggie.. I'm not sure if she allows me to state the reason why would she need the plaster for. Hihi.. anyway, they both went for Thai massage there too.. see how relaxing they were while waiting for the sky train ^^ Hihi.. and me, walked all around that area along for an hour.

Hihi... Miss Sophia and Miss Maggie.. this is what you've missed for not taking the bridge walk over the Chao Phraya river! Nevermind, I'd did my part by snapping the best possible shot ^^ Well, don't expect much, I don't have a tripod with me and as the vehicles are moving on the bridge.. I can't really avoid the movements of my camera ^^

Gavin from Ireland. The four of us went to Khao San together by taxi.. the second time the three of us sat in a taxi (not tuk-tuk) after spending over four days there. The first time, was from airport to the Artist's Place. Ooh yes, we met Gavin in the Artist's Place.

Plasters help

2008-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Almost a week after returning from Chagar Hutang Beach now. And I think I'm slowly recovering from the awful looking wounds.. thanks to the sandflies, haha!~ Apparently, this is the first time in my life that I'm using so many plasters! Five pieces of new plasters daily! But they really help in healing my wounds and at the same time preventing them from getting worse. Some who'd experienced the miserable bites before may have know how itchy they can be and at the same time, how uncontrollable our fingers can be. Anyway, at least now I know that mosquito coils and plasters are among the best tools I need when going for outdoor activities!

Without them, the wounds can be covering all over my legs instead of only my feet! Good lesson!~ Hihi..

Anyway, a friend came to pay a visit in Kuantan a few days back and she was staying with me. We went for keropok lekor sagu in Tanjung Lumpur in one of the days. And, what happen to the keropok lekor sagu?! They are now half the size of what I had last time.. which was about a year ago. Hihi.. But, they are still as tasty as before... only changes in quantity, but not quality. Good!~ ^^

Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group, UMT

2008-04-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

That’s it… I survived the week in Chagar Hutang Beach, Redang Island and it was incredible! I was there from April 19th 2008 till April 26th 2008. Well, I departed from Kuantan as early as 4.45am and the journey took about three hours. Before reaching UMT, I’d actually went into the wrong campus.. I was in UDM instead of UMT. Basically, I couldn’t wait to reach the meet up destination (Turtle House in UMT) so I drove in to whichever place that seems like an entrance to a campus to me. I didn’t look clearly if that was UMT before entering that place. Alright, enough about the first time being in UMT, Kuala Terengganu.

I was a volunteer for Slot D of the Turtle Rehabilitation and Research Programme and there were six other guys – five from Singapore(Humphrey, Gus, Boon, Forest, Huzer) and one from Penang (Prince). We were first welcomed by the Research Assistant (RA – Lim) and later by Prof. Chan. She gave us a very detailed explanation on the project as well as the lovely turtles; which apparently may face extinction if no action is taken by us – the human kind.

Pak Uda (the van driver) sent the eight of us (Lim, Humphrey, Gus, Boon, Forest, Huzer, Prince and me) to Merang at 11.00am. Along the way, we dropped by a petrol station and guess what, the guys are really ‘keen’ shoppers. Wasn’t that sure that they are really good in ‘shopping’ at this time. But you’ll know why did I say so a little while later ^^ Hihi…

As we arrived in Merang jetty, the guys were having their lunch somewhere nearby before departing from Merang jetty. I offered to look after all the stuffs then as I wasn’t too keen to have meal before journey. So, everybody had their first meal in Terengganu state except me and we were ready for Redang Island. Redang, here we come! That was an hour journey before we get to meet up with Abang Adi (the worker) and now, Chagar Hutang, here we come!

