Geez. It's really been so long since I step into this blogosphere. Almost half a year. Even a baby is in the process of coming out by now. Lots have been happening in my life for sure. Good and bad. And still, I am not anywhere clear about my life. Guess that's just part of life. Am I sounding depressive now? May be it's the weather It's dull and dark. Or may be I'm just sleepy. ZzZzZzZz.
I'm just dropping in to say hello, and to say thank you for those who are still reading my blog. Really, I appreciate your attention. I really hope I will write more but my laziness has beaten me in that area. But definitely I will pop by once in a while.
In Oprah magazine, she has this section called "What I Know for Sure" and to make this post short and sweet, what I know for sure this time, is that nothing is certain and that one must be prepared for life from every angle and enjoy the most of it while the good still lasts. When the bad comes, you can look back to life and said "Hey, that was good. Time for more new good things before the bad wave is catching up!"
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
You Should Never Be Too Impressed By People With Good Manners
I have stopped watching Desperate Housewives and most of the TV shows since I came back from Europe. Today, I got bored and decided to watch it again. I am again being reminded what a great TV series Desperate Housewives is. It is not the drama between the ladies that I am realized I miss but there are only 2 things I fall in love all over again with what the great writers behind have done. The beginning and the ending. The soul of each and every episode has been written in such a profound manner by the writers. And in this week's episode, the ending simply hit such a high note with me that I couldn't help to share it with all of you. Its wisdom is so profound that sometimes we need to be reminded of what we tend to forget.
Have you found yourself in such situation? Where you are impressed with someone good manners and behind it all, a samurai has been waiting to slice you up in pieces? Ah well, I have. Though my experience was definitely not as dramatic as those you watch on TV but well, the surprise was shocking enough to make you realize a few atoms of your lives have simply be stolen from you.
Then, have you been to the other extreme? Where what or who's deemed to be dangerous turned out to be the best thing that may ever happened in your life? Oh, tell me about it ...
Life is so full of mystery, isn't it? It's so not straightforward especially when it contains billions of people with billions of possibilities in personalities. We can only trust our guts, prepare for the worst and expect for the best. And watch out for life advices at the most unexpected places. For me, this time, it's from Desperate Houswives Season 5 Episode 16 titled - Crime Doesn't Pay.
"You should never be too impressed by people with good manners, they are the ones who will give a friendly wave even if they've stolen from you. They're the type who sweetly welcome you even as they tried to uncover your secrets. They are the kind to offer you coffee, even as they report you to the police. And don't be too offended by someone who's openly rude, because they may be that way for the nicest of reasons." - Desperate Housewives
Have you found yourself in such situation? Where you are impressed with someone good manners and behind it all, a samurai has been waiting to slice you up in pieces? Ah well, I have. Though my experience was definitely not as dramatic as those you watch on TV but well, the surprise was shocking enough to make you realize a few atoms of your lives have simply be stolen from you.
Then, have you been to the other extreme? Where what or who's deemed to be dangerous turned out to be the best thing that may ever happened in your life? Oh, tell me about it ...
Life is so full of mystery, isn't it? It's so not straightforward especially when it contains billions of people with billions of possibilities in personalities. We can only trust our guts, prepare for the worst and expect for the best. And watch out for life advices at the most unexpected places. For me, this time, it's from Desperate Houswives Season 5 Episode 16 titled - Crime Doesn't Pay.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
For the Brave Women (and some Men) Out There
I just finished watching North Country right now on TV and my blood has never boiled to the roof like this before. Though what was being depicted in the movie was not BASED on a true story, it was only INSPIRED by a true story. But I can not imagine anybody was able to endure such treatments in their work places.
For those of you who are interested in the movie, North Country is about an iron mining female worker (played by Charlize Theron who was nominated for Oscars for this role) who was sexually harassed by her male co-workers. She fought the battle all alone with almost zero person supporting her except her lawyer at first. The rest was history.
The movie was inspired by a real case - Jenson versus Eveleth Teconite Co. It took 10-20 years of courage and public display to the private lives of the plaintifs to finally get what they deserve, a protection at their work place and of course, some compensations.
This, is only one case. How many cases are there throughout the history where women endure the pain and fought against all odds that make us - women who are breathing and living now - have what we have and live the way we live? I am seriously clueless and ashamed.
