Living ardently...now

2012-01-23T15:38:00.001-05:00

Which means more to you,

you or your renown?

Which brings more to you,

you or what you own?

I say what you gain

is more trouble than what you lose.

Love is the fruit of sacrifice.

Wealth is the fruit of generosity.

A contented man is never disappointed.

He who knows when to stop is preserved from peril,

only thus can you endure long.

—Lao-tzu, Tao Te Ching

My Longest Post Yet and Your Invitation

2012-01-02T20:10:00.004-05:00

Feeling bored with your life?

Want to meet more kind people?

Yearn to feel included in a family that feeds and cares for you constantly?

Or looking for a chance to challenge yourself?

Curious to find out what is the true meaning of life?

Eager to change the world or make a difference?

Do you want to change all the injustice in the world?

Standing out there in a demonstration is not the smartest way to do it, exposing ourselves to danger and exploitation by the cunning politicians is a huge waste of our talent and health.

The only force that can change the world, starts with you.

Explore the bright world of Tzu Chi and be part of the movement that spread Great Love and kindness to the world!

Not convinced? Read on...

In December 2011, I went to Hualien for the Tzu Chi Global Youth volunteer training camp, where it all began.

Hualien is the hub of all Tzu Chi's global activities.

A wise and selfless Buddhist nun, Cheng Yan, accepted her Master's mission to relieve all beings in suffering and spread the wisdom of Buddhism.

Her six disciples worked odd jobs to support themselves since they don't live on donations. After a heart to heart religion discussion with three Catholic nuns, Master Cheng Yan realized how little the Buddhists have contributed to charity. Her disciples started making an extra pair of baby shoes per person to start their charity foundation.

Thirty housewives answered Master's call for charity. They put away fifty cents every day from their grocery money in bamboo bank. Soon, more and more were inspired. The global Tzu Chi Charity foundation was formed.

Now, Tzu Chi has more than hundreds of thousands of volunteers and members worldwide, in four continents, 71 countries. Tzu Chi responds to all disasters in the world as soon as it strikes. We are the first to enter the sites, and the last to leave. Tzu Chi's disaster relief's work focuses on rebuilding the homes and hearts of all victims. Most of the time, the locals are inspired to turn their up-facing palms to down-facing palms that give.

Because giving is not a privilege exclusive to the wealthy, it is a right of every generous soul.

====end of history intro=================

After this retreat, I realized how silly I have been in wasting my life pursuing things that don't really make me happy - namely wealth, romance, beauty, vanity; just because the media and the people around me made me think those will will make me happy.

Listening to stories of Zulu volunteers in South Africa who would slide and climb down perilous mountain paths to care for the sick and AIDS orphans while themselves are living way below the poverty line, seventy-year-old grannies collecting recyclables and donating the proceeds for Tzu Chi's Daai TV station; seeing joyful, lively nuns living in the Abode dedicating their lives to charity and practicing Buddhism; I began to see the true meaning of life -- to give selflessly.

I always thought Tzu Ching was just another student club, you volunteer, you plan events, you try to get people to come, and you have a good time with your friends.

It's so much more than that.

As a Tzu Ching, we have the responsibility to be role models. We have to be persistent in upholding Master Chengyan's teachings on humanity and filial piety. We need to show people what Tzu Chi is, in our way of life, our manners, our actions and interactions. Tzu Chi is a group embodying the beauty of humanity.

We need to challenge ourselves to exemplify Master's teachings - being forgiving, courteous, determined, brave, patient, humble, understanding, and above all, loving.

It is a training ground for your heart, your leadership, your communication skills, and your determination.

Now that I have graduated from college, I am no longer a little Tzu Ching, cradled by the aunts and uncles. It's time for me to shoulder more responsibility and lead my fellow college Tzu Chings to greater distances.

In Tzu Chi, you get more than what you give, but you have to empty your heart to receive these wisdom and care.

Some say it's karma. For me, it's a simple law of life - we reap what we sow.

Tzu Chi spirit is a vast library of life wisdom that seems simple and commonplace. But when you start take it to your heart and practice it. Everything makes sense.

Tzu Chi is a family of volunteers giving selflessly, and caring for one another in the process. You don't just show up once. You show up and they make you family. But you have to be willing to accept that care and give it back.

This past year, I spent so much time nagging on a stubborn, rebellious kid (It was more than a debate, it was quite tormenting eventually), but when he transformed to a motivated foster brother who cared for me and protected me at the end of it. It all became worthwhile.

Now, in 2012, I vow to bring more foster brothers and sisters into this family of love and kindness. I also vow to cultivate my character and fulfill my obligations as a human being, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a Christian.

Starting with this invitation to you, my dear friend, my dear reader.

I wish you another joyful year filled with love and laughter.

May you be blessed with the joy of giving, and bliss of loving.

Please email me, facebook me or call me if you want to learn more.

Last disclaimer:

In Tzu Chi, we do not convert people to Buddhism. As a Christian, I see Buddhism as a set of wise principles guiding me to make the right decisions in life, and love all beings as Jesus Christ has loved all of us. I am a Buddhist disciple, constantly learning and being inspired by all the stories in Tzu Chi.

Whatever prejudice or preconceived notion you have about Tzu Chi, I urge you to let go of them and see Tzu Chi with your own eyes, and experience Tzu Chi yourself.

Love Thyself and Stop Overcompensating...

2011-11-09T21:57:00.004-05:00

This is by no means a psychological article.

This is just my own musings about confidence and self-esteem.

According to Matthew Hussey, my life-coach/role model, there are three levels to self-confidence.

The first level is the first impression we leave - How we look, how we sound, how we smell, how we carry ourselves around other people. This level is very shallow, the easiest level to "fake it till you make it".

The second level is our relationships, careers, wealth - all the tangible and intangible wealth that makes up our sense of happiness and pride. This level is more solid, somewhat in the middle, building our sense of self-respect and worth.

The most intense level at the core is whatever's left when all other levels are stripped away. This is essentially how much we love and believe in ourselves. How much strength do you have to start from ground zero, when you have nobody to lean on, no wealth, no physical beauty, no accomplishments to boast of? Let me call this the "core" for all intent and purposes.

I had a long chat with a new friend last night about these levels. As a pronounced pessimist, he believes that environment and experiences shaped the "core". We might not have much control over how strong the core is.

Here's what I think about this core...

It is undeniable that our "core" is largely shaped by our experiences. How much our loved ones believed in us, valued us; our religion or faith in humanity, largely fostered the basic foundation of that core. An abusive family, a traumatic childhood, critical parents, indulgent lifestyle are slowly making cracks on that core. Essentially, I believe all of us are damaged at the "core".

We are all pursuing different goals in life to compensate for these damages or scratches maybe...

A nerd like me who was never properly recognized for my physical looks or other virtues might be adamant and obsessive about my academic or professional accomplishment. Just because it seems to be my only successful source of self-esteem.

A man who felt weak in spirit might be subconsciously overcompensating for his lack of strength by obsessing over weight training to be a tougher muscle-man.

Someone who doesn't felt his/her opinions were properly heard might seek a musical instrument or writing to channel that energy.

Someone who felt insecure about their self-worth might love wearing branded items to attract the attention that they felt deprived off.

Someone who was diffident about their opinions or intelligence might be very sarcastic or defensive just to hide the fact.

I call this the "overcompensating" defense mechanism...

If you notice that you're doing it... find that inner deprivation or wound in your core, and work on filling it with something you love. We are all unique individuals with special talents, experiences, personalities and emotions. All of these are our hidden star powers.

We should be proud of who we are and go out to the world with a perfect, shining core confidence. Stop doubting and just believe that you can whoever, whatever you want to be. Our circumstances will always be challenging in their own ways.

The century-old debate of adversity or privileges contributes more to character is pointless. Attitude is the only deciding factor. We have to seize the day and make the best of what we have.

My life-coach said, when we look into the mirror, we should see our best friend, not a "loser" that we condemn. We should be supportive, and not harsh on the poor soul who's trying really hard.

True story example: Huiying was really hungry and craving chips....oops..she ate half a bag without noticing it!!!

Bad example: Critical Huiying came out and started condemning Huiying for that horrible act. She was so bad that it's hopeless that she will ever be fit or healthy. In response, Huiying acknowledged the "hopelessness" of the situation and finished the entire bag of chips, completely ignoring her resolution to adopt a healthy diet.

Good example: Kind Huiying forgave her silly mishap. She was encouraging in saying "it's only half a bag, we can still go back to healthy food choices. Let's drink some water, wash it down, and find something fun to do for a workout. It's fine to have cravings, we can eat a smaller dinner today. "

See the difference? We all need to be the encouraging, supportive force for everyone around us, especially ourselves. Love is all we need, especially what our own soul needs.

If you have spent all your life pleasing someone else for your self-esteem, STOP.

You deserve this care and love for yourself.

Love thyself properly so you may have a greater capacity to love another.

If you can't find a reason to love yourself, talk to someone who loves you, like your MOM.

And greatest of all, our Heavenly Father God Himself is always there, closer than we ever thought.

If my ramblings incited your anger or joy or sorrow and you wanna chat/debate about them, talk to me ;)

But for now, encouraging Huiying is calling me to bed so I may start tomorrow with a more loving and energetic smile :)

Work heart and work smart

2011-09-21T23:33:00.002-04:00

上人說，“多用心”

The wise Master Cheng Yen always says, use your "heart" more.

Life is always going to be throwing different things at us, the key to deal with them is not to multi-task, but focusing on one thing at a time, doing all with the highest level of focus and determination to get through all of them.

Work heart and work smart. Don't work hard.

Know what you want to get out of each task, visualize the outcome and keep pushing.

Don't be distracted by an email, an interesting link or website.

Focus.

The water only boils above the boiling point of 100 degrees Celcius; if the temperature never gets there, no matter how long you keep the water lukewarm, it will never boil.

34 days and counting.

The saddest reality

2011-09-18T00:57:00.002-04:00

...is when you know exactly what causes all the problems are but you can do absolutely nothing to deal with it.

...just like knowing the right thing to do but never resolved to make it happen consistently.

Life Hacks or Basic Necessities

2011-09-13T22:48:00.002-04:00

Based on recent frustrations, I decided to make a post on all the basic life hacks that I believe everyone (with basic internet and technology access) need, NEED to KNOW.

1. Start using Gmail and Google documents

2. Google Chrome is the best internet browser, install it and let it change your internet surfing experience, forever! Check out the awesome AdBlock google app and do the right thing, donate to the programmer who made your internet browsing experience free of annoying ads.

3. Find coupons (online or in a magazine or flyer) before making any huge purchase

4. Use Mint.com or anything to start managing your finances, it's never too early to plan for financial freedom

5. Read these books and grow wiser:

- How to Talk to Anyone

- Rich Dad Poor Dad

- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

- Tuesdays with Morrie

6. Visit TED.com and check out some inspiring ideas that people all over the world are working to make happen! It never fails to launch me to action.

7. Get away from internet one day of the week and talk to real people for at least 20 mins.

8. Soap create an anti-fogging layer on the mirror/glass, write a hidden message to your friends/family today or start enjoying fog-free time in the showers

9. Fruits and vegetables are awesome for your health and Mother Earth, try being Vegetarian a day of the week and feel the difference, go V~

10. Get physically active and move your body! Do your health and heart a huge favor, give them more oxygen and reason to beat~

11. If you don't have a planner, get one, and get on top of all the fun things going on in your life. A pen and paper is more reliable than any brain.

12. (Illegal copyright violation hack) 4shared.com and megaupload has virtually any ebook, movie, drama, music that you're looking for. Just Google the title and add "MU" or rapidshare to the search and enjoy the loot of piracy.

13. Amazon Kindle is a great investment for avid readers. Amazon allows free download of classic literature which copyrights have expired. And unlimited 3G means you stay connected to the internet wherever you go (maybe not in the mountains, and not at the best speed you'd like)

14. Keepvid.com allows you to save any Youtube video as an Flv or mp4 file. Free Zumba lessons and music videos for life!

15. Wetfeet.com, Monster.com, ehow.com, and many other websites offer invaluable career and professional development advice, just reach out and the resources are endless!

16. Don't stop learning, life hacking never ends :)

Share your hacks with me!

