* Scarlet Picturesque*

My Top 5 "I Do" Songs

2012-02-08T23:38:00.001+08:00

No, I'm not attached, I'm still a carefree single, just like how I love to put it.

As I was strolling home tonight, listening to Bruno Mars on my iPod, I realised there are a few songs I would melt for if a guy - potential husband material - sings to me with one knee down.

Here's the top 5 "I Do" (Definitely!) songs I would nod vigorously for if my future boy got down on his knees and sings with a bouquet and a ring!

1) Frankie Vallie - Can't Get My Eyes Off of You

2) Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are

3) Glenn Medeiros - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You

4) Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You (preferred acoustic version like Maroon 5's)

5) Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

This post will be long hidden when that day comes but I'm sure God has plans for me and I'm waiting for my Destiny.

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2012-02-08T15:31:00.003+08:00

Two sleeps ago, I posted an interesting thought I had on Facebook. This thought has been lingering on my mind since I last blogged and I think it might be a closure to my so-very-dramatic life since I came back for good in December 2010.

I reckon something must have hit hard on me or else the very hard-headed me would never come to such revelation and conclusion. I have to admit to this too, I am not someone who will openly confess my weakness, especially when it comes to telling the world I cried over something trivial or life-changing. Either way, I did that because it's a way to tell myself how much I cherish my family and how "worthy" was the person I fell head over heels for is to me.

At this point of time, it's not wise for me to elaborate much about my already-quite-pathetic love life. Maybe a short summary that explains how drama unfolds and how I become drama-free now?

"The Last Parcel" is based on my own personal experiences and encounters but some creative fictional thoughts of mine are included in this series of writings. So I did sent a last parcel to someone who is once special in my life but I actually met someone who would make much more impact to my post-traumatic experiences.

The saying - "When one door closes, another opens" - runs through my head on that particular night. By shoving a guy out of my life, I've subconsciously invited another in. So we spent some time together and I thought there might be chances we could move on, but somewhere along the line, I saw our differences despite this person has the traits I wanted on my Mr. Right List. To elaborate more on the point I've just made, I witnessed some things I would simply label as "ugly" and I think I should just give up hope on this person and put him in my friends-only-and-nothing-else list. Needless to say, the Drama Queen would need to open her faucet of tears to the end of her special connection with this Rebound Guy. That's when I thought I should cry and let it all out, but I'd either find myself being too dry or fall asleep almost immediately when I think about it.

A few weeks into this wanting to tear cycle. I find myself immune to the drama and got out of it without my own knowledge. It's a good thing for me, isn't it? =)

Unfortunately, I need to justify the above saying I've quoted, as to when a drama ends, the other starts. That's always how it works on TV and I strongly agree it plays out in real life, real time, too.

Grandpa had a fall and a minor stroke. Things get a little unpleasant at home but we are very blessed as a family to have each other, and now we have overcome this obstacle. I find myself crying after being dry for a good 3 months. It's tears of blessings, tears the flowed for the eternal love on Earth and I'm not ashamed of it at all.

And, that's the story behind my extraordinary post on Facebook. Regardless, I did not regret my doing so and I think it's nothing to be shameful being weak at times, because in all these, I found strength surging in from places that would otherwise come from. Here's something I shared with a girlfriend yesterday on relationships:

"I think it's important you set your goals right: Look for someone whom you can call a family. because you'll find the very significant difference between romance and kinship. That someone is the only one who could offer you both, not just either one."

Would you agree with it? I think I have totally made a point there and I will stick to this point up till the day I meet that family member. Till then, see you on the next post!

Love & Kinship

2012-02-06T00:19:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, I rushed back to JB (my hometown in Malaysia) after cleaning up the house to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Few days back, Grandpa slipped off a chair while reading newspapers and seem to be pretty disoriented. It was after some painful discussions, his children - which are Dad and siblings - decided to send him to the nearby nursing home for professional care.

As painful was the decision, my grandparents seemed to rekindle their love, held hands and cried together as Grandma has always been disagreeing with Grandpa.

As I am writing this, I couldn't help but let tears flow down my cheek. Their love for each other would be indescribable. They were married for more than 60 years and together, they have raised 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

I am the only granddaughter they both raised since Day 1 I came to this world and I have to admit, I really enjoy the childhood they provided me.

I was filled with mixed feelings when I was on the cab to visit Grandpa. I wonder would he talk to me, would he be happy to see me, would he eat or would he be sleeping. As I walk into the vicinity of the nursing home, I waved at Grandpa. He nodded when he saw me and called me as my sister. I corrected him, telling him I'm "Ah Yi", the nick he and Grandma had for me. Grandpa didn't talk, nor wanting to make eye contact with us. He just passively eat the cake and banana my aunts fed him and look out of the nursing home. Nobody but himself could feel the anguish and sadness to be living at a home. The only thing we could do as a family is to pray for him, pray that God Almighty would shed some light, that Grandpa would understand it's only a temporal stay where he could regain strength and come back home to Grandma, to us.

This episode has really struck me. Firstly, I'll make sure I get myself checked into a nursing home or retirement village when I turn 60 or 65. I wouldn't want my children to worry about my late years. Secondly, I not only come to terms with my decision to come back for good, I have also see the plan God had for me for the very hard decision I made 18 months back.

It hasn't been easy for me to give up on love to come back for family. I don't think any of my peers would do the same, but I did it anyhow. I came back to my family, I found a job, I settled down in Singapore, I'm near home and could just come back every weekend. If I am still in Australia today, I think I would be very guilty and shattered for what happened. I might not even write this post if I am in Australia.

There is no coveting or much reminiscent for the love I have given up on in Perth because I know the love I came back for good for - eternal love - is the kind of love no one else would give me, other than my Daddy in Heaven.

Over the last 14 months I'm back, I have experienced the love of kinship more than I ever yearned for. For this love is so strong and could withhold any shakes. All in all, the only revelation and expectation I have for myself is The One in my life would be someone whom I could call a family, someone who not only can give me love out of romance but also love out of kinship. That guy would be my forever. Till then, I'm blinded with my family, work, church and dancing. Waiting patiently for God to let this future family member to walk into my life to unfold my blinds.

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The Best (and Funniest) Relationship Advice Dad Ever Gave Me | Readers Digest Asia

2012-02-03T16:59:00.002+08:00

As I was browsing through RDAsia today, I thought this piece is a heartwarming one as Dads - the first men in your life - knows you the best. It's undeniable I find them rather true than funny. So always heed in his advice. No fathers would want the worst for their children, unless they are the rotten ones.

The Best (and Funniest) Relationship Advice Dad Ever Gave Me | Readers Digest Asia

Enjoy!

An Introvert's Guide to Networking by Lisa Petrilli

2012-02-02T10:54:00.001+08:00

An interesting post I read today over how an introvert could network well and be successful despite being an introvert.

Adapted from http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/01/the_introverts_guide_to_networ.html

******

An Introvert's Guide to Networking by Lisa Petrilli

I learned the critical importance of networking, and discovered my natural aversion to it, early in my career. I was a new college graduate working in the strategic planning division of a $10 billion company, and our business unit had been invited to a retirement party for one of the top executives. The gentleman retiring was someone I'd looked up to during my brief tenure, and I wanted him to know he'd made an impact on me.

