June's Diary

Touched... Gave me strength

2010-10-07T20:25:00.005+08:00

Quote from my student, Soon Kit, from 2 Murni SMK Georgetown 2010

"so far the past 14 yrs of my life, you're the best, caring, friendly ,and dedicated teacher i've ever had"

This made my day.

"hope your aura is with u always," he wished me. I felt like crying instantly.

I don't know why I'm not as happy teaching in Tenby as in Georgetown or Chong Hwa. I don't seem to bond with the students here in Tenby. Is it all in my mind? I don't know. Maybe it's because we teachers don't get to interact much. We don't have a big staff room like other schools, you see. Teachers need to sit in their "subject-based" room. We have our own "offices", in other words. So, the only time we get to chat with our colleagues is during lunch time. Imagine being contained in a big empty room with four walls, messy tables and chairs, lots of home work to mark every day. It's so darn boring. The people you get to talk to are the ones who piss you off most of the time - students. It is not therapeutic at all, if not making it worse.

Sigh.

Really. Is it just me? Is it all in my head? Tell me I'll get over it. Tell me I am not happier at government schools. Tell me I'm wrong.

Again, when I recall what Soon Kit and some other students told me from the bottom of their hearts, I feel hopeful. I hope my students in Tenby will see what they saw in me too.

Thank you, my dear lovely students, for cheering me up. It's the other way round now, huh?

May my aura be with me!

Surprising

2010-03-25T15:57:00.002+08:00

I notice that some of my students who usually ignore my lessons are beginning to pay attention in class. I was delighted when one particular student passed up his book the other day. I wonder what made them change their attitude so suddenly...

Sigh

2009-12-01T10:22:00.002+08:00

I know mom's right.. about the reconsider thing... I just hope it's not too late for me to be rescued from the quicksand I'm stuck in.

Sacrifice

2009-11-27T09:54:00.003+08:00

It's Hari Raya Haji today, which means more animals are "sacrificed". Is this concept still valid in this modern days? Who I am to judge anyway? But being a vegetarian, I just can't bear the sight of animal killing right in front of my house (cause the USM masjid is just across the road). And they're doing it by the main road. Which is quite inconsiderate, I would say. Passers by and drivers have to endure the awful sight as they pass by Jalan Sungai Dua, and as they stop by the traffic light right beside the killing spot. Think people... think.

STupid

2009-11-19T09:48:00.002+08:00

Spend lots of money trying to fix something, end up getting worse, and spend even more money trying to get it back to the way it was before fixing at the first place!!!! STUPID!!!!

感谢天恩师德

2009-11-18T15:17:00.006+08:00

It's amazing how we could sometimes stumble into answers when we're puzzled. I think this how Lao Shi show us the path when we're in darkness. All we need to do is believe in Lao Shi... Be bold to ask questions. And sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Feeling grey... just like the sky outside

2009-05-04T12:07:00.005+08:00

Ever feel like you just wanna disappear from this world? Well, this is how I'm feeling right now. There's this invisible spaceship or something that landed suddenly on my shoulders, and I have to carry it around with me. It's so heavy that I almost can't walk any further... Feel like letting go of everything and be myself again. But can't. Where were the times when I could just be me? Do everything that I wanted... at my own time and own pace?

It seems like I have lesser and lesser true friends around. Where are the people whom I can once trust to share the secretest secret, to gossip the most wicked thing about people, to lend me his/her shoulder when I am down? People around me now are as if from a different country who speak a different language. Communication itself is a massive issue, needless to say interests and likes. I listen to jazz and watch Desperate Housewives. They listen to Chinese pop songs and watch some boring TVB series. I blog... and they don't even read blogs. I lurve western food while they insist on the typical 3 vege 1 rice kinda meal. And I'm the only person who enjoy what I like. How cool is that?

This is a sacrifice that I have to make for a path that I have chosen. Painful? Indeed. But I guess it's the right thing to do.

Moving again

2009-04-29T16:46:00.004+08:00

If you asked me... what is the most "memorable" thing throughout my 3 years in USM. I think.. the answer would be... MOVING!!!

Move what, you ask?

Move from one place to another!!! Gosh~ When I was in first year, I stayed in the hostel. In second semester, I can't take hostel life any more, so I moved to Sri Saujana Condo. Stayed there for like 1 1/2 years and moved to the "temple" in my 3rd year. Now, Chong De temple is expanding and we plan to rent a condo near USM so that it's more convenient for students to come over for activities. So, guess what? We rented a condo at SRI SAUJANA, and I have to move back there AGAIN! Different block though.

I think I'm gonna be an expert in packing and moving stuff by the time I graduate.

Gees!

Cam whoring

2009-04-29T16:29:00.004+08:00

This is what you get when you add up:
1. Holiday
2. Ultimate boredom
3. Philips hairstyler
4. Camera phone

Beautiful music to share!

2009-03-30T09:59:00.001+08:00

Another semester

2009-03-27T22:21:00.007+08:00

Wow. Time flies man! Another semester has passed by again. In July I'm gonna be a Super Forth Year Senior . I know it's cliche to say this but... IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY I JUST ENTERED USM!!! The Fajar Harapan hostel I once stayed in is now finally under renovation.

Too bad I won't get the chance to have the experience of hostel life any more. Not that I yearn to anyway. It's just that there're so much to reminisce about. My dear ex-roommate Soek Min was and is such a great pal. Remember the days where I had to attend the sickening PBSM training and she was the only one I know. Even though she is no longer my roommate, she'll bring me food like Penang Road Cendol or mooncake every now and then! She just made me feel safe and comfortable living my university life far away from home.

Throughout my three-year experience, there were ups and downs, happy moments, sad moments... Many great people walked in and out of my life during this period and I cherish every one of them. I believe there are reasons why I got to know them. They enlightened me in some remarkable ways and taught me a lot about life. I only wish that we'll be able to keep in touch because they're just too good for me to let go! I'd like to thank Sheau Hui, Sock Ly, Poi Sze, Leong Ling for their unconditional friendship, Ying Ying, Joyce, Yoke Fong, Chern Far, Woei Shyong, Huey Ying, Shin Thian for being my most wonderful coursemates - without you guys I wouldn't have made it this far in Uni. Also, to Jamuna, Kalai and Suresh for being my new Indian friends (especially to Jamuna and Kalai for bringing me and Ying Ying to Market Street :P).

A bit sentimental today huh? Well, maybe it's the stress that I have to cope with lately. LOL. Mental breakdown.

What teachers make

2008-12-30T09:27:00.003+08:00

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To stress his point he said to another guest;
'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

''I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE .

What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped. He went silent.

My Favourite Song

2008-12-19T22:23:00.002+08:00

The first part is sung by the Great Teacher, Ji Gong. I love it because it touches the heart and it's sung from the bottom of His heart. It is easy to note that hardly anyone can sing as expressively as He does. Doubt it? Compare the first and the second part.

不休息菩萨结缘训（学界部份）

2008-12-18T11:53:00.000+08:00

更有學界共襄辦
承得天恩加被恩
以文会友有缘渡
務實君子任責躬
谦虚涵养有大用
玉琢方可大器成
合作和谐好修办
尊师重道仁义行

Why I love my life

2008-12-05T16:03:00.011+08:00

1. Countless happy moments during family "adventures"

Cameron Highlands

Malacca

National Zoo

Redang Island

And I call this family adventure because, as you can see, our "vacation" is full of adventure, including this trip to Bukit Tinggi. We never reach Bukit Tinggi eventually cause the car is jealous of us so it refuses to go any further :P

2. Very lucky to be celebrating my birthday year by year with my loved ones.

3. Be "keh po" with bro n mom to decorate Christmas tree even though we're not Christians

You may notice that it's the same RM9.90-already-decorated-bought-from-Jusco-tree that we "recycle" every year, haha!

4. Do silly things!

(Above) Pay more to suffer - BOLT 3D
(Below) Laugh at stupid packagings
1. Good for ages 0-100
2. "em... very nice, I want to buy for my love" *vomit*

5. Family and friends are volunteers to be my guinea pigs!

6. Meet lots of great people, make lots of true friends.

7. Have the opportunity to receive, cultivate and learn "Tao"

8. A hardworking mom who never asks lazy me to do anything

9. A supportive family, willing to drive 12 hours all the way to Terengganu at NIGHT (despite clueless on how to get there and with my bro having diarrhoea) to bring me food and support, just because I told them that I'm not doing well there.

Jealous? haha!

What would you do if you have only 24 hours left?

2008-12-05T14:46:00.005+08:00

I bet many have asked the same question. This is what my aunt had to answer yesterday as she is undergoing (still undergoing as I am writing this blog) a major heart surgery this morning. It's not a normal heart surgery like a by-pass. It requires the surgeon to cut her heart in order to fix a pair of malfunction valves inside. This has never happened before in our country and Institute Jantung Negara (IJN) has only encountered 3-4 cases where they need to open a person's heart. 3 of such surgeries failed.

If asked the same questions, some people would answer that they wanna travel to places where they've never been before like Paris, America, Mount Everest, etc. Others would like to spend all their savings buying luxury items they could never own in real life. I say, they're not thinking from the point of view of what a real person would do if he/she has only 24 hours left.

For my aunt, she spent the past 24 hours in the hospital, receiving visitors (loved ones and true friends), thanking each and every one who made the effort to visit her, especially those who came back all the way from overseas. It was very emotional last night when she insisted on saying her "last words" to her children in case the surgery is not successful. I believe every one with a heart would find their tears falling. Most visitors brought home cooked herbal soup and Aunt Vivian try to consume all of them as sign of gratitude.

Like Morrie said, most people don't get the love they needed. So they end up chasing the wrong things, thinking it'll give them happiness. In the end, when they finally realize that those things that they've been chasing don't give them happiness like what love promises, they are too old to regain what they've lost. Every one knows someone around them who passed away. Everyone also knows that he/she is going to die too. But sadly, nobody believes it.

For me, if I had 24 hours left, I will try my best to fulfill all the vows that I've ever made. I would spend my last hours with my loved ones, especially my mom and dad. Together, if we have the chance, we would find a place with great scenery, sit there and just talk (or not talk at all). Do silly things together like always. Gosh, we've really done lots of silly things together! Not forgetting people who did great things for me... I'd thank them personally. At night, I'd have dinner with friends and all the people who cared for me and there must be good food. Simple, but delicious ones. :D

At this point of my life, these are the things that I think I will do. What about you?

What would you do if you have only 24 hours left?

Evolution of my mobile phones

2008-12-05T13:31:00.005+08:00

My first mobile phone was Nokia 3310. I think I got it when i was either in Form 3 or Form 4 (i.e. 2001 or 2002). It was one of the best phones during its time, lol... Not everyone had hps back then. Getting a hp was the new black and the experience of owning a hp was similar to carrying a Prada bag around. Most importantly, you could almost sense a hint of jealousy in the eyes of those who don't have one, JK. Nokia 3310 was my precious gem until... some BASTARDS stole it from me in the friggin LRT!!!!!!!! There were even witnesses who saw and kept their lips sealed!! As if diamonds would fall out of their mouth if they open it!