盡本分

2011-09-05T22:34:00.002-04:00

上人說，

多用心，盡本分。

長大成人以後的本分，都要自己去摸索，了解。

生活日漸複雜了。。。

長大真的好不容易。

討厭自己的貪心，懶惰，對生活的要求，執著，什麽時候成爲了一種包袱，煩惱的來源呢？

貪，瞋，痴。

我貪求人生的夢想-有野心，有抱負，卻讓自己煩惱壓力。

我忿恨自己的懦弱，自己的不坦誠，不認真，懈怠。

我癡信自己會找到我想要的幸福，執著去找尋無法勉強的幸福。

看似在我這個年紀如此平凡的煩惱，其實都是源自三個簡單的人性弱點，

只要知足，專注于我的職責-好員工，好朋友，好同時，好慈青，一切都會自然的歸位，帶我到那夢中的彼岸。

加油！

瘋狂的腦袋，拜托你停止思考分析，放鬆，盡情去享受周圍的愛，人生的美好，不要再分析，只要感受，盡情的燃燒夢想的能量！

最浪漫的句子

2011-09-05T00:30:00.002-04:00

一生至少该有一次，为了某个人而忘了自己，不求有结果，不求同行，不求曾经拥有，甚至不求你爱我，只求在我最美的年华里，遇到你。---- 徐志摩

At least for once in our lives, we should forget ourselves for someone, without hoping for any outcome, without yearning to be together, without asking for possession, not even asking for you to love me; I only wish that I could have met you in my best years. - Zhi-mo Xu, poet

2011-07-20T23:07:00.001-04:00

Ever wonder what Malaysians actually think about our lovely nation?

Let's find out with the wonderful power of technology and internet~

It won't take you more than 2 minutes!

Make your thoughts count!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FT5H8SM

Serpensoria

2011-06-08T00:50:00.003-04:00

Official messages from Omegle will not be sent with the label 'Stranger:'. Strangers claiming to represent Omegle are lying.

You: hey

Stranger: Hello. My name is Draco Malfoy. I am a racist. I despise gingers and mudbloods. I hate Gryffindor house, and my parents work for the man who killed your parents do you want to be my friend?

You: sure

Stranger: O_O Draco made a friend

You: i like Draco

You: he turned good

Stranger: he did. in the future, he's really nice now

You: so Draco

You: do u have a girlfriend?

Stranger: Well actually now that you mention it.

Stranger: ykno who i think is the ugliest girl in school

Stranger: just between you and me

Stranger: That Hermione Granger

You: oh Malfoy

Stranger: If i had to rate her on a scale of 1-10

You: that Starkid Potter jz walked by

Stranger: 1 being the ugliest and 10 being ykno pretty...

Stranger: should I finish the monologue? lolz

You: haha

You: r u slithering again

You: i loved your moves

Stranger: just did a draco floor rool o_o

You: haha

You: How was Pigfarts?

You: is it as hot as our summer here?

Stranger: well my space suit has fabulous air conditioning if i do say so

You: how's luna lovegood doing?

Stranger: oh she's as beautiful as ever

Stranger: much prettier than that hermione granger

You: are u almost done with school at Pigfarts?

You: or still a lot of wandwork?

Stranger: *tears up a little* be strong little D

Stranger: Rumbleroar doesnt give wandwork to his favorite students

Stranger: (so naturally, yes, tons)

You: haha

You: whatcha doing on earth now

Stranger: oh im still on the search for dobby

Stranger: if you see him tell him im looking for muh dadee

Stranger: <3

You: oh

You: sure

You: i m having dinner with him tm

You: tmr

You: i will send him the msg

Stranger: o rly? thank you :D

You: he and winky have the cuttest little cottage

Stranger: oh winky is enjoying freedom? that's nice

You: yes

You: she finally got over it

Stranger: i've heard these terrible rumors about some bellatrix woman trying to kill dobby. my rowling thats terrible

You: and we are still going on a tour talking to the other houseelves

You: oh

You: that woman

You: i think Sarah Palin shot her

You: when she was hunting

You: so

You: no worries

You: wrong place to be

You: in Alaska

Stranger: OMG I JUST LOL'ED MY DIAPER

You: that Bellatrix idiot

Stranger: deserves her right. try to hurt my father

You: yea

You: i think u shud to talk to Gringotts tho

You: they might knwwhere he is

You: the credit rpt agency

You: must knw where everybody is

Stranger: i shall call them then. thank you mysterious stranger

Stranger: you have made me one step closer to finding my dahdee

You: haha

You: stay safe

You: and fly high

You: Pigfarters

You: u need to try the Starship too

You: it might get u places faster

You: send my regards to Bug

Stranger: Oh yes. I've heard that Taz woman is actually very pretty

Stranger: I havent met her but she sounds very nice

You: :)

You: bon voyage

You: malfoy

You: thx for shining my floor

You: its gleaming

Stranger: Hugs and Butterfly Kisses <3

You: glad to meet u

You: finally

Stranger: Yes. I thank you for helping my search for my father

You: by the way, i m Harry's cousin

You: on the Dursley's side

You: they didnt knw abt me

You: but i m actually another witch in the family ;)

You: let me give u my marauder's world map copy

You: maybe u can spot your dahdee

You: its jz so tiny

You: that i cant spare my eyes to look at it

Stranger: ...It's so small... *tears up*

You: go find the "keymaker'

You: he makes glasses too

You: and microscopes

You: he will show u the way

You: out of the Matrix

Stranger: My this has taken a turn

Stranger: :P

You: haha

Stranger: say, are you a Hufflepuf?

Stranger: ;)

You: hmm

You: i tink i m a ravenclaw

You: too mathy and geeky

You: to be a hufflepuff

Stranger: I will get you a private jet to a starkid production if I'm ever an official starkid

Stranger: your second live starkid show

You: yes!

Stranger: /jelousssssss

You: lets make a pledge to each other

You: u will work on your dreams

You: and i will work on mine

You: before we realize them

You: we will never spend more than 15 mins on Omegle

You: a day

You: my dream is to make a lot of money

You: and travel the world

Stranger: ha, that will be *working*

Stranger: no more than 15 min a day!

Stranger: I pledge!

You: i knw i can do it

You: one country a year

You: I pledge too

You: Draco,

You: do u solemnly swear that you are up to good and musical talent?

Stranger: EVEN Pigfarts :3

You: Or shall ever be banished from Omegle

Stranger: *Raises wand* I Solemnly sweat that I am up to good and musical talent.

Stranger: swear* wow... fail

You: As do I,

You: i m solemnly sworn to live my 23 year old life

You: to the fullest

You: with real meaningful relationships

You: and giving back to my community

Stranger: I solemnly swear that I am up to good pure musical talent

Stranger: and that when i join starkid

You: yes

Stranger: i will give back to the fans

You: yes

Stranger: and never be antisocial

You: you go Draco!!!

Stranger: and have many best friends who i barely know

You: haha

Stranger: *finishes with draco floor roll*

You: Hellyea responds with a broomstick roll

You: scored!

Stranger: Whoo!!!

You: the force is strong in this one

You: the temptations of the Devil shall attempt to sway u

You: but u shall stay on the good side

You: jz like Draco

You: and so shall Hell Yea witch

You: i curse myself henceforth, if i ever come to Omegle for fantasy ******, I will be stung with the pains of loneliness for eternity

You: Draco, be my witness

Stranger: O_O

You: and i wish u all the best

Stranger: ^me witnessing

You: i knw i m weak

You: so i have to make a pact strong enuf

Stranger: As do I

You: jz rmb, u are stronger and smarter and better than the weakness u r succumbing to

You: tats what i tell myself

You: when i want to eat junk food

You: i give the money to my spa treatment fund

You: if i save enuf

You: spa trip here i come ;)

Stranger: you know, that's a great way to inspire yourself :D

You: its working out so far

You: but still a long way to go

You: technology and all its temptations

You: its so easy to lose ourselves

You: and be self-justifying

Stranger: My inspiration is a picture of Taz as my phone background. every time I get a text I think, I am smart enough to get the job done.

You: yes

You: thats the way togo girl!

Stranger: And i'm going to Get my grades Back Up and get a 28 on my ACT and I WILL be a Starkid!!!

You: Yes

You: No more Omegle!

Stranger: I'll give you my twitter then :D

You: haha

You: another time vacuum right there

Stranger: lol im jk :P

You: i dont have a twitter acc tho

Stranger: i never use it anyway

Stranger: its just for stalking starkid, oh what has Draco become?

You: haha

You: Voldemort is snide

You: and sly in his ways

You: Draco has much to be on guard for

Stranger: ykno i have noticed something wierd about the back of Rumbleroar's mane lately...

Stranger: o.e

You: hmm

You: what

You: oh

You: a bug!!!

Stranger: XD

You: honestly

You: this is the perfect ending to my omegle adventure

You: :)

You: i cant think of any better way

Stranger: Same here! Inspiration at its best!

You: its actually my second career option

You: be a motivational speaker

You: if insurance doesnt work out

You: maybe i will try that

You: and also a singer..

You: and an actress

You: but

You: oh well

Stranger: You are talented enough to get the job done, and don't you forget it!

You: yes

You: u too

You: Draco

You: the musical world awaits your talent

You: keep polishing it

You: i knw u will be great

You: if u can fight of these silly temptations at your age and be disciplined

You: all the world is yours to grab

You: seriously

Stranger: Thank you. you've really inspired me and kept my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds :)

You: if i had the right energy and motivation, i cud be standing in a public arena telling ppl to make a difference

You: thanks u too

You: u reminded me the importance of having a dream

You: and a direction to fly my heart to

You: i will need to think abt that before the drudgery of works sinks me

You: enjoy your summer break now

You: Draco

You: don't wander off too far

You: Get your ACT together ;)

You: Rumbleroar will be proud of u

You: and so will the entire STarkid community

Stranger: I will. I can raise my score and shoot for the Starkids!!

Stranger: And you. You are going to speak to hundreds of people just like me, and you are going to make them realize their dreams.

You: Yes

You: One kid at a time

You: mabbe not on omegle

You: that curse was pretty heavy

You: ;)

Stranger: And in the program of every Starkid show, there will be a note for my Myserious Father Finding Ravenclaw.

Stranger: "Serpensoria!"

You: i m not looking my father Draco

You: u were

You: haha

You: i am the HellYea witch

You: from the JWA

You: Japanese Witches Academy

You: frm the Dursleys' side :P

Stranger: XD

You: Serpensoria

You: HellYea is actually my initials

You: Hui Ying - one of many thousands out there

Stranger: Mine would be TotallyBadass, I guess? :P

Stranger: T***** B*** - The only one I've met

You: haha

You: Love that

You: Totally Badass

You: HellYea to Totally Badass

You: time to make a change in our lives

You: and get the dreams going!

You: we can do this

Stranger: To shoot for the sky and land with the stars!!

You: yes

You: Thats the attitude

You: i m gonna rule the work place

You: and say Hi to everyone!!!

You: becoz i can

You: and somewhere out there

You: i knw i wil find my erotic and passionate true love

You: and we will both enjoy the star kid show

You: starring the Totally Badass

You: T***** B****!!!

Stranger: And her sidekick, HellYea to the Hui Ying!!

You: :)

You: it wud be my honor

Stranger: :)

You: very nice meeting you the most unlikely space

You: your Draco impression was impeccable!

You: i m gonna download the log

You: and share the Draco part

You: on my blog

You: i m sure my starkid fan friends will appreciate that

Stranger: :D That would be Totally Awesome by friend

What do they want

2011-06-04T09:25:00.004-04:00

What do parents want?

I don't get what my father really wants. He is all trapped up in his narrow little world, refusing to even get out of his comfort zone. I just want all of us to take a little family trip to the Pearl of Malaysia - Penang.

I have it all planned out, a hassle-free, relaxing, all-inclusive tour.

Do parents just derive a crazy amount of pleasure crushing their kids' plans, saying "Oh no you don't" all the time?

Or is my dad just the very rare anomaly?

This is a challenge to my persuasion and negotiation skills.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Passion for your Profession

2011-04-22T23:12:00.002-04:00

"Get to know the people you work with. You can be shoveling sh*t for a living, but if you are doing it with people that you like, you are gonna love it." - Professor Rubadeau, legendary English professor in Univ. of Michigan.

I have a very simple routine every day now.

Zumba -> make lunch -> shower -> work -> study -> viral videos browsing -> sleep

No crazy weekends, no bubble tea/game nights, no midnight pillow talks, no dramathons.

I have to admit, the highlight of my day is learning all the new tricks that I can do with Excel and other softwares at work. I love basking in all the brilliance, enthusiasm and warm support from the people around me. Work can be stressful and challenging at times, but each hurdle overcome is just another milestone, giving testimonial to my efforts.

The darker side of the coin? Time flies by so quickly that I fear missing out on all the other stuffs that I have given up. Adventures out in the nature, connecting with my kawan-kawan, contributing to my nation in person, being there - physically for my family, sharing my life with an earnest companion who shares my values...

Is this what all of us have to struggle with?

Devoting our time and efforts for professional development, and let life pass us by?

I am trying my best to strike a balance, but we all know that being adroit is not my forte...

If I can't be a good Malaysian citizen, may I be an okay global citizen. Go go weekday/all-week vegetarianism~ Go go volunteerism~ Go go environmental conservation~

Happy birthday Mother Earth, and my beloved Mommy ^-^

I am who I am, only because you have always been there to inspire me and support me.

