Monday, January 25, 2010

Welcome to the world of The Procrastinator!

Do you defer tasks, feel buried by work or lack the follow-through to complete tasks? Yes..?

Welcome to the world of the procrastinator!! :)

Procrastinating can result in anxiety, loss of productivity and worse, it adds up the longer it goes unchecked. Often procrastinators spend a great deal of time thinking about tasks, but lack the ability to follow through and implement their plans.

Sounds familiar..?

So how do we combat procrastination and ensure it doesn’t affect our life?

1-Lets set some goals!

One of the surest ways to motivate oneself and avoid procrastinating is to set goals...and stick to them! Goal setting helps us clarify the direction in which we want to head to...especially in life. It is important to think carefully about our goals and remember that it’s impossible to achieve everything at once. Someone once said...we should be patient with ourselves but strive!

2- Get smart principal:

One effective method of setting goals are:

  • Specific: Goals need to have measurable actions and outcomes. What, why and how are these goals going to be achieved?
  • Measurable: Set goals that you can easily measure.
  • Achievable: Whilst it’s tempting to dream up whimsical goals you need to ask yourself honestly “can I realistically achieve this goal”? If the answer is no, then you will need to go back to the drawing board.
  • Relevant: Ensure that the goals you set are relevant and will benefit you.
  • Time related: Set key milestones and deadlines for achieving your goals. Doing this helps to keep goals on track and will help keep procrastinating in check.

3-Stay on track:

Once you have set your goals and outlined a plan to achieve them, the next challenge is to stay MOTIVATED!

One good method is to make your goals public. Sharing you goals with others helps them become more tangible.

Visualising the end point of your goal is another successful strategy used by many professionals. Take the time to think about how achieving your goals will feel like or visualise how your ending goal will look like.

Finally, reward yourself for achieving each key millstone as you work towards your goals.


*this blog entry gives credited to ANZ Bank - business planning solutions*

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Lalala..I wanna go HOME (again)(2)

Week Two:
This weekend I joined a group of friends who organized a Childrens Day celebration in Puchong.
We started off the day with some warming up activities, which Roya executed perfectly!
Instead of doing the normal boring warm up, she came up with some awesome actions which include "star jump", "the makarena", "leg high-5" (weird position to imagine isn't it?)..etc etc (as I won't expose her trait secrets) the adults loved it and needless to say the kids loved it more!



Then as how Malaysian weather goes, it started to RAIN! Yes! RAIN! We had to quickly move all the tables and chairs, food and stuff away and stood under a tree for shelter and some even took shelter in their car (haih, this one I dunno what to say...not Malaysian lah!)
Aaahhhh the good old days when we would play under the rain...run up and down the streets playing cat and mouse, playing hide and seek in the drains outside our house...or just simply enjoying the cool wetness on our faces and toes. We would return home all drenched and dirty and receive a nice scolding from our parents...but that never dampen our spirits!
Similarly, the rain did not dampen our spirits that day, we waited patiently and sardin-ed ourselves under that tree and prayed for the rain to stop...and within 10 minutes it did! YAY!



We then continued the Children's day program with a games like "three-legged race", "ball in basket", "burst the balloon"...etc etc...This event was organized as a means to bring all the children and parents in one place to celebrate the kids achievements for the year. At the end of the day, everyone went home with a small gift. It was real fun! Heck even I enjoyed it! ;)

During the week, I spent time with my best-est best friend and recently (actually it was 2.5 years ago) appointed "chi mui" at Bukit Tinggi. It was an awesome get away for the three of us as we went on horse back riding till our butts hurt (I was in agony for the whole week, walking like how the cow boys do!), we played some bowling which we were horrible at, we tried our luck with archery but failed humorously...





...and at the end of all that awesomeness, we indulged ourselves with TWO GIANT pizzas!



Excellent!! :D

Friday, January 1, 2010

*~The Ultimate Goal~*

Okay...I am going to attempt my Resolutions again! Excellent...a tick for "determination" right there!!

