Hello Travellers!
My conversations with my friends lead to many revelations and even new train of thoughts.
A few days ago I had a conversation about relationships (what's new) and I started wondering if soul mates really do exist. It is sad because I have been holding on to the belief that he was the one for me but then it crashed altogether. So here I am walking down the path of single-hood. Hey, I am not complaining! I still love myself as much as I did before AND I am enjoying my life. It is just a question that we ask ourselves sometimes and that question may never be answered. Who knows?
This was bugging me the whole time. Am I doing it right?
Finding my soul mate is a lot harder than it seems. The thing is, you will never know until the day vows are exchanged and rings worn. Maybe I am taking this too seriously. On the other hand, nothing can be more serious than love itself.
And then I thought, it may not be that much of a crime to love from within the heart and fully but not predict the ending like I always want to. You know how it is. We, girls, always over-think matters because we are so afraid of giving our hearts away before we find our Prince Charming. I can't say that men are the same or otherwise because I have never been one. So, would it be possible to love and not expect anything in return? After all, love is just as simple as giving. Maybe I should learn to be happy and love freely. Just to enjoy life as it comes and the people that come along on the way instead of desiring that one man that will sweep me away to eternity.
No, I am not turning into a hippie.
And no, I don't mean love freely, physically.
Just love out of the heart.
Weren't we born to love anyway?
Yes, I did entitle this post as Soul mate vs. ?
Think about it. Maybe love isn't as complicated as we make it to seem. '?' can be anybody that comes along the way and if we keep expecting a fairy tale, we will never truly love the ones that pass our way.
So, dear soul mate,
whoever you are,
if you are reading this,
I hope that somehow, in the best of time, we will meet and know that it is meant to be even without much thinking because I am tired of loving out of expectation and being so fragile in all my fears.
But if I change my mind like I always do, I'll write you another note.
Live to Love
Yours Truly.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Judgement Falls
Hello Travellers!
Today is Sunday. Yes, Church day for me.
Sitting in church listening, I wondered about the same question many people often wonder about. Do we ever bring Christianity outdoors or is it just something we confine within the four walls on Sunday mornings?
As generic of a question as it may sound like, I really wonder. I'm not talking about fanaticalness about this religion but just the core of doing what is written. We all know what's written in the Book of Life. If it is truly the Book of Life, how come we don't practice what we preach?
Let's just break it down to the basics. Lesson 101. Love, in my opinion is a big deal in Christianity. If it wasn't for love, we wouldn't be here talking about this. If it wasn't for Jesus dying out of love, there wouldn't be something to talk about. But what is love?
Love isn't accentuating the wrongs of others but helping them in silence. How can a person preach love and then condemn the lost ones? No, there shouldn't ever be a restatement of how bad this person was or how sinful that person is.
Yet, after rethinking all of the above, don't we make judgments everyday? It is through these judgments that we learn how to live life better. For example, if you betray a friend and lose her, you'd learn never to do that again. Or when in love you get tricked or are treated unwell. You will form a judgment that trust is something earned and shouldn't be given away so easily. Those are all judgments too. So, how do you distinguish one from the other? It is close to being impossible.
Still, we have to strive to love from the heart and not merely the lips. There are so many dying people out there. So many wounded and broken. And more that are emotionally hurt. What are we doing to them? We are only casting them away to the vultures. Isn't that selfish?
Take time to take love to its maximum. Silently. Nobody needs to know the deed or your opinion about the situation. Love is action.
So take time to take church outdoors all week. Maybe somebody will feel the love and with that, you have changed the world.
Yours Truly.
Today is Sunday. Yes, Church day for me.
Sitting in church listening, I wondered about the same question many people often wonder about. Do we ever bring Christianity outdoors or is it just something we confine within the four walls on Sunday mornings?
As generic of a question as it may sound like, I really wonder. I'm not talking about fanaticalness about this religion but just the core of doing what is written. We all know what's written in the Book of Life. If it is truly the Book of Life, how come we don't practice what we preach?
Let's just break it down to the basics. Lesson 101. Love, in my opinion is a big deal in Christianity. If it wasn't for love, we wouldn't be here talking about this. If it wasn't for Jesus dying out of love, there wouldn't be something to talk about. But what is love?
Love isn't accentuating the wrongs of others but helping them in silence. How can a person preach love and then condemn the lost ones? No, there shouldn't ever be a restatement of how bad this person was or how sinful that person is.
Yet, after rethinking all of the above, don't we make judgments everyday? It is through these judgments that we learn how to live life better. For example, if you betray a friend and lose her, you'd learn never to do that again. Or when in love you get tricked or are treated unwell. You will form a judgment that trust is something earned and shouldn't be given away so easily. Those are all judgments too. So, how do you distinguish one from the other? It is close to being impossible.
Still, we have to strive to love from the heart and not merely the lips. There are so many dying people out there. So many wounded and broken. And more that are emotionally hurt. What are we doing to them? We are only casting them away to the vultures. Isn't that selfish?
Take time to take love to its maximum. Silently. Nobody needs to know the deed or your opinion about the situation. Love is action.
So take time to take church outdoors all week. Maybe somebody will feel the love and with that, you have changed the world.
Yours Truly.
I Miss You
Hello Travellers!
It is Sunday already and thus marks the first week of my coming home. I figured that by this time, I would be permitted to write about the things I miss from the United States of America.
No, its not that bad of a country.
Yes, I liked it.
No, they don't ride wagons in Kansas.
Here are the top ten things I miss right off the top of my head. I'm sure that the list will add on in time.
