Dear Travellers,
It has been ages since I last penned down a word, or rather typed, in this scenario. I was lacking inspiration. But today, a revelation struck my tiny head and I've finally resurrected.
Tonight, while scooping dinner into a bowl, I suddenly realized that this was the first out of the many meals at home with meat in it.You are probably thinking 'so what?' but I promise I'll get to my point. Mom being sick led to many sacrifices in the family. Lifestyles change. Conversations change. But most of all, our diet changes.
Ever since we found out that meat could feed and multiply cancer cells, we abstained from it and focussed more on other food items that would nourish the sick body. Anything to sustain the run. We were busy looking up new recipes and healthier options that we forgot to sustain our run. We forgot what our bodies needed. Well, I wouldn't exactly call it forgotten but it definitely wasn't in our priority list.
Love changes everything.
Love is mysterious and powerful.
It consumes us even though we cannot fully comprehend its abilities and functions.
When you love someone, you forget you. It is a beautiful picture- sacrificial love. One that causes you to lose yourself and do anything for the sake of another. We experience it all the time.
But what about you?
Just a little food for thought.
Yours Truly.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Loving for love's sake
Hello Travellers!
There seems to be no end to the talk about natural disasters today. Every corner of the planet seems to be invaded with some sort of tragedy leaving us misery.
From Earthquakes to Tsunamis.
From Tsunamis to floods.
From floods to fire.
From fire to nuclear exposure.
From nuclear exposure to volcanoes.
It never ends.
Just this morning, I heard news concerning the shores of East Malaysia. Apparently, a multitude of sea snails that resided in the sea appeared on the shorelines! Yes, animals are most sensitive to chaos and with that said, is something about to happen here?
How peculiar and frightening. Still, we wonder what is going on in the world today.
Today at about 4:30 pm, another nuclear plant in Japan exploded. This makes it the second one to go out of control leaving Japan even more vulnerable than she already is.
We can't help but wonder what's next.
So what can we do? We can't really stop a fifty feet wave from crashing our land. We can't hide from the nuclear waves that escape into our air. We can't build our city in the air, away from the threat of earthquakes.
But we can stand together. Support each other. Delete all boundaries and differences.
I never understood the concept of lines and how it separates us. Nor did I understand the definition of color that groups us differently. Inside, we are all the same. So why should we think twice in helping others? Not that we didn't. I am fully supportive and thankful for all the efforts made across the world to help Japan out of the bucket. But this would also imply that we should never think about pointing a gun to another human being as well. Or drop a grenade in a foreign land.
Quoting The Beatles, Love is all we need.
Tis true, but not practiced. When will we start loving for the sake of love?
Here's a little song I wrote based upon my thoughts on how we should live, and inspired by the tragedy that the world is facing today.
Hopefully the words strike a bell in your hearts.
When It Comes Down To This: A Tribute to Japan.
Yours Truly.
There seems to be no end to the talk about natural disasters today. Every corner of the planet seems to be invaded with some sort of tragedy leaving us misery.
From Earthquakes to Tsunamis.
From Tsunamis to floods.
From floods to fire.
From fire to nuclear exposure.
From nuclear exposure to volcanoes.
It never ends.
Just this morning, I heard news concerning the shores of East Malaysia. Apparently, a multitude of sea snails that resided in the sea appeared on the shorelines! Yes, animals are most sensitive to chaos and with that said, is something about to happen here?
How peculiar and frightening. Still, we wonder what is going on in the world today.
Today at about 4:30 pm, another nuclear plant in Japan exploded. This makes it the second one to go out of control leaving Japan even more vulnerable than she already is.
We can't help but wonder what's next.
So what can we do? We can't really stop a fifty feet wave from crashing our land. We can't hide from the nuclear waves that escape into our air. We can't build our city in the air, away from the threat of earthquakes.
But we can stand together. Support each other. Delete all boundaries and differences.
I never understood the concept of lines and how it separates us. Nor did I understand the definition of color that groups us differently. Inside, we are all the same. So why should we think twice in helping others? Not that we didn't. I am fully supportive and thankful for all the efforts made across the world to help Japan out of the bucket. But this would also imply that we should never think about pointing a gun to another human being as well. Or drop a grenade in a foreign land.
Quoting The Beatles, Love is all we need.
Tis true, but not practiced. When will we start loving for the sake of love?
Here's a little song I wrote based upon my thoughts on how we should live, and inspired by the tragedy that the world is facing today.
Hopefully the words strike a bell in your hearts.
When It Comes Down To This: A Tribute to Japan.
Yours Truly.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Failure? Pssssfh!
Hello Travellers,
Apparently, Bill Gates once said:
I failed in some subjects in my exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft…!
Pretty epic.
So how does that rate the importance of education versus hard work and determination?
With that said, if you fail your classes, you're not a total failure just yet.
Well, you can be if you don't work your butt off!
But you get what I mean.
You're not a Failure.
Yours Truly.
Apparently, Bill Gates once said:
I failed in some subjects in my exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft…!
Pretty epic.
So how does that rate the importance of education versus hard work and determination?
With that said, if you fail your classes, you're not a total failure just yet.
Well, you can be if you don't work your butt off!
But you get what I mean.
 |
| The young and cute nerd, THE one and only Bill Gates. Gotta love them glasses. |
You're not a Failure.
Yours Truly.
Beach! I missed you.
Hello Travellers!
Today was an amazing day at the beach.
But best of all were the people who went along with me.
The purpose of it all was baptism. And it was a successful one. Of course, despite the occurrence of three jellyfish that were huge (ps: we caught them), we had a lot of fun.
Here's a photograph of the baptized.
Asians. So plenty of food to share. And plenty laughter. And plenty volume. What can I say, we are a loud.
