The Beauty of Life

Loving my new toys!

2012-01-13T18:55:00.001+08:00

My new toys :-D

Minimo-x
Holga Lense for Canon
Instax Mini 25's

2011

2011-12-31T08:12:00.000+08:00

Wow... it is already coming to an end of 2011. How time flies! Overall, 2011 has been a great year... despite me starting it quite bad on 31st Dec 2010 when I just returned from London and banged someone's back car on New Year eve itself! And had to use quite sum of cash for repair beginning of the year. But then throughout the year has been kind, as I recalled.
Let's see what 2011 had offered to me by far :-)

1. I started back with exercise and made good friends with Yuen, my fitness instructor. Also her friend, EJ, the sexy tall EJ! Not forgetting few other friends, Nath the sexy French girl, Shirla who has stamina non stop!
2. Made friend with Yuen's friend from Manchester, Stacey the sexy tall model!
3. Offered a great class to be their form teacher. I'm gonna be missing them! Great life ahead 5 Science 2011!
4. My Drama team emerged champion for district level and third in state level, also winning the best script and best performer. What made it more meaningful is that we did a drama on Autism.
5. My school won the dance competition organised by Disney Astro. My School Rocks 2011! Going to Disneyland Hong Kong with them next weekends for 3 days all paid for! :)
6. Made friend with another great person, Sue. Although we had our ups and downs but she has been sweet.
7. I traveled to Sandakan and visited Lankayan with the girls, Nath, Yuen and EJ. Had great fun!
8. I also went to Malacca for the first time and love the hotel I stayed in, so peranakan designs! Hotel Puri Melaka :) And I finally saw A Famosa on my becca ride! :D
9. I also visited Ipoh the first time, although didn't go anywhere much but it was a good experience.
10. My car... had surely made a hole in my wallet! I had to fix the damage when I hit someone's back car beginning of the year RM1000, my hon needed to be changed RM400, new battery RM300, new oil pump RM800, Major service RM800, changed timing belt RM800. Yep... that's the deal when you want to have a car!
11. Visited my brothers' for Christmas! Always love being with family for Christmas! Such a joy! :)
12. Stayed in Nexus Karambunai for the first time.Nice :)
13. Went to KL after 3 years of being an alien to that city. Surprisingly, I didn't go anywhere much! LOL
14. Bought myself a lomo camera! Minimo-x! My first lomo cam. Also bought holga lens for my canon. :) which I will only be getting next week lol.
15. I finally disconnected my streamyx in planning to save my expenses. The fact that I don't use it much will be pointless to have it. I'm planning to do the same with my Astro, once Glee season is over :D

That is all I remembered. So it has been not so bad year. Thus, I thank you oh Mighty Lord for a good year. May 2012 be kinder and turn out to be another fantastic year! Looking forward to it, despite it is called the end of the world year!

Happy New Year, everyone! Be blessed and safe! :-) xx

Invisible

2011-12-28T14:29:00.000+08:00

How much I realised I've abundant my own blog of its mere existent with months and months of silence. I guess there's a truth to the saying "No News is a Good News". I basically had been busy with life and not so busy with life. It had its ups and downs but most of the time it had been good. Even I was in my long holiday break, it felt so short after busy doing things for others, self and nothing at all. I'm glad I had the opportunities to visit my brothers' families during the Christmas seasons and catching up with each others' lives. With nephews and nieces growing up, adding three to the family making me a grandaunt... I have much to appreciate. I've good friends and loving families. I thank you dear God. :-)Now that it is almost coming to an end of 2011... I need to reflect of the year. It has treated me well. I expanded my friendships with adding few good friends to the list. Lessons learnt and age is catching up, I've to take more seriously to my health.

The pics below summed up some of my busyness lol. :-P

I'm heading to Hong Kong Disneyland with 15 others when my school won Disney My School Rocks! Something to look forward for :-)

Borneo Getaway

2011-09-21T10:15:00.001+08:00

Reborn

2011-09-20T11:21:00.000+08:00

Age is nothing but a number. How true. Reaching to this age, I realised I am still very young in many ways, that I continue to hunger for more. There are many things I haven't done and see, or have and say. That doesn't mean I regretted what I had been through these years of life. No. I'm so grateful and blessed to have gone through every single things in life, through its up and down. With God's willing, I'm sure I will experience and encounter more of what life got to offer. With His blessings, guidances and protections, I hope to continue this journey with much strength and faith.