*The Ultimate Goal*
in like 35-40 years I guess... O_O*

I picture myself sitting in front of the TV watching NCIS re-play with my husband, relaxing after coming back work knowing that our working kids will be coming home for dinner. . That day I would have had an interesting discussion with my school kids about "Transforming Neighborhoods" and how they can contribute to its advancement. And after a family dinner we would be meeting some friends to conduct a Home Visit & Devotional and mamak session after to reminisce the good old days!

So...the key words are in bold...

Short term plan to "slowly" reach that goal (hahha...note that a " " on the word "slowly"):

1) Spiritual Growth:
-- Say my prayers every morning and evening
-- Take time to meditate!
-- Active participation in the Core Activities.

2) Spiritual Knowledge:
-- Read 5 Baha'i books - preferably history related books

3) Material Knowledge:
-- Start my CPA in 2010
-- Read 10 books
-- Read the newspaper!!
-- Increase knowledge on Economic issues.

4) Work...stuff!
--Develop stronger Internal Controls
-- Instill more effective Managerial roles
-- Increase profitability by 15% a year.

5) Finances:
-- Save Save Save!!
-- Build credit history!
-- Move into my own apartment! (most probably bought using a loan)

6) Commitments:
-- Accompany my current Junior Youths until they themselves are ready to serve their community independently.
-- Go HOME more often!
-- Call HOME more often!
-- Be a better friend! "Let deeds no words be your adorning."

7) Things-to-do-before-I-kick-the-bucket:
-- Go Zoom Zoom with Ah Mei and our leather jackets
-- Holiday in Europe
-- Climb Mount Kinabalu
-- Sky diving

8) ...??

9) I think that's about it! :D

All in all, I want to live a happy and fruitful life!

New Year...New Resolutions


I am not the type that makes resolutions for the simple reason that I NEVER ^ bother to KEEP THEM! However, living like a firefighter doesn't get me anywhere. I have no direction. I have goals and visions but I do not have a plan on how and what I am going to do to achieve it! Initially, I felt that I'll just take it as it comes...

For example, currently I have a reason to continue my stay in Australia because my job is able to support my family and myself...that's it really! But, if I review my goals and visions...I am definitely not gonna get what I want if I continue being stagnant and content.

So this year...the start of a new decade...I shall create a mind map of my goals and visions!

Here I come world! Whether you are ready or not! :)

* The Ultimate Goal*
I picture myself happy, contented, financially stable.... omg..this is hard!! :(
Okok...take# 2

I envision that I would have lived a prosperous life filled with Love, Contentment, Family.... hmmm.... haih...what lah! I give up... :(

*I'll do this later*

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Lalala..I wanna go HOME (again)(1)

After what seem liked one million cow years (approximately 3), I finally decided to go HOME (for a visit). Well...actually...I lie...I was going home for a short period of time as a transit to go on my Pilgrimage to Haifa in December 2009. However, as thing happen the way it happens, my family and I did not receive our entry visa in time, hence we had to skip the Spiritual Experience this time.

Lucky for me, that means I will be HOME lepak-ing for the next 3 weeks! Excellent!!

Being away from Home for so long, I was really excited but at the same time anxious that my relationship with my friends would have drifted apart...thankfully, I learnt that didn't happen! yay-ness!

Week One
I met up with an awesome bunch of friends with whom I grew up with! We went through alot together...since young we played together, created mischief together, choreograph dances together, sang together, got humiliated together...etc etc... so this week we met at a mamak in SS 15...we sat there talking & laughing and catching up & laughing and making jokes & laughing! It was super awesome! Our topics revolved around the memories of our past times. We also shared our visions in life...that is to Serve Humanity for the betterment of the world...we shared ideas on how to animate a Junior Youth group and all the funny yet interesting stories and learnings that I can use when I come back to Sydney.
Then I met with another bunch of friends who I met in School. We talked about our stages in life...where we are, what we have achieved, how come we are still single...(because men cannot be trusted! hahah..well that was the general ruling on the table) we sat there talking & laughing and catching up & laughing ! Though we talked all night, I noted to myself that our conversations were just surface talk... I didn't get to know what they truly felt...whether they were happy with where they are...whether they have other goals to strive for instead of work and finding a partner...I should have made the initiative...but I didn't.