So this beach isn't that amazing. Nevertheless it is still a beach and I've missed the sea so much. Teluk Batik is maintained pretty well and the facilities are wonderful but I wouldn't call the water amazing. There are better beaches out here in Malaysia!
Here's a snapshot.
And a photo of our palm trees.
Of course, I couldn't resist but take a few personal snapshots. You may already be bored out of your mind seeing these. I always have the same poses. Well, that's because my arms usually only extend to a certain length and a certain angle. You can't do much. Just so you know. Oh, and that's the national flower. No, not me. But the red hibiscus on my head!
Here's me and my aunt. Obviously, she wasn't paying very much attention!
I think that sums up the best of the day. Well, I suppose my one hour nap in the afternoon did. Sleep is so beautiful. And it rained again this evening- really heavily, which made the wind super strong. Oh I love it.
Today was an amazing day at the beach.
But best of all were the people who went along with me.
The purpose of it all was baptism. And it was a successful one. Of course, despite the occurrence of three jellyfish that were huge (ps: we caught them), we had a lot of fun.
Here's a photograph of the baptized.
Asians. So plenty of food to share. And plenty laughter. And plenty volume. What can I say, we are a loud.
So this beach isn't that amazing. Nevertheless it is still a beach and I've missed the sea so much. Teluk Batik is maintained pretty well and the facilities are wonderful but I wouldn't call the water amazing. There are better beaches out here in Malaysia!
Here's a snapshot.
And a photo of our palm trees.
Pretty green. Another thing that annoyed me was how irresponsible Malaysians can be. When we got there, the place was gorgeous. But when we left, I saw so many plastic bottles and random trash all over. It is really sad and embarrassing at the same time so please pick up after yourself!
Of course, I couldn't resist but take a few personal snapshots. You may already be bored out of your mind seeing these. I always have the same poses. Well, that's because my arms usually only extend to a certain length and a certain angle. You can't do much. Just so you know. Oh, and that's the national flower. No, not me. But the red hibiscus on my head! |
| And a little artsy one just for fun. |
 |
| Photograph with the help of Ezekiel Tan |
Like I said, great people! We even buried some.
 |
Aww, how cute. These little monkeys. |
Well, for those who have never been to Lumut, you have to try the cendol in Sitiawan.
What's cendol? Its this sweet desert with coconut milk, shaved ice, sticky rice and beans in it that makes it amazing! And you can find the best cendol in Malaysia here! So refreshing...
 |
| Only the best. Served in the King's court and loved by all. |
I think that sums up the best of the day. Well, I suppose my one hour nap in the afternoon did. Sleep is so beautiful. And it rained again this evening- really heavily, which made the wind super strong. Oh I love it.
Yours Truly.
Tsunami. Boom.
Hello Travellers,
I'm sure you've heard of the Tsunami strikes around the world today. What can we do?
Generally, we can't do anything but wait and watch. We do not have the capabilities to stop Mother Nature from going wild! However, we could stick together and form a wall of support.
This is when boundaries need to be broken and countries forgotten.
Colours need to fade.
We are all the same.
Obviously, I'm sitting here writing this in the comfort of my home but I'm also thinking about those in the alerted regions, I wonder what I'd do if I were in their shoes.
Would I be running inwards or would I be praying my heart out? Or would I be sitting, waiting, surrendering? At desperate moments like these, one would never know.
Would I be saying 'I love you' to the ones I feared saying to? Would I shun away the thoughts?
We can never predict our actions in distress.
Tsunamis are unpredictable in nature. What happens is they suck in all the water causing the tide to decrease drastically and then boom it hits!
Moments like these. Unexplainable. Unpredictable.
But do we act like tsunamis ourselves?
Hide it all in until the very last minute. BOOM.
Sometimes we don't know until it is too late.
Yours Truly.
I'm sure you've heard of the Tsunami strikes around the world today. What can we do?
Generally, we can't do anything but wait and watch. We do not have the capabilities to stop Mother Nature from going wild! However, we could stick together and form a wall of support.
This is when boundaries need to be broken and countries forgotten.
Colours need to fade.
We are all the same.
Obviously, I'm sitting here writing this in the comfort of my home but I'm also thinking about those in the alerted regions, I wonder what I'd do if I were in their shoes.
Would I be running inwards or would I be praying my heart out? Or would I be sitting, waiting, surrendering? At desperate moments like these, one would never know.
Would I be saying 'I love you' to the ones I feared saying to? Would I shun away the thoughts?
We can never predict our actions in distress.
Tsunamis are unpredictable in nature. What happens is they suck in all the water causing the tide to decrease drastically and then boom it hits!
Moments like these. Unexplainable. Unpredictable.
But do we act like tsunamis ourselves?
Hide it all in until the very last minute. BOOM.
Sometimes we don't know until it is too late.
Yours Truly.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What Makes Your Photograph?
Hello Travellers!
What makes a good photograph?
Artistic perspective.
Great lighting.
A message.
When we take self portraits, we only want to record our best sides. Nobody likes to keep their bad profiles. So through the invention of photography, we can hide our real selves so we could look good in the eyes of other people. Why can't we get rid of the masks?
Personally, even I take pride in my photographs but when it comes to the real me, I freak out.
I feel inadequate. Uncertain. Inferior.
My camera makes me look fatter which is much more appealing.
My camera also makes me look fairer which is definitely more attractive.
The way I angle my head helps with my atrocious under-bite and protruding jaw.
Pimples and zits? Editing takes care of that.
But we can't hide for long. Sooner or later, you will discover that carrying these photographs in your pocket tires you and wears you down after awhile. You can't run free. Nor will you fly.
So what's the cure for this disease?
Even I have not figured that one out just yet. All I know is that we can't live our lives in snapshots.
Where does the confidence start? We can all be confident in certain things but there surely is something that can trigger fear.
I always hear the phrase 'Imperfection is perfection' and I believe it with all my heart.