May be that's why in a way we were thought history at school (one of the subject I hated the most and now kinda regret that I didn't pay too much attention at school) so that we know who have pathed the way for us. Yes, some of the information may have been twisted and distorted, and some seriously, who knows they are simply fables and tales. But history is part of us, they made us who we are today.
Hence, this post is dedicated to people, especially women (and maybe there were also some men) who have made it possible for us, women, to live a safe life and of equal rights (at least at most part of the world at the moment). I believe without these great people we would not be able to talk as we like, walk as we like, work as we like, have what we like and even think as we like. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. And I hope to learn more about each and everyone of you as my life goes by and hopefully you will always leave your heartprints to the next generations to come. You have carved out life paths for us, I hope we will continue to do so and make the paths bigger and better.
For those of you who are interested in the movie, North Country is about an iron mining female worker (played by Charlize Theron who was nominated for Oscars for this role) who was sexually harassed by her male co-workers. She fought the battle all alone with almost zero person supporting her except her lawyer at first. The rest was history.
The movie was inspired by a real case - Jenson versus Eveleth Teconite Co. It took 10-20 years of courage and public display to the private lives of the plaintifs to finally get what they deserve, a protection at their work place and of course, some compensations.
This, is only one case. How many cases are there throughout the history where women endure the pain and fought against all odds that make us - women who are breathing and living now - have what we have and live the way we live? I am seriously clueless and ashamed.
May be that's why in a way we were thought history at school (one of the subject I hated the most and now kinda regret that I didn't pay too much attention at school) so that we know who have pathed the way for us. Yes, some of the information may have been twisted and distorted, and some seriously, who knows they are simply fables and tales. But history is part of us, they made us who we are today.
Hence, this post is dedicated to people, especially women (and maybe there were also some men) who have made it possible for us, women, to live a safe life and of equal rights (at least at most part of the world at the moment). I believe without these great people we would not be able to talk as we like, walk as we like, work as we like, have what we like and even think as we like. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. And I hope to learn more about each and everyone of you as my life goes by and hopefully you will always leave your heartprints to the next generations to come. You have carved out life paths for us, I hope we will continue to do so and make the paths bigger and better.
The Curious Case of NTU Singapore
Have you heard about the news that have been really hot in Singapore? Well, the university that I graduated from has apparently been in the limelight recently, for the wrong reasons. Dead bodies and blood are involved in Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
For the news, lookie here: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_347185.html
It was said according to the news source that 1st incident, an Indonesian Chinese student has stabbed a professor and then committed suicide. That happened on a Monday. Then, during the same week, on Saturday, a Chinese project officer has found hung.
2 dead bodies in less than a week. Wow ... Is the recession so bad and gloomy that everybody feels so stressed and simply needs to end their lives to feel better? And is it really a coincidence that both of them were from the same faculty - the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering? Ah ... not forgetting a fact that both of them are also working in the same lab - S2-B3a-06. Ah ... yes, don't forget, people who are like the Indonesian student (a scholar who even represented the country for some Maths competition) and the Chinese project officer (who landed a job in NTU which was supposedly not as easy to get in as to work in McDonalds) must have some kind of brilliance especially in the academic arena. They were engineering trained, who were supposed to be pretty logical and "thought-things-through" before experimenting with anything, and these are the outcomes for their lives? And both in the same week?
I don't know how to feel about this news. But the news has definitely stirred certain mood in me when I first read it. I must admit that I must have pointed finger into the direction that media wanted me to believe. The media is a powerful too indeed. How can one forget that? Fortunately, God created this thing called "BRAIN". And some of those who remembered to utilize it, started to ask questions and feel something was fishy and then I was awakened.
I am definitely not in any position to comment about this case. I am no CSI and even if I am one, I have no access to the evidences and witnesses and whatever things that CSI needs in solving a case. So, I'm not here to argue, what's right, what's wrong, what should have been done, etc. I am also not here to dissect this situation as I am in no place to shine any lights to the case. I really hope the truth will prevail but even though if it's not, Miss Karma will take action in its own hand and in its own time.