3 years has passed and that is a long time to be away...though I am glad that my friends and I have not drifted apart...sadly that wasn't the case for some of them. With some, I felt as though I was competition, which made me feel like a test subject that will be dissected to be studied!

I realized that true friendships are those that are formed from the heart...it doesn't matter what we have in life..whether we are rich or poor, working or unemployed, married or single...all these issues are irrelevant! What matters to me is sincerity! And I am glad and extremely blessed to have such friends. They make my life more colorful!

Friday, October 2, 2009

My office Plant!

Lalala...my daddy made me two plants for my little office...I must say I am pretty excited about seeing em grow taller and greener!

Daddy tells me that these plants won't die no matter what I did to it! (of course I wouldn't pull out the leaves or pull the roots to make them grow faster...what kind of a horrible gardener do you take me as?) Anyway, behold...my conversation with my daddy...

Daddy Lum: Girl, I potted two plants for your office.

PekaLynna: Awww...thank you daddy! But what if I kill it? I don't know how to care for plants! What if I forgot to give them H2o? *insert sad face here*

Daddy Lum: Don't worry babe...these plants are hardy! No matter what you do with it it won't die! And these plants don;t need too much water..whenever you remember, just give them some lah...

PekaLynna: *insert happiness* Yay!
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But sadly...It didn't last very long...just a couple of months...MY PLANTS DIED!! Well...initially I refused to believe it was dying becasue it was still standing...and there was a couple of leaves on the weee little branch...but I was carful not to touch em...otherwise the weee little leaves will fall off... O_o" And I started tying some green strings to elevate their confidence in growing again...And I continued my singing to them every morning and ocassionally when I am bored...And I watered them consistentaly...And I actually took em out to bask in the beautiful sun! And And..I bought them another play mate...a live plant to keep them company!

After all THAT!!??!! It died!


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The irony of it all! Me trying with heart and soul to save these plants and I think by doing so, it speed up the process of its death!

Sigh!! What do I have to do to keep my plants alive?? ..paint my tumb green I suppose...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Prettiest Friend by Jason Maraz... :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIZmDHPqGl4&feature=related

this is what i look like today
and i'm trying not to pull out my hair
i'm trying not to show it cause i'm far too shy to grow it back there
that's probably why i like wearing hats
there's no denying i'm deferring the facts
avoiding confrontation
lacks tact in a situation
behind every line is a lesson yet to learn

but if you ask me
the feeling that i'm feeling is overwhelming
and oh it goes to show
i've so much to know

i wrote this for my prettiest friend
who while trying not to prove that i care
trying not to make all my moves in one motion and scare him away
well he can't see he's making me crazy now
i don't believe he knows he's amazing how
he has me holding my breathe
so i'd never guess that i'm a none such unsuitable, suitable for him

but if you ask me
the feeling that i'm feeling is complimentery
and oh it goes to show
the moral of the story is girl loves boy
and so on the way that it unfolds is yet to be told

i know that i should be brave
even pretty can be seen by the blind
i know that i cannot wait
until the day we finally learn how to find each other
redefining open minds

and if you ask me
the feeling that i'm feeling is overjoyed
and it's golden, it goes to show then
the ending of this song should be left alone
and so on cause the way it unfolds is yet to be told

Saturday, August 1, 2009

A promise

Finally! I have something to look forward to!
Finally! I my dream will become a reality!
Finally! I have a goal to work towards!