Oh nevermind. I carried 3310 for almost a year and by the end of F4, it was no longer popular and blue L.E.D. lights kinda took in the whole market by storm. So, using hps with yellow LED lights was considered old fashioned. Sometimes, you'd be too embarrassed to even take it out from your pocket to answer a call. The richer ones would get a smaller, slimmer phone with white lights, such as Nokia 8310. I didn't pick my second phone personally. My dad's the one who did the shopping and kinda made the decision for me. Well, Motorola C300 was not bad. Advertised as Hip-Hop moto with its curvy design, rounded-edges and all three (yellow, blue and white) lights in one, I was pretty happy with the phone. After using it for some time, I found that moto is a bit "lembab" in terms of response, especially when typing smses. It is really irritating if you wish to reply an sms quickly but can't cause the letters come out really slow after you press each button.

Moto C300 was by far the most loyal companion - stuck with me for 5 years. Too bad it got "sick" due to "old age" and sometimes the system would hang and I had to restart the phone. The outer surface was also badly "injured" and scratched. So, I thought it's time to get a new phone (bear in mind it is still with me and functionable :P) This time, I wanna try the chic slide phone. I'd compared slide phones from Sony (too expensive) and Nokia (too bulky). But, the best slide phone was, I thought, Motorola Z3. The design is minimalist, posh and elegant. The screen is +- 2 inches wide and it comes with a 2MP camera. Price? RM 650 for an original phone. What more could I ask? Plus, it's my 21st Birthday gift from my dad. Unfortunately, yes, my 21st birthday gift is again, STOLEN. WTH?? I loved that phone!!! (Despite the camera wasn't all that great and the speaker was broken.) Sigh, I just celebrated one year anniversary with Z3 :~(

Now, hopefully, my latest Nokia 6300 please, do not get stolen!!!

Thank goodness!

2008-11-13T15:18:00.002+08:00

I'm back! Gosh~ I'm so lucky to get my notebook back one day before my multimedia exam. Have to learn that *@&^%$#^ Authorware!!!

To err is human, but to forgive is divine.

2008-10-30T23:13:00.005+08:00

I learn a lot lately.

I learn that people who seem reliable can turn out to be someone not as trustworthy as we thought.

I learn that people who seem to have cultivated themselves into a higher level can still be just human.

I learn that it is not easy communicating with people.

I learn that we should never help pass messages to others. Let them talk to whoever they wanna talk to themselves.

I learn that when we tell someone something about him/herself, he/she will not necessarily give positive feedback.

I learn that a true friend is indeed hard to find.

I learn that someone we regard as friend can regard us as “just an acquaintance”.

I learn that someone who doesn’t get angry often is more gruesome than someone who gets angry often.

I learn that someone who seems so nice can turn out to be such an ugly person.

I learn that everyone wears masks and we’ll never know who they really are.

I learn that we’ll never know which mask they’re wearing and at what point.

I learn that not everyone is good with intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.

I learn that the only person I can trust is myself (and my Great Teachers, of course).

I learn that three can keep a secret if two dies.

I learn that it is indeed better to keep silent and thought a fool.

I learn that having a blog that not many people read is better because it is then I can reveal my true feelings.

And I learn all these in less than one month.

Cough Cough~~

2008-10-29T11:46:00.002+08:00

Gosh, it's been a month since I last blogged. There was connection problem here in Penang since I came back from the Raya break. Now that I get my connection back, it's study week and I'm sick and blablabla...

I get to copy some photos of activities for the past two years in Chong De. Looking back, I really did learn a lot from Chong De and I'd like to thank God for this opportunity.

I'll post the photos later, maybe after exam, which is mid-Nov. gtg. Ciao.

Pleasant surprise

2008-09-17T11:43:00.002+08:00

I have been reading a lot lately. Surprisingly, not only academic books, but also novels, short stories, and some others. As I was browsing some book stores to purchase these books, it was then I realize how we, as Malaysians, lack in support towards our local writers. It's sad to see that we still worship the concept of "the grass is greener at the other side".

Taking Malaysian literature this semester gives me the opportunity to explore local writings. There are lists after lists of good Malaysian writers hidden in the treasure box. To discover them is almost an impossible mission thanks to our local bookstores. Anyway, my favourite is Shirley Lim. I must recommend this short story by her - Another Country. The story is simple but it's so deep we'll have to reflect upon ourselves and think why does the writer end the story this way? Why the sudden twist? What is the message?

Lloyd Fernando, Lee Kok Liang, Ee Tiang Hong, K.S. Maniam, Wong Phui Nam, and Kee Thuan Chye are notable local writers whose writings we should explore. I've always heard of Green is the Colour by Illoyd Fernando. Haven't got the time to dig it though.

Another book that I wish to lay my hands on is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon. Mark Haddon is not a local writer but this book is highly recommended by my English lecturer. It's written from the point of view of a Autism boy. Again, simple but very deep.

Next week, two assignments, one test. Wish me luck.

What Are Big Girls Made Of?

2008-09-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

The construction of a woman:
a woman is not made of flesh
of bone and sinew
belly and breasts, elbows and liver and toe.
She is manufactured like a sports sedan.
She is retooled, refitted and redesigned
every decade.
Cecile had been seduction itself in college.
She wriggled through bars like a satin eel,
her hips and ass promising, her mouth pursed
in the dark red lipstick of desire.

She visited in '68 still wearing skirts
tight to the knees, dark red lipstick,
while I danced through Manhattan in mini skirt,
lipstick pale as apricot milk,
hair loose as a horse's mane. Oh dear,
I thought in my superiority of the moment,
whatever has happened to poor Cecile?
She was out of fashion, out of the game,
disqualified, disdained, dis-
membered from the club of desire.

Look at pictures in French fashion
magazines of the 18th century:
century of the ultimate lady
fantasy wrought of silk and corseting.
Paniers bring her hips out three feet
each way, while the waist is pinched
and the belly flattened under wood.
The breasts are stuffed up and out
offered like apples in a bowl.
The tiny foot is encased in a slipper
never meant for walking.
On top is a grandiose headache:
hair like a museum piece, daily
ornamented with ribbons, vases,
grottoes, mountains, frigates in full
sail, balloons, baboons, the fancy
of a hairdresser turned loose.
The hats were rococo wedding cakes
that would dim the Las Vegas strip.
Here is a woman forced into shape
rigid exoskeleton torturing flesh:
a woman made of pain.

How superior we are now: see the modern woman
thin as a blade of scissors.
She runs on a treadmill every morning,
fits herself into machines of weights
and pulleys to heave and grunt,
an image in her mind she can never
approximate, a body of rosy
glass that never wrinkles,
never grows, never fades. She
sits at the table closing her eyes to food
hungry, always hungry:
a woman made of pain.

A cat or dog approaches another,
they sniff noses. They sniff asses.
They bristle or lick. They fall
in love as often as we do,
as passionately. But they fall
in love or lust with furry flesh,
not hoop skirts or push up bras
rib removal or liposuction.
It is not for male or female dogs
that poodles are clipped
to topiary hedges.

If only we could like each other raw.
If only we could love ourselves
like healthy babies burbling in our arms.
If only we were not programmed and reprogrammed
to need what is sold us.
Why should we want to live inside ads?
Why should we want to scourge our softness
to straight lines like a Mondrian painting?
Why should we punish each other with scorn
as if to have a large ass
were worse than being greedy or mean?

When will women not be compelled
to view their bodies as science projects,
gardens to be weeded,
dogs to be trained?
When will a woman cease
to be made of pain?

Marge Piercy

I'm THIRD!!!

2008-08-24T16:42:00.003+08:00

Never would I have imagined that I could be the 3rd person to comment on KennySia! Woohoooo!!!! xD

Crazy liao~~~

Riiinnnngggggggg!! Class is over!

2008-08-17T10:23:00.006+08:00

Phew! it's been 6 weeks since I'm back in USM. As usual, assignments are all piled up, exams are lined up all the way from Penang to Singapore, stuff like that. The funny thing is, I even need to write a theory report for my swimming class. $#^%*$%<>?O"{%^ !!!!!!!!???????

Anyway, I'll be going to Redang during this holiday. Don't really look forward to it cause I'm not going to the "fun" part of Redang :( And I never liked going out to the sea. I always have this feeling that we human do not belong to the sea. We're supposed to stay on the land. Weird? Every time i go snorkeling, all my friends are amazed like, woohoooo, that's the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I'm like "......" those are water creatures. We are human. We don't mix around. Imagine the water creatures surrounding around you, dead corals "buried" beneath you as you swim above them. One word. Eww! Yet I do look forward to the beautiful scenery. And guess I'll be starved to death coz the only food available there should be "seafood"!

Sigh.

A New Chapter

2008-07-29T09:31:00.004+08:00

It's been almost a month since I moved to a new place. I think I'm getting along with the people quite well and I'm suiting myself to the new environment. It's not easy... But at least I'm trying my best. Moreover, I'm a free bird now. Was in the depths of despair at first. And now? I'm actually surprised that I'm doing better than ever.

This new place is REALLY(trust me) far from school, so I had to walk REAALLLYYY far to get to class. I told myself that "walking = good for losing weight" to console myself, lol. Together with my swimming class as extra-curricular activity, I should be able to get my "national service" weight back. Hehe... Saved by the bell or killed by the bell, one of my coursemates who lives nearby my house offered to drive me n some other people to school. Should I be happy/sad? I don't know, doink~

As for lectures, I'm taking yet another literature paper this semester. This time, it's Malaysian Literature. Yes, it's the most boringest literature paper ever! Even the lecturer himself bores us to death, need I say the novels? If you have the guts, I challenge you to read "The Malayan Trilogy" by Anthony Burgess. Finish it in 2 weeks without falling asleep while reading it!

Anyway, I miss my students from 2G class. Wonder if they miss me too? Gelinya... haha~

Lastly, got this pic from a friend. Enjoy!

Cameron Highlands 2

2008-07-12T12:28:00.004+08:00

My pics would turn out great if it weren't for the stupid low resolution Motorola camera! Anyway...

This was taken at Boh tea farm. Check out the blue sky with white clouds, gorgeous!

Too bad the clouds covered up the blue sky when it's my turn to snap!

Think this is at Cactus Farm.

At Rose Valley. The top of the mountain is very very very very (repeat 5 times) high!

Lurve this!

And this!

Walls made of rocks (literally)

Used to plant this flower back at home. Wonder why they gone missing?

Rose as big as my face.

Ping Pong Chrysanthemums

Strawberries

Snapping her snapping me

Cameron Trip 28-29 April 2008

2008-06-04T13:17:00.018+08:00

Okay, I have to admit that this trip was ages ago. But I didn't feel like posting this coz the photos sucks (Cheap Motorola hp camera). Have to get a real digital camera soon. Recommendations, anyone?