1. The crazy amount of good cheese in every meal (How much is too much?)
2. Burger Station and all its grease
3. Friends with deadly sense of sarcasm that fits mine
4. Free movies and people who love criticizing movies, like me.
5. Pandora.com and unbanned music
6. Walmart in all its glory
7. Wide roads and slow consistent drivers
8. My crazy awesome friends. They come in different colours.
9. Playing the piano at Biederman's every weekend. This does include the backache and sleepiness that comes from sitting at the piano for 2 hours straight.
10. Sonic drinks and Braum's limeade. America's great way of wasting the extra pennies in your pocket.
More to come, I am certain.
Yours Truly.
It is Sunday already and thus marks the first week of my coming home. I figured that by this time, I would be permitted to write about the things I miss from the United States of America.
No, its not that bad of a country.
Yes, I liked it.
No, they don't ride wagons in Kansas.
Here are the top ten things I miss right off the top of my head. I'm sure that the list will add on in time.
1. The crazy amount of good cheese in every meal (How much is too much?)
2. Burger Station and all its grease
3. Friends with deadly sense of sarcasm that fits mine
4. Free movies and people who love criticizing movies, like me.
5. Pandora.com and unbanned music
6. Walmart in all its glory
7. Wide roads and slow consistent drivers
8. My crazy awesome friends. They come in different colours.
9. Playing the piano at Biederman's every weekend. This does include the backache and sleepiness that comes from sitting at the piano for 2 hours straight.
10. Sonic drinks and Braum's limeade. America's great way of wasting the extra pennies in your pocket.
More to come, I am certain.
Yours Truly.
Inspired by Words
Hello Travellers!
I was listening to Natasha Beddingfield on my mp3 player and was baffled by the brilliance of her word choice. She is such an inspiring song writer and an amazing singer. Just listening to the words of her songs make me grin and chuckle to myself, which is probably creepy in some ways to the people around me that are watching. What can I say? That woman is a gift from above.
I feel so complete just listening to her songs because she puts so much into her art and it shows. The words she uses are powerful and brilliant, just like I've mentioned already. In my opinion, words are the soul of music and being a bad lyricist, I really struggle to make myself better in that sense. It is really difficult to portray a feeling or a philosophy in words that would cause others to feel the same.
The one thing that makes Natasha a killer song writer is her ability to manipulate words, making them words of wisdom and positivity. She has so much philosophy in her songs which makes them heavy and deep. You could view some of her lyrics in songs like 'Size Matters' or her latest song 'Strip Me'. Catchy words to catch the public but turning them inside out makes them really stick out. This just inspires me to write more songs that can bring positive changes to the world around me. If there was anything that I wanted accomplished in this life, I would want to change the world.
Coming back to Natasha, she is an amazing vocalist altogether. If you have not had a chance to listen to her, I'd encourage you to purchase her songs on Itunes or even check her out on Youtube. She is very inspiring and uplifting in so many ways. The world needs more people like her.
Yours Truly.
I was listening to Natasha Beddingfield on my mp3 player and was baffled by the brilliance of her word choice. She is such an inspiring song writer and an amazing singer. Just listening to the words of her songs make me grin and chuckle to myself, which is probably creepy in some ways to the people around me that are watching. What can I say? That woman is a gift from above.
I feel so complete just listening to her songs because she puts so much into her art and it shows. The words she uses are powerful and brilliant, just like I've mentioned already. In my opinion, words are the soul of music and being a bad lyricist, I really struggle to make myself better in that sense. It is really difficult to portray a feeling or a philosophy in words that would cause others to feel the same.
The one thing that makes Natasha a killer song writer is her ability to manipulate words, making them words of wisdom and positivity. She has so much philosophy in her songs which makes them heavy and deep. You could view some of her lyrics in songs like 'Size Matters' or her latest song 'Strip Me'. Catchy words to catch the public but turning them inside out makes them really stick out. This just inspires me to write more songs that can bring positive changes to the world around me. If there was anything that I wanted accomplished in this life, I would want to change the world.
Coming back to Natasha, she is an amazing vocalist altogether. If you have not had a chance to listen to her, I'd encourage you to purchase her songs on Itunes or even check her out on Youtube. She is very inspiring and uplifting in so many ways. The world needs more people like her.
Yours Truly.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Some Teacher Talk
Hello Travellers!
This evening I had the opportunity of having dinner with a bunch of teachers. There were 6 of us and we were dining in at Secret Recipe. Obviously, at some point, we began discussing the education system in Malaysia.
Suddenly I had a great revelation of thought. (That usually happens and it leads to me writing a blog post) All of a sudden, I thought about how messed up our education system had become. The purpose of its existence, being a means of bringing up a better nourished and prepared generation, is forgotten.
Teachers are pushed to spoon-feed their students only the answers needed to pass the tests given out at the end of every year. Come to think of it, textbooks and revision books are even written to prepare the students with the right sentences to fill in the blanks. Why?
Why not educated the students for life?
It is a sad case that many teachers feel that their sole responsibility is to produce students that can pass the big examinations with flying colours. Here in Malaysia, the SPM and the STPM are why students drive themselves into madness. But why? Yes, I can see how these examinations are important in educating a generation but there is more to life than that. Besides, we can tell that our education system has many flaws and loopholes when we see youngsters failing to apply what they learn in school in real life itself.
So, shouldn't we try changing tactics?
I believe that the education system should be geared towards educating students for what is out there in the world and not the questions that are going to come out on a piece of paper in October. On the other hand, it is great that we have a great foundation in specific fields of study and also expanded our memory power throughout high school. (Because most of high school comprises of memorizing sentences and spitting them out in the SPM) I only wish that the teachers and students were more focussed on the long term goal rather than a silly test. I also think that Malaysians should quit revolving their lives around huge examinations such as the SPM and the STPM because there is more to life than memorizing textbooks and earning money.
Open your eyes. Expand your horizon.