Truly, I'm grateful for the food in my plates, the pennies in my pockets, the company of my friends, the laughters and times with families. Although there were times I complained on little difficulties in life, but I realised with them I grew to be wiser and stronger.

So this year's birthday was celebrated rather quiet and peaceful. I had the moment to look back and smile and to be much thankful for. I had a simple normal dinner with my sis's family and a birthday cake of American Brownies that sis bought for me. Ah, life is good as it is. I'm contented. Thank you Universe! :-)

Paradise Getaway

2011-09-17T08:12:00.000+08:00

You know... when one said, there’s no news is a good news? It could mean otherwise. As for my case, I’m quite blessed with many happenings in life... but not every day has its up. The past three months have been up and down. To have yourself into something you are not sure of and yet couldn’t get out of it but to face the shit you had stepped on and to clean the mess of it. We are always responsible over our very own actions. And talking about actions, there are times we know its wrong but we do it anyway.

Well, these past weeks I had been surrounded with stories about how one can be envied of you and cast a spell or black magic on you. I thought that was just pure ridiculous. In the era of technology and information, such things shouldn’t be practice but then again I could be wrong in my own thoughts and beliefs. The least I could do is to continue have faith in the Almighty God and believe in His power to all goods. I believe people should be able to manage and control their anger and emotions to more positive side in trying to improve and betterment themselves rather than casting a spell on someone and trying to ruin their lives and their families. I could only hope Karma hits them back then.

At the moment I’m typing this, I’m back to Lankayan Dive Island Resort. A paradise that I always escaped to whenever I get the chances to, except for last year I went to Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort instead. It gives me some sense of peace and harmony. It gives me sense of God’s goodness and beauty. At least it gives me the strength to believe Him.

I’ve to be thankful to God for still giving me the chances to breathe and enjoying all these. Although there are times I’m down and couldn’t believe how things turned out to be, but I tried to set positive thinking believing there’s goodness in life and for sure, things will turn out absolutely fine at the end.

This weekends will be good. A clarity in mind and soul. How things just happened and planned without you realising its miracle. Small little things are usually the biggest gift. Stop and take time to smell the roses J

I met a former student of mine of 12 years ago at the airport earlier and she said I haven’t change but still look young. Thank God for that, for giving me the strength and laughter to continue living good life.

Beautiful blue sky and clear sandy beach... I am where I want to be... J

Aidilfitri 2011

2011-08-30T17:01:00.000+08:00

Just because...

2011-08-21T20:36:00.001+08:00

Time Machine

2011-08-04T12:08:00.000+08:00

Cry for help : Someone out there! Someone who is bloody genius! Create a time machine please. So we all can turn back time to where we want it to be again.

*sighs* We just got to face our mistake and learn from it. But what make it difficult is, to get out of that mistake and paying for it. *sighs heavily*

Insanity

2011-07-22T16:15:00.000+08:00

Too many things had happened of late. And most of them made me realise how fragile and weak we could be, being human being. No body is perfect. But we are granted a brain and conscience to know what's wrong and right. We just got to be strong. We just got to weigh our action and be responsible for it. Thus, it is better to avoid troubles before they trouble you.

Come as you are

2011-07-08T10:41:00.001+08:00

Life has been.... a rollercoaster. Can't say that I should complain... for sometimes there's reasons for its happening. Just got to face it and make the best out of it. I may just hope I'm doing what's right.

Busy

2011-06-20T12:31:00.000+08:00

I've been extremely busy of late, although my two weeks holidays were just over. I didn't go anywhere but Sandakan this time, spending 4 days catching up with friends, former students and Sandakan delicious food. Then as soon as work started, already I got busy on the first day itself that it stressed me out for four days. I must say the weekends helped me to get back in gear. I had fun with few friends over sunset at Shangri La Sunset Bar, dinner and ice cream, yesterday. Now got to face another working week and hopefully it will be kinder to me.

All images were taken using Samsung Galaxy S.