As we reached Chagar Hutang.. it was like.. wowww.www……..! I’m gonna stay here for a week! For Slot D, out of seven volunteers, there was only one girl – me. So, Lim offered me to stay in the RA room and he joined the fellow guy volunteers in ‘Ladies room’. Lim told us that previously, there were more girls than guys and it happened in the other way round for our slot. Therefore, slight changes have to be made as in the room, and the washrooms. Well, I have a ‘private’ room and a ‘private’ washroom! Haha.. Hooray, I have the priority! And it happened that this ‘private’ washroom of mine was meant for the guys previously when there were more girls than guys. While the guys have attached washrooms to their room.. convenient but not convenient.. hihi.. their washrooms have no lights! And mine.. though a little bit further, but will always be ‘bright’ without the need of torchlight or candles. Anyway, I don’t really need that washroom all by myself. After all, it’s a little unfair for the other six guys to share two washrooms and me having a washroom all for myself. So, in the end, we were sharing the washroom. It’s more convenient for everybody.

On the first day, we settled down and Lim gave us a briefing on our responsibilities as a volunteer. After lunch, the guys who happened to find out about their beloved ‘hammocks’ went straight for siesta there. Well, just nice for the guys.. six hammocks for the six of them. By the way, Abang Mann(another worker) was the one who prepared the lunch for us. Yum yum, delicious! While me, Lim and Prince(he managed to lie on the hammock for photo snapping) headed for upriver hike. Cool! That was really great! Lim told us that we were the very first for this upriver hike in 2008. The previous slots didn’t make it because they insisted to be guided. The water’s cooling! Anyway, we didn’t climb all the way up. Just managed to make it half way and we turned back as it was getting late. Anyway, I climbed all the way bare footed! Hihi!~

As we were back at the campsite, Abang Adi told us that there was an excavation. Hatchlings on our first day of arrival! Great! Basically, this wasn’t the first time I saw turtle hatchlings.. so, I was happy and glad instead of thrilled ^^

Now, we’re back in the campsite after collecting the hatchlings. And.. oops.. I’d lost my sunglasses! Prince offered to take care of the sunglasses as we went upriver hike but.. well.. I have to say bye bye to my dear sunglasses forever ^^

At night, we had our dinner and group patrolling from 8.00pm till 12.00am. Then we patrolled in group from 12.00am-2.00am, 2.00am-4.00am and 4.00am-6.00am. My first night was the third patrolling time. Urgh… was so reluctant to wake up! ^^ Anyway, on the first night itself, we also managed to see the biggest turtle landing on Chagar Hutang in record. The Green Turtle was about 120cm long. Don’t ask me for the width.. I don’t remember. Hihi..

The next morning, we went for snorkeling in Chagar Hutang Beach area guided by Abang Adi. Well, I first thought that we wouldn’t be far and it wouldn’t be too deep as well. But I was wrong… again! Never make an assumption! Ask! Haha… All the seven volunteers and Abang Adi were snorkeling without life jacket. Anyway, it was such an experience! No doubt we were without our life jackets, but we did fine and it was great… We saw turtle as we snorkeled! By the way, the playful and naughty Abang Adi handed me a life sea cucumber! Gosh! I wasn’t ready for it… well, what do you expect from one who isn’t a good swimmer ^^ I have to keep swimming to have the sense of security for not drowning.. although the salty sea water is good enough to keep me afloat. The guys went on to look for baby sharks and me, decided to swim back to the beach. Haha.. I don’t wish to get overly tanned! After all, I don’t really expect the sunblock to be 100% effective. And yes.. both me and Lim saw a pair of turtles mating as we were heading back to the campsite.

On Monday morning, we headed to Pulau Lima (Lima Island), Pulau Paku (Paku Island) as well as Long Beach. We snorkeled at both Pulau Lima and Pulau Paku. Well, fellow friends who don’t understand Malay, Lima means five and Paku means nail. It was another gorgeous experience! The beautiful fishes swam all around me! Needless to mention, the sea water all around Redang Island is crystal blue/green/aqua clear! Actually, Abang Adi who was waiting for us on the boat threw pieces of bread all around our body as we snorkeled. But it was great! ^^ Due to the sun again, I was back on boat under the shade.. I took my time to take photos as well as feeding the fishes. Well, I held the bread as I fed. Basically, I can feel the fishes bit my hand every now and then ^^ Tickling and sometimes a little pain ^^ After all these, I checked on my phones. Well, this was the only chance to check and to make calls and send sms. In Chagar Hutang, we’re completely out of the world… as in no outside world connection ^^ Hihi.. it’s good actually. Anyway, it’s only for a week, not too long. It won’t kill for not being able to make phone calls or sms for a week ^^