While I wanted to attend the party, as an introvert I usually avoided these types of events because they made me uncomfortable. Knowing there would be a lot of senior executives at this party made me even more fearful. In the end, I tamped down my fears and went. When I arrived I found a relatively empty room save for the executive's friends and close colleagues. That night, because of the small turnout, I had the pleasure and advantage of engaging in one-on-one conversations with some of the company's top executives, an experience that would prove crucially important in advancing my career.

That evening I learned the importance of networking and realized I had to figure out how to engage in business events in ways that were comfortable for me. I went on to discover an array of strategies introverts can use, ultimately writing "The Introvert's Guide to Success in Business and Leadership". Because I figured out how to embrace networking I found myself in the plum role of leading one of the highest visibility company teams as a new marketing manager at the age of 26, and representing the company at a United Nations conference in Geneva. I went on to run a $750 million business and negotiate pharmaceutical contracts with top global companies, all in a way that worked effectively with my introverted preferences.

Here's what worked for me:

I learned to appreciate my introversion rather than repudiate it.

I have met so many introverts in business who talk about introversion as if it's a malady that one must get over in order to be successful. This is wrong. Introversion is simply a preference for the inner world of ideas because this is where we get our energy. By understanding and accepting this preference, introverts can optimize time spent with their ideas to refine them and recharge. This allows them to be as powerful and persuasive as possible when networking situations arise.

I recognized that one-on-one conversations would be my lifeline during networking. Generally speaking, business events — and particularly networking events that require engaging with groups — are demanding for introverts. An antidote to this, I learned, is to seek out conversations with one individual at a time. When I approach events this way I have more productive conversations and form better business relationships — and I'm less drained by the experience.

I stopped being afraid to be the one to reach out.

My inner introvert used to think that making the effort to introduce myself was risky. I worried that my target would not be interested in talking with me or that I would make them uncomfortable. I learned over time that when I extended my hand with a smile and an introduction my effort would be reciprocated, even when I approached executives above my rank.

Social media makes this is easier than ever. Reach out via LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook to people who will be attending conferences or networking events you're going to and let them know you're looking forward to meeting them. This pre-introduction leads to a more relaxed and productive in-person connection. By reaching out, you open the door to potentially rewarding business collaborations, and you do so on your own terms.

I learned to prioritize time to re-energize.

While it can be tempting to go from a networking lunch right back to work, or from a networking cocktail event right to a dinner, if you're an introvert and you do that you won't be able to bring your best self to your next commitment. Take the time to recharge, whether by walking from the lunch back to work, or by finding 30 minutes alone between cocktails and dinner.

Introverts who avoid networking are making a critical career mistake. Being an adroit networker is non-negotiable — and not as hard as it might seem.

If you're an introvert, what networking strategies have you found that work?

*****

After all, there's always a little of Asperger's in everyone of us. So what's wrong with being an introvert? Take some time to ponder if you are one at times, because I know I could be an introvert outside my social circles, rummaging into pages of novels or sitting at home glued to the TV or laptop. Calling me an extrovert? Think twice! =)

The Last Parcel - One

2012-01-30T10:38:00.004+08:00

There was this girl, who was deeply in love with a guy she shouldn't love. They loved each other deeply and were inseparable. Life goes on like this for many years until one day, the girl had to move away for both their good. She moved to a new place, to start a new life, so the one she dearly loved to could have a better future without her in picture.

The separation was a devastating episode for both yet time healed with the two carried on being good friends despite the distance. Not too long after the break up, the girl received a text message from the guy saying: "I'm engaged." Shocked and overwhelmed by the news, the girl went into a bout of depression, hitting rock bottom.

The engagement had transformed this once-bubbly, cheerful and optimistic girl to a pessimistic crybaby with split persona. It affected her career, her social circles and her kinship with family. It was a couple of months later she decided to walk out of the bleak, looking over the darkness, towards her salvation.

With the love and care she has gotten from family and friends, she moved forward, leaving all the unfortunate memories behind. That's when the idea of The Last Parcel hits her.

After days of shopping and compiling the best gifts in town, the girl packed them in a parcel, wrote a heart-felt letter and sealed it with one last kiss before sending it away to that guy she cherished so dearly once.

It's the last parcel that she found solace in; it's the last parcel she find the strength to move on; it's the last parcel she realised the next person she's giving her heart away to, would be the one she's spending the rest of her life with. It's nothing but the last parcel that made this girl a woman she is today.

Eventful Weekend

2012-01-30T10:12:00.001+08:00

Hellooooo!

How was your weekend? I hope it's as full on as mine! I guess this was the most eventful weekend I had since year 2012 kicked off! Thanks to the festive season - Chinese New Year - I had an awesome time catching up with colleagues and friends! There's no deny of the wonderful feeling within me since some downfall I was in few months back. =)

Here's the catch: A beautiful weekend could lead to a much more fruitful week ahead!

Bits and pieces of my beautiful weekend:

Post CNY Luncheon Chilling @ The Dempsey Brasserie

We decided to chill out before dinner bell rings after visiting Monicca for CNY luncheon. Great food and great companies.

Refreshing drinks: Mohito, lemon lime squash, lychee squash and lychee martini.


Chillout @ The Dempsey Brasserie after CNY luncheon at Monicca's.

From left: Jana, Sam, Chrissy, Masi, Linus, Tricia & Sheila.

We definitely had a great time with pots of chilli mussels, delicious desserts and indulging drinks!

We did not camwhore, just to make sure the waiter did take some nice shots =P

Sunday Arvo Tea @ Antoinette, Mandarin Gallery

Caught up with Claire for the afternoon, shopping for perfumes around Orchard Rd before some arvo indulgences at Mandarin Gallery.

Antoinnette - signature dessert at one of the best French patisseries in Singapore.

Pavlova crepes - bananas, whipped cream, maple syrup, sugar pastries made this crepe nothing but exotically enjoyable!

Have a beautiful Monday! ❤

What I've Learnt

2011-12-01T16:35:00.000+08:00

Something inspirational and something that reflects my year so far... Came across this piece from a friend's post on Facebook. We can never stop learning because it's through learning that we know who we want to be, who we can be and who we will be. Enjoy reading.

I've Learned...

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone that can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
I've learned that you can do some thing in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that money is a lousy way to keep score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthday's you've celebrated.
I've learned that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.
I've learned that no matter good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
✿ܓAuthor Unknown

It's December!

2011-12-01T07:00:00.001+08:00

It's December, a month to look forward to many happening things!

Here's some bits and pieces of event I'm looking forward to:

5 days to lil cousin, Reyna's birthday,

8 days to family holidays,

9 days to Bro, David's birthday,

21 days to Mel visiting,

22 days to company Christmas party,

23 days to Christmas countdown party,

24 days to Christmas day, the day Christ was born, and family Christmas party,

27 days to lil niece, Audrey's birthday,

28 days to long weekend leave,

29 days to New Year's countdown party,

30 days to a brand new year!

That is what I meant by December is going to be awesome! =)

Have a blessed day!