And I thank my dear friend for her persistence and passion in helping me make this decision! And no doubt, with her company, it would make the move all too easy! :)

So, for now, I will fulfill my promise to pray that we may remain determined and ablaze with the fire of the love for God to serve His Cause in the land called China.

Friday, July 24, 2009

如果

Have you ever wanted something so much that it breaks you heart a little every time you think of it?

Have you ever wanted something so much that you'd cling ever so tightly to the memory of it in fear that it will drift away?

Have you ever wanted something so much that it even visits you in your dreams as though it is calling you...as though it is the natural order of things.

If only I was more confident, perhaps it would have happened. If only I had loosen my grip, perhaps it would have returned. If only I stopped dreaming and focused on reality, perhaps it would have seen and felt my sincerity.

If only (如果)...I could develop the strength to find my closure.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Am I stuck in Never Never Land?

Scenario 1:
You have an appointment with a Banker who is taking care of the investments your company has been making. He comes to your office to discuss new investment opportunities moving forward...as the discussion was building...He stops...stares at you...and said "your eyes look different...its nice...are you wearing colored contacts?

In such a situation, what would you do?


What normal 24 year old people would do:

Yea, I'm wearing grey contacts because I am vain and would like to look different.

This is what I did:
After his comment, I smiled and without thinking of my reputation I put on a serious face and said...Actually, (nodding dispassionately) I fell sick some time ago, it was some kind of a virus that drained the color of my eyes. (and a sniff to seal the lie) To my utter amusement, he believed me! In my mind I was thinking...crap I just lied and this Aussie bloke believes me! Anyway, I said it was a joke and we laughed it off.


Scenario 2:
You are at a restaurant, after dinner you want to order dessert so that you can continue sitting there having elevated conversations with your friends. However they only have Sticky rice and Banana. You gave it some thought, but felt you could not divulge it after a heavy meal.

Will you order it?

What normal people would do:
Order a cup of tea. Or if everyone is up for it, order that sticky rice and banana to be shared by all.

This is what happened:
Emm...how much for just the banana?

Naturally, everyone laughed at that gesture.

But honestly, what is wrong with just wanting the banana?

~*~

It is very interesting how certain people interpret this type of personality.

1) It could mean I am dwelling in never never land where children never grow up. The danger in this is that I would remain naive about whats happening in the world, which ultimately leads to being treated as a door mat. But contrary to that, having a certain amount of naivety helps me deal with negativity and have a more optimistic outlook on life. And also for argument sake, just because I don't say anything, does not mean I do not know people are taking advantage of me!

2) It could also mean a level of detachment from self consciousness - a way of letting go of the "self" that we talked about in earlier posts.
There are standards in which people have set...that expects us to act and react a certain way. Such norms or social rules can be observed as appropriate or inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. The reason we are trapped in this is because most people do it, thus considered as "normal".

Let me ask you a question...Just because everyone does it, does it mean it is right?

I reckon, if we set and align our thoughts and actions to that of a higher nature, we would not go stray the path of abasement.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Justice



Someone once said that Justice is blind!

This statement was meant to explain that the world we live in is never Just! Good people are often accused, socially degraded and mentally cursed to have lesser faith in the goodness of men. Whereas bad people tend to get away with their mischievous deeds and live a life of spiritual degradation.

This statement also meant that good people would need to sacrifice their honor and dignity and apologies for something they did not do, so that the misdeeds of others would not cause more misguided defamation.

As you can see from the above pictures of The Lady Justice; in one hand (right) she holds a sword which symbolizes the power of Justice and Reason. And on the left she holds a weighing scale. Often people associate a weighing scale as fairness. However, it can also mean that she is measuring the strengths of a case's support and opposition. Hence, this brings us to the last object: the blindfold. She wears a blindfold to indicate that justice should be reasoned out objectively without favor or fear of the outcome. But think about it, how is a person able to balance the scale where in one hand holds a heavy sword and in another the pressure to keep the scale in balance? Obviously, more thought needs to be imparted into the representation of so delicate yet compelling a subject like Justice!