By the way, in Lima Island, the guys had a great snapshot of them jumping off the ground! I was told later that this is part of their university’s practice. SMU students will make it a point to have such photo wherever they ‘landed’ as to show the image of their students being vivid. Nice one guys!~

In Long Beach, the guys have their own sweet time there as there were no corals. It looked exactly like a man-made beach! Clean and crystal clear! This time, I didn’t join them. Hmph… it was almost noon! No way! Haha… so, I took the chance to snap photos again. This was also the time my camera’s battery died.

After almost an hour waiting on boat, I nearly got sea-sick… urgh… Then, time to be back in Chagar Hutang for our much needed delicious lunch prepared by Abang Mann! ^^ Ooh yes, Long Beach was also a place where I got Prince’s help to get me MOPIKO! Gee.. it’s definitely a must in Chagar Hutang especially during night patrol ^^

Ooh… we were not able to head back to Chagar Hutang yet! Prof Chan was coming! So we waited until 1.30pm and we went back to Chagar Hutang together with Prof Chan.

Well, I don’t think I’ll have to elaborate much to our activity the next day. This is a link to the blog Prof Chan has written on the next activities and some other details – http://www.umt.edu.my/turtle/?p=91

Anyway, on Tuesday’s evening, both me and Prince went upriver hike again to search for the sunglasses. This time, I had my slippers on ^^ Well, found nothing. Anyway, in return, we found the treasure of nature! It was great! We climbed all the way up to the source of the river. We stopped from places to places along the river and had nature SPA treatment! Guess what? We placed our feet and hands into the river water and there were small little prawns that nibbled on them! Just like feeding the fishes, it’s tickling and sometimes a little pain. Lim wanted to follow but he required us to wait for him for another hour. Well, honestly speaking, I don’t really think the one hour was worth waiting. He wanted to take a nap and I don’t see that I have anything else to do while waiting for him to ‘sleep’. Yup, I admit that I’m impatient.. but, there wasn’t a strong reason to convince me to wait for that one hour ^^ Sorry Lim. I’m rather tired and sometimes sick of waiting. Back in nature, I don’t wish to be restrained by time and required to waiting and waiting again. When we were back in the campsite, we got a big rubbish bag from Abang Mann to collect the rubbish all around the river mouth. This was also the time I actually got my left foot injured by the thorns. Phew… it was bleeding all over my wounds and those wounds covered almost 2/3 of my foot.

On Wednesday, me, Boon and Prince went for snorkeling in the morning at Chagar Hutang. Supposedly, we wanted to climb the Turtle Rock before Humphrey and Gus leave but couldn’t make it due to the rain. It was too slippery and dangerous for us to climb up. For this time’s snorkeling, I managed to see the baby sharks!! As well as turtles too! And on top of the large amount of cuts I had on my left foot, I got myself another deep cut on my right foot heel this time! Hihi.. Later in the evening, me, Boon, Lim and Fifi/Harry (worker) went to upriver hike – again ^^ Anyway, we didn’t hike too far up. It was only about 10-15minutes hike as this time, we only wanted to indulge ourselves with the SPA of nature! Kudos Boon! You were the only representative from the Singapore team in Slot D to make it for this wonderful activity! Prince didn’t join the upriver hike this time because he was busy with his artwork. Well, it’s his last second day!