2011-05-30T15:44:00.002+08:00

Dearest Hee,

Seeing you grown up into a handsome young man, wiser, compassionate, caring and sensitive... makes me proud of you in every way and felt blessed indeed to be your cousin, sis and best friend. I wish for you, nothing but the best the world can offer. Please know in your heart, that I will always be here or there for you whenever you need me. Happy Birthday, my dearest Hee. You are loved and cared great deal of. May all your wishes come true. Love and missing you lots! *HUGS* xxxxx

Take Care Stacey

2011-05-24T20:46:00.000+08:00

Yuen, my fitness instructor has become a good friend. And her friend Stacey, from Manchester came to visit. Last Sunday we had a good time, driving all the way to Mount Kinabalu National Park, back to KK, had chicken satay and chilling at Tanjung Aru Shangri la Spa Resort, watching the beautiful sunset. We had really a spontaneous good time and these two best friends had made me laugh my heart out, that I hadn't for a very long time. Thank you both. Safe trip back Stacey. You are missed. And you are beautiful, inside out. xxx

=)

2011-05-03T20:01:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Bev!

2011-05-02T17:09:00.001+08:00

Lots had happened last week. Prince William got married to beautiful gorgeous Kate! And just today I got the news that Bin Laden is dead, although how true it is, we are ensure. But let's hope there will be world peace. We need it. I just watched 'I am Khan' with sis and that Hindi movie made me cried so much! But it has a great message. I think the world ought to watch that!! :-D

Anyway, I got to celebrate Beverley's Birthday at El Centro downtown on 27th April (4 hours earlier than her actual birthday). Treated her dinner and cupcakes. Glad she liked it :-D Also loved El Centro, especially the postcards deco. Gonna visit it soon again :-)

Was so thoughtful of her to comment on it too on her blog! :-D

Wedding of the Century!

2011-04-29T17:32:00.000+08:00

Watching Prince William and Kate's wedding live now. Congratulations Will and Kate! Beautiful couple indeed. May you both last forever.

Life's simplicity

2011-04-18T14:59:00.003+08:00

Norah Jones' song I didn't know why I didn't come is playing in the air. Sitting comfortably at the corner of Proton Edar service lounge, logging from one of the customers' available desktop, I shouldn't be complaining. Although waiting isn't my thing but at least this branch has taken into consideration its' customers needs while waiting for their cars to get serviced or repaired. Behind me are two Gintell massage chairs, welcoming me to try on them. Tempted but still the Internet is an ultimate winner.

I remembered how I used to bring my car for service in Sandakan Proton Edar in mile 8. Back then, all they provided were a TV and magazines. Mind you, the waiting was hours long! It surely did bored me to death!

At least with the Internet, I can still browse on facebook and for instance, updating my blog for once *laughs*. You must be wondering why am I here? Nope, not servicing my car. I just had it serviced couple months ago, major service that cost me almost bloody RM700! This time, it's my steering wheel. At first it gave a strange sound as a wire got stuck in between when you turned the steering. Then the volume of my radio amazingly lowering its sound by itself. Then each turning, my hon honking by itself. Nope, my car isn't possessed. Just imagine when I drove it to sis's place for dinner, the whole neighbourhood had to bear with miserable insensitive hon, like it is just an exciting new fun thing to do! *rolls my eyes*

My poor brother-in-law who is also a mechanic had to try his best in fixing it but failed. So eventually I came with the idea for him to disconnect the cable to my hon and he did. Why didn't we thought of that the first place? Don't ask. And all these were last Monday. If I hadn't been so extremely incredibly busy, I would have gotten it fixed much much earlier. I actually had to wait for another week for it. Even that, I had to skip another afternoon meeting so I could get this done.

And watching at the time, I must say I hate to miss my workout class at 3:30pm. It's just another 10mins to 3pm. I seriously impatiently hope they get it done soon enough for me to get back on my feet and get outta here so I could actually sweat the hell out of myself at Borneo Fitness Academic. Since I started exercising again two months ago, I just do not wish to miss my class intentionally. It's tiring but I really have fun. And of course I seriously need to lose weight. No doubt about that. AND having to do it with my fellow colleagues make it so much enjoyable!

KK weathers have been the same since I got back from London. Well, not entirely the same. It gets really hot in the mornings and afternoons but it always, always rains in the evenings. Luckily it wasn't raining last Saturday, that sis' family and I got to catch the musical fountain in Perdana Park Tanjung Aru. Something fun to do in the evenings. Just sit by the lake and enjoy the peacefulness.