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Crazy idea #01

2011-12-01T00:35:00.001+08:00

Lately I've been following an inspirational blog called The Simply Luxurious Life. The writer, Shannon, has inspired me to walk out of shadows I shouldn't be hiding behind and come back to my love for writing. So I'm going to write about a crazy idea I had when I was in the shower.

I spent quite a lot of time in the toilet lately, both for cleanliness inside and outside me. I guess I haven't wasted my time in there. Like most people, there is where I cultivate my witty ideas.

Tonight at shower, I actually thought of jotting down the names I'd like my kids to have - that is limited to me getting married, or worse come to worst, adopt kids. Like to know what they are?

Faith for girl;

Joseph for boy.

Faith represents my Faith in God and how we shall have Faith in everything at all circumstances. I decided to pick this name after reading Jodi Picoult's novel, Keeping Faith. A highly recommended book about a child's ability to communicate and walk with God. After I finished the book, I have an urge to have a little Faith myself.

I don't really want to elaborate more on the other name. All in all, it is a name to commemorate someone who has done a lot of impacts in my teenage to adulthood years.

Alrighty, it's bedtime for me now. That's all for today. More crazy ideas to come! Sweetdreams, beautiful world! =)

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A child's perception of Psalm 23

2011-09-19T08:51:00.000+08:00

This is not a joke but an enlightenment.

God treats you the way one mother treated her young son, Timmy. She didn't like the thought of Timmy walking to his first-grade class unaccompanied. But he was too grown-up to be seen with his mother. "Besides," he explained, "I can walk with a friend." So she did her best to stay calm, quoting the Twenty-third Psalm to him every morning:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.."

One day she came up with an idea. She asked a neighbour to follow Timmy to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, lest he notice her. The neighbour was happy to oblige. She took her toddler on morning walks anyway.

After several days Timmy's little friend noticed the lady and the child.

"Do you know who that woman is who follows us to school?"

"Sure," Timmy answered. "That's Shirley Goodnest and her daughter Marcy."

"Who?"

"My mom reads about them every day in the Twenty-third Psalm. She says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life.' Guess I'll have to get used to them."

-an excerpt from Fearless by Max Lucado.

21 Easy Ways to Pray More

2011-09-14T10:21:00.000+08:00

Hi, here's something to help all of us who have been slacking in prayers.

21 Easy Ways to Pray More - Beliefnet.com

God bless you!

The Many Faces of Mooncakes

2011-09-09T10:20:00.001+08:00

Hello! An article regarding the traditional mooncake has captured my attention as I browsed Reader's Digest Asia's website this morning. Here's something to share this festive season. A piece written by Tan Su-Lyn for Reader's Digest Asia.

The Many Faces of Mooncakes
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival
By TAN SU-LYN

When tradition matters, nothing beats the White Lotus Seed Mooncake with Double Yolk. Photo: Marriott Hotel
As a child, one of my favourite Chinese celebrations was the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival. Traditionally observed by the Chinese on the fifteenth day of the eighth Lunar month, it is a harvest celebration that also marks the night when the moon is at its fullest and roundest.
Families gather, usually outdoors, to admire the moon, savour mooncakes and each child would carry his or her own candlelit (although these days battery-operated flashing lights seem more common) lantern in a fun-filled lantern procession. At school, we fashioned our own lanterns out of wire, colourful cellophane, glitter and tassels. Occasionally, school-wide moon-viewing parties were even organised. Each student would contribute a selection of mooncakes, the school grounds would be dotted with lanterns and we would learn about the traditions of this age-old celebration.
The historic origins of this festival are unclear. The myth most strongly associated with it revolves around an archer named Hou Yi and his wife Chang Er who after taking (or, in some versions of the story, stealing) the pill of immortality is transported to the moon, permanently parted from her husband, and eventually becomes known as the moon goddess or lady in the moon.
Another character closely linked to the tale is the rabbit in the moon that is usually preoccupied with using its mortar and pestle to prepare herbs or medicine. Sometimes, it is described as working to re-create the pill of immortality in the hopes of helping Chang Er reunite with her husband Hou Yi. Traditional lanterns and mooncake packaging often depict this myth. Another explanation for the significance of this festival – especially the tradition of gifting friends and family with mooncakes – is the oft-repeated (albeit unsubstantiated) tale of how the Chinese were instructed to rebel against the Mongols during the Yuan dynasty through messages hidden in mooncakes.

Whatever its origins, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become a highly commercial celebration that revolves around the business of retailing, gifting and eating of mooncakes. Enjoying these seasonal delights is my favourite part of this festival.
There is a broad range of traditional mooncakes across China and Taiwan, but the ones most commonly enjoyed in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines (where it is commonly referred to as hopia ) have origins in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. The baked, intricately moulded crust is sweet and slightly chewy rather than crumbly and the mooncake is usually stuffed with lotus, red bean or red date paste dotted with melon seeds. The most luxurious ones contain whole salted duck egg yolks perfectly positioned so that every wedge of mooncake will contain a sliver of this delightful delicacy.
More contemporary versions feature unusual fillings as well as novel crusts such as the unbaked sweet snowskin which is made of a combination of glutinous rice flour and Hong Kong flour (a highly bleached flour commonly used to make bao, Chinese steamed buns).
But what I’ve found most interesting is that the tradition of moon-gazing is not limited to the Chinese. And each culture not only similarly marks the occasion with special food, but does so with its own version of mooncakes.

The Japanese also practise the tradition of tsukimi (moon viewing) on Jugoya (the fifteenth night of the eighth month on the lunar calendar) and enjoy moon viewing rice dumplings. The dumplings are sometimes shaped like rabbits to depict the legend of Tsukiyo no Usagi, The Rabbit on the Moon. On the same day, Koreans celebrate Chuseok or Hangawi, a harvest celebration where they make offerings to their ancestors and enjoy a crescent-shaped sweet glutinous rice cake called songpyeon. In Vietnam, the same day is celebrated as Tet Trung Thu or Children’s Festival, a time when parents busy with harvesting set time aside to focus on their children and mark the festivities by eating banh trung thu (mid-Autumn cakes).
This September, as the moon rises and lanterns are lit, take time out to learn a little more about the many overlapping histories, traditions and myths we share in Asia but rarely celebrate collectively across borders.

Who would have thought that the mooncake, something that’s considered uniquely Chinese, is actually present in so many other countries and cultures?

Yes, I do wonder how unique my heritage is and how this tradition of watching the moon is spanned across many countries in Asia. I am proud to be a Chinese (that is for the first time, too!). Enjoy your mooncake in a different conception this coming Mid-Autumn's Festival! =)

Imma Shoe-natic!

2011-09-07T21:37:00.003+08:00

Today after lunch, I passed by a shop that reminds me of Perth, Payless Shoes. Without much thoughts, I walked in with my colleague and two pairs of shoes caught my eyes - suede wedges and platform closed toe strapped heels.

I love them both equally at first sight. After trying on and compared both, I felt the love for the pair of wedges.

So I took pictures of both pairs and did an opinion seeking session with ladies around me and on Facebook.

What are my findings? Most of the people I sought opinion with preferred the wedges compared to two not liking them. This actually assured and firmed up my decision making and needless to say, I bought the brown suede wedges! I'm loving it so much I think my old habits of buying shoes are kicking in!