When I was told injustice is embedded the the very world we live in, that I was being naive to think that humanity were created noble and that the betterment of the world CAN and WILL be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds...I can honestly tell you that my heart sank! The seed of doubt has been planted...I started to doubt the very foundation of my upbringing...And I hated myself for it!

I am lucky that this vicious cycle of self vacillation ended. I needed to be mentally strong...lift my head and look towards the horizon of Faith and Certitude. That! That is how problems can be resolved! -- Put in the effort and have faith that the confirmations will follow through.

Thank the Heavens that there is another representations of The Lady Justice...



They have messed with the wrong softy...for I will NOT condone to such injustice!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Lum Siblings



OMG!! Cute-nya ;)

You'd probably notice that I speak of my brothers often...and why shouldn't I? We are after all of the same blood. Anyway, I just wanted to share these pictures of us when life revolved around playing hide and seek, love and kisses from mummy and daddy, and life seems just like a fairytale which will undoubtedly be filled with pleasant surprises.

Sigh...

By the way, this are my lovely parents...


Saturday, May 9, 2009

I am a banana


23 years and 5 months ago, I was born into a Chinese Family called Lum. My lineage can be traced back to the mother land - China... My family has all the traits of a typical Chinese family... All the normality of conservatism, hierarchical family, traditions respected and followed conscientiously ... and even though My parents enrolled me into a Chinese Primary School... I still failed to equip myself with the very language my ancestors spoke! tsk tsk tsk...

I feel like someone is laughing at my attempts to re-learn mandarin.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

My heart melts...(3)

RESOLVED!

And now I am moving on! ;)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

My heart melts...(2)

How can you can't blame a girl for having a little girl's crush on a cute Italian guy. Right RIGHT??

Anyway, today's story revolves around a series of events that occurred since my last post "My heart melts...". It all started a week before this day when I was merrily walking buy this particular cafe. Somehow or rather the cute cafe guy's eyes and mine met and he not only gave me a jaw-dropping wink and smile, he also shot me a flying kiss! To be honest, I was extremely embarrassed but managed to return a smile and a wave. I walked in to say a polite "Hello, hows business" and he asked that I should start coming back for breakfast.

Well...common! With that smile of his HOW CAN I SAY NO??? Also...part of me was thinking about the coffee too! Yummm....Anyway, so I returned a week later to have a quick bite before going of to work. To my surprise, he remembered the coffee I normally ordered!! (I am thinking too much because people in this kind of industry makes a living by knowing their customers!) When I was about to leave he looked into my eyes and said... are you wearing contacts? (I was wearing a grey contact so I may look a little different) I replied with a little laugh and teased that it was al-natural! (once that came out from my mouth, I mentally kicked myself in the butt for flirting back!! But that vision was so hilarious that it made me giggle out loud). His reply to my quirky statement snapped me out of it and left me all blushed. And throughout the wholeday, whenever I remembered that he called me mysterious and sexy..it never failed to make me blush!

He is still married no matter how many side glances I throw his way or equally as many I tried to avoid. I have friends who have been in such situations that their relationship actually broke up a family! BUT do NOT WORRY fellow readers for I shall not drop to such low standards! (I have principles k!)

Hehehehe...well to think I would learn from my friend's heartache.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Family Portrait

Most people may already know that I was born into a family with two older brothers. It is such a blessing that this family of mine is endowed with innate ability to love, cherish and respect everyone in our household; and despite the challenges we faced as any other family would, we faced them collectively which only strengthen our bond of love and unity.

Anyway, I want to introduce my brothers to you...