Well, this is the second time I visit Cameron Highlands since 2003. It hasn't changed much. But the experience is definitely a different one. This time, I didn't get to visit the giant waterfall on the way up (Actually, nobody even noticed the waterfall coz we were all sleeping on the bus :P).

Neither did I get to stay in some 3-star hotel with fake pandas =.=

Bro: Where's the camera? Maybe it's not right in front of me?

This time, my friends and I (almost 30 of us) rented two apartments in some not-so-high class housing estate. One for the guys and the other for the gals to stay. The first stop for us is the Bee Farm. Didn't take any pics there with my phone. Maybe I'll grab some from my friends next time. But, I do have some from the first trip.

Next stop, the Cactus Valley.

Next to it is Big Red Strawberry Farm. Not just any strawberries, it's Red Strawberry. BIG some more :P

On the way there, there's one whole row of shops selling the same stuff - strawberry pillows, strawberry soft toys, strawberry balls, strawberry t-shirts, strawberry umbrella (yes, umbrella), strawberry key chains, strawberry sweets, strawberry ice cream, strawberry chocolate, and what not.

As we entered Cactus Valley, we see flowers. Duh, how stupid is that? But I forgive the stupid farm since they're really pretty and colourful. And yes, they're for sale at a reasonable price. Too bad they can't survive the weather in KL :(

My mom used to plant these in our garden... Of course, they bloom more beautifully in Cameron.

More flowers.

Back in 2003, I'm amazed by the diversity of cactus. There're so many kinds of them!

Now in 2008, I'm amazed by just how uncivilised people are >.<"

Vandalism. As if the walls along the streets or the back of the seats in buses aren't enough for them to sign their autographs.

Then, I stumbled into this huge thingy here. Looks like some African man with braided hair.

Part two coming soon.

Life as a teacher

2008-05-13T22:20:00.003+08:00

At first, I thought being a temporary teacher would mean easy money. Turns out I'm wrong. Totally. Being a teacher, as York said, is not a half-day job. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication. Most importantly, one must be really interested in teaching, handling "monkeys", and be willing to shout/yell like mad.

The first day at school was exciting and at the same time, scary for me. If you don't know it already, this is the first teaching experience for me. Other than chalk-n-talk, teachers have to deal with plenty of paper work - write lesson plans, set exam questions, mark students' works, report class performance, analyse students' attendance, doing the report card, attend courses, etc.

Puan Rajamani, the school's discipline teacher, is a kind and wise lady with a great sense of humour. The very first tip she told me was "do not smile"! LoL! Yes, it is true. If you smile, the students will think you're a "friendly" person and they may not take you seriously. Too bad, I'm not use to pulling a long face and pretend that I'm fierce. I wanna be friends with my students and at the same time, gain their respect. Unfortunately, this theory remains just a theory. It's not practical. Once the students think you're nice, they'll climb to the top of your head. They'll walk around in class, talk to classmates loudly, treat you as an invisible man, pay no attention to you and do not follow your orders. Somehow, my voice is not the loud kind. So, at times (most of the time), my voice couldn't be heard, even by myself. No matter how I shout, it's just useless. Sigh.

So, what I do is to ask the students who talk to stand in front of the class. This will keep them silent for, like, 2 minutes. Then, they'll start to talk again. Unless, you tell the student to keeep standing there until they pull out another student who talks. This way, they'll keep silent for almost 10 minutes. After a few lessons, the students tend to get immune with this tactic. Then, you'll have to come up with something else. Currently, I use the whiteboard duster to stamp students who walk around or talk. This seems to work for most classes, except for Form 1I where I teach Civic. By the way, I'm teaching 4 classes of English, 2 classes of History and 1 class of Civic.

Speaking of Form 1I, something interesting happenned today. The first time I entered 1I, I was totally "culture shocked". It's like a circus or zoo or night market or something. It's a mess. I've never seen anything like it. So, the first experience in 1I was a disaster - I assigned group work to them that made things even worse (they talk even more). Today, the second meeting was slightly better (for the first 10 minutes at least). When things got out of control, I instructed the monitor to go to the discipline room and ask any discipline teacher available to come to the class. Once Mr Chew arrived, he asked (in a very fierce kind of way) them to take out the exercise book and note book. For those who didn't bring, they have to stand in front of the class immediately. Unsurprisingly, 90% of the class came out. He then warned them that they have to write "Saya, __________ berjanji bahawa saya akan menumpukan perhatian sepenuhnya semasa pengajaran Pendidikan Sivik dan Kewarganegaraan dijalankan." for one hundred times. And I was there smiling wickedly. Muahahahhaha... Serves you right @#%@@^%

After only 2 weeks of teaching, I've made up my mind that I'm gonna become a lecturer. No more teaching in secondary school. Yes, you can yell at students all you want, make them do things. But, it's not me. I don't wanna yell at people, pull a long face and "make" people do things. It makes us look so ugly. I could never become one of the teachers who come in and do nothing. I could also never become one of the teachers who are so use to yell the **** out of him/her. Sadly, I also do not have the talent to be a humorous teacher.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?

2008-04-16T15:39:00.004+08:00

Yes indeed. We must keep our lives balanced by both working n playing. Let ourselves "breathe", we are not robots.

A person that I have personally encountered fits the saying of:
All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.

A toy definitely drives me crazier than a dull boy! Arghh! Some people are just born with this genetic capacity that makes them think that success is something which falls from the sky on them without little, if not any, effort contributed. I don't get it. Why in this world are there people like this? People who keep waiting for opportunities to just pop out. People who believe that they can actually hit the 4D jackpot and live a luxurious life happily ever after. People who believe that they don't have to undergo at least some tertiary education to gain knowledge?

There are now more and more these kind of people alive - people who lives at the extreme ends, either all play or all work. But, what really annoys me is the third group (practically the largest group of people) who hold the belief of:

All work and no play makes Jack. And plenty of it.
(Jack here is a slang used metaphorically to mean money)

They're the ones who actually thinks money is EVERYTHING.
Money = Life
No money = No life
or
Money = Class
No money = No class

Gosh! What is happening to people nowadays?

What I've learnt this month

2008-04-14T18:56:00.008+08:00

I read a forwarded mail from my friend Ying Ying a while ago and find that I actually do agree with some of the statements:

1. Life is like a roll of toilet paper (not a box of chocolate, duh :P). The closer it is to the end, the faster it goes.
My aunt once told me this when I was in secondary school. I did not quite agree with her back then. But now... oh yea.. Time flies man.

2. Money doesn't buy class.
From the outside, one may wear gucci or prada. But when you look beyond that, you'll notice that he or she may even be lower than snakes.

3. Under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

4. (As Alex said) The less time I have to work, the more things I get done. (Like blogging, msn-ing, watching online movies, eating, sleeping, day-dreaming, and studying. All done during exam month :P)

5. We should sit in silence for at least 10 minutes a day. (To flashback what we've done wrong every day.)

6. Time is too short to waste time hating anyone.

For statement number 6, yes, but it's easier said than done. There are moments when you meet "b*tches or b**tards" that you can't help but feel like choking them to death.

Picture courtesy of stickgal.blogspot.com

Some people I admire recently...

2008-04-11T10:39:00.009+08:00

Andrea Bocelli - for his amazingly warm and pleasant voice.

Terry Fator - For his rare talent, great personality and will to succeed.

David Archuleta - for his humbleness, great voice and head-turning good looks :-P

Marie Digby - for being a super pretty singer/song-writer.

放下来，很自在。

2008-04-09T17:47:00.003+08:00

人生总有无奈的时候。

我要学习包容。

谢谢您，老师。

Two Sides of the Story

2008-04-08T14:24:00.014+08:00

Yes indeed, there are many ways you can look at a story. Just like a coin, if you only look at one side of it, you'll never know what's on the other side. Things can become really dangerous if you only look at one side of a story. Small things might happen like arguments, misunderstandings, conflicts... But, if the conflict happens between nations, war may be launched and millions of people will suffer.

Something funny

2008-04-06T21:06:00.003+08:00

Below is something that my friend wrote spontaneously when we msn-ed. Thought it was funny so I just wanna share it with y'all. U can even turn it into a rap song, lol!

Ah 1 , ah 2, ah 1,2,3,4!

Exam is coming, Everybody studying,
Some people trying, Some even dying,
Study until crying, K-书 (shu) until 神经病 (shen jing bing)
Future awaiting, nightmare is 1st coming

Time’s still running, Clock’s still ticking,
Tik tok counting, text book keep rushing,

Text book like mountain, nota like river,
Mountain of knowledge, all squeeze into otak,
Lecture replaying, what the professor's saying,
Head damage doubling, still study keep troubling.

Time’s still running, Clock’s still ticking,
Tik tok counting, note book keep rushing,

MSN is ringing, Yahoo keep buzzing,
ICQ Oh~O’ing, somebody had sign in,
Tak tahan go chatting, finger keep typing,
Suddenly knowing, midnight is coming,

Time’s still running, Clock’s still ticking,
Tik tok counting, msn keep ringing,

Topic are still many, cannot hafal every,
Subject also many, no way to parry,
Cannot study every, can only spot it,
海底捞针(hoi dai lou jum) really, 十赌九输 (sap dou gao she) finally

Time’s still running, Clock’s still ticking,
Tik tok counting, kebalangkalian still counting,

Night time coming, 12 clock striking,
Eye’s keep dropping, soon start fishing,
Then will sleeping, then keep dreaming,
Awaken on morning, alamak a day passing….

Time’s still running, Clock’s still ticking,
Tik tok counting, calendar keep counting,

You've gotta watch this, hahahaha!!! Pay attn to the dog!

2008-03-22T12:30:00.002+08:00

Asking for Directions

2008-03-21T20:27:00.000+08:00

Updates

2008-03-21T20:22:00.002+08:00

My group members and I have produced a video for our assignment. I tried to upload it on YouTube but I'm not sure if it works. Hehe... Once I get permission from the "leading actress", I'll post it here right away!

Now, I need to design a 3D animation to pass up on next Monday. We intended to design a roller coaster at first, but we realize that it's too difficult to do. Then, Emma, one of my group members, suggested to do something like "under the sea" with fish swimming around and some crabs playing volleyball? lol! That's hillarious. If everything goes well, I'll come back KL next Saturday for my study week. I know I shouldn't be coming back KL coz I know I won't study if I go back :P but... I think it's better to stay home than here.

Something Interesting

2008-03-21T20:11:00.002+08:00

Perfect Moments, Perfect Days

2008-03-11T14:14:00.007+08:00

I don't know if i had posted this before... Just something that i wrote as my assignment last year.