Prince left the camp on Thursday and he left behind a pair of chopsticks on purpose.. I guess he wanted to contribute it to the campsite ^^ Well, good bye Prince! Good bye Prof Chan! Good bye Abang Mann! Good bye Humphrey! Good bye Gus! (Both Humphrey and Gus left on Wednesday – you’ll know why by reading the blog by Prof Chan ^^ ).
Well, as the weather weren’t sunny for a couple of days, I was sleeping in the cold! The ‘smart’ me left my sleeping bag in the car! Hihi.. ^^

Now, the campsite was rather quiet and lonely.. Only fours volunteers, a RA and three workers left. Well these few days were the days I get to sit there quietly and fed the hungry mosquitoes while reading! I would rather donate my blood than to feed the mosquitoes… urgh… draculas!

Also on this day, there was a nest found attacked by the ants colony. Lim found it when he was conducting the nest check. It was really spooky!

On Thursday’s night, we managed to see a Hawksbill turtle landing on the beach. She was definitely so much smaller compared to the Green Turtle.

Friday! We finally had our fine and sunny day back! And it’s hot again! ^^ So, we finally get to climb Turtle Rock in the evening. Fifi led the way and we stopped in five great view points! What else? Time for photos snapping of course!! Well, the only scary thing was the ant colonies! They’re everywhere right after the few rainy days! Grr….

Friday night.. our last night on Chagar Hutang beach. By now, I’d accumulated lots of sandfly bite. Anyway, didn’t feel it when I was still there. On this night, me, Lim and Gary were on the first shift. Me and Lim were supposed to patrol from 12.00am-3.00am while Gary from 12.00am-2.00am. But Gary chose to stay up until 3.00am as he said this was my last night there. By 2.00am, both Gary and Lim were asleep. I was still awake while monitoring the Green Turtle. Well, guess what? I had the ‘nature’ clock in me! I manage to predict when she was about to lay eggs and I was right! Then I woke them up of course! ^^ This night, I managed to measure the turtle ^^ Thanks Gary! ^^ By the way, this was also the night I began to bring along mosquito coils to everywhere! And it worked! Hihi.. too bad.. it was too late. Only manage to do that on the last night there ^^

Saturday morning.. we had our breakfast and were all ready to leave after a week there. And before that, we had another group photo – the SURVIVORS! Hihi… As we waited for the ferry at Long Beach, I made several phone calls.. finally! And also continued snapping as many photos as I can.. well, not that nice. Not because of the view, it’s me.. ^^ After all, can’t expect much, I’m not a professional photographer ^^ Later, we had ‘ais kacang’ (an icy serving served especially on a hot day). Thanks for the treat guys! Appreciate that a lot! ^^

Finally, we’re back in Merang and now, only four of us left – me, Boon, Forest and Huzer. Pak Uda was a little late and we waited at the jetty. Then, hello UMT again! And hello Prof Chan! She gave us our certificates and had a little chat before leaving.

Well, end of ‘report’ for my one week away from ‘civilization’ as we described it ^^ For those who didn’t reach me from April 19th 2008 till April 26th 2008, now you know where I was! I was somewhere on the earth feeding the hungry mosquitoes!

As for today, I’m still suffering from the itchiness of the sandfly’s bites! Basically, I’m also tanned! Hihi ^^

Ooh.. anyone interested to join the volunteer programme? ^^

Author Unknown

2008-04-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

~ Author Unknown

Dear Patrick,

I was then an only child who had everything I could ever want. But even a pretty, spoiled and rich kid could get lonely once in a while so when Mom told me that she was pregnant, I was ecstatic. I imagined how wonderful you would be and how we'd always be together and how much you would look like me.

So, when you were born, I looked at your tiny hands and feet and marveled at how beautiful you were. We took you home and I showed you proudly to my friends. They would touch you and sometimes pinch you, but you never reacted.

When you were five months old, some things began to bother Mom. You seemed so unmoving and numb, and your cry sounded odd --- almost like a kitten's. So we brought you to many doctors. The thirteenth doctor who looked at you quietly said you have the 'cry du chat' (pronounced Kree-do-sha) syndrome, 'cry of the cat' in French. When I asked what that meant, he looked at me with pity and softly said, 'Your brother will never walk nor talk.'