Yours Truly.
This evening I had the opportunity of having dinner with a bunch of teachers. There were 6 of us and we were dining in at Secret Recipe. Obviously, at some point, we began discussing the education system in Malaysia.
Suddenly I had a great revelation of thought. (That usually happens and it leads to me writing a blog post) All of a sudden, I thought about how messed up our education system had become. The purpose of its existence, being a means of bringing up a better nourished and prepared generation, is forgotten.
Teachers are pushed to spoon-feed their students only the answers needed to pass the tests given out at the end of every year. Come to think of it, textbooks and revision books are even written to prepare the students with the right sentences to fill in the blanks. Why?
Why not educated the students for life?
It is a sad case that many teachers feel that their sole responsibility is to produce students that can pass the big examinations with flying colours. Here in Malaysia, the SPM and the STPM are why students drive themselves into madness. But why? Yes, I can see how these examinations are important in educating a generation but there is more to life than that. Besides, we can tell that our education system has many flaws and loopholes when we see youngsters failing to apply what they learn in school in real life itself.
So, shouldn't we try changing tactics?
I believe that the education system should be geared towards educating students for what is out there in the world and not the questions that are going to come out on a piece of paper in October. On the other hand, it is great that we have a great foundation in specific fields of study and also expanded our memory power throughout high school. (Because most of high school comprises of memorizing sentences and spitting them out in the SPM) I only wish that the teachers and students were more focussed on the long term goal rather than a silly test. I also think that Malaysians should quit revolving their lives around huge examinations such as the SPM and the STPM because there is more to life than memorizing textbooks and earning money.
Open your eyes. Expand your horizon.
Yours Truly.
Pain Comes Home Sometimes
Hello Travellers.
I was going to write about depression and how it is possible to battle it till its death but I think that my time has not come just yet.
Pain comes and it goes but I think that the most important aspect of situations like these would be how you face it. As for me, I try my best to be positive about everything. After all, fairy tales do end with good overcoming evil. However, at times, it seems impossible to stay focus on the track as I run towards the finish line.
I cannot say that I do not understand why people say things to bring you down. Nor can I say that I do not understand why defenses rise in fights. I understand fully because I was there. I was once an offender too, out of emotion and negativity. But are all these heartaches worth us all?
Silence can be a virtue while speaking kills us all. Perhaps it was my wrong to want that silence but I do not think that I was wrong to want peace. Hurt? We both do but somehow, we will recover. At least I hope I will move out of the darkness and walk into the light.
The last thing I need is to be spoken to out of spite and hurt.
Face it, we all need time.
But even after time, there is a possibility that I can never look you in the eye.
And maybe, that is alright after all.
Life isn't that bad without you when I've finally figured out that I'm in the only one driving my car.
Yours Truly.
I was going to write about depression and how it is possible to battle it till its death but I think that my time has not come just yet.
Pain comes and it goes but I think that the most important aspect of situations like these would be how you face it. As for me, I try my best to be positive about everything. After all, fairy tales do end with good overcoming evil. However, at times, it seems impossible to stay focus on the track as I run towards the finish line.
I cannot say that I do not understand why people say things to bring you down. Nor can I say that I do not understand why defenses rise in fights. I understand fully because I was there. I was once an offender too, out of emotion and negativity. But are all these heartaches worth us all?
Silence can be a virtue while speaking kills us all. Perhaps it was my wrong to want that silence but I do not think that I was wrong to want peace. Hurt? We both do but somehow, we will recover. At least I hope I will move out of the darkness and walk into the light.
The last thing I need is to be spoken to out of spite and hurt.
Face it, we all need time.
But even after time, there is a possibility that I can never look you in the eye.
And maybe, that is alright after all.
Life isn't that bad without you when I've finally figured out that I'm in the only one driving my car.
Yours Truly.
Friday, February 25, 2011
What do we live for?
Hello Travellers!
Today, while I was riding in the back of a car, I wondered about the existence of mankind. My existence.
It was a random thought. I wondered if the people around me in their cars knew what they were living for.
What do we live for?
The average human life span is very short and if compared to the age of our planet Earth, we are teeny weeny specks that simply exist. Why do we do the things we do?
Take politics for example. What is the purpose of bickering with each other to win the most votes?
Wealth and power is great. But why is it necessary for contentment?
Take war for example. Who invented this distasteful idea? We were all born equally, anyway, with nothing on our skins to mark one against each other. Colour? The world would be dull without colour. Why can we not live in peace within the few years we are given to live by?
Take time for example. Measuring time is great but if we hadn't had 24 hours a day to fill up with useless activity, perhaps we could appreciate life better. Look around you. People exist. Nature exist. The world with its multi colour coat exists. Love exists. Yet, we tire ourselves worrying about money, success and our image in the sight of others.
Where is the kindness we are born with?
Where is the love tattooed in our skins when we came?
Where is the peace that once ruled the Earth?
We hear about peace and the lack thereof every day. But why doesn't anyone do anything about it?
Stop the fighting, stop the war, stop the bloodshed and the doors that open to nothingness.
Do we not see how meaningless life is when all we do is try to find ways to destroy our planet and all that is in it?
'... They may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope some day they will join us and the world will be as one' ~John Lennon~
Yours Truly.
Today, while I was riding in the back of a car, I wondered about the existence of mankind. My existence.
It was a random thought. I wondered if the people around me in their cars knew what they were living for.
What do we live for?
The average human life span is very short and if compared to the age of our planet Earth, we are teeny weeny specks that simply exist. Why do we do the things we do?
Take politics for example. What is the purpose of bickering with each other to win the most votes?
Wealth and power is great. But why is it necessary for contentment?