Ken Leong (ko) is the eldest who is 7 years older than I am. He is the lucky one in the family...born with glossy soft hair, bushy eyebrows, big eyes, perfect teeth, no acne genes, slim legs and the list goes on. Boy...countless times have I questioned my mum...WHY didn't I turn out as pretty as he did?? Being the first son, he is the pride of the family. When he was a teenager, I remembered admiring his neat/ thin handwritting. I love his awesome sense of taste with clothes, perfume and even jewlery! I admire his ability to turn any serious/ awkward moment into a laughable atmosphere (his laugher is contagious). His happiness was infectious, when people stood near him their worlds would seem a little brighter, if he hummed a tune, others around him would start humming like some form of musical. Despite his happy-go-lucky attitude, he is smart and always gives me sound advice and wil never fail to be there when I am in trouble or lonely. My respect and admiration for him grew when we sat down at Starbucks one afternoon and he was bombarding me with advice left right and center, then he told me: "...I respect any decision you will make (in life) and be assured that I will always be there to support you." His way of teaching me the way of life is to allow me to make as many mistakes as long as I don't regret making them. Whenever I think of him and that moment I would tell myself that I want to be just like him when I grow up! :)

Ken Wye (ko) is the middle son among the three us. Only 5 years older than I am but still he protrays a man in his 50's...matured and old fashion. But don't let that fool you because he is also virtuously cunning, exteremely friendly, open to new ideas, smart, a born leader, charming, has a captivating smile..heck he has a perfectly convincing smile, properly deployed, his smile has the ability to launch a holy war! Growing up, I had friends who fell in puppy love for him and I would outwardly show my humiliation but secretly smile with glee (becasue my brother's face would go red when they declared their undying love for him) and feel so proud of him. Growing up was never difficult for me because I knew for sure that he was always there to protect me from bullies and be my fort agaisnt people who belittle me. He is the type of brother who warns me not to thread a certain path in life in fear that I might get hurt or stressed when I made the wrong decision. He tells me how to lead a life free from fear, free from doubt, free of unhappiness even though it means giving up the things I wanted. I always look at him with admiration and respect and also tell myself I want to be just like him when I grow up! :)

Growing up with them around was particularly fun and meaningful for me. I always played the princess as they wage pillow war against each other in the house. I was always the person at fault when they break mum's furniture (though everyone know I was innocent...haha). I always have two protective shields that prevented anything or anyone from harming me. I always had their company when I was afaird to sleep alone in the dark. I always have two people to talk to when I feel deserted.

I am proud to say that I take pride in both my brothers! And I love them for who they are and for the person they make me want to be.


Does it look anything like us? hahahha...
And can you guess which is Ken Leong and which is Ken Wye?

Friday, March 20, 2009

I have a problem :(

Hello, I am Lynn and I am a shopaholic! My problem lies in my inability to control my spending. Before it gets too late (i.e. before I resort to credit debts) I want to help myself by...

First: Identifying and accepting that a have this problem of spending on unnecessary things.

Second: I will have to list down steps in which I can resolve this!

Third: I MUST diligently act on them!

If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment. ;)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Personality Quiz

The last time I did something like this was....I was in high school. Nevertheless it never fails to entertain me. Thanks SabSab :)! If it weren't for your blog post, my afternoon would have been filled with number crunching activities!

Anyway, I did the test and this was their analysis:

  • You've got great self-confidence and you're full of charm. Most guys who get to know you will be attracted to you. You are far from sweet and proper; your intriguing personality fascinates them. Most guys find it easy to fall for a girl like you.
PekLynn says: HAH! HAHA! Hahahah...yea right! (^sarcastic smile inserted here)
  • You really care about other people's feelings and are quite serious about the issues that affect your life. You are sincere, and your concern for the well-being of others makes many people want to be your friend.
PekLynn says: I hope that's true... :"|
  • You strictly follow rules, and you expect other people to be the same as well. People can get tired of you easily, as you can make them feel a little guilty about themselves. You always make decisions on your own, and can be dismissive of other people's advice. You like to be the leader in groups, but can forget to be concerned about the people you are with.
PekLynn agrees with the first part! But is rather skeptical about the second.
  • Guys see you as being a thinker and a careful person. They will be really attracted to this quality in you, but you need to learn to speak your mind, otherwise people will find you too shy and quiet. Learn to relax and lighten up--it's okay to have fun sometimes. When you learn to develop your fun-loving side, guys are going to flock to your side.
PekLynn smirks and says: Not so sure about the flocking.
  • Your boyfriend believes that you are a strong and independent person. Your confidence and cheerfulness make you an attractive person to be around, but sometimes you need to pay more attention to what other people, including your boyfriend, are thinking.
PekLynn says: Errm...is that true fellow ex's?