Eight Minutes

2011-04-19T21:45:00.002-04:00

What would you do if you only have eight more minutes to live?

What would you do if you realize that whatever you do will never alter the outcome?

A TED talk guru talked about happiness, link here: http://www.ted.com/talks/srikumar_rao_plug_into_your_hard_wired_happiness.html

A summary of his talk: Happiness is about being contented at the current status quo and being invested in every process in life. We get frustrated often times because we were too invested in the outcome, and the disappointment that comes when we fail to achieve the planned goal. If we can change that perspective and take time to appreciate every step we take, and give our best efforts, true happiness will follow.

If we love every part of our life, our body just as we would smile at the sheer perfection of a rainbow, a lush grass plain, an unaltered form of nature, just the way they are, we can then plug in to our innate ability to be happy.

I am happy for everything I have, for your being in my life, and reading all my self-help-guru-style posts. I pray you find true joy and happiness in your life too.

True Will is Power

2011-04-14T22:02:00.003-04:00

You know what to do and what not to do.

But do you have what it really takes to pull through and do the right thing?

Picking that cup of Dunkin Donut's ice coffee that has been rolling on the train for seven stops...

Saying no to that slice of cheesecake that you know you shouldn't eat.

Getting a head start on studying.

Filing all the paperwork you need to get done.

Cleaning your room.

Challenge yourself everytime temptation arises. You are much better than the weaker side of you.

Fight the good fight. That's why they call it "willpower".

Step up, dress up, speak up, and show up.

Life is too short to take the back seat.

Let's rock and roll~

Preach what you teach

2011-04-09T08:07:00.004-04:00

Dear sisters and brothers,

I am really sorry for being a horrible nag/preacher everytime I talk to you.

The truth be told, I want you to be all that I have never been.

I've been there, done that same silly thing.

I've read and seen so many stories to 'think' that I know the 'right' thing or the 'smart' thing to do.

Because I lack the same courage to actually put the theory into action, I have to push you my dearest friends to do it.

If you have a moment to spare, drag my big *ss when you are dashing forward with the momentum that I have hopefully managed to nag into you.

Gleefully

2011-04-04T23:13:00.003-04:00

Excel, I need you now. Can't be taking chances on these bills bills bills.

A loser like me have to get it right to be a billionaire.

Listen, when the candles go out, I want to hold your hand.

When I get you alone, there is no air.

How can I forget you when your true colors are toxic?

Hello, blackbird, don't rain on my parade.

Fly me over the rainbow to another animal just the way you are.

Baby, when it's cold outside, don't stop believing in my endless love.

I will stand by you. You can lean on me. We will be stronger, single ladies.

Just like these silly love songs, we all need somebody to love. Just keep holding on. Someday you will be walking on sunshine. So, sing and smile.

Faithfully, I say a little prayer, to sir, with love.

Fantasy and Dreams

2011-04-04T23:09:00.002-04:00

My dream restaurant finally has a name :)

Com'mon (sounds like Come on)

Because everybody's got something in Common~

I know it's cheesy, so I am gonna make it a warmer, more locale version of the awesome Cheesecake Factory.

Five years, to my dream restaurant.

How Can I Change the World

2011-02-14T23:05:00.002-05:00

Just because everyone else is doing something, it never means that it is the right thing to do.

Just because it is the most common thing, doesn't mean it is what we should do.

Life is all about challenging yourself to always live on the edge.

No, I am not telling you to cross over to the dark side, young Jedi.

I am talking about getting out of your comfort zone and experience the world,

like a newborn, taking in all the colors and music the world has to offer.

Challenge yourself to accomplish a new experience every single day.

Learn something new,

Eat something you've never tried before,

Meet someone you've never spoken to before,

and go the extra mile.

Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.

"It's never too late to be what you might have been" - George Eliot

"Don't try to change the world. Make a small change in your own world. " - Master Cheng Yen

"Do or Do not. There is no try. " - Yoda

I am a nagging 40-year-old living in a 24-year-old.

Sue me, my never-resting brain-cells, and constant stream of unnecessary preaching.

Conversation

2011-01-27T22:20:00.002-05:00

I love connecting with people, on a one-to-one basis, where I can get a deeper dive on what you like, where you're from, what you've been doing, and get to know your true thoughts, without a third pair of judging eyes/ears.

In other social settings where group interaction is absolutely necessary, I am lost for words.

I think I need some self-help books' guidance to help me through these awkward silence when a common topic of interest just slowly dissolves into nothingness.

I tried reading on news, pop culture, jokes, but conversing shouldn't have to be such a burdensome assignment, should it?

I just need to stop trying and flow with my surrounding.

How did I manage my social life for all my life?

I guess I have friends who tell enough cr*ppy jokes to get things warmed up ^-^

Or the topics of gossip just never died out...

I miss talking about life, global warming, God, love, friends, guys, TV dramas, movies, music with people whom I won't care about their judgement of me.

We need to talk...

Memento

2011-01-22T21:46:00.002-05:00

I am glad I am physically and mentally capable of creating new memories.

Just watched a very disturbing thriller - "Memento", in which the main character has lost all his short term memory capabilities. Join Christopher Nolan's disturbing, yet still awe-inspiring journey of a man's mind, coping with loss and the real world that he can never remember. At the end of the puzzle, you will be blown away, as always, after each Nolan's masterpiece.

Still, I can use some help to better keep track of what I need to get done.

Memos (could be useful), instant photos (cute), tattoos (too extreme for me)...

I guess, some things are best left forgotten, or unsaid.

The attitude

2011-01-22T01:21:00.003-05:00

I am just amazed at the way you smile and the way you talk.

It's as if time stood still, and the world just paused to a moment of tranquility, as a tribute to your air of unaffectedness.

Simply amazing...

If only I could be part of that world, where nothing in the world matters.

Just smile and keep faith.

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-12T22:20:00.002-05:00

Second blizzard to hit Boston this winter. Second Snow day in my whole life, a day where all employees are cautioned against commuting to work, therefore, a free holiday.

I was so excited to go out shopping until I saw a lady got hit by a tree branch in the news. And a lady 10 steps away from a falling tree branch when it fell, right outside my apartment window...

So, as a prudent, obedient girl, I stayed home. What do we do at home if we don't have a TV to watch? We surf the internet. 40 minutes later, the internet went down. A ha! The power just went out for the entire neighborhood.

My mind went blank. What can I do, without internet, without power, without going outside?

I read a magazine, did some aerobics, ate lunch, and improvising ways to make sure my ice cream doesn't go bad when the fridge is out of power.

My yet-to-be-patented idea: Scoop up some snow in a plastic bag and smother my ice cream with that bag. Then, shut the fridge door, praying the power comes back in a few hours.

Alas, it came back around 4pm, and the great insulation around the fridge ensured that not even a bit of snow melted. So, my ice cream survived the black out. And I did too...

Will be out of my phone plan starting tomorrow. Another no-technology-challenge day to come!

I am thankful for all the technology around me, I really am.

Climate change is real...stop global warming!

Little miracles

2010-12-21T23:33:00.003-05:00

As the lovely Christmas season comes, it brings many a little miracles along its way.

I passed an actuarial exam, and received a generous Bravo award from my inspiring and caring manager. Work life never fails to inspire and to challenge me.

I met a few more amazing people at a gathering celebrating the exam being over. It's a huge relief to know that there are people in the same boat as I am, carving a niche in a new environment, working towards a dream that seems so vague and pointless at times.

"You have to embrace your youth; that's what we have to do..." - a quote from an ultimate Frisbee player/adventurer

What is my youth?

A serene, carefree sojourn to entertain my thoughts, occasion delightful conversations with unexpected acquaintances in life, constant quest for knowledge and curiosity, regular observations of humanity, and random acts of kindness around me ^-^

I think I am slowly finding a pace, a beat, a rhythm to the life that I want.

It's never easy to tell what we need from what we want. I could be entirely wrong.

What is life without the privilege of making dumb mistakes and laughing about it?

Addiction

2010-11-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

When something brings fun and pleasure, we tend to indulge ourselves in it more.

When it is something bad for us, and we cannot live without it, we call it an addiction.

How should we draw that line between good and bad?

Everything pleasant and pleasurable is sure to be addictive, if addiction is to be avoided,

is everything enjoyable to be avoided?

When the devil within is adamant that a guilty pleasure is good for you, what basis does the angel have to deny that pleasure? Morals? Justice? Social acceptance? Religion?

How were these basis set up?

What are the very grounds that tell us that a certain hobby is perverse or bad?

Just wondering...

What you ask for

2010-11-02T23:01:00.002-04:00

When you pray for patience, does God give you patience?

Or does He give you an opportunity to be patient?

- God, from Evan Almighty

When we pray for love, God gives us a chance to love.

When we pray for courage, God gives us the opportunity to be brave.

Random bubbles of thoughts

2010-10-26T19:32:00.004-04:00

Just paused to realize how time has flied since primary school, since high school, since college, since graduation, since the start of working life, since the start of my examination prep period.

Whooooooooooooosh. Everything just happened as if in a blink of an eye.

Can everything just slow down a little bit, don't just "run along now" me.

*Deep breaths*

Okay, calm down, whatever will be will be.

Life continues after this tiny hurdle.

And then it will whoosh by again.

Recalled a very valuable lesson that my old manager taught me -

When a work product leaves your desk, it represents you, you have to make sure that it is perfect because it is your signature and your responsibility.

The same thing applies to the words that leave my mouth, the promises that I make and every gesture that I make.

Thank you my angel, who showed me the value of learning to be in someone else's shoes. Though the knowledge struck me like a lightning the first time I got it. Thanks for being frank with me,チェンちゃん。

Truth is never pretty, because she is the shock that we need, to get out of the bubble that we built around ourselves.

My Sisters - Jimui

2010-10-18T00:21:00.002-04:00

Ten reasons why I think my soul sisters are fantastic:

1. When I tell them that I did something silly, instead of judging me, they egged me on, by nudging me in the right direction.

2. When I messed up, they helped me clean it up, quietly.

3. They act as spies to gather information that I cannot gather in person.

4. They don't tell me that I am fat, in my face, but they would advise me against that pair of tight jeans or short skirt.

5. When someone talks bad about me, they stand up for me, even though they don't tell me about it all the time.

6. When I forgot to bring my ID or cash, they would stealthily pass me theirs.

7. When I need someone to eat with, they will be there to sit and gossip with me.

8. I can make the ugliest faces to them and get them to laugh, instead of judging me.

9. They firmly advise me against that greasy cheese fries at supper, subtly.

10. When I tell them that I have a crush on the worst guy on earth, they would find one thing good about him to make me happy.

How do you tell...

2010-10-16T00:38:00.002-04:00

How do you tell if someone else is not faking it?

How do you tell if someone is really what you think he/she is?

How do you tell if what you think is really what you think?

How do you tell if you really want what you have?

How do you tell if you are happy?

How do you tell if it is the right move to make?

How do you tell if the moment is right?

How do you tell, or how can you tell....really...

If there is no way to tell, maybe I should just stop trying to tell, and just feel it.

Lost

2010-10-13T18:59:00.002-04:00

Things were perfect.

They were a pair made in heaven.

I took it for granted that they would stay together, forever.

A mess-up broke everything.

How could I have let it happen...why did I...how did I....

How did I lose the clasp for my earrings...

It was all my fault. T^T

Insinuation

2010-10-10T22:02:00.002-04:00

The best way to get an idea across, is not by saying it out loud.

Humans are defensive when ideas are being forced down on them.

The art of insinuation, similar to inception, is the art of hinting, suggesting something sneakily while the subject is unawarely thinking along the lines that you want them to.

A glance, a slight mention, a brush of your arms, a smile, and many more.

Give someone room for imagination and they will fill the void with so much more.

The key is to distance yourself in order to get closer to your goal.

Inspire someone, don't just teach it to them.

Immunize yourself

2010-10-04T21:16:00.002-04:00

"...avoiding you like a plague..."

I have never thought I could be so infectious.

Of all the effects that I have on people.

But, I am definitely immune and ready to fight.

So, plague or whatever, whoever, let's bring it on!

Old friends

2010-10-03T23:15:00.002-04:00

An old friend just told me that she might come visit!

That made my day, or night. :))))

I should be sleeping now.

Good night world~

Do it, NOW

2010-10-02T23:45:00.002-04:00

Everything has an expiration date.

A deal, a promise, a resolution, a food item, even life.

When you decided that you want to do something, there is no better moment than now.

Telling yourself that you will come back to it later, is just an excuse to forget about it and not do it.

Procrastination is a thief of life.

Inspired by recent disappointment that out of 100 people that I told of a deal,

less than 10% of them wanted to do it, and less than 3% made it through and actually did it.

I guess there is no way that anyone can make anyone do anything without an his/her own drive.

I should just start keeping things to myself and stop trying to make anyone else better off.