There are always those moments where it feels like it was just a dream, a moment that is being witnessed from afar. It does not last long, just a few seconds, but the feeling is there; the feeling of absolute happiness. I was listening to some songs as I was reading a book yesterday. The lyrics of a song by Westlife inspired me to think:

“Everybody’s looking for that something
One thing that makes it all complete
You’ll find it in the strangest places
Places you never knew it could be”

In all our lives, we are always searching for that something. We work hard twenty-four-seven, hoping to earn lots of money, so that we could live a comfortable life later on. The thing is, we never realize that perfect moments and perfect days are just around us. We only need to slow down, stop rushing, and notice what a beautiful day we are going through. Indeed, we find perfect moments in places we never knew it could be. Imagine a “bad day”. You are late for work and stuck in a traffic jam. You do not have time for breakfast and you only manage to grab a cup of coffee before hopping in to your car. Do not feel that it is the worst thing that could ever happen. Cheer up, as you would notice how bright the sun is shining, and how the birds are whistling happily around you. Smile, as the aroma of coffee lights up your day.

I remember I had my perfect days during the toughest days of my life. It is ridiculous for some. How could tough days be perfect days? It was not too long ago when I joined the National Service. I was sent to Terengganu for physical training. At first, I was not happy for I had never been to countryside. I could not imagine myself training under the sun and jog miles after miles daily. Yet, one night as I was walking back to my tent, I looked up the sky. Wow. There were tons of stars glittering in the dark sky. I was amazed; speechless. God must have given me a chance to have a glimpse of heaven, I thought. I looked for a perfect spot, where no trees are blocking the starlit sky, and sat there in awe, trying to make a wish on every star I saw. A friend joined me and we chat; laughed; and shared the moment together.

Now as I sit and watch the sky, I smile when I see stars shining brightly. I cherish every moment I spend with people whom I love, as I know that we could find special moments in the faces of our loved ones. Expect the unexpected. Remember that every moment is a perfect moment; every day is a perfect day, if we take some time to note the little things around us - little things that make our day.

More pics from Kek Lok Si Temple

2008-03-02T20:45:00.004+08:00

Kek Lok Si Temple

2008-03-02T20:14:00.003+08:00

Have been busy for a while. Now I'm finally free (for a few days at least). Next week, I'll have to shoot a video for assignment purpose. Hope it'll be fun.

This year's CNY is not that happening. Less firework, less Ang Pau, less visiting, less CNY cookies/titbits... Of course, Dad came home to celebrate as well. But, some things happenned and end up mom + dad in cold war. Once again, dad's reputation in bro's and my heart is going down the drain. Anyway, I'm not going into details.

I had to come back to Penang on the 4th day of CNY. My friends from Chung Der brought me and some other friends to Kek Lok Si Temple on the 14th day to see the breath-taking light decoration. Kek Lok Si Temple is decorated with lights once a year during CNY and it lasts for 15 days, if I'm not mistaken. When I reached the bottom of the hill and look at the temple's view from below, it's so bright and beautiful that it's unbelievable. It is as if the temple's a fake one, like in James Bond or Mission Impossible or something. It may look ordinary in the photo, but if you have a chance, you MUST come to Kek Lok Si during CNY to take a look yourself.

A friend in need is a friend indeed

2008-01-01T22:04:00.000+08:00

It is only when you are in need that you realize who is your true friend. And I realize this today as I sprained my ankle badly and found that there are so many people who concern about me. I'm really touched. Thank you, guyz. I really appreciate it. Muakz!

Photoshop CS2

2007-12-30T16:09:00.001+08:00

Was exploring photoshop just now. This is what I get:

Before

After

Haha! Slimmed my face and added some "make-up". Looks like someone who's putting on make-up for the first time, lol!

'Tis better to have loved and lost loved, than never to have loved at all

2007-12-27T21:04:00.000+08:00

This is a quote by Shakespear that my English tuition teacher taught me back in Form 4/Form 5.

Are you for or against this quote? It is very much debatable I guess.

One will force a melancholy smile if one recalls the bitter-sweet memories with his or her loved one. All the heart-warming flashbacks will make one teary at times when he or she feels lonely. To think about all the sacrifices he/she made for you, and all the sweet things he/she has done for you makes you feel like you wouldn't be able to find another one like him/her again. It is moments like this that causes one to ponder, whether it is right to put a full stop to the relationship.

Yet, when time passes unconciously, when some heart-breaking things happen, and when he/she does things that really disappoints you despite you giving countless chances, you gain this feeling that you can't live on like this. He/she is not the one for you. You shall not have him/her as your other half, as he/she does not possess the qualities that you expected. This is when rationality overcomes blinded love. This is when you see more cons than pros. This is when you know you have to make the move to do the "right thing".

But again...

***

Is it better not to have loved at all than having a broken heart?

This way one will not have to be the most miserable person on earth dwelling in the past, yearning for something irrecoverable, or being at risk of getting another heartbreak by crawling back to him/her again, defeated by a "soft-heart".

Maybe it is... better... to just be left unknown the feeling of being loved, to just imagine what love is like, to drool over prince charming might come riding on a white horse one day.

But again...

Shakespear once said, tis better to have loved and lost loved, than never to have loved at all, rite?

Prepaid --> Postpaid

2007-12-27T16:39:00.000+08:00

Will change my call plan to DiGi Postpaid, AFTER I get my bonus airtime, tee hee :P RM35 free u know?

Well, actually considered Maxis Postpaid, but don't wanna inform the whole kampung that I changed my phone number.

If only I got my hands on the Celcom Xpax University Special Edition :(
0.15 call to any network
0.06 sms to any network
Any time, any where

sigh.

Christmas Present

2007-12-22T10:20:00.000+08:00

Anyone and everyone is welcome to present any of the above CK watches to me as Christmas gift. :D

If you feel like giving other stuff to me during christmas, you may donate this to me at any time too, hehe...

Another option is to substitute the CNY Ang Pau with this simple yet elegant CK watch ;)

Tired

2007-12-17T22:24:00.000+08:00

I'm tired of living up to people's expectations. Esp. this one person's which requires me to be who I am not. I'm so sick of it. I want to be true to myself. And there's only one way to achieve that goal... That is to get rid of the obstacle that's in my way.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2007-12-15T13:48:00.000+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm invited to a Christmas party tonight. Yay! My coursemates suggested to have a lil gift exchange this year. I bought christmas caps (is that what it's called?) for each of them. It's a really nice dark red cap with gold coloured decorations on it. There're also little red stars which glows when you press on a button. Too bad I don't have my new mobile phone with me coz I sent it for repair (stupid phone, bought it only 2 months ago!), so I couldn't capture a picture of it.

I'm back in USM now. Woke up 7.30 in the morning so that I can register my courses early and so that I wouldn't have to squeeze with too many people. When I reached my school, it's about 8.30 and I thought I'm just in time. But, wth, they only open at 9.00. GRRRRH!! My credit hours or units are full this semester. There are 3 courses that take up 4 units, 1 of them 100% coursework, 1 English course, and the last one is a 3-unit course from School of Educational Studies. Whoa, will be very tiring this semester! Luckily, there are 2 minor courses which are "2d, 3d & animation" and "digital audio & video". Hohoho!! I've long waited for these 2 courses and now they're finally here! After this, I'll be pretty good at Photoshop and at editing stuff, muahahaha!!! Ahem. Ok, not that I'll master them but at least the basics.

Grades for last semester is satisfactory, although I wished for a better result for Children's Literature. I got only a B+ and all my other friends got either A or A- :( Sad~ But I'll try to get over it asap, and buckle up for the start of a whole new challenging semester.

Another good news is: I've made up my mind that I'll take up Spanish. Not this sem nor next, but the sem after, coz all my compulsory courses are planned and they take up all the credit hours (In USM we have a limit of maximum 20 credit hours per semester). What makes me decide on this mind-boggling choice between French and Spanish? Haha. It's when I accompanied my friend Ying Ying to register for her foreign language course today, I overheard a student greeting his Spanish lecturer saying "Ola!". This simple greeting is so cheerful and it sound so friendly. I think I prefer "Ola" to "Bonjour". So, it's pretty clear.

21st Birthday

2007-11-05T23:46:00.000+08:00

I would like to dedicate this entry to my fellow housemates. Hence, I would blog in Chinese specially for them. *Ahem* Note that this is the very first time to have a Chinese entry ever since I started blogging two years ago.

非常感谢你们送我礼物。其实，从中学以来，都很少有人会送我生日礼物或为我庆祝生日。也许，我人缘比较差；也许，好友难寻。（也许，我生日时都是接近考试或放假的时间。哈哈！）但是，至从进入大学生涯，我渐渐的体会到友谊的温暖。尤其是在这间继将被卖掉的家里，我觉得大家都很关心每个成员。无论谁有事情，都会与她分担。

感觉上，虽然我住在这里不是很久，却认识了很多人，而每个人都有自己的优点和特色，好让我学习了不少。
玉佳：性格开朗，非常有自信。一但认定了目标就会努力的往前奋斗。
诗燕：思想成熟，友善。
佩诗：看起来好像blur blur,其实很有内涵，有耐心，对事乐观。
小佩：有小佩在就有欢笑声。
诗仪：有“大家姐”的风范，很独立。同时，很容易相处。
素芬：er... 孝顺父母,每星期都会定时回家（哈:P）
筱慧：关心朋友，也很友善。

谢谢你们送我的礼物，我会珍惜的：）

p/s: 如果写错任何人的名字，很抱歉！>_<"

Helpless

2007-10-26T22:43:00.000+08:00

It is undoubtfully one of the saddest things on earth that could ever happen. Sometimes, misfortune befalls your close/loved ones and all you can do is watch it happen.

Lately, I encounter two such incidences. The first case is where one of my coursemates has severe illnesses and she doesn't want to accept medical treatment. She is trapped in her own maze and is unable to come out of it. She attempted suicide three times and fortunately, none succeeded. Too bad, all I can do is watch it happen. We tried everything we could. Advise, support, encouragement, seek medical help... From what I heard, she is now getting better and is receiving treatment after her father brought her back to her hometown. She will be coming back at the end of this month to sit for her final exams.

Currently, my mom is suffering from a serious knee injury. Her knee is severely swollen and inflammed. My mom's backbone is also crooked due to past injuries. She broke one of the discs of her backbone and had an incision to remove the disc. Now, her backbone is crooked because of aging and too much carrying of heavy objects. She is receiving knee treatment from a specialist that costs about RM800 per consultation. I know she is suffering both physically and financialy. But, again, all I can do is watch things happen.

I have no financial income. I can't help my mom financially. I asked her to reduce my pocket money, but she refuses to do so. I'm currently studying in Penang. So, I can't send her to work or clinic, or can I help her to lessen her burden by doing house chores. My mom's boss is lousy as a person. He has no heart, even he has one, it is non other than a cold heart. He knows my mom has spinal and knee injury, but he still asks my mom to walk, walk, and walk to banks and some other places to do stupid things. Don't la be so kedekut, hire more staff! FYI, his office has only 3 staffs, including my mom. All his staff are over-worked and underpaid. Gees!!

When I think of mom, I can't help but let my tears fall. I'm so helpless. On top of that, I'm like a parasite that adds more burden to my mom like she has not enough of that already.