But what I would like to point out in this era where we are so heavily spoon-fed by what we read, heard and seen, have we forgotten how to think for ourselves? Are we really that mentally lazy? Unfortunately, we are. I know I am. But through the curious case of NTU Singapore, this time, I really hope we'll be more awakened. To be reminded that we are born with a brain that hardly being utilized fully on things that REALLY matter. Life is hardly so straightforward, it needs a little bit of "detective" works and seriously, I am not just talking about this NTU case but about our own lives. I know I'm in the midst of a very big important and puzzling case of my own and I'm going to get my detective hat, coat and magnifying glass in order to find some clues about my own life. I hope you do too. Life is a mystery indeed, solve as much as you can and don't forget, we have a brain.
For the news, lookie here: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_347185.html
It was said according to the news source that 1st incident, an Indonesian Chinese student has stabbed a professor and then committed suicide. That happened on a Monday. Then, during the same week, on Saturday, a Chinese project officer has found hung.
2 dead bodies in less than a week. Wow ... Is the recession so bad and gloomy that everybody feels so stressed and simply needs to end their lives to feel better? And is it really a coincidence that both of them were from the same faculty - the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering? Ah ... not forgetting a fact that both of them are also working in the same lab - S2-B3a-06. Ah ... yes, don't forget, people who are like the Indonesian student (a scholar who even represented the country for some Maths competition) and the Chinese project officer (who landed a job in NTU which was supposedly not as easy to get in as to work in McDonalds) must have some kind of brilliance especially in the academic arena. They were engineering trained, who were supposed to be pretty logical and "thought-things-through" before experimenting with anything, and these are the outcomes for their lives? And both in the same week?
I don't know how to feel about this news. But the news has definitely stirred certain mood in me when I first read it. I must admit that I must have pointed finger into the direction that media wanted me to believe. The media is a powerful too indeed. How can one forget that? Fortunately, God created this thing called "BRAIN". And some of those who remembered to utilize it, started to ask questions and feel something was fishy and then I was awakened.
I am definitely not in any position to comment about this case. I am no CSI and even if I am one, I have no access to the evidences and witnesses and whatever things that CSI needs in solving a case. So, I'm not here to argue, what's right, what's wrong, what should have been done, etc. I am also not here to dissect this situation as I am in no place to shine any lights to the case. I really hope the truth will prevail but even though if it's not, Miss Karma will take action in its own hand and in its own time.
But what I would like to point out in this era where we are so heavily spoon-fed by what we read, heard and seen, have we forgotten how to think for ourselves? Are we really that mentally lazy? Unfortunately, we are. I know I am. But through the curious case of NTU Singapore, this time, I really hope we'll be more awakened. To be reminded that we are born with a brain that hardly being utilized fully on things that REALLY matter. Life is hardly so straightforward, it needs a little bit of "detective" works and seriously, I am not just talking about this NTU case but about our own lives. I know I'm in the midst of a very big important and puzzling case of my own and I'm going to get my detective hat, coat and magnifying glass in order to find some clues about my own life. I hope you do too. Life is a mystery indeed, solve as much as you can and don't forget, we have a brain.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Carpenters
Ah well ... yes, another game of the songs as a friend of mine and the faithful reader of my blog, "challenged" me to do so with Carpenters' songs, so voila ... here they are. My friend, hope you are happy with this. I must say, it's not as easy as Metallica or ABBA.
The Name of the Game: Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
Strengh of A Woman
2. Describe yourself.
Ordinary Fool
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
Top of the World (I'm delusional, aren't I?)
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
Yesterday Once More
5. Describe your current relationship.
Fun, Fun, Fun
6. Where would you want to be now?
Honolulu City Lights (They don't have Paris ler :'()
7. How do you feel about love?
Love is Surrender
8. What's your life like?
Happy
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
Love Me for What I Am
10. Say something wise.
Don't Be Afraid
The Name of the Game: Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
Strengh of A Woman
2. Describe yourself.
Ordinary Fool
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
Top of the World (I'm delusional, aren't I?)