The doctor told us that it is a condition that afflicts one in 50,000 babies, rendering victims severely retarded. Mom was shocked and I was furious. I thought it was unfair. When we went home, Mom took you in her arms and cried. I looked at you and realized that word will get around that you're not normal. So to hold on to my popularity, I did the unthinkable ... I disowned you. Mom and Dad didn't know but I steeled myself not to love you as you grew.

Mom and Dad showered you love and attention and that made me bitter. And as the years passed, that bitterness turned to anger, and then hate. Mom never gave up on you. She knew she had to do it for your sake.Everytime she put your toys down, you'd roll instead of crawl. I watched her heart break every time she took away your toys and strapped your tummy with foam so you couldn't roll. You struggle and you're cry in that pitiful way, the cry of the kitten. But she still didn't give up.

And then one day, you defied what all your doctors said -- you crawled. When mom saw this, she knew you would eventually walk. So when you were still crawling at age four, she'd put you on the grass with only your diapers on knowing that you hate the feel of the grass on your skin. Then she'd leave you there. I would sometimes watch from the windows and smile at your discomfort. You would crawl to the sidewalk and Mom would put you back. Again and again, Mom repeated this on the lawn.

Until one day, Mom saw you pull yourself up and toddle off the grass as fast as your little legs could carry you. Laughing and crying, she shouted for Dad and I to come. Dad hugged you crying openly. I watched from my bedroom window this heartbreaking scene.

Over the years, Mom taught you to speak, read and write. From then on, I would sometime see you walk outside, smell the flowers, marvel at the birds, or just smile at no one. I began to see the beauty of the world through your eyes. It was then that I realized that you were my brother and no matter how much I tried to hate you, I couldn't, because I had grown to love you.

During the next few days, we again became acquainted with each other. I would buy you toys and give you all the love that a sister could ever give to her brother. And you would reward me by smiling and hugging me. But I guess, you were never really meant for us. On your tenth birthday, you felt severe headaches. The doctor's diagnosis --leukemia.

Mom gasped and Dad held her, while I fought hard to keep my tears from falling. At that moment, I loved you all the more. I couldn't even bear to leave your side. Then the doctors told us that your only hope is to have a bonemarrow transplant. You became the subject of a nationwide donor search.

When at last we found the right match, you were too sick, and the doctor reluctantly ruled out the operations. Since then, you underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Even at the end, you continued to pursue life. Just a month before you died, you made me draw up a list of things you wanted to do when you got out of the hospital. Two days after the list was completed, you asked the doctors to send you home. There, we ate ice cream and cake, run across the grass, flew kites, went fishing, took pictures of one another and let the balloons fly.

I remember the last conversation that we had. You said that if you die, and if I need of help, I could send you a note to heaven by tying it on the string of any balloon and letting it fly. When you said this, I started crying. Then you hugged me. Then again, for the last time, you got sick. That last night, you asked for water, a back rub, a cuddle. Finally, you went into seizure with tears streaming down your face.

Later, at the hospital, you struggled to talk but the words wouldn't come. I know what you wanted to say. 'Hear you,' I whispered. And for the last time, I said, 'I'll always love and I will never forget you. Don't be afraid. You'll soon be with God in heaven.' Then, with my tears flowing freely, I watched the bravest boy I had ever known finally stop breathing. Dad, Mom and I cried until I felt as if there were no more tears left.

Patrick was finally gone, leaving us behind. From then on, you were my source of inspiration. You showed me how to love life and live to the fullest. With your simplicity and honesty, you showed me a world full of love and caring. And you made me realize that the most important thing in this life is to continue loving without asking why or how and without setting any limit.

Thank you, my little brother, for all these.

Coincident or Curse?

2008-04-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

My oh my!~ What a day!~ I had dinner with two of my ex-classmates today as well as my best friend!~ I was in the same dining table with two of my ex-classmates but different table with my best friend!~ She was sitting somewhere nearby all the while but we didn't realise that until we chatted through messenger a while ago.