My mom doesn't want my dad to know about this. Cause he will ask mom to resign if he does. I agree if mom resigns and retire early. But, realistically, dad is going to retire in 2-3 years time and I'm still studying. Even if I graduate and get a job, it wouldn't be enough to cover my family's expenses. My bro is only in Form One this year. There's still a long way of education to go, which means more $$. If only we struck jackpot and become millionaire in a second. Yeah, right...

What can I do?

I've just gotta post this!

2007-10-14T11:16:00.000+08:00

You Got Served by a Parrot Go parrot, it`s your birthday.

Click on the link to view the funny parrot video. :D

Study Week

2007-10-11T13:45:00.000+08:00

It's technically study week now... But practically, it's RAYA WEEK hahaha!! As a patriotic Malaysian... ahem... I have the responsibility to help boost the Raya mood by not studying this week! haha! It's all about holidaying and playing and doing nothing lol!

Well, ok. Let's get back to the ground. Exams are only 2 weeks away and I have tons of reading to do. Sigh! Reality sucks. But look at the bright side, I'm coming home on Monday. Yay!!!

York's travelling to Africa this Sat. Syok-ing sendiri la~~ Forget bout friends edi. Right, York?? :P Remember I'll be waiting for my giraffe skin.

Went shopping two days in a row. Spent 300 bucks! Pengsan! But it's all necessary things I bought. Well... not all, bought one stupid key chain. Really regret it. Darn tired when I reach home last night. And the night before. It's like gaining back all the fun I lost when I was busy doing assignments in one shot. Ok. No more shopping after this.

Almost the end of a semester

2007-10-01T21:00:00.000+08:00

It's almost the end of a semester. Everyone is starting to relax. Assignments are handed in and people are going back to their hometowns by the end of this week. Meanwhile, the TESOL students are still struggling with their endless work, and coping with their endless exams.

Sigh.

Be strong.

On the Fence

2007-09-27T09:47:00.000+08:00

If someone is holding you back from achieving your dreams, will you:

A. guide that person so that he/she becomes compatible with you (although it takes years and lots of perseverence and patience), or

B. let that person go so that you can be who you want to be?

I'm on the fence.

98.8fm Live Party Concert

2007-09-17T09:03:00.000+08:00

Muahahahahahaha!!! 98.8fm's concert is in Penang, and it's at Queensbay Mall (which means it's near my place). And the day before, they gave out free tickets in front if USM's main gate (which means it's just below where I stay). kaka~~ it was raining and i was rushing my assignments. So, my kind housemates went down and grab it for me :D

On Saturday evening, the four of us went there. The stage is not that big but we get to squeeze into the front. Well, almost the front, since we don't have VIP tickets. Again, it's raining. Luckily Shi Yi, one of my housemates have 2 big umbrellas in her car. We went searching for rain coats at Watsons, Guardian, etc. All are out of stock! Theoritically, I think it's the 98.8 crew who have grabbed all of them! Wicked!

The ticket stated "starting at 7pm" and we waited... and waited.... and waited. Note that the VIP seats are still empty when it's near 7.45pm. So, we're only waiting for the VIPs to arrive. Darn! Not only that, we're waiting under the rain with our shoes soaking wet! Silly VIPs. Or should I say, silly MALAYSIAN VIPs. This is Malaysia. Always late.

8pm... 3 DJs finally came out to the stage. No... it's not starting yet. They're playing games, duh! Like, giving out free gifts and asking questions, blabla~~ The place where we're standing was always being neglected! They only care for the center and the left side of the stage. I was thinking, "We're here for the show too!" Then, 8.15 or was it 8.30? Power Station finally came out to sing. Ugh!! The rain became lighter and we can finally close our umbrellas.

No doubt, Power Station has the best vocal among all. They have good charisma and most importantly, they don't neglect their fans at the sides of the stage!!

After that, there're endless of not-so-famous artists coming out to perform. That period was really boring.

The guy in black and white is the winner of Malaysia's first Superstar contest - John. Whereas, the lady in blue is, I think, a Hong Kong singer. Her name is Yumiko. Sounds like Japanese though. I pity her... The audience don't sing along with her and not much of applause. Haha~~ That shows how famous she is.

After a long wait... It's finally Gary's turn. He's the reason I'm squeezing myself in the crowd and soaking my leg (and pants) in rain water, haha... He's so sexy and charming! He has a great vocal performance, almost as good as power station. An uprising star! Gary Cao Ge... A Malaysian singer, famous in Taiwan too.

He interacts with his fans well and he sang in the rain because his fans are standing in the rain. Hoho~ Muackzzz~~~ Love him!! He even sang My Way in 2 voices - male and female voice. Excellent excellent vocal ability! He sang the most songs that night, if i'm not mistaken. His presence absolutely outshine every artists there.
Another well-applauded singer is Justin from Hong Kong. He sings cantonese songs, but I'm not really a fan of his. He's... ok lah...

This guy even received a bouquet of flowers from the audience (and Gary didn't), ish!! Geramnya! >.<"

There are lots of singers that I didn't mention. My housemate and I couldn't stand the rain and the crowd (and since Gary already performed). So we squeezed out and went to Starbucks for coffee instead. Starbucks is an outdoor cafe, so we still manage to listen to the music. My 2 other housemates joined us later. They wanna wait for Ling Yu Zhong (which means "soaking in rain" haha).

The Golden Compass

2007-09-14T10:00:00.000+08:00

As I was browsing GSC's website, I found this movie trailer. It's starred by Nicole Kidman, must be something good! A little of Lord of the Rings, some of Narnia... It's in theatres December 7. Looking forward to it :)

Grandfather's clock

2007-09-07T10:56:00.000+08:00

Feeling a little low at the moment... This song suits the mood very much. Reminds me of the days when I use to have "agile fingers" while playing the organ. Miss my EL-500 so much... I wanna play music... :~(

Long time no blog

2007-09-07T08:26:00.000+08:00

So. Anne of Green Gables is not bad after all. Y'all should really go read it. I'm talking like I've read the book now. Okay, so I haven't. I've only watched the movie lol. I'm gonna read it this weekend. But it really is not bad. Really. Except that Anne talks too much and reading her dialogue alone is disturbing.

Gulliver's Travel is removed from examination. Double Yay!! Our lecturer FINALLY realizes that it is too difficult for us (novinces) to analyze it. How I wish there's "Children's Literary Criticism for Dummies". Then I wouldn't have so much trouble analyzing children's texts.

Someone told me a fact yesterday. A fact that I already knew but the person has been telling me lies to comfort me. I know that too. But last night it is eventually spilled out and it is poured right onto my face. From my face it went rushing right into my heart and it was as if a sea of tears are being pumped into my whole body. Not because that I finally realise the fact. I have known the fact for so long. But it is because of the lies that the person told me, that how unimportant the fact is. It is so sad. That I can put into words no more. Don't even wanna talk about it.

p/s British council is closing down its online library service. Darn!

Broke

2007-08-21T09:26:00.000+08:00

Graduation week is over. Lots of money was spent to buy flowers for my friends who just graduated and gifts for 3 other friends who just celebrated their birthdays for the past 1 week. I'm broke.

Okay, it's not as bad as it sounds...

Grandfather's birthday is this Saturday. Dad's coming back to celebrate it too. Too bad I'm the only one left out. Wait. I'm not the only one. My cousin brother who is working in Australia is also left out :D I heard from mom that he has got a girlfriend. I wonder if she's the one he told us about when he came back last year. (Or was it last 2 years?) My cousin bro is a weight lifter. Yes, he is a pro and has won several trophies. He is also muscular. Very muscular. But, being not so tall made him look funny.

It looks like it is going to rain out there. But I still have to go drama practise and other classes. Sigh. Life goes on.

Went Tesco last night to buy a cake for my housemate. It took us twice or thrice the time needed to do this task coz we went shopping while at Tesco, haha. Spent more money again. Bought a bag of chips n instant noodle (now this is the main point, lol). The grocery stores near where I stay doesn't sell vege flavour instant noodle.

Alright, time to run. Ciao.

Just some thoughts

2007-08-10T18:10:00.000+08:00

I know I keep saying this, but...... there're so many assignments to be done!!! Just Fairy Tales alone, I have to read for more than 50 of them. And, analyze them. Novels, 4 of them. Textbooks, countless of them. Then, there is this drama which contributes 50% to my PGT 203 course. For QMT 212 Instructional Design, I have to design a system, from doing market research to building the actual story board of the software. Presentations, as always. And so much more...

But the good thing is... I get to come back to KL from the 16th to 19th Aug. Yay! :)

I'm glad that the bond among my chinese coursemates are getting stronger. We hang out more often and we have more team spirit. Hooray!

Wen Jing, one of my coursemates is having eating disorder. She refuses to tell us her problem and she doesn't want to spend money on food. We're worried but she doesn't let us help her. She is now, literally, a bag of bones. It's quite eerie to look at her some times. It seems like her hands will break if we accidentally bumped into her. So, on her coming birthday, we plan to buy her a big hamper, containing all sorts of food like oatmeal, biscuits, soymilk, milo, cakes, noodles (not instant noodles) and other stuff. I hope she doesn't get angry. She once told us that she doesn't need our help because she is not a beggar. We have no intention of treating her like one. It's just that we can't let her keep on like this.

Oh ya, it's grandma's birthday tomorrow. Think I should give her a call.

My cousin bro, who met an accident few months ago, is in trouble again. It's something with the darker part of the society. I wish to help him, too, but I don't wanna interfere or make connections with any of his problem. How ironic, huh?

PBSM has done it again!

2007-08-02T14:28:00.001+08:00

All second year students are compulsory to join the Co-currirular Open Day March!! Darn!

At first the elite squad, now, everyone has to participate! They're misusing their authority! Are you trying to threaten us??? You're just a nobody Exco, no more than a normal student like us! How can u order us around??!!

Thursday and Friday 5-7pm rehearsal. Saturday 7.30 to 1pm. Then 1-4pm Interaction Day activity. Shoot! Time wasting, absolute nonsense!

Camping after our final exams, which means I can't go home after my exams and i have to wait for the stupid Camping!!!

Pancakes

2007-07-27T13:42:00.000+08:00

As I was thinking what to cook for lunch today, the idea of pancakes popped into my mind. I grabbed whatever that's necessary (flour, butter, milk) from the grocery store and headed home.

Being clueless on what to do, I logged on to marthastewart.com, lol!! And voila, the best pancake batter recipe! Thanks to Martha Stewart, my first attempt was indeed a success. There was a little too much butter though. Next time, maybe I'll try adding chocolate chips and banana :D

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-23T17:24:00.000+08:00

The war continues between hypermarkets and major bookstores. For you who do not know yet, Tesco and Carrefour are selling the book at RM69.90, which is RM40 cheaper than the recommended retail price, RM 109.90. The bookstores which did not sell the book in protest at Tesco and Carrefour are MPH, Times, Popular and Harris. Borders, however, did not participate in the protest but they are selling the books at RM 109.90. The final book of the Harry Potter series ran out of stock at Borders by yesterday noon.