Reply to All

2010-09-30T20:15:00.002-04:00

Yes, it is so darn important that you tell us that you can't make it the meeting.

Oh, you don't know how to get there? You poor thing.

Oh, you need to help someone move so you will be late?

Oh, blah blah blah blah.

Dear, don't worry, here's how you get here...blah...blah...

Mister and Miss's Who's-that-whom-I've-never-met-and-I-don't-even-care, I bow to your VIP-ness.

And Madam I-am-the-noblest-most-welcoming-soul I salute your warmth and kindness.

But do I have to look at your 15 correspondence after I told you that I am not going to make it?

Do I REALLY?

Please don't abuse the Reply-to-all button, or I will just have to gracefully retreat from your mailing group.

A mailing group is not made to spam. Unless you have a one-in-a-million-year deal that will make 1000 times better off than I am, not stuck reading emails that I don't want to sting my eyes with, just leave me alone. ALONE is awesome.

“What Do I Say Next?”

2010-09-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Back to that frightfully familiar moment when it is your turn to

speak but your mind goes blank. Don’t panic. Instead of signaling

verbally or nonverbally that you “got it,” simply repeat—or

parrot—the last two or three words your companion said, in a

sympathetic, questioning tone. That throws the conversational ball

right back in your partner’s court.

My friend Phil sometimes picks me up at the airport. Usually

I am so exhausted that I rudely fall asleep in the passenger seat,

relegating Phil to nothing more than a chauffeur.

After one especially exhausting trip some years ago, I flung

my bags in his trunk and flopped onto the front seat. As I was

dozing off, he mentioned he’d gone to the theater the night before.

Usually I would have just grunted and wafted into unconsciousness.

However, on this particular trip, I had learned the Parroting

technique and was eager to try it. “Theater?” I parroted

quizzically.

“Yes, it was a great show,” he replied, fully expecting it to be

the last word on the subject before I fell into my usual sleepy

stupor.

“Great show?” I parroted. Pleasantly surprised by my interest,

he said, “Yes, it’s a new show by Stephen Sondheim called Sweeney

Todd.”

“Sweeney Todd ?” I again parroted. Now Phil was getting fired

up. “Yeah, great music and an unbelievably bizarre story. . . .”

“Bizarre story?” I parroted. Well, that’s all Phil needed. For

the next half an hour, Phil told me the show’s story about a London

barber who went around murdering people. I half dozed, but

soon decided his tale of Sweeney Todd’s cutting off peoples’ heads

was disturbing my sleepy reverie. So I simply backed up and parroted

one of his previous phrases to get him on another track.

“You said it had great music?”

That did the trick. For the rest of the forty-five-minute trip to

my home, Phil sang me “Pretty Women,” “The Best Pies in London,”

and other songs from Sweeney Todd—much better accompaniment

for my demi-nap. I’m sure, to this day, Phil thinks of

that trip as one of the best conversations we ever had. And all I did

was parrot a few of his phrases.

- A very inspiring chapter in "How to Talk to Anyone - 92 Tricks to Successful Relationships",

the book that changed my perspective on communication, forever.

Don't do it!

2010-09-27T20:41:00.000-04:00

What is the thing that could scare a guy this bad?

The most disgusting internet meme ever in history.

Don't find the video! You are seriously warned.

It is even worse the Ring chain videos.

But I know you did anyways, comment below and tell me what you thought about it. :P

偶像！

2010-09-25T00:22:00.003-04:00

謝謝你讓我冬眠的心臟找到跳動的喜悅。

謝謝你讓我看到成就和自大的距離。事業和社區服務的溫暖。

謝謝你讓我想要變得更好、更棒。

看到偶像結婚的粉絲都會心碎，嫉妒吧。

可是你的完美，值得我真心的祝福。偶像夫妻，你們要一直幸福下去！

偶像~我永遠支持你！

放下粉絲的包袱，我會繼續向你學習的。加油加油!

Attention seeking child

2010-09-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

Maybe I was just too bored, deep down.

Maybe I really needed a story to tell.

Maybe I am not that into you.

Maybe I am just sleep-deprived.

Maybe, you could be the right one.

:)

2010-09-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how a simple symbol could make me giggly for days.

Life is all about the little things.

2010-09-18T00:24:00.001-04:00

Restaurant Week

2010-08-29T21:15:00.003-04:00

A brief summary of my sister and my Restaurant week adventure:

1. Top of the Hub

-Awesome view 52 floors from ground, good (but not great) food, and nice ambiance in the jazz bar/restaurant. Being on top of the world is an amazing feeling; it inspired me to think about scaling greater heights, carving a greater niche, so that I may one day help make the right rules, and bring my loved ones up there with me.

2. Pigalle

- Lovely, quaint restaurant perfect for a romantic date. Amazing, unforgettable French food. Best fine dining experience in Boston.

3. Melting pot

- Delicious cheese fondue. Self-fried food for lunch, imagine hot pot in a fine dining setting, and replacing broth with hot oil. Basically DIY tempura and fried beef cubes. Luckily we knew our deep frying stuff ^-^ Amazing chocolate fondue for dessert (more modest portion this time) as usual.

Conclusion, occasion splurge is great to stimulate the mind to work harder. But deep frying my own food in a restaurant is not the best idea.

2010-08-10T23:24:00.001-04:00

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek; and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [Matthew 7:7-8].”

I shall learn to be brave.

A borrowed story

2010-07-25T22:32:00.002-04:00

读了一则小故事，有个朋友去了餐厅吃饭，服务小姐态度恶劣。朋友很生气，要投诉的时候，却被另外一个朋友制止了。
A friend dined out in a restaurant where the waitress had a horrible service and attitude. The friend was extremely angry. When he was about to complain, another friend stopped him.

“也许她失恋了，或被老板责骂，总之，我们该原谅她。"
"Maybe she had a heartbreak, or maybe she was scolded by her boss. Anyhow, we should forgive her."

“不管怎样，她也不因该影响工作。这是她的错。”
"In any case, she shouldn't let those affect her job. This is her fault."

“是的。正是因为她全错，而你全对，才需要你的宽容。”
"Yes. Because she is all wrong, and you are all right, she needs your forgiveness and generosity."

"He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass" - George Herbert

My Philosophies

2010-07-13T22:46:00.003-04:00

The System

Everything around us functions in its own rules, down to the very cell, the unspoken rule of leaving the toilet seat down, the tiny ant crawling on your kitchen table.

When you don't know what is the most appropriate thing to do. Don't do anything. Just inhale, exhale, and be ...still.

Try being a member of the audience. Take a step offstage, you don't have to feel trapped, frightened, nervous or stuck in that awkward situation.

Observe, listen, and you will see how the system flows, in her own intricate ways. Your mind will try to trap you on stage, bind you with frustrations, tie you up with horrible fears. You are way smarter than that. Just take a step back.

Flash that confident smile of yours, take control of your mind, and you will gain control of the situation. ^ - ^ <- The best weapon against awkwardness.

The Tyrant

"Why the #&?!~ is this not working out? I tried so hard. %$&#@!/"

"This is plain stupid. Why must I do this xxxx?"

Yes, the guy that runs the whole "system" is dumb, sometimes. You are the wise one.

"True ability is the only way to success. I don't need to kiss asses to get to places....."

"Inner beauty is the only thing I need, so I can just eat my chips, watch TV, and wait for my true love to come knocking tomorrow."

We all know, some of the rules in the "system" are plain stupid. There are outlaws just like us, out there, being the exception.

But honestly, wasting your life trying overthrow the tyrant, or blindfolding yourself with dogmatic ideologies, is not the wisest thing to do.

The wisest move, I think, is to learn it and make them work for you. If you know the rules, you can probably tweak it your way, with some help, of course.

The Circle of Life

Status 1: I am standing here. You are standing there. I don't know you, you don't know me.

What the worst that could happen, if I reach out and say "Hi. It is so nice out today, isn't it? I am Hui Ying. Do you work/walk/run around here too?"

Yeah, right, we will be arch enemies for life. I will be chasing you with a kitchen knife for the next decade! Kill Bill Vol. 5!!!

It is very unlikely that we will end up worse than Status 1. But there is a huge probability that we will be good friends/neighbors/or who-knows-what.

In general, people are lonely. And you are making someone feels awesome by making the first move. Don't you feel flattered when someone (decent-looking) is being friendly and interested to know you better?

We need a lot of love to make the world a better place. Let's close the circle, bit by bit.

Pursuing your dreams

"It's never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot

"To get something you've never had before, you have to do something you've never done before."

Just do it now. If you need a reason, tell someone you are doing it for them. You are doing it because you care. Because life is short and unpredictable. Keep your promises, even the ones you made to yourself.

Get your butt moving, quit facebooking, leave the virtual world of fantasies and pretty graphics.

Go out that door, smell the grasses, feel the sun torching you, talk to someone in person, give someone a hug.

The real world is waiting. The virtual world is meant to be a bridge, not a marsh. Find your balance.

________________________________________________________________

Reference:

Friends, internet, self-help books, elders, movies, news.

All comments welcomed.

Overthinking

2010-07-01T22:55:00.003-04:00

Hmm...how do you stop an overthinking mind?

How do you quell the strong yearning of the heart?

How do you quiet a fluttering heart?

Where is reason when you need it the most...

I am guessing "it" is just lazing around in the corner, enjoying the show.

The Real World

2010-06-25T19:48:00.002-04:00

Officially started my life here in Boston.

Office life isn't half as bad as I imagined, people were super nice and very friendly to the new people. And I am not afraid or shy to say 'hi' and meet new people, any more. I guess my philosophy of "forsake your tiny inner self and timidity, just smile and reach out earnestly, people will respond in their own ways" is working out okay. My supervisors are super supportive and welcoming, the whole corporate culture is just homey. It is great to see some familiar faces around too, since I got placed into the same department as last summer.

Challenge to come: Remember names and where people work, it sucks to repeat the same generic questions to new people while forgetting their answers every time.

Out-of-office life is pretty good. Living with a new friend/colleague in this huge house with nine other people is a very special experience. It is a super quiet house for its size and population. House mates are rarely around, but very friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Some offered ice cream while others' guest treated me a bottle of beer. I guess it doesn't hurt to be nice and a little bit adventurous.

Haven't cooked any Asian food since I moved to Boston, it's been cheese sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner for the past two weeks. It sucks not having all my cookwares and Asian sauces in the fridge. Sigh, laziness is the real reason.

Oh, I went to volunteer at Rosie's Place yesterday evening with some other actuarial folks in the company. It's a place where they serve free lunch and dinner to homeless women and children. Cooked one huge pan of ground turkey to make meat sauce for their pasta. Turned out to be a bland, healthy, not-too-appetizing dish. But we feed about 70 people. And all the volunteers had a good time.

I feel thankful for having a roof over my head now, and my new laptop - IdeaPadY460 ^-^

The meaning of life? Hmmm... still trying to figure that out.

For now, it's being thankful for what I have and giving back to the community around me.

And the inevitable "What are you doing for July 4th weekend?" question...

I need to work on coming up with something less embarrassing than "Watching TV and sleeping in at home."

New Obsession

2010-06-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

I *heart* music and deep voices.

Vacation after graduation - @ Malaysia and Taipei

2010-06-12T12:21:00.002-04:00

Feeling Great

2010-05-26T00:03:00.002-04:00

Being back home is great!

But a few horrible things happened:

1. I fell sick.

2. My Hp blackie laptop fell sick.

3. My Toshiba USB lost consciousness!!!

Case 1: Three days of fever, diarrhea and loss of appetite i.e. not wolfing down a bowl of curry rendang, and sternly rejecting fried kuey tiao, barely finishing a bowl of beehoon soup, 0.o...

But, I have finally regained my health and larger than life appetite (*cough* hopefully curbed to a lady size now)

Case 2: Occasional lapses of screen malfunctioning, but still rocking with all functions.

Case 3: USB unrecognized by all computers it contacts. Sadness...TVB drama Burning Flame III hanging unfinished....oh my oh my...

And yeap, I am on my way to eat more laksa Johor! Hooray~~~~~

*heart* BP and one-day passport renewal efficiency!

轉身的後悔

2010-05-11T23:17:00.002-04:00

我是不是太笨了。

爲什麽常常在轉身後才在後悔上一秒的決定？

太不知感恩的我，縂在好奇被我放棄的那條路，到底通往哪裏，而忘了專心走好腳下的路。

時間從來不會停止，更不會倒退，縂在悔恨裏生活是最最愚蠢的。

“我從來沒有後悔過我的任何決定”- 被稱爲神的男人- 崔強打

希望我可以找到這樣的氣魄與智慧。

感恩一生中所有的相遇，所有的路口，分叉，讓我走到了這一秒，這裏。

Packaging

2010-05-05T00:41:00.008-04:00

For my honest and sometimes too honest but still beloved sister,

Almost everything in life is mostly about packaging. It is our nature to be fond of beautiful and nice things.