  • You desire a love that will last forever. You are quite serious about finding this type of love, and that's why you think carefully about the men that you meet before deciding whether you could really love them. You don't just develop a crush on someone overnight: you look at a person's personality and other aspects of their life before deciding to form an attachment. If a guy doesn't meet your expectations, you would rather be alone. Your love has to be perfect. Be careful though, you could be missing out on some worthy relationships because your standards are so high.
PekLynn says: THAT IS SO TRUE! I really don't mind being alone if I can't find Mr.Awesomeness! ;)

Go Crazy...

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Lost, Scared and Enjoyed it!

Don't you just L.O.V.E train rides?
Picture this: you are sitting comfortably on a train by yourself. It is a lovely Saturday afternoon, the sun is vibrantly smiling down on us, the plants are basking in sun as it absorbs the warmth of the sun, the birds are singing their cares away, and you are sipping a cup of take away Mocha and reading a good book, and occasionally admiring the sight of meadows, trees, mountains and black & white cows eating grass. You are feeling a strong sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature as your are physically taken further away from the city.
That was what I experienced last Saturday on my way to Yerrinbool which is 2 hours away from the city (by train). I was thinking to myself...what a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate! I smiled with glee feeling all this positive energy flowing through me, and I thought to myself...nothing can go wrong today ;)


Perhaps I was too quick to judge...or perhaps it was just my luck...or perhaps someone wanted to play a practical joke on me... whatever it is...

When Yerrinbool Station was coming up, I started preparing myself to get off and make my merry way towards the Bahai School where I will be assisting with the monthly Accounts.
Needless to say, I was not expecting the door of the train to close on me as I was one foot away from the door. I wanted to reach my hand out through the gap just to "try my luck" hoping the door will reopen. But I was too chicken to do that...what can I say, I need my hand to continue being employed right?! Anyway, that situation left me screaming...NNNNNOOOOOOoooooooo..! Hands pressed against the door, facial expression betraying my unease feeling as the train departs Yerrinbool station.

30 minutes later I ended up in Mittagong...


When I got off the station....I stood there staring at that chair for no less than 5 minutes when it finally hit me that I am burning under the blazing sun!



I walked to the information counter and they were closed. I found a police station and the office was empty. I looked around for any sign of human activity...none! I optimistically reminded myself that this situation isn't a remake of the movie "House of Wax"! No one will kill me and turn me into a wax figure... No one will kill me and turn me into a wax figure...No one will kill me and turn me into a wax figure...No one will kill me and turn me into a wax figure... (*.*)



Anyway, I soon found out that the next train back to Yerrinbool is in another 2 hours. So for now I am lost, stuck and lonely in this city...to make this short and sweet...I walked around the city, couldn't find anything to do so I walked back to the station. And waited. Nothing happened. Nothing continued to happen. More nothing. The return of nothing. Nothing to-the-power-of-two. Nothing comes again. I waited...then what seemed like several months passed I resorted to cam-whoring. These were the out come:




...and then I got bored...so I listen to my Ipod and played my all time favorite game...and took more pictures after that...



Friday, January 16, 2009

A tribute to Friendships

When I was 5, I remember trying to please my peers, claiming I had a huge collection of stickers and color pencils. The day came when I had to share my collection with them and they unfortunately they were disappointed because it was not good enough. Since then they rejected my company.