Carrefour stood its ground and continues to sell the books at RM 69.90 while Tesco is still considering whether to increase or decrease the price. The Malaysia Bookseller Association (MBA) is siding the bookstores and so am I.

"Stick to your discounts on milk powder, rice and other food products. Stay off the bestsellers, in particular Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows novel," said MBA president, Mr. Cheah Thye Wee.

The hypermarkets' indiscriminate price discount is destroying the market value of the book and it shows the lack of business ethic in their marketing strategy. Even I, who is not that much of a Harry Potter fan, feel bad for this ironic situation. It is not like Tesco and Carrefour will end up bankrupt if they don't sell the books. I think Mr. Cheah is spot on when he gave his opinion. Stick to your discounts on groceries!!! Now I hope Tesco and Carrefour will shut down in less than one month's time. Long live Jusco, which did not interfere with MPH and the other bookstores!

A book waited by all for two long years. This is how it ends. Abracadabra!

Dr. Kabilan

2007-07-21T22:26:00.001+08:00

He is a very good example of nightmare. I tried to avoid his class but have no other choices. Sigh.

It's only first week when we get our task before we learn anything. He cancelled class on the second week and we are requested to present a research paper and a conceptual paper on the following week, which is this coming monday.

He doesn't really lecture. Most of the time just talking non-sense. He acts cool as if he's still at our age. I wonder why people just don't admit that they're not young any more.

Vitamins

2007-07-17T16:45:00.000+08:00

I hate to consume vitamins. I believe that vitamins come from our food, not from those plasticky capsules that we buy from pharmacies. It is such a burden for me that I have to force myself to remember to eat those "food supplement" every day. Despite being an easy task, I still hate to eat it. It makes me feel like a sick person.

There are so many capsules that I have to eat every day! Vitamin C (one daily, which is, according to my dad, a time-release vitamin, very good and very expensive also), evening primrose oil (3 capsules per day, calcium (I don't know how many per day as I never bother to eat them), vitamin B (where did I place them?), etc etc...

I know... I know... I should be grateful that I can at least afford to buy them. Some people in Africa lack nutrition and they starve to death. But again... vitamins? capsules? Eww...

You know, my mom nags me every time I go home. And, my dad would ask me, have you finished the vitamin that I bought for you?

Then I would go: err.... it's going to finish soon.

Dad: Isn't that the answer that you gave me 5 months ago?

Me: Really? Well, there are too many capsules in a bottle, and I only have to consume one daily, right? (And the fact is, I only consume one weekly or so :P)

I think I'm gonna add something to my wishlist... To consume vitamins daily.

Don't worry, be happy

2007-07-16T15:58:00.000+08:00

Accept life as it is, although things don't always happen the way we want them to. I am very grateful to my Great Teacher, Ji Gong Huo Fo, as He is always by my side caring for me. He taught me to adapt to all environment, so that I will not miss home so much. He taught me to be humble, to be strong, to be wise, to be independent, to be patient, and so much more. Everything He teaches me guides me into becoming a better person. I will try not to shed tears for myself, telling me how pitiful I am. Instead, I will channel this energy into something that is more beneficial.

My journey to becoming a better person is long and it takes much time. I hope, my dear Teacher, that you would not lose faith in me. I believe, and I have faith, that one day we shall meet. And on that day, I will thank you in person, for all you've done for me and for all the living beings...

A visit

2007-07-14T23:55:00.000+08:00

My aunt and uncle came to Penang yesterday. They brought me to Gurney Drive for dinner and visited my house.

Although it's just a simple thing but I really appreciate it because they're my first relatives that came visit me in Penang. Even my mom doesn't have the chance to come to Penang just yet. I'm truly touched.

Thank you Aunt Serena n Uncle Wilfred.

The Simpsons Movie

2007-07-13T16:28:00.001+08:00

It's coming!
It's coming!
It's coming this 27th July! Woohoooo!

To watch the trailer, scroll down till the end of my blog.
:D

Don't do to others what you don't want others do to you

2007-07-11T20:15:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, people are just so calculative. I wonder it's an attitude people adopt as they grow older or it's their natural "self-protection mechanism".

Isn't it a good thing to share? Doesn't it make you feel so lonely and isolated if you shove everyone off? Aren't you tired of keeping a record of which is your stuff and who used your stuff? Maybe I'm being too sensitive but it is an eyesore at times looking at what's going on lately. I feel so low by saying this but I think people who are calculative are somewhat self-centered.

So, let me pray that I don't become a calculative person. It will definitely make me look so snobbish and arrogant.

There's another incident that happened to me today, but I do not want to post it here. I guess you don't need me to tell you why. The only thing that I can say is, that person once said that he/she will be very annoyed if a person does that to him/her. But today, he/she does this to me. I don't know whether this person does this on purpose or without realizing it. In my point of view, though, it is almost impossible for that person to not realize it. I am so pissed off that I wanna strangle that person until he/she begs me to stop and vows that he/she will never do that again.

So, folks out there, please... do not do to others what you do not like others do to you. Do you understand?

Last but not least, do try to accept other people's point of view. Your idea is not perfect. Being older does not mean you are better or wiser. No one is the most intelligent creature in the entire universe. Get it? There's this chinese quote, "there sure is one teacher among three persons who walk together." Meaning, no matter how great you are, there must be someone who is wiser than you in a certain aspect. My advise is, try to look at the world from a higher peak, then you will realize how small you are.

Foreign Language

2007-07-10T16:39:00.000+08:00

French or Japanese?
French or Japanese?
French or Japanese?
French or Japanese?
French or Japanese?
French or Japanese?
or Spanish? or German? or Korean??????

Arhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Back in Penang

2007-07-08T17:38:00.000+08:00

It's been 3 1/2 days since I came back to Penang. The semester hasn't started yet and I'm already busy with activities. I was kinda lazy on Friday. All students are supposed to register their courses on Friday or Saturday. Well, there's still Saturday, right? hehe... I sort of unpacked my luggage, cleaned up my room n the house, went to the new Tesco (for the first time), etc.

Registration on Saturday was crazy! It took me two whole hours to do the stupid thing. With Band 5 in MUET, I should be attending English level 400. But the stupid Language Center gave me English level 300. When I was about to go online, my academic consultant told me that I have to go all the way up to the Language Center to sort it all out before I could register. For those of you who don't know, the Language Center is quite far from my school (School of Educational Studies) and it is up the hill! There are no buses from my school to there, so I have to walk, or should I say climb? Sigh~~~

I manage to drop English level 300 but I couldn't get 400 cause they don't offer level 400 to second year students this semester. I seriously think that this is nonsense! Why don't they tell us earlier before we register? Put a notice or something, so that we can forget about taking English at the first place. We could sign up for something else to fulfil our units! Again, Malaysia and its "intelligent" system.

That night, I went to this orientation thingy with the first year students. Some of them are totally blur and shy to make friends. Whereas, some are so eager to ask questions that they don't even give a chance for seniors to explain. The event was estimated to end at 9.30p.m. but it took another hour to finish.

Today, I am assigned to be on duty as a first aider at "The Taman LipSin Amazing Race for Teens" (ok, I sorta made up that name, but it's something like that-lah). I had to wake up at 6am, despite sleeping at 12 last night because of the orientation. One of the facilitators didn't show up and I had to take over his/her place. *sweat* My group members consist of 5 girls n 1 guy. The guy felt very awkward being with a bunch of girls and he tend to always maintain some distance from the girls. The girls, on the other hand, are stubborn. They don't listen to instructions. When they received a clue, they just run without directions. They even followed the direction other groups are going, not knowing that they were heading to different stations. Ha-ha! Good for them, this is what happens when they don't listen to ME!!! Muahahahahha~~~ *evil* It rained half way though. We had to run back to the meeting point and all activities stopped for about an hour. The person-in-charge manage to design an indoor-5-station game in like, 15 minutes! "Clap Clap Clap!!"

I reached home at 2pm. Tired. Still, I have chores to do. :~( Darn tired. Body temperature rising, headache (was walking in the rain), sick?

Bread Story

2007-07-05T22:57:00.000+08:00

My mom bought me these cute lil' buns a few days ago.

They were so cute I don't wanna eat them, lol. So, I took a picture of them for memory.

Chocolate-Breadman: Ahhhh.... Don't eat me!

Me: Hahaha... Your time has come!

Life... What is life?

2007-07-02T16:47:00.000+08:00

An acquaintance said...

life = expenses (eat at expensive restaurants, drive expensive car, wear designers clothes, yada yada)

no expenses = no life

But, isn't

expenses = lots of money needed = work work and work

Hence,

life = working 24/7

Gosh, I don't want that.
If you notice,

working 24/7 = no life

Thus,

If life = expenses, then
life = working 24/7 = no life

haha... quite contradicting huh?

Yes, I do admit that one would yearn to live a high life. But, what's wrong with living a moderate life and just be grateful for whatever you have?

John (John Doe) who wishes to live like a king will never be satisfied with his income. If he earns RM 4000 a month and has no girlfriend/children to take care of, we might think that, well, RM4000 should be more than enough. But no, he wants to drive a car that cost him RM 800 loan payment monthly. He wants to wear Giorgio Armani and Ermegildo Zegna. He wants to live at a luxury condo. So, his minimum FIXED expenses is at least RM 2800 per month.

On the other hand, Mary (Mary Jane) who earns only RM 3000 with one more person who rely on her can live happily and comfortably.

The only difference that exist is, I think, the mindset. To some, a handbag is just a handbag. A 20 dollar handbag is still a handbag. To some others, a 20 dollar handbag is not a handbag. Handbag = Louise Vuitton.

Some of you have probably heard of this story. It is a story that is very close to my heart and I would think of this story whenever I tend to lose myself into "materialisticism" (haha, got such word?).

A wealthy old man who worked all his life has finally retired. Working all his life, he looked much older for his age. He became so lonely and had almost no friends. Then, he decided to have a vacation by the sea. One day as he was admiring the sunset, he spotted a fisherman playing with some kids. He approached the fisherman and they had a conversation.

"You should go to the big city and work there. You'll earn lots of money and live a better life," the old man said.

"How long does it take to earn lots of money so that I can live a better life?"

"Well, if you work hard enough, 20 years is all you need. Then, you don't have to worry about financial problems and have lots of time to spend with your family. You can even afford to go vacation at times and admire the sunset at some beach like what I'm doing now!" The old man answered confidently.

The fisherman chuckled and replied, "Well, why do I have to wait for 20 years? Don't I already have all that?"