*Eyeing at the mechanic that just approaches one of the desks* Hmm... I think my car is fixed. *Fingers cross* Alrighty... I think I'm gonna log off and head to them to find out if my car is set to go! I bet this gonna cost me over RM300! Maybe it is time for me to hunt for a new car. My car is basically 6 years old now. Hmm.... I'm tempted but still considering my other importance. We'll see.

Alright. Till then, adios amigos! :-P

April is MAD!

2011-04-13T08:30:00.002+08:00

What a crazy month April is. Every week is packed with works. I wish it slow down a bit but it doesn't. If I waited, then I will be way behind. Let's see if I could list them all...

PIBG Meeting
District Level Drama Competition
Excellence Day
State Technical Meeting
Meetings and more meetings
Jogathon Day
Tennis Tournaments
Excel Paper for Sabah
In house training
Teaching Videos and Student Broadcaster
School slides / video

Crazy eh. April is going to go by fast! Damn, it's already coming to mid of the year. I better be planning my holidays soon. I need a getaway!

Oh by the way, congrats to my drama team for winning the district level. Not only that, they won best performer and best script as well. Proud of them! :D

Monkeys see, Monkeys do.

2011-04-02T13:55:00.001+08:00

Right. Let's see. I've real packed schedules next week.

Monday - Drama Rehearsal

Tuesday - Drama Competition District Level (... and supposedly to be attending Digital Story Telling workshop)

Wednesday - Digital Story Telling

Thurday - Excellence Day

Friday - State Technical Officers meeting (... to which I supposed to have my cuti peristiwa)

I had forgotten how I used to be this busy when I was in SS. I just got to set the mode back I guess. Haha.

Anyway, today we had a long hot Parents-Teachers Associations meeting that just ended about 45 minutes ago. And I must congratulate the Science-Maths Club and Leo Club for managing the Donations for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. But you know what funny thing about it... that I just couldn't resist to blog about it...

When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I remembered perfectly well that it was during the school holidays. Thus, on the first day return back to school, that Monday itself I suggested for my 5 Science class to arrange and manage the donations for them and assigned one of them to do it (although he gave me his disapproval face). Three weeks had passed and all of sudden I discovered Science-Maths club and Leo club are doing it. AND guess what? That particular teacher that I had been talking about in my previous entry, her son is in this class too AND happened to be the president of Science-Maths Club. Haha. So... do I need to say more? You get the idea. Anyway I'm glad at least someone is doing it. What's most important is the reason to the donation project. Able to collect RM1280.30 from the Parents-Teachers Associations indeed was a good idea to do. Prayers go to Japan!

On the lighter mode, yesterday my drama team had their full rehearsal and with guests from the principals, teachers and the special edu teachers, the feedbacks were overwhelming. Hearing their comments were good enough for me, making winning is just secondary. Thanks for the supports! I know the team is going to make me proud next week! :-D

I'm gonna meet my bestie later this evening for dinner. Can't wait to update her on my happenings. I really need to vent!

Happy weekends! Cherrios! :D

Cruel to be kind

2011-03-30T19:04:00.003+08:00

Recently, it was brought to my attention of unwanted misunderstanding at work. As much as I prefer not to be talking or discussing on the matter... I couldn't help to put a lil thought over it today.

Situation : A fellow colleague approached me when I graded her daughter co-curricular marks low. As a school leaver, they were given certs which consisted of their involvement marks throughout the year. Even after explaining why I graded her marks so, she walked off calling me selfish.

Questions : Should I consider my colleague's (sort of plea but in an anger approach) feelings and change the marks? OR should I uphold what's right and not changing anything?

I did talked it out with my other colleagues and they thought I should just let it be, to which I did (as this happened last week) but I couldn't deny noticing her not even look up at my face nor giving me any smile. Plus, when other fellow colleague opened up the topic, other would ended it cause I was around. Even my senior assistant and principal approached and asked if I was fine. I mean... I am fine. What else could I do?

But then again I couldn't help to notice her at work. I couldn't help noticing her facebook with sad smiley emoticon as her profile pic. I couldn't help noticing her hurts.

But the truth is, I have always been fair. At least I try to. I believe as my role being a teacher, I don't just teach my students to get great marks and passing with flying colours. I believe I'm creating a human being. Thus, whatever I do or say have to set an example to them. I can't deny being a human myself with emotions and feelings. To an extend I got angry and I lost it many a time. But my point is... I still try my very best to uphold what is morally right. And I think that is the most valuable lesson one should learn cause he or she will uphold it for the rest of their lives. If for instance I were to change those marks for her, as a sensitive fellow colleague to another... what about the rest of my other students? What that makes me?