Take war for example. Who invented this distasteful idea? We were all born equally, anyway, with nothing on our skins to mark one against each other. Colour? The world would be dull without colour. Why can we not live in peace within the few years we are given to live by?
Take time for example. Measuring time is great but if we hadn't had 24 hours a day to fill up with useless activity, perhaps we could appreciate life better. Look around you. People exist. Nature exist. The world with its multi colour coat exists. Love exists. Yet, we tire ourselves worrying about money, success and our image in the sight of others.
Where is the kindness we are born with?
Where is the love tattooed in our skins when we came?
Where is the peace that once ruled the Earth?
We hear about peace and the lack thereof every day. But why doesn't anyone do anything about it?
Stop the fighting, stop the war, stop the bloodshed and the doors that open to nothingness.
Do we not see how meaningless life is when all we do is try to find ways to destroy our planet and all that is in it?
'... They may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope some day they will join us and the world will be as one' ~John Lennon~
Yours Truly.
Let's Talk Love
Hello Travellers!
Let's talk love today.
What is love?
Don't we all question its existence or the lack thereof once in awhile?
Well, love itself is a big spectra. Let's bring it down to that kind of love we see on television or movies. The one everyone sings about and brings up every February. The kind of love you feel with that one person that makes your heart beats a thousand times faster and causes you to smile in your sleep. Yes, the mushy kind.
The truth is, I cannot define it.
I may be able to break it apart in words but I still can't put it all together.
I may be able to give you my current philosophies about love and this powerful
As much as it is impossible to do, love is an act of giving, not receiving. Sometimes we get so caught in getting our emotions across that we forget the other person is standing there taking all our arrows. It is understandable. When we hurt, we want people to care for us, to listen to us and to comfort us. However, it doesn't always work that way.
Take for instance, my relationship that had to end. (I can only speak out of what I have experienced) We were fighting for so long that it hurt until I couldn't hurt anymore. There was no where else to go even though I wanted a happy ending. Who doesn't?
So I listened. And even though it hurt to hear the words, I was suffocating him somehow. So I let him go. And surprisingly, I said it with a smile. No, not like an evil smile. But you know what I mean. For the first time, I was merely thinking of his sake and none of mine whatsoever. Not what I wanted or how I feel. Or how I wanted him to see me. I just let them all go and thought that if I was killing him inside, then it would be time for me to leave and time for a new chapter for him.
I had a strange feeling that overtook me and I thought to myself: So, this is how it feels like to love until you let go.
I'm not saying that this is how every relationship should end. No. This is just my philosophy about love at the moment. Love can mean letting go someone you love very much. My philosophy changes everyday though but we learn from our mistakes anyway.
Yes, I do wonder at times if things will go back to how they used to be. But I think that once you move on, you move on. I wonder if time will heal the hurt like they all say.
The truth is only I can find out in time.
So what is love?
Love is giving away your needs for someone who needs more.
Yours Truly.
Let's talk love today.
What is love?
Don't we all question its existence or the lack thereof once in awhile?
Well, love itself is a big spectra. Let's bring it down to that kind of love we see on television or movies. The one everyone sings about and brings up every February. The kind of love you feel with that one person that makes your heart beats a thousand times faster and causes you to smile in your sleep. Yes, the mushy kind.
The truth is, I cannot define it.
I may be able to break it apart in words but I still can't put it all together.
I may be able to give you my current philosophies about love and this powerful
As much as it is impossible to do, love is an act of giving, not receiving. Sometimes we get so caught in getting our emotions across that we forget the other person is standing there taking all our arrows. It is understandable. When we hurt, we want people to care for us, to listen to us and to comfort us. However, it doesn't always work that way.
Take for instance, my relationship that had to end. (I can only speak out of what I have experienced) We were fighting for so long that it hurt until I couldn't hurt anymore. There was no where else to go even though I wanted a happy ending. Who doesn't?So I listened. And even though it hurt to hear the words, I was suffocating him somehow. So I let him go. And surprisingly, I said it with a smile. No, not like an evil smile. But you know what I mean. For the first time, I was merely thinking of his sake and none of mine whatsoever. Not what I wanted or how I feel. Or how I wanted him to see me. I just let them all go and thought that if I was killing him inside, then it would be time for me to leave and time for a new chapter for him.
I had a strange feeling that overtook me and I thought to myself: So, this is how it feels like to love until you let go.
I'm not saying that this is how every relationship should end. No. This is just my philosophy about love at the moment. Love can mean letting go someone you love very much. My philosophy changes everyday though but we learn from our mistakes anyway.
Yes, I do wonder at times if things will go back to how they used to be. But I think that once you move on, you move on. I wonder if time will heal the hurt like they all say.
The truth is only I can find out in time.
So what is love?
Love is giving away your needs for someone who needs more.
Yours Truly.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Green Leap of Faith
Hello Travellers!
This evening, I would like to salute my fellow Malaysians for respecting Mother Earth and actually taking steps towards becoming a more Eco-friendly community. We were always taught in school to be kind to nature and preserve as much as we could but never had I seen such a big leap of faith implemented in the public.
I was speaking of the 'No Plastic Bag Day' on Saturdays in shopping places. After a little bit of searching, I found that it had all begun with the state of Selangor making Saturday a 'No Plastic Day' at the beginning of this year 2011. That is so cool I think I nearly screamed. Finally, we are making progress instead of just preaching out loud. Obviously, its level of coolness spread out loud and clear infecting other states quickly. Tonight I saw the poster in a local supermarket in my hometown.
I cannot explain how excited I was about the whole ordeal. Truthfully, I was getting tired of the recycling campaigns and the 'Save Mother Earth' sch-pill because sometimes it felt hopeless. It baffles me to watch half the country turn into fanatics about going green while the other spends everyday collecting more plastic in their homes. It almost feels like the only way we could stop this whole dilemma is by shutting down all non Eco-friendly factories or producers.