But I need time to face these imperfection and unfortunately, I think I'll have to learn to love myself before I can let love in.
So toss those photographs and start living.
Yours Truly.
What makes a good photograph?
Artistic perspective.
Great lighting.
A message.
When we take self portraits, we only want to record our best sides. Nobody likes to keep their bad profiles. So through the invention of photography, we can hide our real selves so we could look good in the eyes of other people. Why can't we get rid of the masks?
Personally, even I take pride in my photographs but when it comes to the real me, I freak out.
I feel inadequate. Uncertain. Inferior.
My camera makes me look fatter which is much more appealing.
My camera also makes me look fairer which is definitely more attractive.
The way I angle my head helps with my atrocious under-bite and protruding jaw.
Pimples and zits? Editing takes care of that.
But we can't hide for long. Sooner or later, you will discover that carrying these photographs in your pocket tires you and wears you down after awhile. You can't run free. Nor will you fly.
So what's the cure for this disease?
Even I have not figured that one out just yet. All I know is that we can't live our lives in snapshots.
Where does the confidence start? We can all be confident in certain things but there surely is something that can trigger fear.
I always hear the phrase 'Imperfection is perfection' and I believe it with all my heart.
But I need time to face these imperfection and unfortunately, I think I'll have to learn to love myself before I can let love in.
So toss those photographs and start living.
Yours Truly.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Play it Again
Hello Travellers!
I think that lately I've developed this weird obsession habit. When I find a song I like, I'd play it over and over again. And I do mean over and over because I don't seem to stop for hours. It seems really odd but I could never have enough of one thing and I wonder why.
Have you ever felt that way?
When a song makes you feel so alive all of a sudden. Only the power of music.
Sometimes, nothing else seems to cut through but music.
I wish there were a repeat button that I could click on so I didn't have to restart it again and again.
I still wonder why.
Maybe its the exhilarating feeling we humans have always needed and always will need. We need something to cling on to and ride with it over and over again, even though we may never have noticed in the first place.
Whatever it may be: God, your family, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your best friend.
Whatever your prized possession may be, you need that obsession.
Cause in the end, without obsession, we die of starvation.
So play it again.
Yours Truly.
I think that lately I've developed this weird obsession habit. When I find a song I like, I'd play it over and over again. And I do mean over and over because I don't seem to stop for hours. It seems really odd but I could never have enough of one thing and I wonder why.
Have you ever felt that way?
When a song makes you feel so alive all of a sudden. Only the power of music.
Sometimes, nothing else seems to cut through but music.
I wish there were a repeat button that I could click on so I didn't have to restart it again and again.
I still wonder why.
Maybe its the exhilarating feeling we humans have always needed and always will need. We need something to cling on to and ride with it over and over again, even though we may never have noticed in the first place.
Whatever it may be: God, your family, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your best friend.
Whatever your prized possession may be, you need that obsession.
Cause in the end, without obsession, we die of starvation.
So play it again.
Yours Truly.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Up in Reality
Hello Travellers!
I just saw this amazing article about hot air balloons.
I've always wanted to ride on one.
If you've ever watched 'Úp', an animated movie released sometime ago, you will find this pretty epic as well.
A bunch of scientifically talented nerds got out and made it happen for real! Fancy that. A house with the colorful balloons and everything including human beings! Oh, I certainly wish I had the opportunity to be on it. Wouldn't that be the best thing ever in the world?
The whole floating house was said to last for about an hour and floated up past 10,000 feet.
Here's a little photograph of the project.
I just saw this amazing article about hot air balloons.
I've always wanted to ride on one.
If you've ever watched 'Úp', an animated movie released sometime ago, you will find this pretty epic as well.
A bunch of scientifically talented nerds got out and made it happen for real! Fancy that. A house with the colorful balloons and everything including human beings! Oh, I certainly wish I had the opportunity to be on it. Wouldn't that be the best thing ever in the world?
The whole floating house was said to last for about an hour and floated up past 10,000 feet.
Here's a little photograph of the project.
Want to read more? Here's the article!
Enjoy and live life flying high!
Yours Truly.
Of Tickets and Fines
Hello Travellers!
I was watching the news on TV (First time in a very long time) and they were talking about traffic fines in Malaysia. Apparently, it is that time of the year again where fines or tickets have to be settled or else. Or else, what?
According to what was on my TV screen, only about 700,000 Malaysians have paid their fines.
Of course, there are millions of people living in this country. But if we have 700,000 reckless drivers on the road, shouldn't we start worrying? Besides, every one of these drivers probably received 3 or more tickets every year.
Can we not produce better drivers?
Worse still, many of these reckless citizens are motorcyclists. Even though I've lived in Malaysia for more than 15 years, I still don't understand the traffic lingo here.
Here's a big problem with the situation. People are obviously not going to change if nothing is being done. How many people pay up all their fines and how many actually even bother? Sadly, you could get away with paying only half of the penalty by sending in a flattering letter stating that you are sorry. How does it work here? Can it ever get worse?
I doubt that Malaysians understand the purpose of a zebra crossing. Pedestrians, never trust a zebra crossing. They're just patterns on the streets for color. Once I crossed a zebra crossing after a whole deal of looking around to see if there were no cars. Unfortunately, one shot out of nowhere, charging straight towards me. Rather than slowing down or stopping to allow me time for crossing, the driver honked at me and gave me a nasty stare. How despicable!
Double line? What's that?
I also recently witnessed a truck passing a line of cars while driving on the line in the middle of two lanes because of the lack of space and that cars were coming from the other direction too. How impatient!
Not forgetting motorcyclists who ride while admiring the scenic view around them and going at inconsistent speeds.
Or the ones that weave in and out of traffic making it difficult for car drivers to focus or drive consistently.
Well, I guess here we go again. Time to pay up once again but trust me, without stricter enforcements, we are never going to go anywhere.
Yours Truly.