When I was 10 years of age, I still kept my willingness to please my “friends” because of the urge to be accepted. The “leader” of the pack would ask me to do this, that and all sorts of nonsense…and being ignorant I did as I was told. I had a crush on a guy but diligently tried to suppress that feeling because she liked him too. I remembered hitting him hard on the back to prove that I treated him as one of my “chi mui”...how embarrassing!

From the age of 15 onwards, I declared not to be anyone’s’ fool!

And fortunately enough I met people who sincerely wanted to be my friend. Not because I had long hair. Not because I was chubby. Not because I had a huge collection of Pooh merchandise. They liked and accepted me because I am me. For once, these people treated me as equals. I am extremely blessed to have so many good friends that care for me. Even though I get on their nerves by making ridiculous jokes, they laughed with me. Even though I was ignorant and naïve they guided me through my obstacles, hand in hand, without judgment. Even though I am a horrible cook, they ate without complaint. Even though I tend to be an ass, they would forgive me…

Remember the time when we ponteng school to get our ears pierced; the time when we snuck out in the middle of a sleepover to throw rotten eggs at some guy’s house; the Halloween party where we had to dress up like dead people; the time when we starved ourselves so that we could indulge in a large pizza the next day…

How about the time when we squeezed into my mom’s proton to get to Sunway and celebrate New Years Eve; the “Bye Bye Bye” dance that was the highlight among our embarrassing performances; the “meetings” that we had as an excuse to hang out together; eating ice cream at Genting and letting the cold night breeze blow against us to see who can survive the longest; our chatting sessions in the car after a devotional; the concert that we planned and performed at that school; the two weeks intensive teaching campaign at the center...

And the times when we would sit a stare at the starry sky and weep in awe of its beauty; the time when we took a train and explored Sydney suburbs, got lost, and accidentally stumbled upon a highly rated Indian restaurant; the time when we went for go-karting and I somehow managed to get into the top 10 drivers because I was a slow and safe driver; the Thursday evening Malaysian Society meetings; the chopping onion lessons ; the Lamb Vindalu and Chicken curry cooking lessons; the time when I accidentally burst out saying "I have a life..OK!" and will never hear the end of it; ...

As my future unfolds, I am more than certain that more memories will be added here.

Isn’t it amazing how little people did notice when all their lives they had been encouraged to ignore anything worth noticing? ...I guess I am just saying that we tend to take friendships for granted. We may strive to gain favor from one and at the same time neglect another...

Here are some pictures of memorable times...


Roya & I -- Countless embarrassing stunts we did when we were growing up! Its amazing that we turned out sane... ;)






Sabina & I -- Another gila one like Roya & myself. Hmm...maybe we should be the Dynamic Trio of Subang! Our specialty will be our contagious laughter! People won't even know what hit them as they laugh along with total ignorance of the situation.





From left: Shamir, Joshua, me, Ruhullah, Chia Sin and Mitra -- Street dancing! Need I say more...?








Ren Yi -- What are you doing in my kitchen??
Oh yea...you're helping me cook for the 20 friends who invited themselves over for a 3 course meal. How nice of you...for once! ;)














Ah Mei and Su Yin aka Hamster and GuineaPig...and myself the seal! Org Org =^.^=










Carny -- only recently added into our "chi mui-ship". :)









From left: Edison, Vivianne, Salina, Junda, me, Diane, Mo and Shaun.
The Making Activities Super Awesome Gang! ;)



Jenny & I -- An unexpected friendship, I must say. It started with Jenny being my boss (Ms.Boss) and how fortunate of me to discover a friend I can be extremely random with. I do apologize for my annoying-ness but look on the bright side, it means I am comfortable with you! Hahahahha... ;D


Friends are forever - - I shall publically accept this universally used statement. ;)