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
Yesterday Once More
5. Describe your current relationship.
Fun, Fun, Fun
6. Where would you want to be now?
Honolulu City Lights (They don't have Paris ler :'()
7. How do you feel about love?
Love is Surrender
8. What's your life like?
Happy
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
Love Me for What I Am
10. Say something wise.
Don't Be Afraid
Metallica
Well ... since I promised a friend I'll use Metallica for this quiz, I'll try my best to answer them ... dunno what it'll turn out though ... (arh.. what did I get myself into without knowing)
Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
Ain't My Bitch
2. Describe yourself?
Poor Twisted Me
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
Some Kind of Monster
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
The Unnamed Feeling
5. Describe your current relationship.
Welcome Home
6. Where would you want to be now?
Wherever I May Roam
7. How do you feel about love?
No Remorse
8. What's your life like?
All Within My Hands
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
...And Justice for All
10. Say something wise.
Carpe Diem Baby (means Seize the Day, Baby)
OMG! So different from ABBA! Like the Yin and the Yang
*fainted*
Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
Ain't My Bitch
2. Describe yourself?
Poor Twisted Me
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
Some Kind of Monster
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
The Unnamed Feeling
5. Describe your current relationship.
Welcome Home
6. Where would you want to be now?
Wherever I May Roam
7. How do you feel about love?
No Remorse
8. What's your life like?
All Within My Hands
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
...And Justice for All
10. Say something wise.
Carpe Diem Baby (means Seize the Day, Baby)
OMG! So different from ABBA! Like the Yin and the Yang
*fainted*
ABBA
A friend of mine posted this "note" on Facebook and I think it's a great way to discovers singers and songs you may want to relate to. My first choice is ABBA and here's my answers. How about yours? I may try with different singers next time. :D
The Name of the Game: Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
I Am Just A Girl
2. Describe yourself.
I Have A Dream
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
The Way Old friends Do
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
Dream World
5. Describe your current relationship.
I Let the Music Speak // Me And I
6. Where would you want to be now?
Another Town Another Train
7. How do you feel about love?
Knowing Me Knowing You
8. What's your life like?
As Good As New
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
Voulez Vous (Means "Would You?")
10. Say something wise.
The Winner Takes It All
The Name of the Game: Choose a singer/band/group, answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group.
1. Are you male or female?
I Am Just A Girl
2. Describe yourself.
I Have A Dream
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
The Way Old friends Do
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
Dream World
5. Describe your current relationship.
I Let the Music Speak // Me And I
6. Where would you want to be now?
Another Town Another Train
7. How do you feel about love?
Knowing Me Knowing You
8. What's your life like?
As Good As New
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
Voulez Vous (Means "Would You?")
10. Say something wise.
The Winner Takes It All
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I Miss Paris Badly
My last post to fulfill my promise to my friend so that I'll not be eaten as his lunch (hmpf) ... will be a rant from my heart, which many of you would have already known anyway. Yes ... it's
I MISS PARIS BADLY!!!!!!!!
:'(
My body is here but my heart is really there. Yes, you may say I'm just a tourist there and of course I'll miss it since I was there to play and not to work and live. I can't completely disagree with that thought either but there was something about France I really like!
Some of my friends in Asia said if I do live there, I'll not get used to their super quiet "Sunday" where most of the major shops are closed. Well, people there apparently don't SHOP as much as people in Asia, but I just love it! What I really miss the most is the quality of the conversation I'm able to get while I'm with the locals there. And I love how much care and thoughts they give into what they buy, what they eat, their culture, their history, etc. It's amazing.
At times like this I can't help but wonder why is Europe so far away? Why I can't stand the aircon in Singapore and I was pretty much happy during the cold winter in Europe (with the right gear of course!!!). But if there's one thing I really really love about Asia ... Singapore and Indonesia in particular ... that will be the convenience of the public toilets system! I'll not take that for granted! With a small bladder like mine ... toilets are like my bestest friend ever!!! But, then I survived too when I was there. With the bulky winter clothes and my heavy backpack, I still survive the toilets adventure!
I really hope Hiro from Heroes will just zap me there whenever I want ... ah well, for now I can only stare at the photos I've brought back and give thanks to the experience that I already have. I'll just tell myself, Paris, I'll be back.
I MISS PARIS BADLY!!!!!!!!
:'(
My body is here but my heart is really there. Yes, you may say I'm just a tourist there and of course I'll miss it since I was there to play and not to work and live. I can't completely disagree with that thought either but there was something about France I really like!