Nevertheless, I fully support my country's stand in making a difference and I hope that soon, we will have 'No Plastic Bag Day' everyday. That may be an extreme statement but I really am an extremist in every way.
Below is a poster that I borrowed from the internet concerning the effort.
Oh, look! It even says Saturdays AND Thursdays.
It is happening, people. So be prepared!
Yours truly.
This evening, I would like to salute my fellow Malaysians for respecting Mother Earth and actually taking steps towards becoming a more Eco-friendly community. We were always taught in school to be kind to nature and preserve as much as we could but never had I seen such a big leap of faith implemented in the public.
I was speaking of the 'No Plastic Bag Day' on Saturdays in shopping places. After a little bit of searching, I found that it had all begun with the state of Selangor making Saturday a 'No Plastic Day' at the beginning of this year 2011. That is so cool I think I nearly screamed. Finally, we are making progress instead of just preaching out loud. Obviously, its level of coolness spread out loud and clear infecting other states quickly. Tonight I saw the poster in a local supermarket in my hometown.
I cannot explain how excited I was about the whole ordeal. Truthfully, I was getting tired of the recycling campaigns and the 'Save Mother Earth' sch-pill because sometimes it felt hopeless. It baffles me to watch half the country turn into fanatics about going green while the other spends everyday collecting more plastic in their homes. It almost feels like the only way we could stop this whole dilemma is by shutting down all non Eco-friendly factories or producers.
Nevertheless, I fully support my country's stand in making a difference and I hope that soon, we will have 'No Plastic Bag Day' everyday. That may be an extreme statement but I really am an extremist in every way.
Below is a poster that I borrowed from the internet concerning the effort.
Oh, look! It even says Saturdays AND Thursdays.
It is happening, people. So be prepared!
Yours truly.
Bringing Up My Kids
Hello Travellers!
My conversation with my mother this morning led me to think about how people in different cultures bring their children up.
The ironic fact is that as much as Asian parents are strict and killer about their children's whereabouts and academic life, they are also the ones who spoil them most. I know that it seems too ridiculous of a theory but allow me to explain myself.
Here is the typical Asian concept of life. We work hard ever since we mutter our first words and generally, our whole world is built up around success, or rather, achieving it in the long run. Once we achieve a somewhat stable level of success, we build a family to expand the family tree and work hard (again) to pay for our children's education so that they can continue the cycle of life. Now, do not get me wrong. I love my culture thoroughly and would not give it up at any cost. However, it is always good to see things from all perspectives and stand on your own two feet.
Many traditional thinking Malaysians have a lot against the Western culture. They assume too much and make harsh judgments without evidence. Nevertheless, I think that the Westerners have a pretty good system set up and we should at least check it out. Once again, checking it out does not mean that you are bound to it. Every person has the freedom to live their life according to their own standards.
Based upon a few conversations I had while I was in the USA, I have come to realise that many of my American friends take full responsibility over their education and finances. In other words, every semester's tuition fee is coming out of their very own pockets. No mom or dad is going to give them monthly allowances because everything is worked for on their own. They buy their own cars and pay their own bills. Of course, you'd have to take into consideration that not every American child is this way. But a lot of them are.
In my opinion, working hard to support your children is such a sacrificial act of love. In fact, I graduated out of college with my family's help and I love them with all my soul. Nevertheless, I see a point in doing otherwise as well. I love how a child is trained to be responsible over his own life at such a tender age. I believe that to teach you have to first let go.
Besides, I think that it is very sad to see how many kids throw away their chances when they are given some, here. Even with the help of their parents financially, they play around and are never too serious to begin with. Then the truth spits out and they're failing their classes. That is just sad. So why not let them work for their own success and let them own the pride?
So, to cut it all short, I think that it is wise to have both cultures in our lives. Especially when it comes to this area.Sometimes I do wonder how I would bring up my kids in the future. But that is not for me to decide right now!
Let me know what you think. Give me some insights. I hate to be talking to myself all the time so give me a shout!
Yours Truly.
My conversation with my mother this morning led me to think about how people in different cultures bring their children up.
The ironic fact is that as much as Asian parents are strict and killer about their children's whereabouts and academic life, they are also the ones who spoil them most. I know that it seems too ridiculous of a theory but allow me to explain myself.
Here is the typical Asian concept of life. We work hard ever since we mutter our first words and generally, our whole world is built up around success, or rather, achieving it in the long run. Once we achieve a somewhat stable level of success, we build a family to expand the family tree and work hard (again) to pay for our children's education so that they can continue the cycle of life. Now, do not get me wrong. I love my culture thoroughly and would not give it up at any cost. However, it is always good to see things from all perspectives and stand on your own two feet.
Many traditional thinking Malaysians have a lot against the Western culture. They assume too much and make harsh judgments without evidence. Nevertheless, I think that the Westerners have a pretty good system set up and we should at least check it out. Once again, checking it out does not mean that you are bound to it. Every person has the freedom to live their life according to their own standards.
Based upon a few conversations I had while I was in the USA, I have come to realise that many of my American friends take full responsibility over their education and finances. In other words, every semester's tuition fee is coming out of their very own pockets. No mom or dad is going to give them monthly allowances because everything is worked for on their own. They buy their own cars and pay their own bills. Of course, you'd have to take into consideration that not every American child is this way. But a lot of them are.
In my opinion, working hard to support your children is such a sacrificial act of love. In fact, I graduated out of college with my family's help and I love them with all my soul. Nevertheless, I see a point in doing otherwise as well. I love how a child is trained to be responsible over his own life at such a tender age. I believe that to teach you have to first let go.