Here are some pictures to share =)

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Ishmael Beah

2011-09-07T15:38:00.004+08:00

This would be the third post for today. I was thinking of writing down all the things I wanted to share before they vanish from the top of my head.

Recently, I've been reading a book recommended by my colleague. It's called a long way gone: memoirs of a boy soldier. It's a book written by Ishmael Beah, depicting his early life as a boy soldier during the wartime in Sierra Leone. I am 2/3 through the book and no doubt, it's getting interesting. I am never a fan of non-fiction books as I have the passion and love to divulge in romance, crime and everything fiction.

This book has been an eye-opener to me. It showed how environment can force change in someone, regardless of your age. I have thought a lot about it and I am still counting my blessings each passing day. I promise I'd dedicate a post specially for this book after I'm done with it. Maybe some thoughts and reflections I have been pondering all these while.

I did a Google search on Ishmael and I found this piece, The Lord is My Shepard, written by him on the website of Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Ishmael also wrote a piece, When Good Comes from Bad, which reflected his early life as a child soldier. I am very happy for who he is today and his work to help his people in Africa, especially war-torn Sierra Leone. Here's the excerpt to share:

The Lord Is My Shepard
by Ishmael Beah
I give thanks to God for always helping me to see the brighter side of everything. Even in the darkest time of my life when I almost gave up and thought life was over. God made me realize and see that I have a reason to live a life guided by him. The following are a number of verses which I have written from a longer song:

The lord is my Shepard
I can never be lost
Even when this daily life
comes to the worst
I keep his trust in my heart
Through all the darkest hours
I am protected by his powers
God bless me everyday
even when I fail
in this day to day struggle
he helps me pave my way
out of the troubles I face
making my fears less
so when I am stressed
I take it as another temptation
to test my motivation
But I fight this competition
between evil and good
every day and every night
I sometimes am deceived
intense struggles I perceived
raising my praises
cause my beliefs get stronger
so I no longer
live like the Pharisees, you heard
The God’s marvelous display
keeps me safe
even when I am lost in this place
do not feel disgrace
Because his grace is always with me
once blind, now I see.

Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa. At the age of thirteen, his life was interrupted by a civil war that claimed his family. He was forced to become a child solider for three years. In 1996, he was disarmed and taken out of the army by a United Nations sponsored program. He now resides in the United States where he is a senior at the United Nations high school in New York.

Recipes to entice...

2011-09-07T15:25:00.001+08:00

As always, I'm into all kinds of recipes. Here are a few to share and no doubt the idea of making them is running on my head. =)

Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs

Apple Cake

And yes, I have been an avid browser cum reader of Reader's Digest Asia for some time. The recipes are great and their health tips are unbelievably helpful!

Missing in action?!

2011-09-07T15:20:00.001+08:00

Hello! It's been a while since I last wrote. Pardon me for being missing in action, I've been through some transitions in life and it's true that 24 hours a days ain't enough for me. So many things had happened in between my diet regime.

I fell sick a few days after I started my health kick. Oh yeah, the good ol' viral flu that's going around. I was sick for a week or so and upon recovering, it was time to shift house. Needless to say, I was excited yet unhappy. Some kind of dilemma I have there, isn't it? We have to move a whole lot of things from the previous place and things from JB prepared by my parents and grandma. We took an arvo to get things shifted and two days to clean up and arrange furniture in the house! I have to admit it's a lot of work but the comfort level I have now is all worth the work.

As a result from all the cleaning and moving, I have been sleep deprived for a whole week! My left ear decide to prompt me of the "heat" I have in my body that is quite over-exhausted, and that's when I felt piercing pain coming from it. The backflow from my nasal passageway and the pain from my left middle ear had left me uncomfortable and unwell for three days. Luckily I was quick to react and became my own doctor, taken all the medicines for anti-inflammation, nasal and ear infections. At least my knowledge of medicine did help a little and I'm feeling so much better today!

Thank God for the speedy recovery. I can now focus on getting on the right track of being healthy and looking better, and also discovering the best food on earth - the healthy way! =)

More pictures of our new pad would be posted soon!

Have I been THAT good?

2011-08-18T09:17:00.000+08:00

The title for today's post has been the centre of my soul-searching session. Day in day out, I've been talking about how I want to keep a healthy lifestyle in order to look good. Have I been practicing what I preached? Here comes the analysis...

I fasted from meat on Day #1 and yesterday, Day #2, wasn't that fantastic. We had group lunch at work and we had duck rice and kway chap! It wasn't all that bad at first, considering how I fasted on Day #1. Then came more food and not wanting to waste food, I actually helped to finish up the remaining on the plates! Needless to say, my colleagues prompted me of my "diet" plan and how I should refrain from second servings. Without much thinking, I told them I'd skip dessert (oh well, it should make up from not having dinner, isn't it?). What happens next should be pretty predictable. I tagged along for dessert! It was almond tofu with longans over shaved ice and evaporated milk. Bear in mind, those are pretty sinful! I finished it anyhow, with the idea of how we shouldn't waste food (yeah, I know, that was very smart of me). Whatever I practiced wasn't all that bad because it was proven as one of the methods to lost weight as we have heavy lunches.

So I've been having light dinners since Day #1 of my healthy diet plan. Light dinner as in - a bunch of broccoli and one/two passion fruit(s). All after my 100 sit-ups and 5 rounds of jogging around our place.

I still feel the layer of fat around my tummy but I guess I'm starting to feel good each passing day. I have a good night's sleep but still feeling the pains from my exercise plans.

I guess it should be alright if I persist with my exercise. I have been praying about it and I know God has already planned ahead of me. Hopefully I could look much better in pictures next time! Gotta get back to work now. Have a beautiful day!

Jimmy Needham - Yours to Take

2011-08-17T10:45:00.000+08:00

Thank God for this beautiful day!
Yes, I got up all refreshed this morning. Thinking about some really cool Christian songs from US.
Sometimes you don't need to praise the Lord with the typical gospel songs. Try some pop music. It'll change your perspective =)

Here's one for you, Yours to Take by Jimmy Needham

Enjoy and have a blessed day ahead! =)

Healthy Start

2011-08-16T10:42:00.000+08:00

Hello all!

I'm back to blog again! I'm going to make this a habit from today. It has been something I've been talking about over and over again but this time I'm blogging for a purpose: A better diet, a better looking body.

Yes, I'm going on a healthy kick! Why not? I'm not going for the old school dieting methods. Yes, maybe I'll just incorporate a little of those but I'm making sure this is something that will persist for the rest of my life.

From today onwards, I'll document my healthy journey and make sure I look good in my bikini and hot pants very soon! =)

For the past 3 nights, I've been feasting on different sorts of buffets! I have to admit I fell in love with chocolate fountains (as always) and the endless free flow of delicious delicacies! I reckon it'd be a while I'd ever have a buffet meal again. Sometimes I do agree with the saying "Life is short, why not go for it?". To me, God has paved my way and all I have to do is roll out His plans for me. Be it good or bad, everything does happen for a reason. So I'm not worrying much.

