L.0.V.3

A very important virtue that is lacking in the world today is L.O.V.E!

With LOVE, do you not agree that we will be living in peace and harmony?

With LOVE, do you not think that we will be color blind and view each person as they are and not appearance?

With LOVE, would you not have more trust and faith in people?

I had a discussion with my Junior Youth Group about the World we live in. We had a canvas to draw our thoughts and views about the world we live in.

First they drew pictures that depicted sadness, environmental degradation, wrote words like Global Warming, Violence, Disrespectful behavior...



Then a question was posed to them, what do you feel about our future? Do you feel Optimistic OR Pessimistic? Their answers were adorable (hence I stand firm on my belief that these young-ens are still naive to the negativity of this world, their thoughts still pure and undisturbed).

The youngest of the group said: "I feel both optimistic and pessimistic. Pessimistic because there are so many bad things happening now. Optimistic because we can do something about it."

Next, I asked them to recreate our canvas...from something that looked negative to something that depicted the world they want to live in.


Within minutes, our canvas was filled with optimism and good thoughts...It was beautiful!


Heck, if that is what the world will be like with these future generations leading the way, I do hope I will live to witness such a victory!

My heart melts...

I would pass by a cafe on my way to work everyday, they serve the best breakie and unbelievably aromatic coffee. Initially, it was this alluring smell (of coffee beans) that convinced me to have breakfast at this cafe.

Naturally, I became a regular customer.

Many friends of mine associated my caffeine addiction to the good-looking rugged guy who makes the coffee. I will admit, he is very cute, too cute that I fear its unnatural.

Everyday when I pass the cafe, we would smile at each other as a sign of politeness to a stranger. After a few times, his gesture was enhanced by a quick wink of an eye or a simple hello, how are you.

One afternoon, I was in a hurry to grab a quick sandwich and make a run to complete my errands for the day...he surprised me with not only a wink, but said something to me which had the words beautiful...gorgeous...princess in one sentence.

I stood there all blushed. Stared at him when he looked away and stared at my wallet when he turned back.

I grabbed my toasted sandwich and made a run for it before I had a chance to make a fool of myself!

As I walked away...i kept reminding myself...and repeating this phrase..."He is married and has cute one two month old baby..."

2+3 = 23

I just turned 23 years young recently. Despite much persuasion from my family that I should celebrate "the day" with a nice night out with friends, go shopping, get a facial ...in other words, pamper myself. I did not quite like the idea because of this concept of "the self".

Do you not feel that by celebrating birthdays is sign of Self-glorification, a means of boasting our ego?

Human society at present exerts a pernicious influence upon the soul of man. Instead of allowing us to live a life of service and sacrifice, it is highly competitive and teaches us to pride ourselves on our accomplishments. From early childhood we are trained to develop our ego and to seek to exalt ourselves above others, in the ultimate aim of achieving, self-importance, success and power.

Without a doubt, I do have traces of ego within me. I do have happy feelings when my efforts are praised, I do feel special when someone says I look pretty, I do think of myself when it comes to money issues, I do have attachments to material things...I am after all, an imperfect being. But that does not mean I should just allow my ego to feed of my imperfections...

Hence, what I propose to do (which is one of my New Years Resolution) is to tame that beast (the self/ ego). My first step of action will be to donate or do charitable deeds for the community in times of celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries...etc).

Update on Ms.Pek Lynn Lum

Its been ages since I last wrote in my blog. Although the writing stopped, life still went on...

That's so lame!

Anyway...

I have a check list to update (whats the point of writing a check list if you're not bothered to check it?!)

Part one: Education
As noted in my previous post...I'M A GRADUATE!! YAY!!
Though I have not been diligently improving my Mandarin and Farsi speaking skills, I have been reading up on current issues - i.e. news.com and starting the economist as well.
Our world is showing signs that it is crumbling down. This may be a scary thought for many business minded people but for others this breakdown of the world's economy and its effects is but a step towards building a new civilization...

Part three: Friends
Okay, point taken! I have not been effective in maintaining contact with my friends (I'm such a horrible person!)
Despite my inability to bug me friends, we have had a couple of interesting adventures...among them are:

-- My very FIRST musical experience - Phantom of the Opera with Jenny.

(Jenny do you have better pictures...?)

-- Rock Climbing with me fellow MASA-rians

I found out that I was afraid of heights when I was at the top! Shy man!

-- Chris Brown and Rihanna's Concert!!! Weeee...this is the highlight of the year!!! Right Diane? Right? Right?? :)

It was AWESOME!!~!!!!

Okaaaay...this Chris Brown and Rihanna excitement kinda drained me and killed my flow of thoughts...I'll add more on this later.

OMG this checking of check list of mine is very demoralizing especially because I havent done/ achieved anything I set out in June! CRAP!

A sense of fulfillment!

Five long years! It took me Five Long Years to complete my undergraduate course in Accounting and Economics.

Looking back on my journey, I do feel a sense of accomplishment! Though this success was met by many challenges foreseen and unforeseen, failures and victories, learnings and improvements, I do not regret choosing the path I have thread. In fact, the amount of time, money, effort, tears, Prayers, food and cruses spent during this time I should be happy that all the studying is over! But I must admit I already miss student life!