Some of my friends in Asia said if I do live there, I'll not get used to their super quiet "Sunday" where most of the major shops are closed. Well, people there apparently don't SHOP as much as people in Asia, but I just love it! What I really miss the most is the quality of the conversation I'm able to get while I'm with the locals there. And I love how much care and thoughts they give into what they buy, what they eat, their culture, their history, etc. It's amazing.
At times like this I can't help but wonder why is Europe so far away? Why I can't stand the aircon in Singapore and I was pretty much happy during the cold winter in Europe (with the right gear of course!!!). But if there's one thing I really really love about Asia ... Singapore and Indonesia in particular ... that will be the convenience of the public toilets system! I'll not take that for granted! With a small bladder like mine ... toilets are like my bestest friend ever!!! But, then I survived too when I was there. With the bulky winter clothes and my heavy backpack, I still survive the toilets adventure!
I really hope Hiro from Heroes will just zap me there whenever I want ... ah well, for now I can only stare at the photos I've brought back and give thanks to the experience that I already have. I'll just tell myself, Paris, I'll be back.
The Heart of Life
As I'm still scratching my head to write something that's more substantial while being accompanied by John Mayer's The Heart of Life, I thought to myself, why don't I share this song to my readers.
Well, let me first share with you the full lyrics of the song:
There are 2 lines that hit me:
1. You know it's nothing new, bad news never had good timing
2. Fear is a friend who's misunderstood, but I know the heart of life is good
The year 2009, has been an awful year so far. Seriously, awful. I'm quite tired of being an energizer bunny whom people think my life has been pretty smooth sailing and I'm able to spread joy and motivate people but seriously, this is life, get real and it's been terrible recently.
And yes, like John Mayer said,"...it's nothing new, bad news never had good timing." I've seen it happened to so many souls this year and yours truly included. It's tough. And the road ahead, is super murky. I can't see a thing. It's that bad.
When you are so low, sometimes you really forget that your head can be used to look up too. Yes, it's seriously hard to look up at time like this. Seriously. When I try to look up, the voices push me down further to the pit of "worse-than-ever". How can one survive in sucha state of mind?
I don't know ...
But, I guess the song is a great reminder for me and for those who are in the down-low that, don't you forget .... "The heart of life is good."
Eventually, this too shall pass ... and life will be good again. Everything has its cycle and it happened to be a very turbulent time, this year. It will crawl back up, eventually. And meanwhile, I'll immerse myself in John Mayer's voice .... enjoy the video through this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8 or from the embedded video below. :)
Well, let me first share with you the full lyrics of the song:
THE HEART OF LIFE
BY JOHN MAYER
I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen
Pain throws you heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good
You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining
Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good
Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good
There are 2 lines that hit me:
1. You know it's nothing new, bad news never had good timing
2. Fear is a friend who's misunderstood, but I know the heart of life is good
The year 2009, has been an awful year so far. Seriously, awful. I'm quite tired of being an energizer bunny whom people think my life has been pretty smooth sailing and I'm able to spread joy and motivate people but seriously, this is life, get real and it's been terrible recently.
And yes, like John Mayer said,"...it's nothing new, bad news never had good timing." I've seen it happened to so many souls this year and yours truly included. It's tough. And the road ahead, is super murky. I can't see a thing. It's that bad.
When you are so low, sometimes you really forget that your head can be used to look up too. Yes, it's seriously hard to look up at time like this. Seriously. When I try to look up, the voices push me down further to the pit of "worse-than-ever". How can one survive in sucha state of mind?
I don't know ...
But, I guess the song is a great reminder for me and for those who are in the down-low that, don't you forget .... "The heart of life is good."
Eventually, this too shall pass ... and life will be good again. Everything has its cycle and it happened to be a very turbulent time, this year. It will crawl back up, eventually. And meanwhile, I'll immerse myself in John Mayer's voice .... enjoy the video through this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8 or from the embedded video below. :)
Yes, This is Really Me
I know it's been really long since I last wrote. If you've read the latest post on my Quote's Blog, you'll find out, I've made a promised to a friend that I've to blog or if not, I'll be his lunch -.-" Geez. So here I am ... going to "flood" your mailbox with minimum 3 posts for today. And, this will be counted as one post. A really really really short "intro" that I'm still alive and yes, I'll write more.