I know going after a healthy diet is going to be difficult but I want to look good, or better still, great! Thus, I'm embarking on this journey that would completely change my life.

So what's on the list for today?

I'm having cheese sandwiches I packed for lunch, two oranges for tea and a lotus bun if I'm terribly hungry. I know they are full or carbs but I hope that would ease my very fragile system after days of feasting. I'm leaving work on the dot. Do 100 sit-ups and jog five rounds around our place. Then have a serving and a half of boiled broccoli for dinner. This shall persists for the next two weeks until we moved into our new place. Then there comes the twist, I'd have to plan for my new routine but I guess it's not going to be much of a different if I persist! =)

Alright, it's time to get back to work. More posts are on the way!

Earthquake stricken city...

2011-02-22T17:07:00.001+08:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12533291

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Check out this great MSN video: Soulful Girl Sings Original Piece

2011-02-15T22:40:00.000+08:00

Check out this great MSN video: Soulful Girl Sings Original Piece

Pineapple Tarts Galore...

2011-02-01T22:51:00.001+08:00

As promised in the previous blog, I finally managed to find a way to add pictures of my pineapple tarts.

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Pineapple Tarts!

2011-01-26T20:31:00.001+08:00

Chinese New Year is just around the corner - just a week away - and I decided to come to Singapore to give my aunt a hand in making festive cookies. What's festive cookies without the all-rounder pineapple tarts?

I made the dough yesterday afternoon - before I went to meet my sister for a little shopping session - and it was all ready for us to shape and mould them. This is my first attempt kneading pineapple tarts' dough and I should say i'm pretty good at it (lol, i'm not a proud person but i'm pretty confident with doughs).

My aunt started off without me because I was late, which is typical, from all the browsing. Then we decided to try making a different kind, which isn't the same as the typical open top lattice ones. This kind is where the filling is wrapped inside the crust.

Of course everything new requires some kind of experiment and our very first wrapped up one is overly huge and it actually looks funny! But we got better one by one and finally we finished off the two different batches.

Today, I want to be more daring. So I set off making the two different types from scratch. Needless to say, it's pretty time consuming for one person alone to bake them but I found joy in it. Baking is another passion of mine! =)

I'm pretty satisfied with the end products! So, i'm posting the pictures in a bit! Happy New Year to all of you!

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New Year, New Hopes, New Beginnings…

2011-01-03T10:53:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year 2011, bloggy! It has been such a fateful year and I’m sure this new beginning will bring in more wonderful memories.

2011 – What do I expect of it? Plenty.

I’ll commence a career and there will be no more part-time jobs for a long time, unless I’m meeting some kind of goal which is hard to fulfil financially.
I’ll be staying in another city – somewhere I’ll meet new people and start new friendships.
The God Almighty is providing me a new spiritual home – a church where I can let loose and worship Him.
I’ll kick off a new fitness and health regime – being much more healthier than I had in Perth.
I’ll be able to save up for trips abroad, just like my sisters!

I guess having five goals isn’t too greedy, right? At least they are practical and I know it’s not going to be a problem for me to meet my needs this year.

I pray for a better me, a stronger me and a faithful me – to my Father, my family and my friends.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
- Edith L. Pierce

Is it payback time yet?

2010-12-29T11:37:00.001+08:00

Which is correct – the older you are, more stubborn you get; or, the wiser you get, less patience you have?

Either way, they both are in my thoughts for these couple of days. I prayed hard for patience to face my grandparents but I don’t think I asked God wisely. Why? Because my grandparents are driving me off the wall so badly I think I should get a job sooner rather than later.

Let’s start with yesterday – Yati (my domestic helper) didn’t cook lunch so I decided to get takeaway chicken rice for Grandpa but I didn’t realise they were closed until I went out. So I bought mixed rice for him instead. He argued with me, telling me it’s too much and suggested I should share with him. I’ve already gotten something else for myself, so I told him it’s fine to chuck the leftover away. What happens here is how stubborn he is over the few cents of leftover rice. It’s different times now, even I know how hard it is to earn but if you couldn’t eat anymore, you shouldn’t just keep it for no one else – it’s impractical.

Then came today, I decided to go for my morning walk and got home a bit before 9am. Grandma was missing from her bed – yes, I was frantic – and found her upstairs arranging the bed sheet and pillow covers in the cupboard. I had to drag her down and explained to her over and over how dangerous it is for her to walk by herself, especially up the stairs.

Next came Grandpa, who wanted to be the hero he was – like what, 10 years ago? – trying to take matters at hand. He thought he’s able to fix our faulty door lock and asked me to help him open up the whole thing. Voila, he was able to open the thing but he couldn’t fix the actual problem behind the lock. So what did we get out of it? A very angry human, me, and two pairs of dirty hands with stains as stubborn as the old man.

I seriously have no idea what struck me to write this with such vigorous attitude but nothing could comprehend how I felt staying with them. Please don’t get it wrong, there are good times but I guess it’s human nature to remember each and every fault, rather than all the goodness being done.

I continue to pray for patience and I promise to start doing Pilates daily to improve my breathing so when times like that comes, I know how to lower my blood pressure. Breath in – breath out – breath in – breath out.

What a Boxing Night!

2010-12-27T10:02:00.001+08:00

Last night, I thought I was about to lose one of my dearest, my Grandma. It was like any other Sunday – rather than a Boxing Day – and Grandma was in high spirits during the festive season. She has got to see her second great-grandchild and had a little too much from our Christmas BBQ buffet on Christmas night.

It wasn’t until last night when our domestic helper, Yati, was helping her at the loo that she passed out all of a sudden. She then vomited subconsciously and got Yati really worried. We sought help from my parents and Grandpa looked pretty distressed, too.

I carried her out from the loo and got her to lie down before Dad applied some medicated oil in her nostrils to get her to regain consciousness. She wasn’t very responsive at first which worried me, but she started complaining of her pains.

She vomited a couple of times after, had diarrhoea and complained of her pains. It wasn’t any pleasing image for my parents and Grandpa, I suppose. Even Yati shed tears.

All is good this morning as Grandma and Grandpa got up early to send off my nephew – Gabriel – Mum, Dave and Lina. What’s most funny is how Grandma described herself having a sound sleep and could walk around on her own today. I guess we’ve learnt a lesson after all – do not overeat during festive seasons. The consequences might be very ugly.

Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!

What mother would want their kid dead?

2010-11-08T09:56:00.000+08:00

As written on the title, who would want their precious baby dead? This mother in America is otherwise. Truly, drugs can make you do just about ANYTHING!

Newborn found dead in washing machine

Android making life with smartphone easier.

2010-11-08T08:58:00.001+08:00

Says who having a smartphone which is too smart would harm your quality of life? I reckon there's always a way to control your usage so you wouldn't get too obsessed with the new gadget you have.

Like me, for example, having the QWERTY keypad on my new toy, Sony Xperia X10 Mini Pro has made my life so much easier. I know I haven't been blogging much lately, looking at how much i'm working. So I guess having the blogging application on my smartphone would encourage me to write again. Not just writing about the nitty gritty if my life but discussing world issues, Biblical verses and interesting topics that I can't get enough of.