I was watching the news on TV (First time in a very long time) and they were talking about traffic fines in Malaysia. Apparently, it is that time of the year again where fines or tickets have to be settled or else. Or else, what?
According to what was on my TV screen, only about 700,000 Malaysians have paid their fines.
Of course, there are millions of people living in this country. But if we have 700,000 reckless drivers on the road, shouldn't we start worrying? Besides, every one of these drivers probably received 3 or more tickets every year.
Can we not produce better drivers?
Worse still, many of these reckless citizens are motorcyclists. Even though I've lived in Malaysia for more than 15 years, I still don't understand the traffic lingo here.
Here's a big problem with the situation. People are obviously not going to change if nothing is being done. How many people pay up all their fines and how many actually even bother? Sadly, you could get away with paying only half of the penalty by sending in a flattering letter stating that you are sorry. How does it work here? Can it ever get worse?
I doubt that Malaysians understand the purpose of a zebra crossing. Pedestrians, never trust a zebra crossing. They're just patterns on the streets for color. Once I crossed a zebra crossing after a whole deal of looking around to see if there were no cars. Unfortunately, one shot out of nowhere, charging straight towards me. Rather than slowing down or stopping to allow me time for crossing, the driver honked at me and gave me a nasty stare. How despicable!
Double line? What's that?
I also recently witnessed a truck passing a line of cars while driving on the line in the middle of two lanes because of the lack of space and that cars were coming from the other direction too. How impatient!
Not forgetting motorcyclists who ride while admiring the scenic view around them and going at inconsistent speeds.
Or the ones that weave in and out of traffic making it difficult for car drivers to focus or drive consistently.
Well, I guess here we go again. Time to pay up once again but trust me, without stricter enforcements, we are never going to go anywhere.
Yours Truly.
Angel by Jack Johnson
Hello Travellers!
p.s.: Click on this to view it on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWe6kJxIXwA
Well, I hope that was a somewhat pleasant experience!
Yours Truly.
So, I finally gathered up enough guts to publish my first cover video on YouTube. Even though it isn't perfect, (yes, there were a couple of major slips), I decided that people are imperfect and I'll have to accept the fact someday. So why not now?
The reason why I've never put anything officially up was because I've always felt like I wasn't good enough and I didn't want the public to judge me based on my first publicity.
Yes, this is pretty life changing for me!
So here we go. I know I talk a lot in this video. I hope you'll make it through to the actual singing!
This is 'Angel' written by Jack Johnson. And a little bit of my flare.
Do let me know what you think, though! I'd love some insight- the good, the bad or even the ugly.
Do let me know what you think, though! I'd love some insight- the good, the bad or even the ugly.
p.s.: Click on this to view it on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWe6kJxIXwA
Well, I hope that was a somewhat pleasant experience!
Yours Truly.
Monday, March 7, 2011
McDonald's: An International Standard cont'd
So, here's a photograph of a 'to-go' box from the local McDonald's.
Pretty different, isn't it?
Pretty different, isn't it?
Yours Truly.
McDonald's: An International Standard
Hello Travellers!
After two weeks, I finally decided that it was time to check out the local McDonald's. What can I say? There would be no America without it.
A few days ago, I mustered the courage to try the drive through. Remembering my previous experiences, I tried to keep the order simple. 2 Vanilla Cones. Only the best.
So here I went with an optimistic spirit. Obviously, the driveway was extremely narrow. When I got to the ordering machine, I placed my order loud and clear.
The response was: Spicy or non spicy?
Me: Huh?
Response: One McChicken, spicy or non spicy?
Me: Um, no. Two vanilla cones please.
Reponse: Oh, okay. 2 Ringgit and ten cents.
How odd.
Today, because I was about to order 3 separate meals and use a coupon, I figured that it would confuse them to use the drive through. So I decided to park and walk in. There were very few people and the parking lot was empty because Malaysians only go out after 10pm every night. And it is the very opposite with people in Kansas. Another thing that was different was the fact that the McDonald's here had a welcomer who opened the door for you. And the interior was more appealing as it served as a sit-down restaurant rather than a cheap fast food outlet.
Anyways. At the counter, I mentioned 'to go' without much thought. I was given a weird stare. And for a moment, I tried to think of the alternate words I could use. Instead, I blankly muttered 'Not eating in'. I'm sure I looked a complete idiot. Oh wells. She responded with a simple 'Take away?' and I nodded. Of course, take away. Why didn't I think of that. They didn't serve ice cream in the mornings which was a sad deal and of course, Malaysia doesn't offer the scrumptious McGriddles. They really should, I miss them already. Surprisingly, the service was great this time. I was greeted out with a warm smile. Not forgetting the existence of chili sauce that makes the world better. I also daringly tried the coffee even though I seemed to be deathly allergic to it in the U.S. It was actually really good, except for the fact that I feel a little high at the moment. I guess it was a little strong.
So, there you go. The ups and downs of a non American McDonald's. It's always interesting to check one out while travelling places. It definitely is enlightening.
Yours Truly.
After two weeks, I finally decided that it was time to check out the local McDonald's. What can I say? There would be no America without it.
A few days ago, I mustered the courage to try the drive through. Remembering my previous experiences, I tried to keep the order simple. 2 Vanilla Cones. Only the best.
So here I went with an optimistic spirit. Obviously, the driveway was extremely narrow. When I got to the ordering machine, I placed my order loud and clear.
The response was: Spicy or non spicy?
Me: Huh?
Response: One McChicken, spicy or non spicy?
Me: Um, no. Two vanilla cones please.
Reponse: Oh, okay. 2 Ringgit and ten cents.
How odd.
Today, because I was about to order 3 separate meals and use a coupon, I figured that it would confuse them to use the drive through. So I decided to park and walk in. There were very few people and the parking lot was empty because Malaysians only go out after 10pm every night. And it is the very opposite with people in Kansas. Another thing that was different was the fact that the McDonald's here had a welcomer who opened the door for you. And the interior was more appealing as it served as a sit-down restaurant rather than a cheap fast food outlet.