External packaging - Grooming

Def: Doing everything possible to make yourself look presentable.

Yes, you may wear that acid green "SUE ME" shirt if that's the fashion statement you are dying to make.

No, absolutely not if you are interviewing with a conservative accounting company.

No, for heaven's sake, if it has been lying in your laundry basket for two weeks, next to the stinky socks that witnessed your last volleyball victory.

As the saying goes, there is no ugly woman, but lazy women aplenty.

Technology and resolution is all you need, to find the dazzling star within you.

Internal packaging - effective communication based on understanding.

Scenario 1: Your boss made an incredibly stupid decision. Unfortunately, he is adamant in that he made the wisest decision. And he is an arrogant stuck-up who doesn't take advice easily.

Move 1: You say: "Boss ah, that was one bad move, you idiot. Our company will definitely go bankrupt if that proposal was put into action. Wise up. Do -my-absolutely-wonderful-and-fool-proof-idea-blah-blah."

Move 2: You say: "That is an interesting idea boss. Have you thought about -horrible-consequence-1- that could happen? Maybe -sector-related-to-my-fool-proof-idea- will be a something that you can consider doing. I am concerned that if we failed to execute your proposal fully, horrible-consequence-2 might happen. How about we try fool-proof-idea along with -least-stupid-part-of-boss's-proposal?"

Behold, the art of packaging - putting yourself in the shoes of your opponent and find the best way to present your viewpoint. .

___________________________________________

Senario 2: Your beloved reserved a super pricey restaurant for a romantic night out. Alas, the food was not to your liking. Anxiously, your beloved wanted to know what you think about the night.

Move 1: You say: That was horrible. The steak was as hard as stone and the wine tasted like water. We should have stayed home. Maggie would be a lot tastier and cheaper.

Move 2: You say: That was a lovely thought of you to find such a romantic place. I loved the music and the dessert. But I do think that the beef we ate would make an incredible addition to your stone collection. It has the same texture and such a unique smell too. Let me cook you some Maggie for supper. Shall I add an egg to your soup? *wink*

What move do you take?

______________________________________________

Scenario 3: You are having dinner with your relatives. They are old, slow in hearing and obnoxiously curious about you. They are repetitiously hounding you about your relationship status.

Move 1: You say: You guys are so fan (annoying)! Stop asking me these questions, I don't know the answer! No, I will never get married. And I will never bring my boyfriend home. You guys will scare the crap out of him for sure. *slams door in frustration*

Move 2: Hmm, why are you so curious about my relationship? I am sure it is not as interesting as recent-scandal-with-annoying-auntie's-daughter/son. How is (s)he doing now? *inquisitive yet polite stare and smile* Have I told you about my last trip to Paris? I met my blah-blah-blah and blah blah.

There you go, the weapon of packaging.

____________________________________________

"You are so fake!"

No, it is not fake if you genuinely tried to make the situation less awkward for everyone's sake, and earnestly made an effort to see things from the other end.

It is not fake if you really cared about people's feelings.

We are all part of this huge circle of life. Awkward questions, negative feelings are inevitable. But if you stop acting like the center of the universe, instead, imagine yourself as a bright star, a tiny but lovely part of this boundless galaxy, you will realize, relationships are not that complicated after all.

Isn't it a lot more beautiful than a single scorching sun?

DONE

2010-04-29T00:49:00.002-04:00

As of April 28th, year 2010, Wednesday, 3.36pm, I am DONE with my last examination.

Gone are the days of cramming for exams, rushing assignments.

I thought I would be relieved and be light as a bird, floating into the sky.

I didn't. Perhaps the law of physics has grounded me.

I actually feel kinda empty inside.

It's always the anticipation and tensions before an exam that makes post-exam period seems like a paradise, the nirvana, the oasis, the ultimate state of being (for me at least).

What you get is rarely what you thought it was.

I am absolutely astounded by the power of imagination, fantasy and expectations - the last "hope" that Pandora released, thousands of years ago.

Okay, brace yourself, for REALITY, and the true warmth, the chilly breeze, the noisy chatter from dramas, and all the music in life.

The ride is just about to begin. *aaaahhhhhh* *taking the plunge from my roller coaster*

2010-04-27T00:24:00.001-04:00

须交有道之人,莫结无义之友。饮清静之茶，莫贪花色之酒。

开方便之门，闲是非之口。多门之室生风，多言之人生祸。

莫妒他长，妒长，则己终是短。莫护己短，护短，则己终不长。

做事不必与俗同，亦不宜与俗异。做事不必令人喜，亦不可令人憎。

Celebrating Graduation

2010-04-25T17:32:00.004-04:00

The gang of charades, potluck, UNO, bubble island, ping pong, and tons of memories, frozen in one glamorous moment.

After the Storm

2010-04-14T21:53:00.003-04:00

Conflicts + arguments + debates + excuses + justifications + discussions = A dedicated effort to communicate one's ideas through verbal means.

I truly hope that no one took the short communication lesson to a personal level.

Well, like the Chinese proverbs say, the more people argue, the closer their bonds will be.

Besides, I don't think anyone will fight with anyone or over anything they don't care about.

The 100/0 Principle in relationships, by Al Ritter

The 100/0 Principle: You take full responsibility (the 100) for the relationship, expecting nothing (the 0) in return.

STEP 1 - Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.

STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.

STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.

STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Avoid Knower statements/ thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.

Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!

Principle Paradox

This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100.

終于

2010-03-31T23:02:00.003-04:00

終于，我的提議,在你的眼中,不再是荒謬的童言。

十幾年奮鬥的目標，突然達成了，反而讓我不知所措。

你的沉默首肯,取代了曾經的霸氣守護,專橫獨裁。

我已經長大了,不會像從前般任性的去埋怨。

你的肯定，你們的支持，牽挂，永遠是我前進的方向，動力。

我不會再迷茫了，你們遠方的守候，是我永不毀壞的指南針。

幸福，就是有人在乎著你，你也有能力去在乎他們，為他們努力。

感恩我有能力去愛，去感受，去付出。

有意思

2010-03-24T23:46:00.004-04:00

1.莎士比亚说:
再好的东西，都有失去的一天。
再深的记忆，也有淡忘的一天。
再爱的人，也有远走的一天。
再美的梦，也有苏醒的一天。
该放弃的决不挽留。
该珍惜的决不放手，分手后不可以做朋友，因为彼此伤害过！
也不可以做敌人，因为彼此深爱过。

2.几米说:
当你喜欢我的时候，我不喜欢你，
当你爱上我的时候，我喜欢上你，
当你离开我的时候，我却爱上你，
是你走得太快，还是我跟不上你的脚步,
我们错过了诺亚方舟，错过了泰坦尼克号，
错过了一切的惊险与不惊险，我们还要继续错过。
我不了解我的寂寞来自何方，但我真的感到寂寞。
你也寂寞，世界上每个人都寂寞，只是大家的寂寞都不同吧。

3.刘心武说:
不要指望，麻雀会飞得很高。
高处的天空，那是鹰的领地。
麻雀如果摆正了自己的位置，它照样会过得很幸福！

4.亦舒说:
人们日常所犯最大的错误，是对陌生人太客气，而对亲密的人太苛刻，
把这个坏习惯改过来，天下太平。

5.郭敬明说:
我终于发现自己看人的眼光太过简单，我从来没有去想面具下面是一张怎样的面容，
我总是直接把面具当做面孔来对待，却忘记了笑脸面具下往往都是一张流着泪的脸。

6.张小娴说:
爱，从来就是一件千回百转的事。
不曾被离弃，不曾受伤害，怎懂得爱人？

7.韩寒说:
再累再苦就当自己是二百五再难再险就当自己是二皮脸。

8.安妮宝贝说:
当一个女子在看天空的时候，她并不想寻找什么。
她只是寂寞。

9.遇见平凡说:
缘分像一本书。
翻的不经意会错过童话读得太认真又会流干眼泪。

10.刘心武说:
对不起是一种真诚，没关系是一种风度。
如果你付出了真诚，却得不到风度，那只能说明对方的无知与粗俗！

11.亦舒说:
无论怎么样，一个人借故堕落总是不值得原谅的，越是没有人爱，越要爱自己。

12.刘心武说:
与其讨好别人，不如武装自己；
与其逃避现实，不如笑对人生；
与其听风听雨，不如昂首出击！

13.张爱玲说:
娶了红玫瑰，久而久之，红玫瑰就变成了墙上的一抹蚊子血，白玫瑰还是“床前明月光”；
娶了白玫瑰，白玫瑰就是衣服上的一粒饭渣子，红的还是心口上的一颗朱砂痣。

14.三毛说:
一个朋友很好，两个朋友就多了一点，三个朋友就未免太多了。
知音，能有一个已经很好了，不必太多，
如果实在没有，还有自己，好好对待自己，跟自己相处，也是一个朋友...

15.雪小禅说:
我以为终有一天，我会彻底将爱情忘记，将你忘记，
可是，忽然有一天，我听到了一首旧歌，我的眼泪就下来了，
因为这首歌，我们一起听过。

16.郭敖说:
我们始终都在练习微笑，终于变成不敢哭的人。

17.三毛说:
不要害怕拒绝他人，如果自己的理由出于正当。
当一个人开口提出要求的时候，他的心里根本预备好了两种答案。
所以，给他任何一个其中的答案，都是意料中的。

18.梓色心晴说:
男人哭了，是因为他真的爱了。
女人哭了，是因为她真得放弃了。

19.玄漪说:
能够说出的委屈，便不算委屈；
能够抢走的爱人，便不算爱人。

20.张爱玲说:
爱情本来并不复杂，来来去去不过三个字，
不是我爱你、我恨你，
便是算了吧、你好吗、对不起。

21.马云说:
晚上想想千条路，早上醒来走原路。

22.饶雪漫说:
这个世界欺骗了我，我必须给与还击，我不会放掉任何一丁点儿属于我的幸福，
哪怕付出的代价是从此坠入地狱，我也在所不惜。

23.郭敖说:
每个人一生之中心里总会藏着一个人，也许这个人永远都不会知道，
尽管如此，这个人始终都无法被谁所替代。
而那个人就像一个永远无法愈合的伤疤，
无论在什么时候，只要被提起，或者轻轻的一碰，就会隐隐作痛。

24.GARVEN说:
话是人说的，屁也是人放的，说话和放屁一样，都是一口气而已。

25.三毛说:
某些人的爱情，只是一种“当时的情绪”。
如果对方错将这份情绪当做长远的爱情，是本身的幼稚。

26.张小娴说:
如果没法忘记他，就不要忘记好了。
真正的忘记，是不需要努力的。

27.人非草木说:
再丑的人也能结婚，再美的人也会单身！

28.张爱玲说:
因为爱过，所以慈悲；
因为懂得，所以宽容。

真的

2010-03-22T21:29:00.003-04:00

真的。

我是真的不知道为什么会口是心非，因为我连自己的心里在想什么都不知道。

我不想变成面面俱到，嘴尖舌滑，拐弯抹角的人。

可是赤裸裸的总是与别人坦诚相对，只是不设防的让别人伤害自己吗？

装疯卖傻，扮猪吃老虎，每天的演戏好像也不是办法。

快毕业了，要面对社会上复杂的人事，谈吐，待人处事，已经不可能再单纯的直来直往。

沉默，是最好的出路吗？

可是，人在江湖，不斩露头角，争取机会，只会变成便利贴，被遗忘，被忽视，随波逐流的成为集团鹰犬机械人。

毕业症候群：开始怀疑自己对人生的憧憬，怀疑教育对人生的意义（不想上课），厌恶课业的责任（讨厌功课），害怕即将来临的离别，看淡得失成败（不管成绩）

思考了好久（其实没有停止过...）才发现小时候的自己，那渴望长大的自己，其实比现在的我，

勇敢的多，有想法的多。

如果有时光机，带我去见一见那趾高气扬，满腔热血抱负的小女孩，让她骂骂如此颓废，毫无上进心的我。十岁的慧盈啊~我不能够辜负当年的梦想，那为家里筑一个温暖漂亮的窝，和爸爸妈妈一起环游世界，为爸爸争一口气，吐气扬眉的梦。

一样快要投身入社的朋友们，不管前方的方向有多迷茫，只要找回那曾有的炽热信念和梦想，向前奋力奔跑，成功的光芒与温暖一定就在不远处等着我们。

Get my crap together

2010-03-19T13:47:00.002-04:00

I am terribly disorganized this year.

New year resolutions, gone...down the drain.

Homeworks (I will remember them 10 hours before they are due).

Meetings, I will forget another commitment until someone else reminds me that I have a conflict.

I am amazed at how I survived 70% of the semester, and not get hate-mails from my students yet.

Phew...silly people have silly luck.

I really pray...everything will be over soon.