Speaking of which, I might just say my life hasn't been great. Partially got to do with work and mostly got to do with me leaving in 4 weeks. I am sad, definitely, who wouldn't when you have to leave so many wonderful people behind? One thing that keeps me going is my will to see my baby angelboy Gabriel and my grandparents in Malaysia. I guess picking up from where I left 4 years back shouldn't be too hard.

Life is like a book, isn't it? Now a new chapter is awaiting for me. I have to wait and see what The Almighty has in store for me. Life as it is, is life He has planned for us. Amen.

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Asian Food Odyssey – Part 2

2010-09-13T11:19:00.001+08:00

There seems to be a problem with the Windows Live Writer. This is the program I use to blog as I'm too lazy to type on a html page and it seems like a feature in my computer =P

I haven’t actually finished with my food odyssey from the last post as we found yet another nice authentic Japanese restaurant in Carlisle.

I guess if you’re in Perth long enough, you should be able to figure out this place. It’s called Sapporo and their food is real good! The price? It’s a little pricey, in my opinion but what’s cheap in Perth these days? Here are the pictures and the restaurant’s details at the bottom. Bon appétit.

Oh and yes, I was very sick. Thus, I looked pale.

Sapporo Japanese Restaurant

186 Rutland Ave

Carlisle WA 6101

Asian Food Odyssey

2010-09-13T11:12:00.001+08:00

Lately of such, I’ve been eating out a lot. By saying that, I do mean a LOT! Being sick makes me crave for home cooked food and home cooked food to me means Asian food. That’s something closer to heart, I suppose.

We discovered a restaurant somewhere down the road from my place and decided to give it a go since it was Father’s Day in OZ. They served pretty authentic Malaysian and very large portion for A$10. Here are the pictures:

Laksa (above) and Beef Kuey Teow (below).

Think they looked nice and love to try out? The details:

Bentley Chinese Restaurant

28A Chapman Rd

Perth WA 6102

Bare Trees

2010-09-13T11:01:00.001+08:00

Spring is here and I don’t quite like it. I’m serious, spring may be the season I hate the most (apart from winter) because it’s the time I get my annual hay fever relapse and yes, I hate to use nasal spray or take Zyrtec on a daily basis!

Something caught my eyes this spring. It’s the growth of flowers, it’s a celebration of new lives and new beginnings for most of the plants. It also made me wonder why do homeowners with gardens or plants like to trim down their plants to a state where it’s so bare you get goose bumps? The photo below should be an interesting reference.

Spring oh spring, how long would thou last?

Me and Big Things

2010-09-12T17:16:00.001+08:00

How do you define big things? Could it be big physically, or big ideas in the progress of becoming the real deal? Or perhaps, being successful? I guess the latter fits in my way of defining big things. Now the next thing to tackle would be how big should big things be? No, this post isn’t written in a way to complicate the meaning behind, and yeah, there is a meaning behind it.

What I’m trying to say is, being a journo graduate that is working 2 part-time jobs in a full-time environment made me think a lot. Especially during times like that, when I think I ought to do better things that relates to my field. I want to be a journalist, someone who writes and pens down all sides of the story, someone who delivers, someone who’s just and proud of what she’s doing. I want to find my passion of writing back. That is what I want to do now. I know life doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to be, but being a believer and being hopeful, I believe things would turn out what the Almighty wants it to be.

It’s pretty clear that I want to go on blogging about things but I think the laziness in me is spreading inside out and now I’m uncontrollably lazy. So I just don’t want to be a pathetic graduate looking for a job in the field printed on my degree. I want to be passionate about things, be myself again and pick up the things I love from where I left behind. My next post would be dedicated to this special little girl that stepped into my heart and I honestly believe, I would never forget her.

Yesterday of my Life

2010-07-09T11:57:00.001+08:00

Yesterday wasn’t very much a good day at work. It may seem true that everyday may not possibly the best days of work but the feelings I had it totally different yesterday. How shall I put it? I shall say I had a heavy heart after an episode at work. That episode did involved me indirectly and it kind of affected my performance at work throughout the evening.

I was cleaning the conveyor belt at work while a dodgy looking guy walked out of my checkout and was giving me all the very wrong impression. The alarm at the checkout went off as he walked passed and he was taking out a cigarette from the pack as he walked out. I did not do anything although he’s dodgy but just glance at my workmate bizarrely. The security at the centre saw him and called him back so that I could check his bag. I stood there – speechless – while he unzip his bag to show us the contents. A can of Lynx was found and he apologised to me but the security felt the can and it was empty. I don’t know if he’s hiding something but I could felt the security being harsh as the alarm still goes off. Then we found a DVD that sets off the alarm but the guy denied stealing that. Of course, I didn’t hum a word as the guy looked mentally unstable. The security then asked him to empty his pockets but he refused and took off. The security ran after him, leaving his cigarettes, Lynx and DVD behind. My supervisor came down to check on me and said the DVD doesn’t belong to the store.

At that instance, I felt a pang of guiltiness running through me. Did the security and I accused the guy wrongfully? Just within minutes, a woman shoplifted at the pharmacy and yet another episode of police and thief broke out. All in all, they caught the woman, the police came and lives are resumed to normal. But I didn’t feel the same. I still carried a heavy heart and I have no confidence as I used to have catching bad eggs. It’s just because I’m still unsure if I did the right thing by accusing that guy or if he actually has something to hide in his pockets.

It’s inevitable this sort of issues should always be considered over and over. I do not know how to tell the bad from the good and it’s undeniable that everyone has their own agendas – regardless of stealing or being a good person in the society. I think it’s always wise to look at things from a different angle and this is my new goal towards the days which I’m embracing.

Keeping Faith

2010-07-09T11:38:00.001+08:00

To be honest, there are a whole lot of things I would like to post on my blog lately but I didn’t have the time to. Why? – Its just because I’m pretty much preoccupied with another of Jodi Picoult’s book, Keeping Faith. This is yet another brilliantly written book by Picoult with a good ol’ courtroom story that revolves around the life of a little girl who interacts with God upon her parents’ divorce. I don’t know if seeing God or interacting with God would cause how much ciaos since God Himself lives in us. Still, this book brings out a good sense of how the media portrays God and how different religions see God in a different form.

Of course, the issue in the book is the God the little girl sees is a female God and the traditional portrayal of God is often seen as male. But I guess what matters most is how much we love, devote and willing to give to God, regardless of what gender He/She is. This book hasn’t change much of my perceptions of God, but it does strengthen my faith. No matter what others think of Him, He is still the best Father I could ever asked for.