Anyways. At the counter, I mentioned 'to go' without much thought. I was given a weird stare. And for a moment, I tried to think of the alternate words I could use. Instead, I blankly muttered 'Not eating in'. I'm sure I looked a complete idiot. Oh wells. She responded with a simple 'Take away?' and I nodded. Of course, take away. Why didn't I think of that. They didn't serve ice cream in the mornings which was a sad deal and of course, Malaysia doesn't offer the scrumptious McGriddles. They really should, I miss them already. Surprisingly, the service was great this time. I was greeted out with a warm smile. Not forgetting the existence of chili sauce that makes the world better. I also daringly tried the coffee even though I seemed to be deathly allergic to it in the U.S. It was actually really good, except for the fact that I feel a little high at the moment. I guess it was a little strong.
So, there you go. The ups and downs of a non American McDonald's. It's always interesting to check one out while travelling places. It definitely is enlightening.
Yours Truly.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Little Ramble
Hello Travellers!
Due to the lack of sleep, I have been very hazy as to what I should talk about but I decided something more upbeat rather than my usual banter of sadness.
Let's talk about what's good in life so far.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous with the exception of the moment as it is starting to heat up really fast, giving me headaches. This morning and afternoon was lovely though- not too hot, and very breezy.
I had quality time with my family and it felt really good. We had some great laughters but of course, we miss Jonathan in every way.
Also, food is nothing but fantastic on this side of the planet. I have no complains whatsoever. You will understand fully what it means to love food when you've been here. I'm not fibbing!
Last happy: I completed a video of myself. Yes, it was only a minute long, and it took all day. But it was worth it. Hopefully, I will get better at doing things faster and maybe be less of a perfectionist. I'll post it up when I feel the aura of confidence in my skin, I promise.
I think that's about all that I can ramble about at the moment.
Much love from me to you.
Then spread that love around!
Yours Truly.
Due to the lack of sleep, I have been very hazy as to what I should talk about but I decided something more upbeat rather than my usual banter of sadness.
Let's talk about what's good in life so far.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous with the exception of the moment as it is starting to heat up really fast, giving me headaches. This morning and afternoon was lovely though- not too hot, and very breezy.
I had quality time with my family and it felt really good. We had some great laughters but of course, we miss Jonathan in every way.
Also, food is nothing but fantastic on this side of the planet. I have no complains whatsoever. You will understand fully what it means to love food when you've been here. I'm not fibbing!
Last happy: I completed a video of myself. Yes, it was only a minute long, and it took all day. But it was worth it. Hopefully, I will get better at doing things faster and maybe be less of a perfectionist. I'll post it up when I feel the aura of confidence in my skin, I promise.
I think that's about all that I can ramble about at the moment.
Much love from me to you.
Then spread that love around!
Yours Truly.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Search for Faithfulness
Hello Travellers!
I know that many of you may be tired of all these relationship rambling from me. Trust me, I'd love to ramble about other things as well but what can I say? Love makes the world go around! Big sigh. Some of us hoped that wasn't the case.
In search of my Prince Charming, I have been travelling roads leading to nothing but dead ends. Someday I will discover the path to mortal love infinity. However, along the way, I've picked up some really bad habits and philosophies that need to be stripped off so I could run free.
Everyone has these. You should consider stripping them off as well.
Here are some of the misconceptions we pick up along the way.
(I'm sorry if it is extremely female oriented)
1. Men are all the same
2. Faithfulness is impossible to achieve (Cheating is normal)
3. We are replays of our parents' mistakes and story
4. Women are subject to men
5. Only women hurt and feel fragility
6. Marriages end in affairs
7. Love is a checklist. If you don't meet the expectations or standards, you're out of the game.
Those are only the very few I struggled with over the years. The thing about these misconceptions is that it hurts inside, chains you up but it is absolutely difficult to free yourself from.Of course, it is easy to say 'Today, I'm letting go' but sometimes it feels impossible. At times, I do wonder if faithfulness exists. The media and the people around us sometimes proves faithfulness a myth and that makes it difficult for the wounded to recover. I do believe that someday I will find its hiding place and take shelter but when, I do not know.
What does it mean to be faithful?
To be steadfast in affection and allegiance.
Coming back to all these bad philosophies, they suffocate. On a long term basis, we will find ourselves being bitter in very many ways. Nobody wants to be bitter. Nobody likes being miserable.
Even I have experienced moments where I felt like I was being strangled by these misconceptions and that I would never love again. Then, stepping into a new arena, I wonder if this time things would be different. But they won't because if you never learn to let go, you will not love in freedom. And that is a bad thing altogether.
We all live in the shadows of the people around us and before us. But we don't have to.
We could step out and decide what we want for ourselves because in the end, this is your life and nobody else's. Do you want to be happy? Who doesn't?
Yours Truly.
I know that many of you may be tired of all these relationship rambling from me. Trust me, I'd love to ramble about other things as well but what can I say? Love makes the world go around! Big sigh. Some of us hoped that wasn't the case.
In search of my Prince Charming, I have been travelling roads leading to nothing but dead ends. Someday I will discover the path to mortal love infinity. However, along the way, I've picked up some really bad habits and philosophies that need to be stripped off so I could run free.
Everyone has these. You should consider stripping them off as well.
Here are some of the misconceptions we pick up along the way.