Things that I miss the MOST:

Studying at the library with friends - though our intentions were centered on studying, the company of good friends ends up tearing our concentration away from the books to (at that time) Friendster and blogging or simply chatting away as though we had significant topics to talk about.

Studying at home till the weeee hours of the morning - I love studying by myself in the comfort of my own personal space. With books and notes scattered all over the floor (an arranged mess) it gives me a sense of motivation and determination as that atmosphere is condusive for studying.

Writing notes - OMG! I love writting notes! I'm a feak when it comes to notes writting! I'll have different colored pens and tabs to indicate which part is important, very important and will come out for Finals. And OH don't get me started with highlighters!

Cafe for breakie and chit chat- Hmmm.....coffee! I only look forward to morning classes becasue I will get my wonderful freshly brewed cup of coffee from the Union cafe! And after classes/ lectures my friends and I will hang at the cafe to start our chit chat session before going to the library to chat some more.

Uni Toilets - Its very interesting to sit in the girls toilet becasue of the grafitti on the walls. I do not condone vandalism nor do I understand why people tend to be exteremly open about their feelings in the cubical...I however do find it interesting to read such things. This may be associated with me tendency to read in the loo.

Cute lecturers! - need I say more? >.<

Things I will NOT miss:

Not earning an income.
Racist people.
Group Assignments.


Last note before I end...

OMG! I'M A GRADUATE! YAY! ; )

Life's check list (updated!)

Peka-Lynna's check list:

Part one: Education
[/] Complete my degree in Accounting
[/] Graduate from University (in September this will be ticked off)
[ ] Brush up and improve my Mandarin speaking, writing and reading skills
[ ] Learn to communicate in Farsi
[ ] Further my studies...postgard in Economics OR CPA??? hmmm

Part two: Family
everything seems fine in this department.

Part three: Friends
[/] Plan and actually execute our outing idea - Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
[/] Maintain close relations with my Bestest best friends
[/] Start bugging friends since I have heaps of spare time!
[ ] Plan and execute another outing - Travel Aussie Plan
[ ] Accompany Ah Mei to poll dancing classes ><"

Part four: Spiritual life
[ ] Say Prayers regularly
[ ] Cut down on negative thoughts and ideas
[/] Have more faith in life!
[ ] Reminder: Patience & Forgiveness!! Keep practicing them!

Part five: Sports/ Recreational/ Health
[ ] Climb Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
[/] Swim near a waterfall
[/] Camp in a jungle
[/] Climb the Sydney Bridge
[/] Regularly join a kick boxing class
[/] Try Go-karting
[ ] Maintain a 60kg weight

Part six: Career and financial stability
[/] Find a job
[/] Find a job that contributes to the achievement of my ambition
[ ] Buy my mini cooper and call it "Mini-Lynn"
[ ] Buy an investment property
[/] Investment! Investment! Save! Save! Save! Invest...

Part seven: Social/ love life
[ ] Stop scaring potential mates away...lol
[/] Expand social circle...i.e stop being shy!
[ ] Finding a genuine guy who is sincere
[/] Being proposed to!

Part eight: travel
[ ] China
[ ] Mongolia (after watching "Mongol" - awesome movie!)
[ ] Tuscany
[ ] India

Part nine: personal stuff
[/] Be more independent!
[ ] Travel to some place by myself...anywhere far! Wheeeee...adventure!
[ ] Be mature! i.e stop all this "wheeeee" business!
[/] Learn to cook!...and still learning

How embarrasing...

I really-really-should-seriously be more self-conscious and NOT sing in public...REALLY!!! ><

What do you think?

What would you say...are people these days pessimistic or optimistic or simply indifferent?

Think about it...

1. Globalisation - brought about the technological advancement, globalised trade, increased mobility of labour...etc. However, despite the beneficial outcome of the effects of globalisation, prosperity is not shared EQUALLY! The rich are getting richer and poor being worse off.
2. Competition - just take education for an example, everyone is being educated! Gone are the days when finishing high school is sufficient for us to progress in our professional life. We (man) is a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. EDUCATION alone and cause it to reveal its treasures and enable mankind to benefit there from. (Bahai Writings) Doesn't that illustrate beautifully the importance of education? That without education, without knowledge, how are we to truly able to develop our spiritual self (i.e moral values/ virtues)? On the other side of the coin, people aren't using knowledge for the betterment of the world! Look at the Doha Round! What came out of that? Only that the US being the dominant "person" taking all the benefits from developing countries and not giving back any...Medical advancement doesn't reach developing countries like Africa who are not financially able to purchase the cure.
   