Now, I really need to scratch my head really hard to think of what to write. Aih .... See ya soon.
Now, I really need to scratch my head really hard to think of what to write. Aih .... See ya soon.
Monday, February 2, 2009
One Thing I Know I Have Plenty Of ....
I just came back from another short trip. This time, it's my hometown - Pematang Siantar. We call it P.Siantar, Siantar or simply Xtar now. Wow, I am surprised I can find a wikipedia page about it. :D And yes, that's my town and Jalan Merdeka is where I stay.
It's the time of the year where most Chinese will gather and go back to spend time with their family. It's Chinese New Year! This time I chose to go back to my hometown and spent time with my parents. :) Along the way, I got to spend more time with my naggy granny and generous aunt and uncle whom I've always been very close to since I was young. It's a great mini family reunion indeed.
Besides my family, one thing I know for sure I have plenty of from this trip is that I have lots of great friends. Well, there are a few belong to the "irritating" category where they keep shoveling you with their ideas and plans when you don't want to participate in it. But overall, they have been really great! Nice catching up and lots of discoveries.
Some have gone all the way out to help me and some have made sure I had a great time in my town. I'm truly touched. Some simply appear at the right time and at the right place after 13 years, that was really a nice surprised.
But I've also learned that not all friends are great. There are some you simply need to cut loose for whatever reasons that do not tick with you. I used to be a keeper, I try hard to keep as many friends as possible thinking that "oh ... every soul is precious." But seriously, I've come to learn that's simply bullsh**. There's no such things as everyone deserves your time and attention. Some are really meant to be cut loose, sooner or later, you will discover them. To my surprise, after some purging, I have made rooms for more newer and greater friends.
Now ... I appreciate the friendships that I already have, I have an open mind and a pair of opened-eyes to make sure new friends keep on flowing, and I also train myself to purge and discard those who have not been creating any values in my life. Values to me are not just something I get from that person, but when I can't see how I am able to give and contribute to one's life anymore, adios, my friend. I'm sorry. Our paths have made their decisions to take on separate ways.
Another thing I know everyone has plenty of is that great friendships are available for everyone as long as one's willing to work on the balance in the game of giving and receiving; be it time, attention or simply acknowledgment. You'll be as surprised as I was, am and forever will be.
It's the time of the year where most Chinese will gather and go back to spend time with their family. It's Chinese New Year! This time I chose to go back to my hometown and spent time with my parents. :) Along the way, I got to spend more time with my naggy granny and generous aunt and uncle whom I've always been very close to since I was young. It's a great mini family reunion indeed.
Besides my family, one thing I know for sure I have plenty of from this trip is that I have lots of great friends. Well, there are a few belong to the "irritating" category where they keep shoveling you with their ideas and plans when you don't want to participate in it. But overall, they have been really great! Nice catching up and lots of discoveries.
Some have gone all the way out to help me and some have made sure I had a great time in my town. I'm truly touched. Some simply appear at the right time and at the right place after 13 years, that was really a nice surprised.
But I've also learned that not all friends are great. There are some you simply need to cut loose for whatever reasons that do not tick with you. I used to be a keeper, I try hard to keep as many friends as possible thinking that "oh ... every soul is precious." But seriously, I've come to learn that's simply bullsh**. There's no such things as everyone deserves your time and attention. Some are really meant to be cut loose, sooner or later, you will discover them. To my surprise, after some purging, I have made rooms for more newer and greater friends.
Now ... I appreciate the friendships that I already have, I have an open mind and a pair of opened-eyes to make sure new friends keep on flowing, and I also train myself to purge and discard those who have not been creating any values in my life. Values to me are not just something I get from that person, but when I can't see how I am able to give and contribute to one's life anymore, adios, my friend. I'm sorry. Our paths have made their decisions to take on separate ways.
Another thing I know everyone has plenty of is that great friendships are available for everyone as long as one's willing to work on the balance in the game of giving and receiving; be it time, attention or simply acknowledgment. You'll be as surprised as I was, am and forever will be.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
How was 2008?
So, it's a brand new year already. How is the celebration for everyone? I hope everything goes well and wishing everyone a blessed year ahead.