(I'm sorry if it is extremely female oriented)
1. Men are all the same
2. Faithfulness is impossible to achieve (Cheating is normal)
3. We are replays of our parents' mistakes and story
4. Women are subject to men
5. Only women hurt and feel fragility
6. Marriages end in affairs
7. Love is a checklist. If you don't meet the expectations or standards, you're out of the game.
Those are only the very few I struggled with over the years. The thing about these misconceptions is that it hurts inside, chains you up but it is absolutely difficult to free yourself from.Of course, it is easy to say 'Today, I'm letting go' but sometimes it feels impossible. At times, I do wonder if faithfulness exists. The media and the people around us sometimes proves faithfulness a myth and that makes it difficult for the wounded to recover. I do believe that someday I will find its hiding place and take shelter but when, I do not know.
What does it mean to be faithful?
To be steadfast in affection and allegiance.
Coming back to all these bad philosophies, they suffocate. On a long term basis, we will find ourselves being bitter in very many ways. Nobody wants to be bitter. Nobody likes being miserable.
Even I have experienced moments where I felt like I was being strangled by these misconceptions and that I would never love again. Then, stepping into a new arena, I wonder if this time things would be different. But they won't because if you never learn to let go, you will not love in freedom. And that is a bad thing altogether.
We all live in the shadows of the people around us and before us. But we don't have to.
We could step out and decide what we want for ourselves because in the end, this is your life and nobody else's. Do you want to be happy? Who doesn't?
Yours Truly.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Everyone and their Girlfriend(s)
Hello Travellers!
Today I was scouting for the most eligible bachelor.
Yes, I just said it.
No, I am not that desperate but it does go through the mind once in awhile.
The funny thing is that I suddenly came to realise that most of my friends are already in relationships. And that freaked me out. I guess it's just the thought of age catching up. The more time passes, the fewer the chances?
Great theory but it wouldn't work out with my whole soul mate idea that I've worked up in my mind since I was a little girl.
At the strike of loneliness, one ventures around seeking the tiniest possibility of romance.
Yet, we know that wisdom proves otherwise. Single-hood needs to be appreciated way more.
Nevertheless, I can't help but watch everyone and their girlfriend.
As I was passing my kitchen counter, I couldn't help but notice a leftover dish sitting out. I went over to pick it up and a whole colony of ants appeared and spread like wildfire. Of course, I cleaned up the mess. But after thinking about it, I thought that the dish could resemble some of us- the newbies in single-hood. The ants would not have come around to devour the sweetness of it all unless we were left out for awhile. Obviously, the ants symbolize new possibilities.
What better way would there be for me to lay it all out? It is so difficult to stay away from being emotionally attached because the heart is constantly seeking adventure. But it is so important to remember that the more you keep the more you get.
Yours Truly.
Today I was scouting for the most eligible bachelor.
Yes, I just said it.
No, I am not that desperate but it does go through the mind once in awhile.
The funny thing is that I suddenly came to realise that most of my friends are already in relationships. And that freaked me out. I guess it's just the thought of age catching up. The more time passes, the fewer the chances?
Great theory but it wouldn't work out with my whole soul mate idea that I've worked up in my mind since I was a little girl.
At the strike of loneliness, one ventures around seeking the tiniest possibility of romance.
Yet, we know that wisdom proves otherwise. Single-hood needs to be appreciated way more.
Nevertheless, I can't help but watch everyone and their girlfriend.
As I was passing my kitchen counter, I couldn't help but notice a leftover dish sitting out. I went over to pick it up and a whole colony of ants appeared and spread like wildfire. Of course, I cleaned up the mess. But after thinking about it, I thought that the dish could resemble some of us- the newbies in single-hood. The ants would not have come around to devour the sweetness of it all unless we were left out for awhile. Obviously, the ants symbolize new possibilities.
What better way would there be for me to lay it all out? It is so difficult to stay away from being emotionally attached because the heart is constantly seeking adventure. But it is so important to remember that the more you keep the more you get.
Yours Truly.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Speak
Hello Travellers!
What does it mean to speak? How high up do we hold the words that come out of our lips?
Sadly, many people speak hastily without much thought. The aftermath can be difficult to clean up.
Yes, words are the most powerful things on Earth. It can build up, tear apart, make love, spark impressions, strike hurt and even inspire. Yet, many fail to use it to its best potential.
As powerful as words can be, we suffer through the consequences of its abuse anyway.
Even though words can uplift, it can also bring a person down within a blink of an eye. Yes, I am speaking of those moments when you have been called fat, skinny, over voluptuous or the lack of it. Sometimes, it can even be about your personality. You may have been called a bitch, tramp, slut, big head, stupid or even arrogant.
Was that all necessary?
I've personally experienced both the good and the ugly and till today, I am still learning to overcome the hurt from the latter.
I think many a times, we speak unnecessarily. Comments are let out for no other reason besides to hurt. This is sad. Words are gifts to be shared, something to make life more beautiful.
The slightest words can mean the world to someone else even though it doesn't seem much to you. At the same time, a sly comment could stab a heart and wound it forever.
So I choose to speak in wisdom. I choose to use words in all its beauty and I hope that it shows through my music and my choice of words. I want to inspire and never once let down. I hope you do the same as well.
Yours Truly.
What does it mean to speak? How high up do we hold the words that come out of our lips?
Sadly, many people speak hastily without much thought. The aftermath can be difficult to clean up.
Yes, words are the most powerful things on Earth. It can build up, tear apart, make love, spark impressions, strike hurt and even inspire. Yet, many fail to use it to its best potential.
As powerful as words can be, we suffer through the consequences of its abuse anyway.
Even though words can uplift, it can also bring a person down within a blink of an eye. Yes, I am speaking of those moments when you have been called fat, skinny, over voluptuous or the lack of it. Sometimes, it can even be about your personality. You may have been called a bitch, tramp, slut, big head, stupid or even arrogant.
Was that all necessary?
I've personally experienced both the good and the ugly and till today, I am still learning to overcome the hurt from the latter.
I think many a times, we speak unnecessarily. Comments are let out for no other reason besides to hurt. This is sad. Words are gifts to be shared, something to make life more beautiful.