Basically, a 'naughty' friend of mine casted a 'spell' on me that both me and my best friend will not get to meet in places other than our hometown. For a period of time, it happened to be so until one fine day we'd finally get to meet up! Now.. I wonder if he has re-activated the spell he casted a few years back.. I don't even get to see my best friend (vice-versa, she didn't get to see me) even though we were under the same roof, having our dinner!~ Goodness...

Is this coincident or the 'spell' works? If it is the spell.. then I shall make him cast a better spell.. make everybody around happily.. ever after! And me.. healthy, happy and wealthy!~ Hihi..

My my.. my dear friend.. I wonder if what happened for the night is explainable? ^^

I mean for 1: She didn't realise that it was me (my back was facing her)

For 2: Again.. we were so 'far' yet so 'near'!~ Having dinner 'together' and yet 'not together'.. hihi

Well..what can we say? ^^

April 1

2008-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a day with 'something'. First, the day when Leslie Cheung left us. Second, this is the day our 1 cent coins becoming a history. Plenty of things there though. Haha.. Last but not least, it's April Fool. However, didn't went through this day as a fool. Neither it is anything special. One thing I'm sure of, this day is the same as any other day except for having an extra pair of panda eyes. That's the end result of not having enough sleep for a few nights.. for me.

Now, how I miss Taman Gelora.. and how I miss to climb trees again..

Basically, my mind is completely blank right now. Perhaps I shall begin adding in some clouds.. sunshine etc.. Great.. maybe I shall head to my dreamland now ^^

醒觉

2008-03-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

我的生命不再为你而精彩、
我的时间不再为你而停留、
我的眼泪不再为你而浪费、
我的记忆也不再为你而丰富了。

选择权不会再跟随你、
你的不理不睬已让我放弃了、
或许你曾努力过、但不够、
因为连你自己也感受不到你自己的努力。

原来机会给得太多会把你宠坏、
原来机会给得太多会把我伤害、
我继续选择沉默、
当初的沉默是为了期待、
现在的沉默是为了…

Wait

2008-03-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am used to waiting for people. True, everybody sure has the chance to wait for something, somebody at somewhere. But I think, most recently, my patience has reached its peak. I just don't feel like 'waiting' anymore.

Ever since I entered another stage of life, I noticed that I've been 'waiting' even more. Slowly, from waiting to anticipating. At most time, both are fruitless. And sometimes, I just hate to wait because due to the 'waiting' moment, I somehow caused myself into trouble or miss up something else.

It would be fine if someone or something I wait for worth it and appreciate it. But the truth, at most time, I don't see these people regretted or felt sorry for keeping another person waiting so long.

I mean, what makes one person thinks that his/her time is more valuable than the person who spends up to hours just to wait for him/her?

With that time, the person who is waiting can do so much of other thing. Obviously I have made people wait for me too, but at least.... HELLO! If I really have to keep the other person waiting for too long, SMS! CALLS! Or else, don't even bother about reloading or paying the phone bills anymore because we don't even use the facilities to show our manners to our loved one or friends.

As a conclusion, nobody is supposed to think that his/her time worths a million more than the other person.. though I know, some of us out there do make millions within minutes or seconds but please appreciate those who are willing to spend their time to 'wait'.

Option

2008-03-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

If I am given the option to die or to face it.. I'll face it - at least for now. Sometimes the world gave us hint that there are so much about life which we haven't discover - yet. So, why choose to 'shorten' my life when I'm given a longer time.

I am not discussing about religions or beliefs on how did we come to this earth. Be it just a simple human on earth, I have plenty to do. It is a matter of whether I have found that things that I wanted to do.

Fine if I have not find it, but I know that before I find it, my current aim will be 'hunting' - hunting for my aim. True.. if I don't have aim, then my current aim will be hunting for aim. That's 'aim' too, or is it not?

When I figure this out, I realise that I have been really stubborn about this.

I have been complaining all the while that I don't know what is my aim. Well, now I know. At least I don't feel lost. I used to feel so 'lost' that I don't even know what do I want to do.. and kept searching for the meaning of my life. Now that I think about it again, I was silly.