Besides, I think that it is very sad to see how many kids throw away their chances when they are given some, here. Even with the help of their parents financially, they play around and are never too serious to begin with. Then the truth spits out and they're failing their classes. That is just sad. So why not let them work for their own success and let them own the pride?
So, to cut it all short, I think that it is wise to have both cultures in our lives. Especially when it comes to this area.Sometimes I do wonder how I would bring up my kids in the future. But that is not for me to decide right now!
Let me know what you think. Give me some insights. I hate to be talking to myself all the time so give me a shout!
Yours Truly.
Rain
Hello Travellers!
The day is beautiful here in the heart of Malaysia. When it rains, it pours. The cool breeze, light on the skin, is definitely exhilarating after a day or two of heavy humidity.
Even though the morning rain lasted for only an hour or so, it was good enough to wash away the stickiness.
No I did not take a shower in the rain, even though I would have loved to.
This reminds me a lot about human life in so many ways. Sometimes we get so caught up with the drama evolving around us that we become sticky and sweaty. That's all it takes to make us irritated with the people around us and forget what it means to love. Call me a love bug but I believe that the world revolves around love itself. My point is, the rain will pour and everything will be alright in time. However, we should never take for granted the situations that drag us around.
Every heat wave is a blessing in disguise.
While you wait for the rain, enjoy the sun. Savour the heat and put on some shorts and a tank top while at it! Alright, I took that a little far but you get what I mean.
Have a little sunshine in your life :)
Yours Truly.
10 Re-Culture Shocks
Hello Travellers!
Malaysia was not as hot as I expected it to be. I guess being home in February rather than May does make a lot of difference.
Well, let's not make this a weather blog.
Here are some of the culture shocks or rather re-culture shocks that swept me off my feet when I came home:
1. Men stare at me
As much as I would like to say that this was because I am utterly attractive, I cannot because they were actually looking at my clothes. Hmm. Yes.
2. Busses are like cans of sardines and sardines push
With the overwhelming population in this country, it is easy to fill up our public transportations with human beings. However, this does not call for rude public behaviour. People in the city need to learn how to relax and breathe slowly. Life is too good to be wasted on stress and hasty manners.
3. Asians love their cellphones
When I arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore, I was shocked to realise that I may very well be the only person in the room without a cellphone in my hand. Not a very surprising fact but a definite re-shocker.
4. Everything is tiny. Even the roads.
I felt like I was at the edge of my seat the entire journey home. Two roads here definitely qualify as one in America. I began to doubt my early driving experiences...
5. Currency Conversion Shock
Still getting used to the big equals small equals big. Tough to explain.
6. The old line up while the young take the shortcut anytime
At the customs in Kuala Lumpur, I noticed a very long line of adults at the 'Malaysian Passports Only' counters and only one person was using the automated machines that were conveniently installed by the government to save time. Obviously, I took the road less travelled and it took me only 20 seconds to get done with everything. People need to learn to trust machines a little bit more.
7. The steering wheel is in the wrong side of the car
And I used to think that too when I was in America.
8. Afternoon telenovelas and soap operas are more than just entertainment
Who killed who today? Ah, they finally fell in love.
9. People walk
Despite the heat and the humidity, we love walking and that is part and parcel of this beautiful country. Unlike America, we do not have ample land with no residents besides cows. This does make everything much closer together and more compact so that everything we ever need is within walking distance. We ourselves need very little space.
10. Fresh produce exists?
The morning market, booming with so much vibe and energy as well fresh vegetables, meat and fruits was definitely a refresher. I had to sit and think about whether I really did have instant pizza and canned spinach three weeks ago. However, I was self-entertained when I could amuse my family about all the bizarre food inventions and technology in America. Oh you know, your usual cake in the box, cookie dough, canned broccolis, microwavable dumplings and many more.
I think 10 is a good place to start re-cultivating.
It is really astonishing that a small planet like Earth could have so many differences at opposite ends.
The question is, are we really that different inside?
I hope to answer that in the days to come.
Stay safe!
Yours truly.
Malaysia was not as hot as I expected it to be. I guess being home in February rather than May does make a lot of difference.
Well, let's not make this a weather blog.
Here are some of the culture shocks or rather re-culture shocks that swept me off my feet when I came home:
1. Men stare at me
As much as I would like to say that this was because I am utterly attractive, I cannot because they were actually looking at my clothes. Hmm. Yes.
2. Busses are like cans of sardines and sardines push
With the overwhelming population in this country, it is easy to fill up our public transportations with human beings. However, this does not call for rude public behaviour. People in the city need to learn how to relax and breathe slowly. Life is too good to be wasted on stress and hasty manners.
3. Asians love their cellphones
When I arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore, I was shocked to realise that I may very well be the only person in the room without a cellphone in my hand. Not a very surprising fact but a definite re-shocker.
4. Everything is tiny. Even the roads.
I felt like I was at the edge of my seat the entire journey home. Two roads here definitely qualify as one in America. I began to doubt my early driving experiences...
5. Currency Conversion Shock
Still getting used to the big equals small equals big. Tough to explain.
6. The old line up while the young take the shortcut anytime
At the customs in Kuala Lumpur, I noticed a very long line of adults at the 'Malaysian Passports Only' counters and only one person was using the automated machines that were conveniently installed by the government to save time. Obviously, I took the road less travelled and it took me only 20 seconds to get done with everything. People need to learn to trust machines a little bit more.
7. The steering wheel is in the wrong side of the car
And I used to think that too when I was in America.
8. Afternoon telenovelas and soap operas are more than just entertainment
Who killed who today? Ah, they finally fell in love.