In the world we are living now, people are willing to cheat, lie and steal just because of power and money. Through this journey, our youth needs to learn not to do so. They must have the sense of guilt. They must know that power and money are earned and gained... not through bribery and lies. Commitment and hard works are the keys to every success. There shouldn't be any shortcuts.

It saddened me to learn this fact from this fellow colleague, who was once I thought was fair and good in what she was doing. I had much respect in her. But she is blinded by these and forgot what set of examples she is portraying to her own children and her own fellow students.

So tell me... did I do wrong? Was I selfish?

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-24T09:28:00.000+08:00

26 March 2011

8:30 - 9:30pm

Hubby no. 3

2011-03-13T20:37:00.001+08:00

8.9

2011-03-12T00:37:00.000+08:00

Prayers for Japan and those countries that hit by the massive earthquake and tsunami. =(

Time Zone

2011-03-06T18:36:00.002+08:00

Time zone sucks especially when you have family or friends abroad. For instance, it is 6pm in Malaysia and across the oceans in Beirut is noon, in Wyoming USA is 3am, in Bahamas is 5am, in London is 10am!

But truly, I got to myself thinking why the earth is created in such a unique but yet remarkably unexplainable amazing the way it is! We are so held up with our own beliefs and lives that we refused to even accept how different we are all created in so beautifully coloured and rich. Rich in cultures, nature, food, religion, shape, size, ethnics, languages, background, etc. Thus you people out there. Wake up. You do not live in a hole. The world is not created just for you nor does it revolves just around you. It is beautiful as it is, do not spoil it by putting your hands on it and think it is belong to just you. We are living in one earth, one planet. Time to stand together, and be one. Not against one another.

And yes, I miss London. *laughs* Pfftt!

Movie Marathon

2011-03-01T17:03:00.001+08:00

It is such a nice day to stay in, as it is cold rainy day. So as soon as I got off from work, I stopped to get lunch at Coffee Bean. Bought Salmon Scramble sandwich which came with coffee so I had it along with large cafe latte. (Mind you, I haven't had coffee since I got back from London. It was supposed to be my new year resolutions so there goes it!) Got home and watched 127 hours. Which was truly an inspiration to watch, for someone who simply loves life and wanting to continue living. Although the last part of it, where he had to cut off his hand was a bit gross and disgusting but I guessed I would have done the same if I was in his shoes. I must admit, Grand Canyon is really a beauty.

I'm also glad that I covered all three movies of 'The girl with the dragon tattoo", "The girl who played with fire" and "The girl who kicked the hornet's nest". There are in Swedish, so the subs are important. If you loved criminal minds, then these probably highly recommended. I would probably like the second movie "The girl who played with fire" among the three cause we knew more about the girl, Lisbeth's darkest life. I still have more than 20 DVDs to cover up... so I'm hoping to enjoy some this weekends. I'm such a movie freak. Haha!

Oh by the way, funny thing happened to me yesterday. I went to pay my bills and specifically went to Astro office to complain on my bill as they charged me both for January and February when I recalled paying for January last month. But they declined stating receiving any payment, thus I had to come home to check on the paid bill that I made, only to discover that I had paid for my neighbour's January Astro bill. *hit the forehead* Yea I know, I know. I ought to be more careful before paying for anything. The postman should check on delivering their mails correctly next time. I guessed it's a lesson for me then. Luckily my neighbour paid me back. *LOL* And my friends had been teasing me saying I should pay for theirs as well. :-\

L.i.f.e.

2011-02-26T15:40:00.000+08:00

Frankly, I don't even know why I still own this blog. I don't even feel like updating it anymore when you already have facebook to update your status. But for blogging sake... here goes nothing.

1. I have been trying to catch up with much movies as possible. Just last Wednesday I watched 'No Strings Attached' with Beverley, which was a good movie. I really enjoyed it and had a good laugh watching it. So highly recommended for those romance comedy movie lovers.