Work

2010-06-17T11:28:00.000+08:00

So I've been pretty much working very hard lately. I can't deny that as my last day off was like 2 weeks ago. It has been 14days in a row and still counting. As mentioned in the previous post, I've been bullied by customers and there's no doubt people living in this society isn't considering enough and the motto "Customers are always right" shouldn't be emphasised any longer. Why would I make such a point? It is undeniable that customers thought they are always right that they no longer need to respect people serving them and what are us other than the same humankind as them? We too are homo sapiens sapiens aka human. Let me tell you what happened to me at work yesterday. There were 3 of us, all girls, working in the afternoon at the cafe. We were busy cleaning part of the cafe when a looney man walked in. He stared long into my supervisor while she was sweeping and I was staring right at him, watching his every move not far away. It wasn't long until I decided to ask him what I could do for him. In a thick Russian accent, he asked if we were closed and I said we're just closing half of the cafe to clean up. Then he made his order at the till and the other girl was serving him his cake while I made his coffee. As I was serving him his coffee, I noticed he asked my co-worker to get him a newspaper. So hello man, you don't pay us tips nor service charges to do that! It's ridiculous what you're asking for here! So I gave him his coffee in a nonchalant mood and he called after me, telling me my apron is "unhygenienic" just because I have the smallest dirty spot right in the middle of the apron. Of course I wouldn't just say sorry, after all I do not owe him an apology for the tiniest dirty spot on my apron! I cleared my throat and told him it was a clean and fresh apron when I went in to work and it got dirty while I was working. He looked unimpressed and asked for my name, and so I told him. Guess what comes out next? He told me to "watch your back". Oh my goodness, I'm so terrified, and like I really do. I glared at him, hard, and walked away. Of course, he stayed there for more than 30minutes, laughing while reading the newspaper and staring at us like almost all the time he was there. As he was about to leave, he walked up to the till and asked my supervisor of Dome's origin and who owns our cafe. She didn't let out much information and he left. What an idiot and yeah, I guess I do have some attractions in attracting weirdo looneys! I guess I gotta get back to work on the Community Visitors Scheme newsletter. Bye for now.

Life

2010-06-09T23:43:00.001+08:00

Hey there, it has been long, hasn’t it? Oh well, I find it a hassle to login into blogger to blog and I don’t think I am that interested to take that extra step. But I just realised there is much easier way to blog. The credit goes to Windows 7 for sure. Although I still have so much to discover about this new OS but life has been much easier and hipper with it, I must admit.

Today I did something out of ordinary. It’s not like I don’t walk a lot. Most people who knows me will know that I do walk a lot and I made this crazy attempt which I have always wanted to try out. I walked from Dome Applecross to Coles Karawara. Yes, that’s from job no. 2 to job no. 1. Not that I’m working at Coles today but I need to shop for some provisions before I run out of something to eat. It took me just a little over an hour to get to my destination, which I have minus the time I spent in Manning Library. This experience is a little out of the box and it would be memorable as my thighs are beginning to ache now. Alright, I might sound stupid but I just want to get back to the proactive me and make sure putting on the kilos are not on my list this winter.

Today is the 7th day I’ve been working straight. It wasn’t as bad considering I’ve worked 28 days in a row before. What made me upset are the customers I came across. Regardless of which industry you are in, either customer service or hospitality, I think the phrase “customers first” is not necessarily applicable at all times! I came across half a dozen of bad eggs customers since Saturday and I have to be honest, I did not do anything disrespectful to them! For example, if a customer does not have the money to pay up, should I be blamed for that? If the coffees I made are sitting on the bench for at least 10 minutes before it is served, should my head be on the chopping block? Honestly, since the dawn of consumerism, human behaviours have hardly move forward but vice versa. Being rich or middle-class (which means you could afford most things) doesn’t mean anybody can defile someone else or worst more, makes you more superior when you spend your dole! Such behaviour will just backfire and things are turning back at you as you self-disgrace. I don’t think I made a bad point here. Of course, I have to self-reflect in this area as I do think the same way at times when I’m a consumer but I think I am slowly walking with the shoes of a worker, someone who is serving the consumers and I honestly believe these few days of serving difficult customers have shed some light to me. It’s a little late now. I have to go to bed and nurse my lower body. Goodnight bloggie, will fill you up soon.

Ps. Some interesting facts about me.

1. I’m watching Golden Girls series 1 on YouTube during my lunch breaks, its so classically funny.

2. I’ve decided to apply for a library card for the local library. Back to reading Jodi Picoult again.

What can I say about me? I am unpredictable.

Nitenite.

Work Experience!!!

2010-06-01T11:34:00.000+08:00

So I haven't been blogging for a long. What is the purpose of owning a blog then? Oh well, that doesn't mean I'm not going to start doing it now. I hope (fingers crossed) that I will be blogging on a regular basis, not an on/off basis from now on.

Judging by the title, I think you would know I'm actively seeking work experience in the journalism field. By saying that, I really mean it! Australian immigration is giving international students (or, bridging visa holders like yours truly) a very hard time. They are scrapping almost half of the occupations from the current Skilled Occupational List and the new list that does not include occupations in demand like accounting, pharmacy (and more), and also journalism will take in effect in 30 days. Honestly, I do not understand what's gotten into the policymakers' head that people like me have to suffer. The best alternative for me would be doing a graduate diploma in teaching, which would make me a certified teacher in Australia after the one-year course. The thought has been running in my head for sometime. It would be a tough decision to make as my ultimate choice of career would be journalism. So, I've decided to break the thought, and look for work experiences in the field now and gain sufficient experiences by the time I depart. By saying depart, I mean looking for a career in Malaysia and Singapore by the end of the year. I know it would be hard for me, especially when I've been living here for three and a half years. What choice do I have then when all these laws come into effect?

I can't play the victim here as I know a lot of people out there are affected by these laws as well. It isn't the worse option for me to go back. At least I could see my family every now and then and things would be much easier back home. There are people who need to stay here desperately as their home countries offer them limited opportunities. I might have a good life but I'm all prepared for adversities because that is how we learn from mistakes, and that is how we learn from life and grow up.

Anyway, I'm not bragging much here. There are heaps of things waiting for me to do. Goodbye for now.

Telephone Remake

2010-05-13T14:17:00.000+08:00

6th Grade Heart-throb Performs "Paparazzi"

2010-05-13T14:15:00.000+08:00

Hey, Soul Sister

2010-03-07T14:39:00.000+08:00

Here's a song that is stuck on my head whilst reading the last book of the Elizabeth series.
It's a new song from Train (a pretty cool band, I reckon). I first heard it on the drama Medium and it got stuck on my head since. Here's the compliment. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Sweet Valley High

2010-03-07T14:33:00.000+08:00

So I've mentioned about Sweet Valley High on my last post. I've been watching it on Youtube and my mobile. I've been really obsessed with the whole series and I've finished watching season 1! But what's the point? There's only one season on world wide web, yes, mark my words, only ONE season! Which means my hopes of finishing all four seasons would be shattered! Oh well, I can't complain much because I ought to get on with life.