9. People walk
Despite the heat and the humidity, we love walking and that is part and parcel of this beautiful country. Unlike America, we do not have ample land with no residents besides cows. This does make everything much closer together and more compact so that everything we ever need is within walking distance. We ourselves need very little space.
10. Fresh produce exists?
The morning market, booming with so much vibe and energy as well fresh vegetables, meat and fruits was definitely a refresher. I had to sit and think about whether I really did have instant pizza and canned spinach three weeks ago. However, I was self-entertained when I could amuse my family about all the bizarre food inventions and technology in America. Oh you know, your usual cake in the box, cookie dough, canned broccolis, microwavable dumplings and many more.
I think 10 is a good place to start re-cultivating.
It is really astonishing that a small planet like Earth could have so many differences at opposite ends.
The question is, are we really that different inside?
I hope to answer that in the days to come.
Stay safe!
Yours truly.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Across Continents Across Seas
Hello Travellers!
Good morning all the way from Singapore, the little island in the middle of Southeast Asia. My travels were really great so far. Nothing to be overtly dramatic about.
Well, I could.
Here we go.
I'd have to say it loud and clear that the Continental flight from Wichita to Houston, Texas was the worst flight in the itinerary this time. As usual, I had passed out on and off before we took off but the times I had woken up, I couldn't breathe. The air was very stuffy and I literally felt like I was going to be out of oxygen before we could land. Luckily, as you can see, I did survive the American flight.
I had not realised before that I had a 4 hour lay over in Houston so when I got there, I imagined that I could catch up with my blogs or stroll around the internet. However, there were no free wi-fi in that big airport so I had to spend my time dreaming again. I'm sorry if I come across as a sleeper but I really am. Sleep is good.
The journey from the United States to Moscow was excellent! Definitely a call for a tribute to how great Singapore Airlines is in the travel industry. I have never had a disappointment thus far. The food was excellent and the service beautiful. Plus, I had the whole row to myself. Who doesn't enjoy such luxury? Unfortunately, that beautiful 11 hour plane ride ended with our arrival at the Russian Federation.
Cold and dark would be the words to describe this place. Not only the place, but the people themselves. It was snowing when I arrived and the cold was getting to me as I had no warm clothings. I only had an hour in Russia and most of it was used up passing through customs. The officers were tall, beautiful but simply cold. Perhaps it is the culture, but I certainly did not appreciate the yelling especially in Russian!
I had company on my trip down to Singapore. Two Russian women sat beside me throughout that entire trip. They were pretty oblivious to their surroundings because I felt really non-existent, which was good in some ways. I had nothing to complain about. The food was wonderful.
I feel like a pig at the moment. But I shall continue...
I guess I arrived at Singapore at approximately 5 this morning. I love this airport as it is cozy and absolutely people friendly. Unfortunately, my Macbook had issues starting up so I'm pretty much worried about it. Nevertheless, I am excited about being in my homeland once again.
To all my SC friends out there reading this, you are truly missed across the globe. Enjoy what you have there at Southwestern College because when it is time to part, you will feel my heart.
Yours Truly.
Good morning all the way from Singapore, the little island in the middle of Southeast Asia. My travels were really great so far. Nothing to be overtly dramatic about.
Well, I could.
Here we go.
I'd have to say it loud and clear that the Continental flight from Wichita to Houston, Texas was the worst flight in the itinerary this time. As usual, I had passed out on and off before we took off but the times I had woken up, I couldn't breathe. The air was very stuffy and I literally felt like I was going to be out of oxygen before we could land. Luckily, as you can see, I did survive the American flight.
I had not realised before that I had a 4 hour lay over in Houston so when I got there, I imagined that I could catch up with my blogs or stroll around the internet. However, there were no free wi-fi in that big airport so I had to spend my time dreaming again. I'm sorry if I come across as a sleeper but I really am. Sleep is good.
The journey from the United States to Moscow was excellent! Definitely a call for a tribute to how great Singapore Airlines is in the travel industry. I have never had a disappointment thus far. The food was excellent and the service beautiful. Plus, I had the whole row to myself. Who doesn't enjoy such luxury? Unfortunately, that beautiful 11 hour plane ride ended with our arrival at the Russian Federation.
Cold and dark would be the words to describe this place. Not only the place, but the people themselves. It was snowing when I arrived and the cold was getting to me as I had no warm clothings. I only had an hour in Russia and most of it was used up passing through customs. The officers were tall, beautiful but simply cold. Perhaps it is the culture, but I certainly did not appreciate the yelling especially in Russian!
I had company on my trip down to Singapore. Two Russian women sat beside me throughout that entire trip. They were pretty oblivious to their surroundings because I felt really non-existent, which was good in some ways. I had nothing to complain about. The food was wonderful.
I feel like a pig at the moment. But I shall continue...
I guess I arrived at Singapore at approximately 5 this morning. I love this airport as it is cozy and absolutely people friendly. Unfortunately, my Macbook had issues starting up so I'm pretty much worried about it. Nevertheless, I am excited about being in my homeland once again.
To all my SC friends out there reading this, you are truly missed across the globe. Enjoy what you have there at Southwestern College because when it is time to part, you will feel my heart.
Yours Truly.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Flying
Hello Travellers!
I am trying very hard to avoid a corny introduction to this blog.
Let's just say that I will be flying out across continents and seas to be with my family at home.
That also means that I will be leaving my friends and everything that I've come to learn, know and love the past 3 and a half years.
I love travelling, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures. But this is the part when travelling lets you down. As time passes, relationships are fostered even though you don't see them. Reality will hit you in the face in the end and it is truly a bittersweet sensation.
I know that my friends would definitely get mad when I say this but I wasn't going to tell many people about my departure from the United States and that was because I figured, it wasn't as important and I wanted to abstain from more emotional breakdown. However, my friends took the turn and blessed me by sending me off in love. I will be forever grateful.