2. I attended a three day workshop of teaching video and student broadcaster, to which was rather useless for me since I already know how to make and edit videos. But then again, with different software, using Corel Ulead, it was easier compared to Adobe Premiere, and more variety of editing choices compared to Window Movie Maker. So we were asked to create one individually in just a day. So I created this and please please don't laugh. I looked retarded for some reasons. :-\

3. The school drama script is still under progress. Hopefully we could start practising next month. :-D

4. My class had a lil celebration yesterday, celebrating Chinese New Year + Valentine's Day + January and February birthdays. Since it is their final year, I thought we should do more stuffs like this so they will remember their final year memories being together. :-D

5. I got a new toy!!! My new baby is called the lil black devil haha. ( That coz I bought a black devil cover for it - will take pics of it next time then :-P ) It's a Samsung Galaxy S. I actually had been wanting to get iphone4 since last year but had been weighing on the options way too long. With much suggestions and comparisons, from iphone4 to HTC Desire HD to Samsung Galaxy S. I brought my bestie Hiew to help me in doing the choosing, eventually she had chosen for me Samsung Galaxy S coz it's lighter, slightly smaller than HTC and almost look like iphone with better functions. So yea... that's the conclusion of it. I'm loving it so far, how elegant it look like and I'm hooked on the internet 24/7!! OMG... that makes me a geek. :-\

I guess that's all for now. I'm quite beat and gonna take a nap. Ciao virtual readers out there!

2011-02-10T11:10:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year celebration was the usual. But instead of playing cards and gambled the 4 days of Chinese New Year I only did on the first two days and I took the other two days laze at home before work started again. I'm not in that age to be collecting angpows anyway although I'm eligible for it, still and quite frankly already got quite many for just two days. My luck on the cards was pretty good on the first day and I only lost a bit on the second day but yet, it was just meant for fun. I'm not a gambler anyway. Just for the thrill of it.

My class has been giving me a lil headache lately, despite being the smartest class in the school. I don't blame them, being teenagers and all... but I think if I had to keep reminded them of what need to be done continuously, then I think that will surely get into my nerves eventually. I try not being too strict and loosen up a bit but I guess I've too eventually in certain cases. *sighs*

My next project, short films. I'm getting my students to do it this year. And hopefully we'll be inspired to do something creative and meaningful. I'm sure these kids are smart and will come up with something beyond the usual. *fingers crossed*

I'm in the middle of creating a script for my school drama as well. Need to do a brainstorming with the team so we can have a twist for it. Yep, next month I will be working my ass off staying late at school for practices. *another sighs*

I want to get back to exercise as well. I miss being all sweaty haha. That's coming next as well!

What else to update... ah... V day is coming and I'm still single. Nothing new on that :-P

Single lady signing off ;-)

As the rabbit chased the tiger

2011-02-05T09:56:00.002+08:00

You are on my mind

2011-01-24T10:39:00.002+08:00

Bad Day

Click on the link above to the video of Daniel Powter - Bad Day. I find it so cute :-D

One week of work, then one week of break. I can't wait :-D

I watched 'Buried' last night and I must agreed how intense that movie was. But I hate sad ending. He doesn't have to die. Give us some sense of hope, gezh! What make it worst, after giving him the hope to survive and rescue only to end it by saying ... 'I'm sorry Paul. I'm so sorry'. F*ck that :-\

Annnnnndddddddddddd... I got a new header :-D Me heart me header :-D

Saturday @ Work

2011-01-22T07:36:00.005+08:00

Working on a Saturday is fine with me, as long I get to have longer break. We're replacing it for the working weekdays before the Chinese New Year! How I look forward for a holiday. Haha. Who doesn't? It is the third week since I got back from London. Yes, you guess it right. I still miss my December holiday. How could I not, no work, life is good and spending time with my cousin is priceless! That's when time flies. Einstein should have created a time machine instead!

Anyway, back to reality. Reality bites. True. Do you even know that there's a new zodiac sign this year? Instead of the usual 12 signs, we have 13 signs! 13! And we all know 13 isn't a good number. The world is so messed up, I think it messed up with mine. Although whatever unfortunate things happened still considered not 'that' bad, but still! I'm sorry oh Mighty God. I'll stop complaining. Cause I know I've been blessed compared to many. So yea... next topic.

I haven't really put on my gear five when comes to work, although it has been a lil hectic. I just cut my hair short (just slightly lower than the shoulder length) and dyed it lighter brown than before. I wonder what my boss might think, but then again, there's nothing new with that. I'm a person with an attitude, at least not so rebellious as others, but I still want to be outstanding than the norms. Like wearing my watch on the right hand, although I'm a right-handed person.