I've been really exhausted these days, been working a lot this week and I realised I don't have the time to work out at all (the credits go to SVH, don't they?)! So, I think today's a good day for me to do some things at home - not much, just a list I've drawn out few days ago - as a way to move on with my life. First things first, I'll be meeting Li in a while, then we'll be going to Uni - which no longer has a place for me - so she can do some studying while I upload the remaining few documents needed for my visa. Then, I'll come home to make dinner (I've actually forgotten how to cook after all these times!), do some washing, laundry (if I get the time) and just cleaning up my room. Believe, it may sound easy but all these tasks actually take me forever to complete, and obviously it has much to do with my slackness =p

It's hard for me to express my feelings in my blog as I think they are very personal on one hand, and it's also going out to too many people on the Internet. Well, it's the new era, isn't it? And I don't trust myself to keep a diary without letting someone seeing it. I've got so much to say but my mind is drained from many hours of work this week. I guess I'll close with one of the quotes I jotted down from church's bookshop and it relates to what I'm feeling right now.

when there are no words...

know that the silences are carrying

the thoughts and prayers

of all who love you

-dawn dais

Bad Day

2010-03-04T10:51:00.001+08:00

Hello people! I know it has been ages since I've added something to my blog. I'm going to blog more often - a promise to self - if I get the chance. Things have changed pretty much since my last post. I'm back in Perth, working on more than 2 casual jobs, on my bridging visa to become an Australian TR and looking for a real job. The word 'real' here does refer to journalism jobs. Nonetheless, it's what I'd love to do and I'm going to pursue my dreams amid adversities! Whoa, I couldn't imagine myself being that persistent! Have you heard about or read the Sweet Valley series? I picked some up from Li's bookshelf lately. Memories of middle school flooded me and I kind of ponder on my current life. I mean I can't say my life is totally like Elizabeth's, but, we do have similarities. Like the writing part that we loved, the love life, perhaps. I broke down after finishing the Elizabeth series and this thought came to my mind: What would I be if i've taken a different path after high school? Would everything be the same? Or would I land in England? I guess that's a lot to ponder for an optimist like me, and that's why I broke down. I'm afraid I gotta go now. See you soon!

Haven't Met You Yet

2009-12-11T17:37:00.000+08:00

I'm hooked on to this song by Michael Buble.
He's a sweet guy, regardless. And I love his songs!
This song is really catchy and I remember he talked about how this song is for the singles out there, keep your eyes open, don't miss any opportunity because you just haven't met the right person yet. =)

And Michael Buble actually told ET Canada: “What’s weird is that the song is inspired by [my girlfriend] and she’s a great actor. She’s way more famous than I’ll ever be outside of South America, Latin America. So it wasn’t just that I wanted my girlfriend. It was that she’s perfect for this. She’s got the right energy and I knew that she could put it across. It was great.”

PS. He's girlfriend, model Luisana Lopilato is also featured in the music video. I must admit they look fantastic as a couple! *grins*

So here's the video.

Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

Back at home

2009-12-11T16:10:00.000+08:00

Hello! I think I should get back to blogging again like after 2 months? Oh well, I would take Uni as my excuse and how busy I have been since I have to move from where I currently reside. So, I just landed at Singapore Changi Airport Budget Terminal (yes, looks like they built in on a budget =p) at 3.00AM on Friday, 11 December. I had this bittersweet feeling. So what about it? I hate to leave Perth and for some reason I don't feel excited coming home for the first time. I think it's because of some discussions I had with him recently. Anyway, that's beside the point. So I took a cab back to my sisters' and cousins' place just 10 minutes away from the airport. I was really exhausted. I haven't been sleeping much this week due to moving and running errands. My tiredness got worst when I was trying to catch some sleep on the extremely cramp Tiger Airways A320. I sat beside these Chinese Australian couple and I was on my aisle seat which I always loved but to my disgust, the lady sitting next to me had to go to the toilet like umpteen times! And she shook me each time when I was about to fall asleep (what a nuisance!). So now my body clock is in a mess. I finally went to sleep at 4AM (I think) and got up at 7AM. Spoke to my sisters Esther and Grace and had brekky with Grace. She's going to KL today to attend her friend's wedding so I guess I wouldn't see her until Wednesday when we're going to Bali. How excited is that, but I'm still feeling numb over something else (sigh). Alright, I thought I should be catching some rest this arvo but it seems like I'm not going to do that for some reason, because I'm feeling too bored and it's worthless to sleep at such a fine day (I know I sound extremely crazy now). I guess I'll keep my writing habit back soon. I'll blog again tonight, to keep you readers updated about what I'm up to on my first day back in Singapore after 8 weeks (I know, it sounded like ages but what else could I share over here?! =p). Alright, adios for now!

Five Ways Women Sabotage Their Relationships

2009-11-05T19:34:00.000+08:00

Five Ways Women Sabotage Their Relationships

This is what I always do =(

Otak-otak Place

2009-10-14T22:26:00.000+08:00

If I do blog a bit earlier, I could have fill you in with my holidays back home. It was for my brother's wedding but yeah, that's beside what I'm trying to tell you. But I will blog about it when I'm free. =)

So we went to 1 Utama for shopping - which I didn't get a single thing at all!!! Our four little princesses went to this Kids Gym - costs RM25 per kid - so we adults, could have our retail therapy.

Ting and Esther went to meet their friends while Grace and I hang around new wing. We went to this authentic Malaysian place - Otak-otak Place - to have late lunch. The place is filled with things that we played with in our childhood and gosh, I don't think there'd be another place has such collections! Anyway, I meant to show you some pictures of the place and their food presentation as well. =)

Ps. I was so dumb I didn't take the SLR with me that day, have to resort to using my phone. =(

Otak-otak Place

The special...

Still remember "Happy Family"?

The vintage mugs!

You'd have recognise this if went to school in Malaysia... =)

food and memories u ♥

Err, a VHS player?

That skipping rope! =)

I know the focus isn't sharp, it's the toy soldiers!

Oil lamp hanging from the ceiling, folks.

Cream cracker on teh tarik...

The 'otak-otak bao'

Curry chicken served with toasts

The bun's filling - otak-otak. Don't get deceived by the size, it's tiny!

A New Revival

2009-10-14T17:34:00.004+08:00

I'm back again!!!
I haven't been blogging for nearly 3 years. I'm having a hard time figuring how this thing works (can't blame me, I was younger then and much more enthusiastic =p).

So, what makes me want to blog again? I was doing my placement at RTRfm today and was pretty bored (as usual) after finished writing tomorrow's Morning Magazine rundown. I thought maybe I should start blogging again, regain my vocabularies - which was long gone.

It's funny how I wanted to have a comeback punchline but all I have is a old, dull 'I'm back again'. Oh yeah, I had heaps of ideas when I was on the bus but all the hassle creating this blog domain has push those beautiful punchlines off my mind! *argh!*

Back to what I should blog now. As mentioned, I'm currently doing my placement (aka internship, or whatever you call it) at RTRfm. It's a pretty cool place, a community radio station on Beaufort St. My supervisor, Peter Barr, used to be my first year Intro to Broadcast tutor. He quit his job at Curtin and works full-time for RTRfm to produce two shows. You must be thinking what do I do there right? Well, I don't write news for the station - which is way out of the scope of what I learnt - I write rundowns (segment intros) for the Morning Magazine show. It's interesting as it's much less formal compared to newswriting. This experience will definitely contribute to my future somehow, hopefully. But anyway, I have like another two weeks left for my placement and guess what - I'm getting done and over with Uni by 30 October! How fascinating that idea is - by then - not now, of course!

Alright alright, I better get off the net and get something productive done. I should cook dinner tonight - don't remember when was the last time I ever cooked a nice meal. Then write my journals (diary entries) for my placement and have a good sleep! So adios for now. Will definitely see you soon! =)

*** Scarlet Picturesque***

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* Scarlet Picturesque*