The slightest words can mean the world to someone else even though it doesn't seem much to you. At the same time, a sly comment could stab a heart and wound it forever.
So I choose to speak in wisdom. I choose to use words in all its beauty and I hope that it shows through my music and my choice of words. I want to inspire and never once let down. I hope you do the same as well.
Yours Truly.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Some' for Laughs
Hello Travellers!
I was sent a forwarded email that made my day. I hope it makes yours as well. Laughter is the best medicine.
Here we go!
An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her significant birthday by staying overnight in one of London's most expensive hotels.
When she checked out next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for £250.00.
She exploded and demanded to know why the charge was so high. "It's a nice hotel but the rooms certainly aren't worth £250.00 for just an overnight stop without even breakfast."
The clerk told her that £250.00 is the 'standard rate' so she insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appeared and forewarned by the desk clerk announced:
"The hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre which are available for use."
"The hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre which are available for use."
'But I didn't use them," she said.
''Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager.
He went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the in-hotel shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen performing here," the Manager said.
"But I didn't go to any of those shows," she said.
"Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!"
The Manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay, wrote a cheque and gave it to the Manager.
The Manager was surprised when he looked at the cheque.
"But madam, this cheque is only made out for £50.00."
''That's correct. I charged you £200.00 for sleeping with me," she replied.
"But madam, this cheque is only made out for £50.00."
''That's correct. I charged you £200.00 for sleeping with me," she replied.
"But I didn't!" exclaims the very surprised Manager.
"Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have."
Don't mess with Senior Citizens.
Yours Truly.
Turn the Blinkers On!
Hello Travellers!
So I was driving around today and I got really irritated by uneducated and obnoxious drivers that rape the streets in Malaysia daily. Here, blinkers also known as turn signals do not exist. I guess you might as well say that they don't manufacture that in cars here.
My point is, nobody turns their blinkers on when they're about to turn or pass someone.
Because I'm a deep thinker when I drive, I came up with a parabola almost immediately.
We are all like cars driving around on the narrow streets of life. Some of us drive closer together while some drive sparingly. Those of us that do drive in a cluster are fully dependent upon the cars in front and the cars at the back when it comes to arriving safely.
Because of this dependency, using our blinkers is a necessity. Without turning on our blinkers, the car behind us will not know what we are up to. Similarly, we depend on the car in front of us for clear directions.
So how can we take this in relation to reality?
The truth is, we all depend on each other when it comes to making it through life. It gets really frustrating when a friend or someone you love makes a turn unexpectedly. Then, you never see them again.
What's the lesson of the story? (I need to learn to apply it as well!)
Turn on your blinkers.
Then, blast the speakers, roll down the windows and enjoy the ride!
Yours Truly.
So I was driving around today and I got really irritated by uneducated and obnoxious drivers that rape the streets in Malaysia daily. Here, blinkers also known as turn signals do not exist. I guess you might as well say that they don't manufacture that in cars here.
My point is, nobody turns their blinkers on when they're about to turn or pass someone.
Because I'm a deep thinker when I drive, I came up with a parabola almost immediately.
We are all like cars driving around on the narrow streets of life. Some of us drive closer together while some drive sparingly. Those of us that do drive in a cluster are fully dependent upon the cars in front and the cars at the back when it comes to arriving safely.
Because of this dependency, using our blinkers is a necessity. Without turning on our blinkers, the car behind us will not know what we are up to. Similarly, we depend on the car in front of us for clear directions.
So how can we take this in relation to reality?
The truth is, we all depend on each other when it comes to making it through life. It gets really frustrating when a friend or someone you love makes a turn unexpectedly. Then, you never see them again.
What's the lesson of the story? (I need to learn to apply it as well!)
Turn on your blinkers.
Then, blast the speakers, roll down the windows and enjoy the ride!
Yours Truly.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A String of Words from a Troubled Heart
When Troubled Hearts Meet to Talk
How could I look you in the eye?
How could I whisper all is fine?
How could I smile a big curved line?
-and mean it all from the inside
You see me now on the outside
And make yourself a nest to bide
That builds up all around me still
The one I look to and confide
There I am, strong with will
I am invincible and so still
I am sensible and yet I'm free
I am everything they may not be
Outside us the world is grey
Colorless like the air we breathe
The one that keeps us day by day,
Of which we lost to keep sanity
Inside, my fragile world is formed
A sanctuary within the storm
With wings woven so bright and tight
But never ever can take flight
Inside, time ticks and slower still
When seeing you, I know I feel
When seeing you, I know I can't
Defeat the strongest man that stands
That man, my chosen enemy,
A name I picked up to hide 'me':
The me that cannot stand just yet
The me that cannot find good sense
Within the mask, within the veil
Beyond the pictures and the tales
Go past beyond the naked heart
That unfolded quickly in the dark
So how could I look you in the eye
And tell you everything is fine
And smile and laugh like I always do
And mean it right and mean it true
When I can't read what's in your mind
When I can't seem to draw the line
When all I want, it can't be bought
When troubled hearts meet to talk
Yours Truly.
The Map
Hello Travellers
Have you ever been on an airplane and experienced a bumpy ride? You know, when the seatbelt signs turn on and you were told to return to your seat. Those bumpy turbulences are never fun no matter how short they last because not only is it disruptive to whatever you were doing may it be a movie or a meal, it also signals danger.
Nobody likes being in danger.
That includes me. Currently, I feel like I am on a roller coaster or in a little boat rocking on the waves of the sea.
Nothing is certain and nothing lasts forever.
True, I live for excitement and life itself is an adventure to travel through.
But sometimes we need a rope to hold on to so we can make it through the trail safely without any casualties.
I need some form of rope to hold on to and I'm not speaking of family, friend or God. Just a black and white map that could sketch me through. Wouldn't that be just lovely?