But I don't know what I am looking forward, beyond that point.

Hmm...let God guide me to wherever He wants me to be.

小太监

2010-02-10T00:14:00.002-05:00

皇帝不急太监急。

真心希望陛下一切顺利，事事如意。

无关痛痒的小太监，会默默为你祷告打气。

也谢谢我身边的小太监。

其实，小太监也是用心良苦的小天使。

傻婆

2010-02-01T17:42:00.004-05:00

英雄果然是慧眼。在下的奸计都逃不过您的火眼金睛。

寒舍的饭菜要不是都馊了,都过期了，

在下不会站在厨房三个小时洗菜，剁鸡，嗅着油烟，洗着锅盘条更。

更不会一个人搭巴士，在零下十度的天气把三、四包，比书包还重的食材从半小时车程外的杂货店搬到家里。

在下厨艺拙劣，无能像英雄一样，用特别佳肴，去宴请“贵宾”。

炒馃条，海南鸡饭，道道都是“剧毒”。〈巫婆奸笑中...〉

人不为己，天诛地灭。每一道菜，可都是别有居心的。

我是全世界最自私的。

我喜欢可以有借口把我在乎的人，聚到寒舍，吃我的烂厨艺。

我喜欢和一大群人自拍比小学生还幼稚的照片。

我喜欢有人吃了我的菜，会微笑，会乐意和我一起洗碗，一起熏油烟。

我喜欢有人会到我的简陋厨房，替我解决随时会发生的“灾难”。

我喜欢可以夹菜给我在乎的人，更喜欢那些受宠若“惊”的反应。

我喜欢每一次聚餐，却讨厌每一餐对我荷包的伤害。

只好作顿清粥小菜，加上我那不值钱，家乡的材料请客。

傻婆是谁？

是那个宁可被当成“无事献殷勤，非奸即盗”，也想把握每一个“下毒”机会的巫婆。

放心，要吃到我的毒菜，你也要修个两三千年。

若英雄无胆赴会，在下也不会强求。

毒菜也是呕心之作，但求知音相惜。

下一个英雄帖已草，谁人胆赴。

What for?

2010-01-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

An intellectual conversation about energy conservation and global warming recently reminded me of a random conversation I had with a random stranger at the Indiana airport.

"Turn off the lights when you leave the room, dear. Every time you leave a light on, a polar bear would drown. "

That's what the kind father would remind the daughter to do, constantly educating her about global warming and energy conservation. Isn't that beautiful? Using an analogy a baby girl can relate to, to show her how her actions can affect another living being on the other side of the world.

Yes, there are rumors that global warming is a scam to boost the environment conservation industry. Yeah, petroleum running out could be a conspiracy theory to boost gas prices. Sure, future technology may be able to reverse all these climate anomaly and damages done to Mother Earth in the blink of an eye.

But do these even matter? Even if all these resources will never run out, does the availability of a resource justify its thoughtless consumption?

What God took thousands of years to build, we are exponentially consuming in centuries.

What took thousands of years to grow, is being felled in days.

What took millions of years to form, is being rigged in weeks.

What more proof of global warming would obligate you to care? Nothing.

Care is not an obligation. It is a heartfelt love for something, someone.

A conscious earthling would care for Mother Earth, like a baby caring for her mother. It is in his/her instinct. A baby shouldn't have to be taught to love. It is the first skill God has imparted to us, through example.

Scientists observe and hypothesize. None of them guarantee truth. Truth is whatever sh*t you choose to believe in. Belief is by choice, not by force.

Human's "development" has left so many irreversible marks on Earth - extinct populations, erratic climate, pollution, plastic ring in the Pacific, and so many more.

The "only" good thing about development is - education. We now have more access to knowledge than our ancestors did. But what are we doing with our knowledge? Are we really giving back to the community, the world? Or are we blindly pursuing our selfish needs and wants?

What for recycle? What for turn off the lights, when I am not paying for electricity? What for turn off the tap when water is free? What for use my own utensils when disposable stuffs are free?

What for? You should know better than I do. I am just an uneducated, ignorant, young lady, who likes to write cr*p on her blog.

Europe trip 2009

2010-01-17T23:35:00.011-05:00

Voted best picture of the trip. Two kids in Geneva.
After a rescheduled flight (we thought would never happen after missing our outgoing flight and hours of negotiation with the travel agent), three girls flew to the legendary city of romance - Paris.

Our Christmas eve dinner - Kebab. The romantic Eiffel tower. And the Versailles Palace.

Notre Dame Cathedral. Arc du Triomphe. The delicious French desserts - creme brulee (too burnt to be normal, but the manager couldn't understand our complaints in English ==||), panna cotta, tiramisu, and a few I can't name.

We flew to Budapest (a lovely city in Hungary) to meet our travel buddies, finally.

Eating in a local market. And taking a hot bath in the Sze Chenyi Medicinal Bath. Falling into the tourists trap of not validating our train ticket.

Taking walks along the Danube River (yes, it is blue...just like the song). Taking pictures in our lovely apartment-hotel, with star-like lights on the ceiling.

Acting practice: #1 Winning lottery, #2 blowkiss, #3animal pose, #4 saw a cute person

Then we took a train to Geneva, Switzerland, where Juliana - Azlynn's eldest sister works.

Family style dinner, sledging at the Alps (a freezing adventure that involved flying off the track down the hill, toppling over in the snow, braking with our shoes; all done in fall jackets, sneakers and my dollar-store, durian opening cotton gloves)

Life on the Alps. Proudly standing at the top of Europe - Jungfraujoch, a below freezing -26 degrees Celcius, in our fall jackets again.

Back to Paris again.

Our last feast in 2009. Eating fresh crepes in front of Sacre Coeur - Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Our French feast of cheese fondue (bitter cheese fondue with lots of wine, hence Caryn's face) and delicious beef BBQ. Ice cream in Paris is shaped into a rose if it's a cone, romantic and delicious.

After our flight to London got cancelled (great travel luck thus far), we did what we want to do in London - getting a haircut. We also visited the Louvre (closed on our last day in Paris if we went to London).

Galette and the lucky pendant. Tradition says the person who gets it will be the King of the day, commanding everyone, with the youngest being the lowest slave. My modified version - everyone make a wish and the winner shall get his/her wish granted. I won.

Everyone else took turn being the 'King'. Le petit prince, Miss Malaysia and Miss Pouty.

2009-12-18T00:02:00.000-05:00

如果幸福离我们有一百公里远，哪怕筋疲力尽我们也会努力。
就算幸福离我们只有一百米远，不去追逐也没有办法触碰到。

不要再笑了！！- repost from 2006

2009-12-17T21:22:00.000-05:00

~假谦虚~

高一时班里转来一位新同学，
再班会上她做了一个简短的
自我介绍：“虽然我是新转来的，
但是我未必会是最优秀的，
未必会是最漂亮的，
未必会是学习最好的！
“正当同学准备为她的谦虚报以热烈的掌声时，
该同学接着说：”我叫卫碧慧“。
全班晕倒。

~集体优惠~
开学了，我们宿舍决定集体买个篮球。
大家商量，先到自己家附近的商店、
超市打听一下价格，货比三家，权衡之后再买。
昨天，我和小莉来到她家附近的体育用品店，
见有人正推销篮球，就上前询问。
”150元，太贵了！“我俩摇摇头。
推销员见状忙说： "你要是集体买，我就可以优惠."
小莉喜出望外：”我们当然集体买了！“
”卖几个啊？“推销员喜极，抓起单子就要开。
小莉推了推黑框眼镜，
认真地说：”我们6个人集体买一个！“

~英语课~
一个英语老师在课上问一个学生问题
：how are you是什么意思？
那个学生想，how 是”怎么“的意思，
are 是”是“的意思，
you 是”你“的意思，就说：”怎么是你？“
老师很生气，
又问另一个学生”how old areyou"是什么意思？
他理直气壮地说：“怎么老师你？”

~点拔~
我初一的语文老师在解释“奇迹”一词时，
举了一例：一人从八楼跳下，竟毫发损。
他希望同学能说出“奇迹”这个词。
可一个同学回答：幸运。
老师很失望，
于是说：此人爬上八楼，又跳下，还是未受伤。
另一同学回答：偶然。
老师非常郁闷，只好又说：那人再次爬上八楼，又跳下。。。
还未等老师说完，就有同学答道：他习惯了。

~罚站~
老师规定：凡是上课讲话的，要到教室后面罚站，
并且把说话内容大声说十遍。
有一天上课，小岗和邻座的同学咬耳朵，被老师抓到。
老师生气地说：“小岗，后面罚站！
把你刚刚说的话在说十遍。”
小岗地着头走到教室后面，开始喃喃地低声说着。
老师叫道：“大声一点！让全班同学听得到！”
小岗于是大声地喊：“老师的拉链没拉，老师的拉链没拉。。。”

~聪明的学生~
物理课上，老师正在讲振动和共鸣，
为让学生理解，老师提问道：
“如果我朝鱼塘扔一块石头，会发生什么现象？”
学生异口同声地回答：“罚款5元！“

~报复~
某所小学，有两个学生在吵架，
甲说：”你。。。你再骂啊，我打个电话就可以找人来！“
乙说：”你找啊！我就不信。。。“
甲真的跑去打电话了，回来时候放了一句狠话：”30分钟后你就知道怎么死了！！！“
这时候紧张得不得了，但也没办法。
30分钟后，学校广播：”乙某某同学，你有访客，请到教务处。“
乙虽然很害怕，但想想实在教务处，应该不会有事。
于是他到了教务处，一个头发染成金色的青年走向他：”你是乙某某吗？“
乙底气不足地说：”我就是。“”
抱歉久等了，这是你叫的20份夏威夷pizza加20淋淋鸡，共3520元。“

My addiction

2009-12-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

A very touching and beautiful tale of love, sacrifice and family. And of course, played by beautiful people with astounding acting skills and directed by a great director who used to direct Da Ai dramas. ^-^ Newfound addiction.

Time Flows Like a River

2009-12-03T02:48:00.005-05:00

From top to bottom, INTEC 2005, freshman year 2006, sophomore year 2007, junior year 2008, senior year 2009.

A picture speaks a thousand words.

感恩节

2009-11-29T02:39:00.003-05:00

感恩节 Thanksgiving

美国每年与家人团圆，吃烤火鸡，疯狂购物的假期。

留学生会做什么呢？

1. 吃火鸡或吃大餐。

和朋友一起在家里烹煮家乡料理，玩游戏，睡大觉。

2. 疯狂购物-线上或到商场人挤人。

连夜乘车到商场血拼烧钱。

3. 旅行-看不一样的景观

从异国连续剧的摄影角度去了解不一样的人事物。

4. 陪伴家人-

线上聊天，拨电话回家，或是花一秒钟思念远方的亲人。到老人院当志工，付出爱心。

5. 赶功课 -

在功课该交的前十二小时以内赶工，一边怨叹光阴似箭，一边后悔蹉跎了的温书时光。

6. 写部落格-

以关怀朋友为由，四处浏览部落格，最后写下假期结束前的复杂心情。

希望这个假期，为我充的电，可以让我重新振作，找回最初的梦想，最单纯的自己。我，知道我是谁，不是Hang Tuah, 而是一个简单的，清楚的，有爱有梦的女生。

感恩上帝，感恩身边所有的贵人，让我有此刻的幸福；我走的每一步，是因为你们，才能到达这美好的人间天堂。

Intentions

2009-11-26T20:18:00.005-05:00

How do you tell what someone really wants?

How do you make a decision that optimizes the final outcome and bring maximum utility?

How should we reveal our intentions to help induce the "best" outcome?

What if what I think you want is not what you really want?

What if what I think you think I want is not what I really want?

What if what you think you want is not what I think you want?

以小人之心度君子之腹 - yi3 xiao3 ren2 zhi1 xin1 du02 jun1 zi zhi1 fu4

- A Chinese idiom that means a petty, mean person having negative preconceived notions about another person's (usually noble) intentions.

Scenario 1:

A is kind and helpful. A is very kind to B. A is also kind to B's friends, C and D. One day, A offered a ride to the grocery store. C and D 以小人之心度君子之腹 by assuming that A's offer was intended for B if A is innocently being kind, as A always is.

Scenario 2:

A likes to eat. A eats a lot. B is A's best friend. B is concerned that A will be out of shape if A keeps this outrageous eating habit. At a meal, B warned A and stopped A from eating fried chicken wings. A 以小人之心度君子之腹, by assuming that B's intentions were to hinder A from finishing all the wings, so B can eat more wings.

Can we be frank? Or is the truth too harsh on relationships so fragile and delicate?

I'd love to think that in true relationships, everyone has the privilege to be as bare as a peeled banana, as truthful as a 3-year-old, as blunt as a rock, and as honest as any grumpy husband can be.

I give all my friends the right to be just that. Don't be wary of what might hurt my feelings, because your lack of faith in my magnanimosity (ability to forgive and forget) is even more hurtful.