I still got lots unfinished projects to be completed. My short film hasn't start shooting. My story treatment for the animations and game still pending. I haven't got any inspiration on what drama I want to do, although I got slightly idea what I want to be doing.... what I'm trying to say... I've lower down to gear two and start smelling the roses. I just want to be able to take life easy and enjoy the rest of what remained. Yea, yea I know... I worked my ass off, I forgot how it was to just simply have fun. ~~I think I've sort of wasted my 10 years concentrating on works that now I missed all the parties in life.~~ Well, I do party hard, at least I used to. Wait, what am I complaining about... gezh. I've no regret really.

Anyway, I got to go off for breakfast. Later, you nosey lots! :-P

P.S. You gotta listen to this... coz you are f*ckin' perfect to me :-)

Sacrifice

2011-01-13T13:30:00.000+08:00

I know, I know. You miss me, right? Yes, I know.

Life has been a lil hectic. Although I haven't entirely settled in, for I still miss the winter breeze in London, the walks I had in its city, the unique and different faces I saw in the tube, the music I heard softly playing by the street artists, accents that I so loved and the company and attentions from my cousin. Yes. I still miss London and everything is still so vividly lingering in my mind like a record with ever-lasting batteries. I missed its life and the air of freedom where I could simply be me. *sighs* Yes, yes. Back to reality. Ooppss! I'm in Malaysia :-\

I was asked by few, why not I give it a try to actually live in London. What a delicious invitation. Weighing everything that I've achieved and accomplished here, it is indeed a big sacrifice to just leave it behind. But sometimes I thought to myself, it might worth a try for I do yearned for change. Maybe I had been thinking about it unconsciously, to which brought me upon dreaming last night that I actually quit my job. I'm still considering it, for sometimes I don't know whether it is an option to do so.

I was also asked, why someone like me, with much to offer is still single. How much I hate to be asked that question, for I wish I have the right answer but I simply don't. I do long for companionship. Maybe all these while being busy and accompanied with works, I never actually thought of it. But yes, as much as I want to be independent and loving my singlehood, I do wish for someone that I can simply go home to and share my day with. Someone's shoulder I could cry and lean on, ensuring everything will be fine. I want to be pampered and loved. I never really see it before but how visible these yearnings now. Okay, I better stop before I sounded so desperate. *haha*

This is a new single by Ricky Martin and I simply LOVE it. Not just the song and its meaning but how the video is made. Enjoy! :D

2011-01-03T18:21:00.000+08:00

Starting the year with being sick is really awesome... NOT. I have been staying in bed, sleeping at odd hours, eating a meal in a day and today for some reasons, I'm feeling feisty. And I always believed to start the year good, but I guess I didn't. It's the first day of school today and I had to get MC for it. And I have no car, so I basically have to trouble others to pick me up and stuffs. It's frustrating.

Reminded me again why I do love London Underground Tube. It is so convenient. But when it went on strike on Boxing Day, it was such troublesome to many. Even I had to figure how to get a public bus to get back to Stockwell. Luckily I managed to.

I have been really positive with life throughout 2010. I'm not sure why I am being in such mood these few days since the new year starts. Is it shadowing me that it is going to be a bad year? Let's hope not. I've to remain calm and set my mind, knowing there's nothing that God and I can't handle. With this, I pray.

Ushering 2011

2011-01-01T00:30:00.001+08:00

Sorry for the silence as it had been hectic since Christmas. I celebrated Christmas at aunt's place near Boston Manor station. It was rather a simple celebration, cousin got sick =( and was confirmed with influanza. So basically I got to arrange myself on heading to the airport by myself to which was not really a problem. But I guess there's a good thing too, we won't be crying at each other goodbye.

Looking back at 2010... I couldn't really recall much but I must say I had done a great deal for 2010. Joining KK Treasure hunt running around KK, set a drama team for my new school for the first time and managed to get fourth place, gone to Seoul, South Korea and London as I wished for, but unfortunately just couple hours before the year ended, I banged into someone's back car. Meaning I've to be spending more. What a way to end the year!

I'd no choice but to stay calm and positive, thinking that just to get rid of some bad luck. I hope it won't cost me much as I would ve to pay two cars repair services. To which I've to really start saving for the new 2011!