Yours Truly
Have you ever been on an airplane and experienced a bumpy ride? You know, when the seatbelt signs turn on and you were told to return to your seat. Those bumpy turbulences are never fun no matter how short they last because not only is it disruptive to whatever you were doing may it be a movie or a meal, it also signals danger.
Nobody likes being in danger.
That includes me. Currently, I feel like I am on a roller coaster or in a little boat rocking on the waves of the sea.
Nothing is certain and nothing lasts forever.
True, I live for excitement and life itself is an adventure to travel through.
But sometimes we need a rope to hold on to so we can make it through the trail safely without any casualties.
I need some form of rope to hold on to and I'm not speaking of family, friend or God. Just a black and white map that could sketch me through. Wouldn't that be just lovely?
Yours Truly
Picture Perfect Growing Old
Hello Travellers!
Time can be beautiful because it gives us space to breathe, learn and relive our most valued moments.
Time is also necessary for healing and growth.
At the same time, time takes away and disappoints.
I'm speaking of old age. It's funny how life goes and goes and we don't realise how fast the world spins around until a certain revelation point and then we run again. It is also a little funny that in my heart, my dad and my mom are always going to be 45. In my mind, they will never grow old. They remain the same- the way they were years ago when everything was picture perfect.
Everything is still picture perfect. The only difference is the angle of my view. And of course, other factors come to play. You don't realise how fast time flies until prevalent things start to occur. Like my dad not being able to do the things he used to do so easily or when he keeps forgetting the simplest things. Old age catches like wildfire in a forest and it is very scary to experience as well as to witness. It does make me sad because we can't ever contain the people we love in a bottle and keep them there. People change. And they grow old as time passes. That does freak me out because in just a few blinks, we would already be there, with our greying hair and blurry eyesight.
What I'm trying to convey is that life is precious. Health is wealth. Technically, health is way more important than wealth in any circumstance. I am sure that my mom would want me to pass these words of wisdom to you on behalf of her. She is currently fighting cancer and even though her will to win the battle is very strong, she always reminds me of how we should always be wise in our ways of life before time catches up with us. Her courage baffles me. Still, it reminds me of how old age catches up with us in the end.
As depressing as it sounds, it can be refreshing to think that we have nothing to worry about. Yes, it is true that once in awhile we will experience freak-out moments when time-outs and breathing space is needed. Nevertheless, we can smile knowing that everyday is a gift and a blessing that we ought to use wisely. If we can learn to appreciate every hour and every minute of the day as a miracle, we can learn to live life to its fullest.
As for my dad and my mom and my beloved aunts who may be reading this at some point, you will always be young in my heart. Nothing compares to the moments we've lived together and the laughter that blossomed between us all. Time cannot take that away from us!
Yours Truly.
Time can be beautiful because it gives us space to breathe, learn and relive our most valued moments.
Time is also necessary for healing and growth.
At the same time, time takes away and disappoints.
I'm speaking of old age. It's funny how life goes and goes and we don't realise how fast the world spins around until a certain revelation point and then we run again. It is also a little funny that in my heart, my dad and my mom are always going to be 45. In my mind, they will never grow old. They remain the same- the way they were years ago when everything was picture perfect.
Everything is still picture perfect. The only difference is the angle of my view. And of course, other factors come to play. You don't realise how fast time flies until prevalent things start to occur. Like my dad not being able to do the things he used to do so easily or when he keeps forgetting the simplest things. Old age catches like wildfire in a forest and it is very scary to experience as well as to witness. It does make me sad because we can't ever contain the people we love in a bottle and keep them there. People change. And they grow old as time passes. That does freak me out because in just a few blinks, we would already be there, with our greying hair and blurry eyesight.
What I'm trying to convey is that life is precious. Health is wealth. Technically, health is way more important than wealth in any circumstance. I am sure that my mom would want me to pass these words of wisdom to you on behalf of her. She is currently fighting cancer and even though her will to win the battle is very strong, she always reminds me of how we should always be wise in our ways of life before time catches up with us. Her courage baffles me. Still, it reminds me of how old age catches up with us in the end.
As depressing as it sounds, it can be refreshing to think that we have nothing to worry about. Yes, it is true that once in awhile we will experience freak-out moments when time-outs and breathing space is needed. Nevertheless, we can smile knowing that everyday is a gift and a blessing that we ought to use wisely. If we can learn to appreciate every hour and every minute of the day as a miracle, we can learn to live life to its fullest.
As for my dad and my mom and my beloved aunts who may be reading this at some point, you will always be young in my heart. Nothing compares to the moments we've lived together and the laughter that blossomed between us all. Time cannot take that away from us!
My picture perfect family. The photographs may not be the best of quality! I hope to capture new ones soon!
Yours Truly.
Lat
Hello Travellers!
Here's a little something to enlighten your mood for the day.
I was actually thinking creative ways to voice out opinions. I love writing music and lyrics that can cause people to think but I also enjoy reading comics. One of the leading inspirational and influential comic artist would be Lat. His comic series are highly enjoyable and powerful. One of his books I enjoy reading would be the classic 'Kampung Boy'.
Here are some snippets from the book itself:
Politically, Lat stands out as very influential and his drawings best depict current issues. Here's one that sums up our 1 Malaysia motto, in a slightly humorous way.
Here's a little something to enlighten your mood for the day.
I was actually thinking creative ways to voice out opinions. I love writing music and lyrics that can cause people to think but I also enjoy reading comics. One of the leading inspirational and influential comic artist would be Lat. His comic series are highly enjoyable and powerful. One of his books I enjoy reading would be the classic 'Kampung Boy'.
Here are some snippets from the book itself:
I researched some of his works online today and found out that the Istana Budaya will be showing a musical based upon his great works! How fun! This will be held from the 16th of March to the 3rd of April. Be sure not to miss it because I will not!
This is super exciting and I'm so proud to be a Malaysian.
Yours Truly.
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