Intentions - the hidden gems, the concealed daggers.

Perasan

2009-11-23T01:12:00.003-05:00

: A Malay or Indonesian word that originated from perasaan (emotions or feelings). Now used as a slang term to describe people with self-centered preconceived notions or assumptions.

Scenario 1

Person A: I smelled something. *sniffed curry from the kitchen*

Person B: Sorry sorry my socks too smelly. I will wash them today.

Person B displayed his/her perasan-ness when he/she assumed that the "scent" mentioned originated from him/her.

Scenario 2

Person A: Ahhh, let's go drink bubble tea!

Person B: Sigh, *shakes head* Looks very upset.

Person A: Oh sh*t, I think B doesn't like me. That's why B doesn't want to go Bubble tea with me.

Person A is the perasan one this time by assuming that B's upset mood was caused by A's actions.

Scenario 3

A is the perfect friend. A is always kind and helpful. A is always there for B.

B imagined that A likes B while A was just being a supportive friend.

So, B is being perasan, making self-centered assumptions.

Conclusion, don't be perasan, the world doesn't revolve around one single person.

Innocence

2009-11-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

I used to think that everything in life is always there for you to grab, nothing is ever lost for sure, as long as we make an effort in time.

But after seeing how vulnerable a child was, how dream-like admiration can be abused in such a horrible way, how innocence could be adulterated, how trust could be abused, and how tragedies could devastate lives... I realize, the very nature of goodness is fragile.

Reality and evilness do tear apart the snow-white veil of innocence and cloud a person's sky with fear and sorrow.

I am thankful for my privileged life, being so sheltered from the darker side of human nature.

Can faith be renewed? Can trust be rebuilt? Will hope prevail?

Lord, please give us strength to remain innocent children in Your sight. Give me strength to do something good to help the less fortunate. I need to know Your plan...

What defines me?

2009-11-08T23:07:00.003-05:00

Am I defined by my accomplishment?

By the hearts that I have touched (or annoyed)?

By the time I spent studying?

By the wealth I possess?

By my beauty (or lack thereof)?

By my religion?

By my ethnicity?

By my responsibilities?

By the people who need me?

-lost my central of gravity for a while after completing my C actuarial exam, but was soon overwhelmed by a lot of other mundane stuff...

Keeping busy is so ... occupying. It leaves no void for you to think random stuffs, which my mind has a great tendency to do.

Anyhow...ahhh, hate exams and all these junk that I have to do...

Eager for the moment when everything is finally over, which is probably the time when I meet my maker. Need to learn to savor the sense of fulfillment when I am stuck with different duties (or rather the ones that I sought).

When tragedies are just a stone throw's away

2009-11-04T00:29:00.003-05:00

What do you do when your best friend in the other side of the globe is asking for blood donor to save her family?

What do you do when the earthquake that killed thousands is merely hours away from striking your friend studying abroad?

What do you do when a youth your age, your aspirations, your hometown, died on a trip so similar to the one that you took?

What do you do when life is so fragile and we are all helpless in dealing with the blows it could deal us with?

What do you do when you realized that even this breath, this moment is a priceless privilege?

日出之前請將悲傷終結

2009-10-30T00:49:00.002-04:00

好久不見你的笑臉 是誰讓你整夜不能睡 你不再關心明天 消失在朋友前 心疼著你的轉變  愛情裏面受傷在所難免 這種滋味不難體會 但是哭泣不該是 始終不變的情節 為何你還不如此深陷  日出之前請將悲傷終結 美麗的心交給美麗的人撫慰 用陽光蒸發眼淚 讓感覺隨風飛 勇敢地　再愛一回 捨不得忘掉昨天 留不住溫柔感覺 只有任憑愛憔悴  一定有人等著與你相遇 把你的夢用心寶貝 但是你得睜開眼 這樣你才看的見 應該屬於你的一切

日出之前請將悲傷終結 美麗的心交給美麗的人撫慰 用陽光蒸發眼淚 讓感覺隨風飛　相信我 真的愛　你一定會遇見 日出之前請將悲傷終結 受傷的夢還有機會讓它實現 只要你不再拒絕 愛自己多一些 有一天　你會了解

ごめんね

2009-10-28T15:39:00.002-04:00

知るべきことじゃないのに、誰かに聞いてしまった。

残念なことになちゃったね。

だれも怪我したくなかったが、私のせいで、誰かの幸福を破ってしまった気をする。

運命のことか？私が言い過ぎてしまったせいだろうか？

誰にも言わなかったいいのになあ。

どうでも私のことを気にしないで、ずっと幸せにいてほしいよ。

私は何時でも、どうでも、何か起こっても、ぜんぜん大丈夫から。

また私のことで、きみを犠牲しないでくれないの？もっと悲しくなるから。

秘密はまた、言うべきないものだね。

Fall 2009 - The loveliest season

2009-10-27T01:45:00.005-04:00

1. My first waterfall.

2. Pictured Rocks in Munising

3. Our cruise around the rocks with Capt. Spark

4. The rocks in autumn

5. The 9km hike

6. Sunset after a long long day of hiking

7. The windy cruise

8. Excited jumping girls

My favorite season. In fall break, a two day vacation, we went to Upper Peninsula, Michigan. Plenty of fallen leaves, plenty of water, plenty of jokes, and plenty of fun.

2009-10-21T01:01:00.001-04:00

Stress

2009-10-20T20:38:00.002-04:00

If stress burns calories, I would be really skinny.

If junk food increases brain cells, I will be a super genius.

If friendship fills us up, I will be a hot air balloon carrying the whole world.

An Escape from Reality

2009-10-16T23:54:00.001-04:00

A short getaway to Upper Peninsula in 1 hour. ^-^

笨笨的

2009-10-11T17:30:00.002-04:00

因爲你們都很"醒目",很可靠,

所以,我可不可以繼續任性地, 放肆地, 一直笨笨的...

Yes I do

2009-10-11T17:13:00.002-04:00

"I don't like to drink beer..."

"So you like to play Catchphrase?"

"No, I don't like the taste of beer, I usually drink blah blah blah"

Random snippet of a conversation I overheard.

Why do college students in big cities, especially in United States, like to drink so much?

I suspect that it is due an incorrigible lack of "healthy" recreational options such as

karaoke, la teh (tea drinking sessions in Mamak - streetside stalls with delicious supper options that opens till 6am), shopping, movies, table tennis, pool, mahjong, Dota, Wii, community service, potluck, dimsum, family dinners, TVB dramas on Astro (Malaysian satelite TV) ... and Yes, boardgames such as Catchphrase and UNO!

"Yes, I do! I love Catchphrase! "

Curse me for not pointing out how cool the game was! Or, how "uncool" I am for loving it.

Catchphrase - A game where you have to get your teammates to say a word by verbal explanation before the timer goes off.

I shall eagerly wait for our next Catchphrase session....

致橡树 To the Rubber Tree - from a friend's blog

2009-10-06T23:33:00.005-04:00

作者：舒婷

我如果爱你 If I love you
绝不像攀缘的凌霄花 I will never be like the climbing ivies
借你的高枝炫耀自己 Boasting myself on your branches
我如果爱你 If I love you
决不学痴情的鸟儿 I shall never learn the devoted birds
为绿荫重复单调的歌曲 Repeating melodies praising the greenery
也不止像泉源 Not only will I send you constant cool comfort
常年送来清凉的蔚籍 Like the spring of water
也不止像险峰 Not only will I add to your glory and greatness
增加你的高度衬托你的威仪 Like the great mountains
甚至阳光甚至春雨 Or the Sun or the Rain in Spring
不，这些都还不够 No, these are not enough
我必须是你近旁的一株木棉 I must be a cotton tree by your side
作为树的形象和你站在一起 Standing aside in the form of a tree
根，紧握在地下 My roots, clenching the earth
叶，相触在云里 My leaves, touching yours in the clouds
每一阵风过 Whenever the wind blows
我们都相互致意 We exchange our regards
但没有人 Where no one
听懂我们的言语 Understands what we had spoken
你有你的铜枝铁干 You have your metal-like solid branches
像刀，像剑，也像戟 Like a knife, a sword, or a spear
我有我红硕的花朵 I have my crimson flowers
像沉重的叹息 Like a heavy sigh
又像英勇的火炬 Like the bold flames
我们分担寒潮、风雷、霹雳 We share the cold, draught, winds, storms, and thunders
我们共享雾霭、流岚、虹霓 We share the fogs, breeze and rainbows
仿佛永远分离 As if we are forever apart
却又终身相依 Yet forever binded
这才是伟大的爱情 This - is great love
坚贞就在这里 Faithfulness lies here
爱—— Love -
不仅爱你伟岸的身躯 I love not only your broad faithful silhouette
也爱你坚持的位置足下的土地 but also your steadfast stand and the earth beneath your feet

Appreciating

2009-10-05T20:08:00.002-04:00

Humans are conflicted beings who are so short-sighted.

We remember and rejoice for the once-out-of- a-hundred-times occurrence (the missed call, the missed anniversary, the broken mug, the out-of-the-blue kindness) but neglect to appreciate the 99 times warm support that were always there.

Here's to the 99 times and 1 in a million surprise.

Give

2009-10-03T14:37:00.005-04:00

Quotes from my favorite drama - Story of Time "光阴的故事"

想要得到幸福，首先要懂得付出。- 孙爸

To find happiness, you must first learn how to give.

一个要给别人幸福的人，绝对会得到幸福。- 许妈

One who wants to give happiness to others will surely be blessed.

Giving is the greatest blessing.

Penultimate semester

2009-09-29T10:32:00.002-04:00

Entered senior year already.

Still as gullible, as clumsy, as blur.

Started Korean first year, taking my final econ classes and writing class.

Begun the mission impossible of studying for Exam C in slightly more than a month.

The coldness of Michigan weather is creeping in slowly but surely.

Moved into a lovely apartment with the best roommates I could get - understanding, easygoing, cheerful, clean, lovely Jan and Karen.

Aww... life is good.

Must increase hangout sessions despite all the work that I should do.

Jom Come Eat with Me ^-^

2009-09-25T00:57:00.002-04:00

Openly inviting anyone who is free on Central campus to join me in exploring Ann Arbor's lunch specials from 11.30pm to 1pm on Mondays or Wednesdays.

Also, proposing weekly Thursdays bubble tea/froyo hangout sessions.

Yes, pinch me for my laziness and push me to study! =P

A message from George Carlin (Legendary comedian in the 60s and 70s)

2009-09-24T01:10:00.002-04:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The sweetest couple ^-^

2009-09-18T14:15:00.003-04:00

Priceless

2009-07-29T00:09:00.003-04:00

The smile on a friend's face for a tiny something that I parted with was priceless.

What exactly do I expect in return, everytime I give?

Do I expect a reciprocal gift? Do I calculate my yield every time?

Life would be so tiring...

Any gift in return should be a very unexpected but sweet surprise. I had one today, fortuitously.

What exactly am I longing for on every birthday? When an earnest wish, that needed no reminder is already the greatest gift that I can hope for. Even the reminded ones' kind regards of me, for a few seconds, should be cherished.

Our lives are so saturated with stuffs...

Therefore, I really appreciate you guys taking this moment, to know what's up with me, and to wish me a happy day annually.

I wish I could have spared more of my tiny mind to remember all your birthdays, but I missed a lot of you...and facebook is not my daily routine. So, I shall wish all of you "Happy Today and Everyday of your life"

As they say, we should make each day count.

Another year older

2009-07-25T22:56:00.004-04:00

Yup, another year older, yet none the wiser.

Fate has been kind, although I am alone in a foreign land, I was not alone on my 22nd birthday (relishing the privilege to admit my age that might be lost soon). My lovely sister has flown all the way from Ohio to celebrate my birthday.... and leech of me for a couple of weeks in summer.

So, my day started off as a mundane work day. But my awesome co-interns joined me in trying out exotic Thai food in Thai Basil Restaurant(famous for great lunch specials, my choice) and gave me a surprise gift (cute card and a Cheesecake Factory gift card). It was fun to see some of them trying out Thai food for the first time in their lives. Life is an adventure every day, indeed.

Then, met up with SueYen (traveled 45 minutes from Brandeis), my sister and my housemates to go for a huge Italian dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. Great food, great atmosphere, humungous portions, and the waitress added candles to our Tiramisu. Got flowers, and clutch bag from me sister as gifts. The whole gang went to North Station to see SueYen off her 10.50pm train. Played "Guess what I am thinking of" for the whole waiting time. Really miss playing random board games...

Ended my day with a second "cake-cutting" ceremony, with a cute house-fragrance-candle substitute and a fruit pie.

By the way, I had another very be-earlied birthday gift from Malaysia, thanks SuPeng!

Well, what do you know, life is full of surprises. I only pray that with age, I gain better skills to handle these surprises.