Okay, at least I can rest myself assured now that I can forget the silly thought for a while. Raising up problem when problem is not even there to look for me :P

There is a Chinese saying - 自寻烦恼。Looking for problems on behalf of ownself. It's quite true.. human's mind is complicated, or should I say, 'my mind is quite complicated'. Always thinking something unneccesarily when I can actually spend my time to do so much of other things!~

For the time being, gambatte desu!~ ^^

Respect

2008-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

More often than not, people around me complained that their other half are not as good as the earlier stage of their relationship - which could be either during courtship or the first few weeks to first few months of relationship.

I can't tell if this is true because I have not experience it myself. Anyway, one thing I noticed is.. friends know about 'respect' far better than lovers. Again, this is my personal opinion.

Taking things for granted has been a kind of attitude and it is in trend.

Now, why would some lovers choose to be friends in the end? And why some of them are happier to be friends? Of course there are many answers available. But, I believe 'respect' is one of them.

Although I have never been in love myself, but, I must say that I've made many close friends. Most people do not mind if their friends tend to do something in an 'over' manner. And this is what makes them closer.

To me... no. I emphasis on 'respect'. No matter how close two persons or a group of people can be, respecting each other is important. At most time, it is better not to make assumption, as one never know when will this 'assumption' ruin something.

At this point, acquaintances or 'normal' friends know how to behave better and respecting each other is a kind of manner.

It is understandable that emphasizing too much on manners spoils the mood.. but nobody enjoy to be ill-treated. It is always good to be cautious in term of manners rather than ignoring it. For you won't know when will another person feels offended by what you'd just did or said.

In fact, feeling offended does not necessarily apply to only those who are 'sensitive'. It applies to anyone.. it's just that we won't know what is the bottom line for each individual.

Well, again... this is purely my own opinion. No offence ^^

Left-hander

2008-03-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

What is the problem of being a left-hander? I thought it is no longer an issue in today’s world. Whether I like it or not, it is still an issue. Yesterday, my sister was excited to tell us that her five-year-old son is able to write with both hands. She found it out when she visited her son in his kindergarten. The kindergarten teacher had made him writing with his right hand instead or left. My dear nephew is used to his left hand. Hence, my family had categorized him as a left-hander. Everybody will not be bothered at all if he was to use his right hand earlier. Now that my sister figured out that her son is able to use his right hand as well, she couldn’t be happier.

There was another incident which took place a few years ago during Chinese New Year reunion. My uncles and aunties were discussing about left-handers when they figured out that I happen to be one. An aunty (Aunty A) was saying that the elderly used to say that left-handers tend to be smarter. Or course, this is merely a belief. When everybody was agreeing to that belief, suddenly, another aunty (Aunty B) who isn’t a supporter of lefties told us that her daughter was a left-hander. Aunty B explained that she doesn’t want her daughter to be a left-hander. So, Aunty B insisted her daughter to use her right hand once Aunty B found her using left hand doing anything that Aunty B thought is supposed to be done with right hand.

What is the problem of being a lefty?

Well, at least it is better today compared to last time. Now back to myself, I have been a lefty all my life. I can still recall how angry my father was when he saw me using my left hand to scoop rice. I was about three or four then. He scolded me as long as he needed to cool down. Ooh.. one, he was angry because I am a lefty. Two, I scooped the rice and almost a quarter of the rice I scooped fell onto the floor. So, it gave him a good reason to scold me as a lefty.

That was what I can remember. As for another which my mom and sister told me, my father used to hit my left hand when he saw me writing with my left hand. Again, I was only three or four then. As I grew older, he couldn’t be bothered anymore if I am a lefty or righty as long as I do my things right.

Using left hand doesn’t mean we will do things that are against the word RIGHT! Lefties do RIGHT things too. Why pressure our younger generation when they could be a lefty? True, lefties may face problems in using tools that requires right hand to perform better. But, don’t worry, whether it is easy, hard, or super hard, lefties will find their way to make their life easier. The keyword is ‘determination’, not lefty or righty.