3. Environment - Whenever you are with nature, it takes your breath away!! I'm not sure about you, but it does for me. I cried once...when I was visiting the rural areas of Malaysia - Sabah, two friends of mine plus myself stayed in a longhouse far far far away from the city. During the night, the stars shone so bright and clear that I could not stop my tears from falling...Nature...isn't that a more than sufficient proof of the existence of a Higher Being? BUT, look and mankind has done to it? When we have it, we do not appreciate it in fact we vandalised it ! What's gonna happen when we do not have the privilege of its beauty?
4. Security - Do you trust people? Let me give you a scenario, I used a public toilet and let my mobile in the cubical. Before I left, I remembered seeing a male cleaner cleaning the toilet. Half an hour later, when i realised that my mobile was missing I ran back to the toilet but couldn't find it!! I panicked! -- what do you be thinking if you were in my shoes? -- Well, the first thought was, Yay! An excuse to buy a new mobile! But then, there is that hassle of the contact list...then automatically, I thought, probably that cleaner guy took it! The chances of him admitting that he took the phone would be a million to one. However, contradicting to those thoughts, that guy actually called some numbers on the phone so that he could return it to me! Isn't he a NICE guy? I never would have thought that this world would still have honest and kind people like him! This shows that I did not have faith and trust in people. Sad isn't it? I mean, if everyone lived in fear that someone might kill or rob them...what kind of life would we be living? Hence, the part about education comes to play. I'm not talking about material education alone, I am referring to spiritual education which teaches us how to become a better person, to be beacons of light that guides or attracts others to the good side...
   

So what do you think? What with all the turmoil plaguing the world...what do YOU feel about our future?

My horoscope states:

"Nothing will be too much of an obstacle for you, today, as long as you don't show any fear or hesitation. Be flexible, and try to act like you aren't bothered by anything. Anyone who is causing you stress or putting undue pressure on you right now is going to give up soon. They'll give up even sooner if you stand up tall and refuse to be intimidated by them. Match them word for word, meet their gaze, then call their bluff. You can turn things around and find yourself in a very powerful position."

I guess this is a turning point for me. Not that I am taking what other people predict to be an answer for my salvation. Its more like a passing breeze that reminds me that with a will, there is always a way...

;)

Small world

Dear readers,

If you did not know that the world...however large it may seem...is actually...quite small. ;)

In the picture above is my mom, Mei and I at the Sydney Bahai Temple.

The first time I met Mei was back in Malaysia where she was visiting/ studying at that time. And 4 (or so) years later...we meet again...but in a different country!

I guess, when people are fated to be friends...this friendship lasts forever!

:)

Prayers at the Park

It was a great day! The sun was shinning. The clouds were hiding. The heat was rising.The sun, slowing descending...A wonderful day for some prayers at the park!

The theme chosen was "Salutations to Life". Mainly because many many people are taking for granted the gifts we have been endowed on this earth - the "life" that was created on this planet, the feeling of love, the ability to appreciate beauty...

We live in an era where the main challenge is "materialism". I've noticed that we are so consumed by materialistic achievements...egoism..., that we tend to forget our own roots...the spirituality that dwells within us. It thirst for spiritual growth and moral values.

Today...today was a good day. A great day, in fact! I felt so rejuvenated. And needless to say, I love the company...

peklynn O peklynn what have thou done!

I can't believe myself sometimes! How can I be so dumb and yet so smart? Of all the people in the world, I honestly thought better of you! Geez.... ><

Well, for those of you who knew me for a long time (with the exception of one who have developed that ability to understand me within just 2 years, or so, phetpet you know who you are la)...anyway, my parents stared introducing a new language to me when I was in kindergarten and then being parents they must have thought it funny to send me - the ONLY daughter and the youngest in the family to a Chinese School names Lick Hung in Subang Jaya - where I spent most of of life there.

So, a normal person would say - Pek Lynn has studied Mandarin for 9 years (1 year for kindergarten, 6 years in primary school and 2 years in high school), hence, it would be fair to say that I was exposed to Mandarin for a fairly long period of time and thus should have the capability to read, write and speak fluently.

However, NO ONE ever asks OR takes into account the torture that I went through, the daunting experience of my childhood revolved around going to a Chinese school...For those who are studying to be a teacher, you should know that without a proper environment conducive to learning, without good and positive motivation, and being the only one in the family speaking a foreign language in the house...I should not be fully blamed for my lack of interest in my studies during that period of time. Perhaps "lack of interest" is an understatement...heck, my class teacher even laughed at me and called me names when something fell on me which needed 9 stitches on my forehead to seal the hole!! I mean, my primary school experience was one that scared me...one that would never fade.

Hence, bringing me to my final say that my Mandarin reading and writing skills have all been given back to my teachers as soon as a step foot out of primary school and into utter freedom!

So, now to my actual purpose as to why I tend to surprise myself sometimes...

A friend of mine found out I knew Mandarin, thanks to my beloved mother, and has asked if I could teach him. Honestly, I was flattered and all but...Me? Mandarin? I would if I could I say...but I guess part of me wanted to help out because he did continued dropping hints about me teaching Mandarin.

I do not know what came over me because I AGREED to help him. I even went to Dymocks - a book store in Australia - and bought a book called "Mandarin Chinese in 30 days".

Sigh...I can't believe I did that!

I mean, I do not doubt that I can re-learn Mandarin again. I'm just surprised that even with my horrid past, I am willing to accept it into my life again. Needless to say, its going be a challenge to teach it at the same time!