As we drove around the town these last days, I wondered in my heart if I was ever going to see the pretty houses down 9th Street or Braums. I wondered if I would ever see the familiar faces that make up this beautiful little town and wondered why I had never felt this way before. Then I began to think about how we do not appreciate the things we have in our hands until we lose them. I vowed in my heart that I would not be this way ever again.
Well, that is my philosophy of the day.
Until we meet again, I'll be flying!
Yours Truly.
I am trying very hard to avoid a corny introduction to this blog.
Let's just say that I will be flying out across continents and seas to be with my family at home.
That also means that I will be leaving my friends and everything that I've come to learn, know and love the past 3 and a half years.
I love travelling, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures. But this is the part when travelling lets you down. As time passes, relationships are fostered even though you don't see them. Reality will hit you in the face in the end and it is truly a bittersweet sensation.
I know that my friends would definitely get mad when I say this but I wasn't going to tell many people about my departure from the United States and that was because I figured, it wasn't as important and I wanted to abstain from more emotional breakdown. However, my friends took the turn and blessed me by sending me off in love. I will be forever grateful.
As we drove around the town these last days, I wondered in my heart if I was ever going to see the pretty houses down 9th Street or Braums. I wondered if I would ever see the familiar faces that make up this beautiful little town and wondered why I had never felt this way before. Then I began to think about how we do not appreciate the things we have in our hands until we lose them. I vowed in my heart that I would not be this way ever again.
Well, that is my philosophy of the day.
Until we meet again, I'll be flying!
Yours Truly.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Moving On
Hello Travellers!
Obviously, I have not finished packing.
Moving on can be extremely painful in life but it is utterly essential. Some move-ons are good for the soul. Others devastating.
Let me explain.
I wasn't planning on heading home this entire month. I had really only decided about a week or two ago and somehow things seemed to fall into place. (Just like a fairy tale!)
And so I have to move on from this place to have new friends, new weather, new culture.
However, certain move-ons are painful. Deceiving. Confusing.
Like the fact that my relationship with my one-year boyfriend Jeff crumbling apart. Meet Jeff S, my most favourite guy in the whole wide universe. I would have to say that he would be the most eligible bachelor now that we're probably not together. Yes I don't exactly know what is going on. (Don't we always?) Just a little crack in the wall turned our world around and as much as love can surpass horizons, I still cannot un-break my own heart. I suppose Toni Braxton could have her moment now but I really do feel that way. And I don't want to be generic but if words could be undone it would undo everything.
Sometimes we wished we had the remote controls to our own lives but unfortunately, no one owns the Sands of Times.
I guess to end that whole long and depressing story, I shall conclude by saying moving on is tough and rough and I have yet to experience it all. (I still have less than 2 days!) When I've been through it all, I shall train you to be fearless and invincible in this art of moving on. *inserts evil laugh here*
Yours Truly
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Life after College (Big Tips for the Soon-to-Be Travellers)
Hello Travellers!
This blog is a record of my adventures in this thing called life. Apparently, it is somewhat essential that I have proof of my existence and my travels especially in these techno-crazy days.
For starters, we could get to know me.
As of this hour, I am a recent college graduate awaiting life to unfold splendidly just like a good book or a fairy tale. In fact, I have been waiting for a month now.
Within this month, I have discovered certain truths about life and how reality kicks in after college.
1: Plans fail
2: Crying is a daily routine
3: Movies are vital for survival
4: Detours happen
5: Trust may lead to destruction
6: Money can bring tears of joy
7: Freaking out comes every minute, rather than everyday
8: Tomorrow is frightening and no, it is not about the homework unfinished
9: Time can be spent by doing nothing: Something they never teach in college
And finally (as of now), 10: There really isn't a compass or a guideline or a narrator
Basically, what I am trying to say is that even though 3.5 years of college is crazy, real life is crazier!
Yes, college life is pretty much un-real. Those were the days when I used to dream that I would have it all on my fingertips and that money wasn't really essential. Those were the days when my motto was to follow my heart and passion, not practical tactics of survival.
I certainly dreamt a lot this month. However, the compass changes and the river takes me where it flows.
Dreams get left behind and new plans take over.
So! Enough of my long philosophies. I really hope that my adventures entertain you the way it will entertain me. Let the adventures begin!
Yours Truly
This blog is a record of my adventures in this thing called life. Apparently, it is somewhat essential that I have proof of my existence and my travels especially in these techno-crazy days.
For starters, we could get to know me.
As of this hour, I am a recent college graduate awaiting life to unfold splendidly just like a good book or a fairy tale. In fact, I have been waiting for a month now.
Within this month, I have discovered certain truths about life and how reality kicks in after college.
1: Plans fail
2: Crying is a daily routine
3: Movies are vital for survival
4: Detours happen
5: Trust may lead to destruction
6: Money can bring tears of joy
7: Freaking out comes every minute, rather than everyday
8: Tomorrow is frightening and no, it is not about the homework unfinished
9: Time can be spent by doing nothing: Something they never teach in college
And finally (as of now), 10: There really isn't a compass or a guideline or a narrator
Basically, what I am trying to say is that even though 3.5 years of college is crazy, real life is crazier!
Yes, college life is pretty much un-real. Those were the days when I used to dream that I would have it all on my fingertips and that money wasn't really essential. Those were the days when my motto was to follow my heart and passion, not practical tactics of survival.
I certainly dreamt a lot this month. However, the compass changes and the river takes me where it flows.
Dreams get left behind and new plans take over.
So! Enough of my long philosophies. I really hope that my adventures entertain you the way it will entertain me. Let the adventures begin!
Yours Truly
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