100 words that all highschool graduates (and their parents) should know

2007-06-22T18:19:00.000+08:00

BOSTON, MA — The editors of the American Heritage® dictionaries have compiled a list of 100 words they recommend every high school graduate should know."The words we suggest," says senior editor Steven Kleinedler, "are not meant to be exhaustive but are a benchmark against which graduates and their parents can measure themselves. If you are able to use these words correctly, you are likely to have a superior command of the language."The following is the entire list of 100 words:

abjure
abrogate
abstemious
acumen
antebellum
auspicious
belie
bellicose
bowdlerize
chicanery
chromosome
churlish
circumlocution
circumnavigate
deciduous
deleterious
diffident
enervate
enfranchise
epiphany
equinox
euro
evanescent
expurgate
facetious
fatuous
feckless
fiduciary
filibuster
gamete
gauche
gerrymander
hegemony
hemoglobin
homogeneous
hubris
hypotenuse
impeach
incognito
incontrovertible
inculcate
infrastructure
interpolate
irony
jejune
kinetic
kowtow --> haha
laissez faire
lexicon
loquacious
lugubrious
metamorphosis
mitosis
moiety
nanotechnology
nihilism
nomenclature
nonsectarian
notarize
obsequious
oligarchy
omnipotent
orthography
oxidize
parabola
paradigm
parameter
pecuniary
photosynthesis
plagiarize
plasma
polymer
precipitous
quasar
quotidian
recapitulate
reciprocal
reparation
respiration
sanguine
soliloquy
subjugate
suffragist
supercilious
tautology
taxonomy
tectonic
tempestuous
thermodynamics
totalitarian
unctuous
usurp
vacuous
vehement
vortex
winnow
wrought
xenophobe
yeoman
ziggurat

The Simpsons

2007-06-22T16:15:00.000+08:00

It is yet another day and I'm watching yet another episode of my new passion - The Simpsons! I've always regarded The Simpsons as stupid and ugly and pointless. But after watching a few episodes... WHOA! I love it!

One good thing about this cartoon is that its introduction is not like any cartoon/movies out there. If you noticed, you would know that Bart writes different sentences on the blackboard in each intro. And, each sentence makes me (and my bro) rotflol! Not only that, the ending of the intro varies too! Each time Homer is chased into the living room, the family members end up sitting in different ways!

My mom borrowed 3 seasons of Simpsons from her colleague. I guess I should thank mom for that. I would rot at home without any entertainment.

Funny Getback

2007-06-14T11:45:00.000+08:00

The following is a conversation between my friend Jacqueline and her teacher. The moment I finish reading it, I thought that this is hilarious! It is ironic and satirises the mindset of our society today towards religion. A total spot on!

"Having faith is enough" is a famous quote that I'd hear whenever people try to diss people who are spreading messages from God. It is an utter disappointment that people nowadays have such little curiosity about where the world come from and who created life. This "having faith is enough" thing is obviuosly perfunctory in trying to come up with a polite way to ask religious people to "get lost". For me, I see it as another version of "here's my middle finger!"

To Jacqueline, I don't mean to disrespect your views (and/or to breach your copyright). It's just my version of interpretation.

Here it goes:

I had a conversation with one of my teachers who happens to be a Christian. (I am a Buddhist btw)

He: "Do you believe in GOD?"

Me:" Yes, I do!"

"So, do you wan to study about GOD?"

"..."

"Being a Christian can make you understand about GOD and make you closer to HIM!"

"I don't think religion is very important. It is just like a tool, so no matter what kind of religion we have, if we know how to be a good person and think of HIM all the time it is enough! Religion is just like a tool for us to get closer with whatever we believe in."

"Ok, so you are not interested in studying GOD?"

"I think just having faith to whatever above us (GOD) is enough and become a good person is the most important thing!"

"So, you are not interested to study whatever you think is important?"

"Yes!"

"Ok, then I ask you, do you have faith in what you are studying now? Accounting? it can give you bright future?"

"Yes!"

"So, why are you wasting your time to study accounting? Just have a faith in Accounting is enough, isn't it?"

"...."

Wa lao, I dunno how to answer.

No easy money earned

2007-06-12T21:47:00.000+08:00

I worked at this survey company near my house yesterday, as data entry clerk. Told them that I'd work for 3 weeks but ended up only one day. haha. They pay RM1+ per questionaire, where one piece requires at least 20 minutes to finish. I got to type 15 questionaires, meaning I got about RM20 per day.

That sucks.

I reached the office at 10:05am, left at 5:45pm. RM 20 is all I got?

Okay, maybe I'm too choosy or I complain too much regarding the salary. Or, am I?

Yet I don't wanna sit at home and do nothing... So today YiZhi recommended another job. It is from Galaxy Vision Research, the company that I worked for about a year ago. It offers RM 18-23 per succesful interview.

The problem is, where can I find people who buys cars between Dec 2006 to April 2007???

I guess... this is why they say, no easy money earned.

Miracle

2007-06-03T15:34:00.001+08:00

Boy oh boy... this is a MIRACLE! Blogger has returned to normal! I can sign in again! Woohoo~~~ Wish this lasts.

The X-file

2007-05-31T11:18:00.000+08:00

It was 3 or 4 a.m. that night when I heard some noises of women speaking to each other. I tried to understand what they were speaking but couldn't. I thought to myself, are there any other women staying in my house other than my mom and I? No... Then who is it?? In the middle of the night... (X-files music in the background) and why can't I understand a word they are speaking? What language is it? Mandarin? No. Cantonese? No. What the..... And there I was wanted to go to the loo, but dare not wake up. Suddenly, someone twisted the doorknob to my room. Someone entered. I forced my eyes shut and pretended to be sleeping. The person took something out from my cupboard and left. I forced myself to sleep while the noises of women speaking continues.

The moment the sun rises, I quickly get up from bed and ask my mom whether she entered my room last night and she answered yes. THANK GOODNESS. But, who's the other female who was speaking last night? My aunt?? Ran away and came to us for rescue in the middle of the night? Whoa, that was some kind of drama, wasn't it? Like those scenes in soap-operas. My aunt (father's cousin sis) had a fight with her husband, as in, real fight. Her husband threatened to kill her, literally. He took out a knife and chased her and has always been torturing her. So, few days ago she ran away from her house during midnight, barefooted. Well, pity her and her daughter. They are now staying at my grandma's house waiting for the divorce procedures.

Till then.

Still looking for temporary jobs. Any recommendations?

p/s this blog is driving me crazy! I thought of changing to http://moodcommunication.blog.com

But it's way too slow. Switch back to Xanga? Nah...

At home

2007-05-08T15:34:00.000+08:00

It's a long holiday.
I'm basically doing nothing at home. Makes me feel like a disabled.
Anyway, I will be going back to Penang on Sunday. Then, off to Taiwan on Tuesday.
Luckily I don't have to be a parasite at home for too long.

Hope to find a job for the month of June. Perhaps some short courses.
Mom is suggesting costume jewellery making, glass deco, sewing, etc.
I was thinking make-up courses, lol.

Anything I do, I just don't wanna be a parasite. Eat, sleep, TV, drive mom + bro, eat, sleep...

Soek Min, my ex-hostel roommate, is in KL. She would like to hang out with me at KLCC tomorrow. O.O I thought she would be mad at me for not accompanying her at the hostel. (I moved out from the hostel, leaving her sleeping alone at the scary + dirty place)

I appreciate it very much that she still treats me as her friend. I definitely don't wanna end up being her enemy.

Disappointment

2007-05-08T15:15:00.000+08:00

I'm quite disappointed that some people just can't accept the fact that i've become a vegetarian, despite it's already been almost a year.

It makes me think. Am I not doing this for good?

My friends, my housemates especially, supports me well though. Most of the time, they even wanna join me in cooking + eating vegetarian food. I'm very happy for that.

I just wanna apologize to every one out there, if I ever harm or hurt or caused you massive trouble, for me being a vegetarian. I'm sorry.
.
.
.
.
.
.
But I will NOT, do ANYTHING, to not be a vegetarian.

Sorry dude.

Think it over

2007-05-04T16:02:00.000+08:00

Today we have higher buildings and wider highways,
but shorter temperaments and narrower points of view;
We spend more, but enjoy less;
We have bigger houses, but smaller famillies;
We have more compromises, but less time;
We have more knowledge, but less judgment;
We have more medicines, but less health;
We have multiplied out posessions, but reduced out values;
We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much;

We reached the Moon and came back,
but we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbours;
We have conquered the outer space, but not our inner space;
We have higher income, but less morals;
These are times with more liberty, but less joy;
We have much more food, but less nutrition;
These are the days in which it takes two salaries for each home, but divorces increase;
These are times of houses, but more broken homes...

Tips for a Lifetime

2007-04-17T16:03:00.000+08:00

1. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.

2. Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle - perfect shaped pancakes every time.

3. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

4. To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

5. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature & roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.

6. To easily remove burnt-on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop-skillet will be much easier to clean.

7. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead-no white mess on the outside of the cake.

8. If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato-it absorbs the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."

9. Brush beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

10. Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it back up.

11. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness. (ah, an old 1940’s Fannie Farmer trick!)

12. To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh-if it rises to the surface, throw it away.

13. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

14. Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

15. If you have a problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

16. Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.

17. To get rid of itch from mosquito bite: try applying soap on the area, instant relief.

18. Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march-see for yourself.

19. When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

Waiting

2007-04-16T16:49:00.000+08:00

What have I been doing this whole week? Waiting for the stupid PGA 103 exam!!

It's such a simple paper and I have to wait for a whole week for it, it's torturing me...Killing me slowly...

Was reading the stupid Falsafah Pendidikan everyday.
Pendidikan di Malaysia adalah suatu usaha yang berterusan ke arah memperkembangkan potensi individu secara menyeluruh dan bersepadu dari segi intelek, rohani, emosi dan jasmani, berdasarkan kepercayaan dan kepatuhan kepada Tuhan. Usaha ini adalah bagi melahirkan warganegara Malaysia yang berilmu pengetahuan, berakhlak mulia, berketrampilan, bertanggungjawab, dan berkeupayaan mencapai kesejahteraan diri serta memberikan sumbangan terhadap keharmonian dan kemakmuran keluarga, masyarakat dan negara.

O.o

Elton John's Improvisation

2007-04-16T16:36:00.000+08:00

OMG, Elton John is amazing! Do have a look at the clip I posted at my sidebar.

He could probably make a song out of anything!

I wish I had half his talent, then I wouldn't have quit playing music. :~(

Superwoman Syndrome (SS)

2007-04-13T17:30:00.000+08:00

Have you ever stumbled into your kitchen in the morning thinking: "Coffee or herbal tea? I would love an espresso, but Amanda's skin is so divine and I know it's because she doesn't drink caffeine. I've got to get skin like that."

Then, on the way to work: "Oh, look at her shoes, they're gorgeous! She's gorgeous. Why don't I wear heels more often?" Later at lunch time: "There's Jane. Nice suit. Why is her desk so neat? She's been here for a few months, surely she's snowed under too. Unless - panic - she works faster than me!"

That evening, on the bus home: "Must book entertainment for Phoebe's birthday party. Can't do the usual dinner and drinks. Must be a brilliant pal and come up with a totally unique idea."