I am typing this on a brand new Macbook which is equipped with French keyboard, which obviously is not mine, and with a cat just passing down my cheek to let me know that he wants some attention. I had a wonderful and really "rare" new year's eve celebration last night. I am currently in Liege, Belgium and my journey so far, has been awesome. You may hear more about my experiences if I finally have the discipline to blog hee hee ... but for now, I am determined to at least write something out to start the new year.
So, how was 2008 for everyone? Did it start and end on the high note? Even if it didn't, did you manage to at least learn an important lesson out of it? Or at least something different from what you have been experiencing every year?
I think I did. Oh ... of course I did. To be able to land my arse in Europe for 3 weeks during winter when I am even scared of the air conditioning system in Singapore, living and meeting with completely real-life strangers (I have considered them friends in my mind but to most people, they are strangers), travel mostly on my own and alone with my very broken and basic French language, met up with 3 awesome internet friends in 3 different countries and know even more new friends, etc etc etc ... the list goes and and yes, I did have an awesome 2008. (OMG the cat just passed in front of me again ... huahhhh)
Consider myself blessed, but what is blessing without having the faith and taking the risks to explore something completely out of the comfort zone and being called crazy by some people for taking the leap?
And most importantly, if I have ever learned anything from this trip, it is not the things and places you have seen that matter. Seriously, those are secondary. What I cherish the most from my crazy adventure alone in a strange land are the people. From the people who have been giving me moral support, accompanied me shopping for my winter clothing, helped me in getting great discount on my super important winter coat, made sure I have everything packed, etc to the people whom I have not yet met and yet never failed to show warmth that I don't even get normally from people that I know for long.
So, what makes 2008 special for me? It is the realization that the people that I know have given me the most in the way they could never imagine. And no words can express how grateful I am to know each and everyone of them. The footprints they have left in my heart are more impactful than the sights of Eiffel Tower.
I hope one of the resolution that we all can make for 2009 is to not take everyone that you know and have not yet known for granted. Without people, there wouldn't be much meaning in the game we call Life. But well, feel free to dispose those people who aren't giving much values in your life too. As, you need more spaces for better people to come into your lives.
Have a great 2009, everyone.
I am typing this on a brand new Macbook which is equipped with French keyboard, which obviously is not mine, and with a cat just passing down my cheek to let me know that he wants some attention. I had a wonderful and really "rare" new year's eve celebration last night. I am currently in Liege, Belgium and my journey so far, has been awesome. You may hear more about my experiences if I finally have the discipline to blog hee hee ... but for now, I am determined to at least write something out to start the new year.
So, how was 2008 for everyone? Did it start and end on the high note? Even if it didn't, did you manage to at least learn an important lesson out of it? Or at least something different from what you have been experiencing every year?
I think I did. Oh ... of course I did. To be able to land my arse in Europe for 3 weeks during winter when I am even scared of the air conditioning system in Singapore, living and meeting with completely real-life strangers (I have considered them friends in my mind but to most people, they are strangers), travel mostly on my own and alone with my very broken and basic French language, met up with 3 awesome internet friends in 3 different countries and know even more new friends, etc etc etc ... the list goes and and yes, I did have an awesome 2008. (OMG the cat just passed in front of me again ... huahhhh)
Consider myself blessed, but what is blessing without having the faith and taking the risks to explore something completely out of the comfort zone and being called crazy by some people for taking the leap?
And most importantly, if I have ever learned anything from this trip, it is not the things and places you have seen that matter. Seriously, those are secondary. What I cherish the most from my crazy adventure alone in a strange land are the people. From the people who have been giving me moral support, accompanied me shopping for my winter clothing, helped me in getting great discount on my super important winter coat, made sure I have everything packed, etc to the people whom I have not yet met and yet never failed to show warmth that I don't even get normally from people that I know for long.
So, what makes 2008 special for me? It is the realization that the people that I know have given me the most in the way they could never imagine. And no words can express how grateful I am to know each and everyone of them. The footprints they have left in my heart are more impactful than the sights of Eiffel Tower.
I hope one of the resolution that we all can make for 2009 is to not take everyone that you know and have not yet known for granted. Without people, there wouldn't be much meaning in the game we call Life. But well, feel free to dispose those people who aren't giving much values in your life too. As, you need more spaces for better people to come into your lives.
Have a great 2009, everyone.
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