College education abroad Sequel

2009-07-24T22:24:00.005-04:00

Actual scenario in my school (not representative of the entire college population *ahem*)

Myth 1: One would be reading books as thick as the encyclopedia, in Hogwarts-like libraries

Fact: Readings assigned in some classes, but not required. Some libraries are old and grand with sky-high ceilings while some are very modern and packed with chatty college students discussing group projects with the rest of library visitors.

Myth 2: Or doing scientific (images of colorful beakers/test tubes) experiments in huge labs with long glass windows.

Fact: Only lab classes involve scientific experiments. Labs are dark dungeon-like buildings with safety apparatus (where one can wash their eyes in emergency chemical accidents) that looks like a torture device set up in every 1.5 meter of the hallways.

Myth 3: talking to wise, old, bearded professors

Fact: Bearded professors do exist, but very very rarely. I had one that is a Santa Clause with a black beard, giving out energy bars/candies in every single probability class.

Professors here one of their own kind. Some are avid cyclists with killer exams and knife-sharp explanations, some make talking in a foreign language a least awkward practice, some make the lecture hall look like a 5 star hotel, some gives the students the opportunity to better utilize class time...elsewhere, while some makes you doubt your choice of major/mental capabilities, while some gives you the lens to look at the world in an entire different light, and some trains you to comprehend accents from different corners of the globe.

Myth 4:having intelligent conversations with students of diverse backgrounds (where many are diligent part-time students who had to work to pay for tuition), meeting Americans who are always warm and caring, while some Mean-girls drama would happen in the background.

Fact: Students here are very diverse, indeed. And a few of them actually do work to pay their own tuition (but no intl student can do that since no financial aid is available and out of state tuition too expensive for that option). Intelligent conversations, yup, about sh*t, s*x, life, dreams, where to eat, with my gang. "Intelligent" conversations about the latest brands were common among the well-privileged (as in able to afford $18K a semester). Warm and caring Americans I met, distant, foreigners-allergic ones I've seen too. Mean-girls are exaggerated, people here are a lot more matured for these dramas. Nevertheless, drama is always around where female beings are, but my radar are usually oblivious to those.

Myth 5: The campus will be as beautiful as an ancient castle-like structure with large gardens/forests surrounding it.

Fact: Different schools have different landscape. Some city schools are too small for any greenery. Castle-like colleges I've haven't seen. But a sprawling school it is, my beloved U of M. Nope, no forbidden forest, just an arboretum (small forest/with plains) near campus.

College education

2009-07-20T00:44:00.003-04:00

Continued musings about obtaining tertiary education in United States a.k.a Studying Abroad...

From all the media exposure about the U.S lifestyle and culture, I have always imagined that studying abroad would be a dream-like experience where:

One would be reading books as thick as the encyclopedia, in Hogwarts-like libraries;

Or doing scientific (images of colorful beakers/test tubes) experiments in huge labs with long glass windows; talking to wise, old, bearded professors, having intelligent conversations with students of diverse backgrounds (where many are diligent part-time students who had to work to pay for tuition), meeting Americans who are always warm and caring, while some Mean-girls drama would happen in the background, and the campus will be as beautiful as an ancient castle-like structure with large gardens/forests surrounding it.

Let's guess which of these are at least half-true. Comments welcomed!

-To be continued

Privileged

2009-07-18T16:29:00.003-04:00

How can I justify this? Who should decide how this endowment is distributed...

I doubt my previous karma or accomplishments is worthy of this.

This extraordinary privilege and fortune, to study in an expensive, prestigious university without paying a single penny, alongside with the nicest, warmest friends.

Read a friend's blog post about her disappointment when she reflected upon her unachieved aspirations to study abroad. She was just one A1 away from the perfect grades that was supposed to guarantee her a scholarship. While others with different grades (many less than perfect) was awarded with the scholarship, none of us could question the allocation.

Was it fair? Perhaps the world is never a fair place, reality is never pretty. Or maybe God has other plans for our different talents.

Nevertheless, every road leads to Rome.

I am sure the Lord will guide us in finding our true calling and make the best of His plans for us.

However, I do believe that I have an obligation as one of the 'fortunate' ones to live out the dream that hundreds had aspired but lack the luck to achieve.

We will never be able to justify any lack of initiative, slipshod attitude to our academics, any lack of appreciation towards what we are endowed with, any complaints of the lack of further luxury, or that moment of thinking: "Well, I can just take a break and chill for now, college is all about having fun.", or that moment of cowardness/tardiness when opportunities arise.

Just think about what another person who would give everything just to be in your shoes, what would that person do, given all the privileges that you have now?

What wouldn't an orphan in Africa give to hear his/her parents' voice?

What wouldn't a child in rural China give to learn the mathematics class that you abhorred?

What wouldn't a blind person give just to see the sunrise?

Lord, guide us all with your love.

The world is too distracting.

July 4th Recap

2009-07-11T01:19:00.003-04:00

Island Hopper Cape Cod Lobster

Sergeant Peppers and Us Freedom Trail with guides that we didn't follow

Highlights of my July 4th in BoStOn 2009

Thursday, July 2nd: Shopping from Prudential till Newbury, great deals, great company! Tapas and drinks on Newbury(*^-^*) followed by prawn mee in Penang.

Friday, July 3rd: Freedom Trail, great weather, ancient buildings, tiring walk. First lobster tasting in Union Oyster House, first seafood restaurant in New England. First reunion with SueYen.

Saturday, July 4th: Ferry to Province Town, Cape Cod, a breathtaking beachside vacation town. A lot of topless beach goers and nice seafood restaurants. Had to run to catch the ferry back after a heavy lobster lunch. Dinner @ Indian restaurant and watched 40-minute fireworks by Charles River. Played 4-syllable word-make-up game while waiting.

Sunday, July 5th: Whale watching cruise, saw a Mickey whale did a bridge (a super rare occurrence that is hardly seen in 20 years, according to the guide) and around 6 other whale sightings. Basically looking out the horizon to spot dark shapes moving in the waters, jets of air coming from their breathes, and occasion sweeps of whale tails.

Went to Otis House Museum, a colonial building that was moved back 100 feet by man power during official road construction.

Conquered 5-Wits Tomb of the Pharaoh with 8 other explorers. It was a mind boggling and nerve wrecking adventure, indeeeed.

Had the best Italian food in Giacommo Ristorante after a 50-minute wait in the lines. Lobster Raviolli and Shrimp Pasta amazed us both. Grabbed gelato and Italian pastries at Mike's Pastry (Boston's most visited bakery)

Monday, July 6th: Boston Duck Tours, a guided tour around Boston on an Amphibian vehicle, a half ferry-half bus. Hilarious tour guide Sergeant Peppers(a Lennon look-alike) even allowed us to drive the Duck on Charles River, which was a dangerous decision viewing that I can crash into anything physical in front.

Sailed on a Liberty Fleet Tall ship where the Boston Tea Party was "reenacted"- a historical event where Bostonians dumped tea leaves into the sea in objection to the outrageous taxes imposed on tea leaves by the British king. The strings binding tea leaves went loose and crew had to "rescue" the tea leaves, which everyone on the ship was anxiously spectating.

Visited New England Aquarium, where penguins roam free and jelly fishes glowed.

Had ice cream at Emerck and JP Licks, the two local ice-cream chains.

Had dinner at Island Hopper -M'sia, Thai, Chinese restaurant. Pricey and tasty.

My first vacation, in the summer.

Memorable and short-lived, just like the meteor shower we saw.

Impact

2009-07-03T00:39:00.004-04:00

Today, a huge meteor impacted my world. My darling Miss Violetcraze has touched down in Boston to wreak further havoc.

First stop, Xi3 Lin2 Men2 (Happiness arriving at your door) DimSum restaurant, with my housemate and hundreds of other consumers.

Under some shopaholic's virus' influence, we shopped from 1pm to 7pm, until our legs called us to stop at a Spanish bar on Newbury street. The $5 tapas all night sign did her magic too.

So, two cute girls settled at the bar, asked for some recommendations from a very cute bartender, and ordered 2 tapas - garlic shrimp and omelette espagniola, and a "fire margarita".

The "fire margarita" earned her reputation, it was very very spicy, spicier than the Yeok Gea Jung(Korean spicy hotpot dish) that Sueyen and I had in Allston last week (which was cautioned against by a Korean waitor who tried to verify my identity as a Korean to make sure that we had the spiciness tolerance). I had to eat half a piece of bread with each sip, very bad recommendation (-.-|||)

To avoid overconsumption of bread, smart me thought of drinking the spicy sh*t in large gulps to minimize oral torment, which, coupled with my hunger, caused the alcohol to shoot straight up to my head. It was the first time I felt tipsy without even finishing my first drink.

Then after stuffing myself with more bread and food, having a fun time catching up with Miss Violet, and reenacted my giggling phase for a few minutes, we left the bar, very soberly, to our next stop, Penang.

We ate prawn noodles, which was amazing, and an obligated side order of Penang Satay Tofu - Fried Tofu with Pasambur sauce and cucumber (minimum $8 order per head ==).

Then a night's rest before our quest to conquer the Freedom Trail.

Keeping my motivation

2009-06-25T10:56:00.002-04:00

Finally understood that constant musing about the meaning of life is a mere waste of time. The only way that I can move forward is by setting mini goals that I can focus my energy and spirit on. So here goes:

1. Start an active, healty lifestyle
2. Save up to $10,000 by graduation
3. Lose 8 kgs
4. Learn French basics
5. Finish all the Taiwanese variety shows available online
6. Finish catching up on world news.
7. Learn how to cook and bake
8. Call or msn to catch up with 5 old friends a day

Life is all about pursuing one dream and the next. Fighting~

你不在

2009-06-22T00:11:00.002-04:00

你不在，很不一样，美食的美味变淡了，或许，这里的泡菜没有我们那里的辣吧...

风景的绚丽变得平凡，或许，每个城市的风景本来也没什么大差别...

我的仰天长笑成了有礼含蓄的微笑，同事间的礼仪还是不太相同吧...还是我喜欢的笑话，这里没人会说。

感人的电影，没有你陪我一起哭，哭得很没劲...又或许，人长大以后，神经不会这么敏感。

曾经的彻夜疯狂，变成了宅女日志的一页，褒剧创纪录的里程碑。

终于发现了电话网络对我不可或缺的意义。

它带个我每天的动力，用最温柔，最温暖的声音提醒我，我不是一个人。

谢谢你的关怀，我都收到了，战斗力加值中...fighting~

身边的空白，有了心底的温泉，用爱和勇气去过每一天，迎接我的不一定是寒冷和孤独。

我单纯的梦想，只是想要筑一个温暖，舒适的家，和最最重要的你们，过安定的生活，如果，这些小苦头可以让我更靠近这个梦，我会找到勇气，走到终点的。

给我在多一点鼓励...可以吗？原谅我的懦弱，和贪婪。

The thing sustaining my summer

2009-06-21T00:56:00.001-04:00

http://www.mysoju.com/black-white/

The Best drama yet!

The Best student Produced Musical - Harry Potter the Musical

2009-06-20T00:35:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/StarKidPotter

It's totally awesome!

2009-06-16T23:27:00.002-04:00

If I am as stubborn as the glass, just as transparent...

Will I break? And cut everyone?

Living ardently...now

My Longest Post Yet and Your Invitation

Love Thyself and Stop Overcompensating...

Work heart and work smart

The saddest reality

Life Hacks or Basic Necessities

盡本分

最浪漫的句子

Serpensoria

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

What do they want

Passion for your Profession

Eight Minutes

True Will is Power

Preach what you teach

Gleefully

Fantasy and Dreams

How Can I Change the World

Conversation

Memento

The attitude

Winter Wonderland

Little miracles

Addiction

What you ask for

Random bubbles of thoughts

My Sisters - Jimui

How do you tell...

Lost

Insinuation

Immunize yourself

Old friends

Do it, NOW

Reply to All

“What Do I Say Next?”

Don't do it!

偶像！

Attention seeking child

:)

Restaurant Week

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek; and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [Matthew 7:7-8].”

A borrowed story

"He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass" - George Herbert

My Philosophies

Overthinking

The Real World

New Obsession

Vacation after graduation - @ Malaysia and Taipei

Feeling Great

轉身的後悔

Packaging

DONE

Celebrating Graduation

After the Storm

The 100/0 Principle in relationships, by Al Ritter

終于

有意思

真的

Get my crap together

小太监

傻婆

What for?

Europe trip 2009

不要再笑了！！- repost from 2006

~假谦虚~

My addiction

Time Flows Like a River

感恩节

Intentions

Perasan

Innocence

What defines me?

When tragedies are just a stone throw's away

日出之前請將悲傷終結

ごめんね

Fall 2009 - The loveliest season

Stress

An Escape from Reality

笨笨的

Yes I do