Finally, just before bed after a friend's dinner party: "How does that woman work full-time, colunteer for charity and cook like Jamie Oliver? And how beautifully decorated her apartment was! Why can't I do it all? Why aren't I good at everything like everyone else I know? Why? Why? Whyyyyyyyyyy?"

Once upon a time, our competitive spirit was less refined. Now, we are juggling more roles - career woman, nurturing friend, supermodel-looking-girlfriend, domestic goddess, to name a few - and feeling an almost shameful pressure to be better than every woman we know in every area of our lives. This neurosis comes with an apt label: Superwoman Syndrome (SS).

Where does this pressure for perfection come from? Our own insecurities are certainly the driving force behind SS. SS causes a massive identity crisis. Many women don't know who they really are anymore, or what they value, or what they want, or where their true interests lie. We don't know who we are allowed to be either, and that makes it very hard for women to stand up and say, "Hang on, I don't care about being a fashion icon or a fantastic cook. I don't even think I want to be a mother or get married. I really only want to be an expert on medieval history and potter around in my garden on the weekends."

Just who are we trying to impress by being great at everything? We probably only really want one person to validate us and that's probably someone close to us like a parent or a partner.

Not all competition is bad. In fact, in the right doses, it can serve to motivate. We must compete in this egocentric world without losing our souls.

We must decide what is truly important to us. Part of the trap with SS is that it keeps women so busy trying to keep up we never take the time to work out what we really want. If something is truly important to us, then ask ourselves what we have to do to make it happen.

The challenge for all of us is to start seeing other women's achievements as a source of inspiration, not irritation, and to pick our triumphs. Given that we are on this planet for 80 years on average, do we really want to spend 40 of them trying compete with everyone and be someone who we are not? I don't think so.

Topic adapted from CLEO April 2006.

Birthday

2007-04-10T19:05:00.000+08:00

It's my friend, Yee Har's 21st Birthday tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YEE HAR
May you have good health and your dreams come true!

She always invites me to her birthday party. Sadly, I can't attend this year (her 21st) cause I'll be in Penang.

As I read her profile at Friendster, I found this hilarious Birthday Flash her friend sent her. It is so funny!

Want one? Go to http://geocities.com/testiflash

Learning to Cook

2007-04-08T13:46:00.000+08:00

I have been learning to cook ever since I become a vegetarian. I can't depend on others (e.g. my mom) to cook vegetarian food for me. They'll just use that as an excuse to try to pull me out of "vegetarianism".

Thankfully, I find that cooking is so much fun! Especially when the food turn out to be delicious, haha! Before this, I always bake cakes and cookies, which are not very practical, as in they are not real "meals". Nowadays, I prefer cooking "creative" dishes, where I simply chuck in whatever found in the fridge *lol*. The end-product is not bad though.

The picture above is the noodle that I cooked today. Yam noodle with sweet corn, seaweed, tomato and carrot.

Want some?

Bored

2007-04-05T11:12:00.000+08:00

I'm bored like nuts in Penang! Despite the fact that I need to study for 3 papers, I'm bored! It's only a matter of memorizing stuff~

Wanna watch Mr. Bean's Holiday but no one is here to go to the cinema with me. And another movie that I wanna watch - Perfume: story of a murderer - is only shown in KL!! That's ridiculous!

Anyway, this is the pic that I took in Mid Valley last Christmas, when Siew Fong and Jacklyn come visit KL. Dazzling, isn't it?

Dean's List

2007-04-04T17:35:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to myself!! Haha! I'm so happy that I receive my very first Dean's Certificate (Sijil Dekan). Well, all the hard work did pay off, eh? Don't know whether I could make it in this semester though. It has been a rough semester with lots of unexpected situations - especially PET 102.

Anyway, here's one for me, and God bless, may there be many more to come! Wooohooooo~

信君

2007-03-24T23:29:00.000+08:00

信君~Prince of Korea in the Korean drama - Princess Hour. Totally charming and manly, keke~

2007-03-24T13:53:00.000+08:00

The spaghetti that Sock Ly cooked.

Thai Coconuts...

Yeek Chia trying to crack the coconut, hahahaha...

Phew... finally ">.<

New Hairstyle

2007-03-21T12:56:00.000+08:00

To curl or not to curl, that is the question! I have this sudden urge to curl my hair. I don't want the maggie-mee curl, but big waves like the pics below. Yet, people often say that one will look older/more mature after curling one's hair. On the other hand, I find it very trendy and sophisticated. Suggestions, anyone?

Food Adventure

2007-03-21T11:54:00.000+08:00

I'm glad that my current housemates are all fun and friendly people. We do a lot of stuff together and each member takes care of one another. Interestingly, despite being females, our "activities" tend to evolve around food. People think that girls tend to diet 24-7, but the girls in this house can't stop talking bout food!! Haha... We enjoy checking out new restaurants, cooking meals n desserts, and going all the way down town to buy special "delicacies".

Just a week ago, my housemates and I went to this new "Roti Bakar" kopitiam to try its house specialty, none other than the famous roti bakar. Stupid enough, they serve nasi lemak but the nasi with lemak is not available. They only have white rice when I ordered it. *sigh* Well, the restaurant has this typical modern-style kopitiam atmosphere like Kim Gary.

Clockwise from top: Yeek Chia, Poi Sze and I

Our drinks: DIAMOND WATER (50 cents) and teh tarik

Sock Ly and I

Red Bean roti bakar

Few days later, we bought some ingredients from the market to cook spaghetti! Wow! Okay, I should admit that I didn't come to any help, as I attended PBSM's AGM while they did all the preparation. Sock Ly was our chief cook, hehehe... Our mushroom sauce - which we thought it would be white in colour - turned out to be tomato sauce though. Hmm, nevermind. It was deeee-li-cious!!! We even had banana split as dessert! Yum!

The latest food adventure is coconut hunt! Yeek Chia (a.k.a. Candy) went all the way down town to ---> *Jalan Abu Siti* in search of the famous Thai coconut. It is only RM 2.20, 20 cents extra if compared to the ordinary ones sold nearby our condo. When the target is confirmed, she immediately phoned home to tell us the good news and packed 4 coconuts for us. Not long after that, she reached home and we jumped out of bed to have a taste of the mouth-watering coconut juice. Ahh... So sweet, so fragrant and so refreshing! After we drank the juice, we realize that we have trouble breaking the coconut to get its flesh. We didn't have the appropriate knife to break it, and it's darn hard! So, we have done everything we could to break it. Phew! Finally... it's opened.

Tonight, we will be going out for another food adventure, that is to seek for delicious food around Queensbay Mall. Haha! Wish us luck!

p/s I found out that I really have to create a new blog using the same username, so that i could get back to my dashboard, and then.... post here!!

Surprise, surprise!

2007-03-14T11:45:00.000+08:00

I've created a new blog just now. I just couldn't stand waiting for blogger to figure out the problems of signing into the new version of blogger. But surprisingly, I was directed to my old dashboard after I register for the new blog and manage to post messages here. But I don't know if the problems still exist the next time I sign in. Maybe I have to create a new blog every time I want to post a message. Who knows?

Well, it's almost the end of semester now. Assignments are almost done and only 2 presentations left. I only have to sit for 3 papers in the finals and I'm really glad for that. Um... on monday, there's a grammar exam coming up. Never knew grammar can be so confusing and so many terms for so many different mistakes. I realize that I'm committing tonnes of grammatical errors here, (dangling modifier, misplaced modifier, tense shift, fragments...) but who cares? Duh... It shocks me when I found out that there are even 6 categories for pronoun. Usually, I thought that pronoun means "I, you, we, they, he, she, it" that kinda stuff, y'know? It turns out that there are:

personal pronoun: include all forms of I, you, we, they... and reflective pronoun: myself, yourself, himself...
posessive pronoun: my, mine, your, yours, his, hers...
indefinite pronoun: everyone, something, all, many, each...
interrogative pronoun: who, which and what...
relative pronoun: who, which, that..
demonstrative pronoun: this, that, these, those...

Meanwhile, a good sentence must be a complete sentence, i.e. must have a subject, a complete verb, and express a thought that can stand by itself. It's very frustrating cause it tends to restrict the writer's style of writing.

I bought a ticket to a fashion show yesterday. One of my friends were selling them and I don't wanna let her down. So, my ten bucks flew away in just a blink of an eye. It will be on the 24th of March, Saturday. Hope it's worth my money!!

I'm also thinking whether I should go back KL during study week. Hmm....

p/s Wish me luck in the next attempt of signing in...

It's been a long time

2007-01-17T00:01:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since Í've blogged, thanks to blogger with its new "efficient" version.

There are ups and downs with this new semester. The good thing is, I get to write more often as the Writing component requires us to write a journal weekly. I miss Dr. Shakila a lot. I miss literature. I miss the feeling of transforming real life into a moment of fiction. Still, I have to bear with the fact that I'm not an ELLS (English Language Literature Studies) student. Look at the bright side! At least, I get to practise my writing.

My Oral Skill class needs every student to perform almost every week. And, we have to perform in PUBLIC! Imagine this, reciting a poem with full emotions, doing a monologue... in PUBLIC?? Ha-ha. Not funny. I'm not even a good actress. Now the stupid lecturer wants me to perform with expressions, emotions, props and costumes? NO WAY!!

Well, that was last week. I did a poem recitation. Title: anyone lived in a pretty how town, by E.E.Cummings. It is a great poem, I fell in love with it the first time I read it. However, this poem does not give me room for expressing the "emotions". Can't figure out what kind of props that I could use, or what music that I can use for background sound. So, yes, my performance wasn't up to Dr.'s expectations. But, I did feel good for choosing the poem that I really like, compared to those who chose love poems just because there are tonnes of songs to play and because ít's easier to express the feelings.

Today, during BM class, I had a quick test. Not bad, I guess. But BM can really kill me at times.

Alright, time to go, 8a.m. class tomorrow. Ciao!

anyone lived in a pretty how town
By E. E. Cummings

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn’t he danced his did.

Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn’t they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed(but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone’s any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men(both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain

BM? Ugh!!!

2006-12-26T16:05:00.000+08:00

Stupid BM essay. Took me 2 hours only to write a 1 1/2 page essay! stupidstupidstupid

ill

2006-12-25T23:04:00.000+08:00

Suffer from gastric today cause didn't have my lunch yesterday. Dai Sei. Padan muka!

so suffer..... suffer......

Will attend BM class tomorrow... again. Sickening!

Wonderful X'mas

2006-12-24T12:11:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T11:08:00.000+08:00

It's X'mas and I don't have any classes on Monday. Don't have any plans or any where to go either. There're some assignments already but I don't feel like doing it. My housemates are in great Christmas mood; tonight they're going to Batu Feringgi for BBQ party and have a Christmas countdown. I, on the other hand, would be........sleeping? Haha...

Well, wish all of you a Merry Christmas and may you have a wonderful year ahead!

p/s I'm coming back KL on Friday for New Year holiday (4 days)!