Not gonna be making resolutions... I'll do my best in achieving what I can and pray for God's blessing and protection for 2011. May there be world peace. Amen.

Leaving on a jet plane

2010-12-28T03:01:00.002+08:00

London, I'm gonna be missing you...

Posh

2010-12-16T02:26:00.000+08:00

Mind The Gap

2010-12-14T16:23:00.000+08:00

Yikes, I'm entering my third week visit in London, meaning I've less than two weeks before heading back home. I have been having tremendous fun I wasn't even homesick! I truly enjoy the company of my cousin and his friends, and everything that he has to share with me while I'm here. He would be telling me of that place, and this place, of that food and stuffs. It's a never ending knowledge and information! Amazing how much he knows things! I love and adore him to bits! XD

Let's see what I've covered of late. I went to my lil adventure to London Bridge, Westminster and Piccadilly Circus one afternoon. And all I did was just bear with the cold and snap pics of things I see. So basically no pics of me as it was a solo adventure haha. It is really convenient to be travelling around London providing you master the Underground tube. It's very easy indeed, I mastered it the first day itself and already took it by myself to meet my cousin after his work hours. Shocking eh? And it is everywhere in London! You won't miss a thing! Wait, you won't get lost was what I was to say. *laughs*

Then over the weekends, cousin, Mauro and I went to Camden town. Oh how I love Camden town. Basically because there were full of arts gallery in the Stable Market. (Thanks Mauro for buying me one of them!) Plus, the food, omg... the food in Camden Market, you just want to eat everything.. there were serving Indian, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Africans, etc food! You just choose what you want to eat ;-) My kinda place hahaha. AND while we were having our Morocco Mint Tea and Baklava, some pigeon pooped on my cam bag. :-\ Yea, talking about luck!

Then in the evening we head to Leamington Spa, which is 2 hours away from London by train. It's where Mauro lives so we thought of staying overnight. Nice small town, I actually think it's kinda posh! (Yea, I learnt that here, Posh and Rough lol) Mauro and cousin cooked dinner and we watched X Factor where Cher was eliminated. I fell asleep towards the end. It was such a long day!

Woke up and set to Oxford. On our way back to the train, Leamington Spa was having an open market along the street of its town. It was cool. I must say I really love the markets here. Haha. Reached Oxford by noon, I was then running out of memory space in my cam (yea, I took just too many pics lol) so we had to go to a photo shop and got it burnt into a DVD that cost me 10 pounds! *yikes* We had Sunday roast at The Eagle and The Child bar. Then set off around Oxford with me being a tourist snapping pics everywhere. AND I got pooped again, landed on my right shoulder. Luckily there was public toilet nearby. Grrrr...

We visited Christ Church and the famous dinning hall of the first Harry Potter was filmed. Also the famous Alice in Wonderland was written by its Maths professor. Interesting eh? Oh the highlight of the day was when Mauro was asked to be a volunteer for a street fire performance. It was fun!

We took off from Oxford quite late, trying to catch Burlesque show that cousin had booked in London. But the train was delayed and eventually terminated due to some mad person jumped onto the train track. (We were told he was still alive, luckily.) So we got stranded in Southall for nearly 45 mins so we took a bus to the nearest tube and headed back home instead. I was a lil disappointed unable to watch Burlesque but I guess it was just not meant to be then.

So that's basically covered my last week's. I'm gonna do my bus tour today and hope there'll be more pics coming up. What I love about the bus tour coz it's gonna be on the famous Double Decker bus! Yay... I'm gonna be bracing the cold again hahaha.

And before I end... I think one of my students (although anonymous) asked me to comment on gay and lesbian relationship. So briefly here, I really got nothing against these people as I believe it is a choice that is made by an individual, to which at times out of their own wish. We are taught with values, culture, beliefs and religions and we have to embrace them knowing what's best. But truly, happiness can only be felt when you are true to yourself and be what or who you want to be. So it is up to you. In fact I think those gay people are geniuses, posh and brave. So whoever they are, they are still an individual who wants to be happy and lives life as they wish. AND should be treated equally the same. After all we live life once. What they do are their own actions and responsibilities. Who are we to judge them? And having to say that, doesn't mean I'm encouraging you to be gay *laughs* I am merely saying be who you really want to be. THE END.

Sunday Roast

2010-12-14T00:43:00.000+08:00

I'm in London!

2010-12-08T18:53:00.002+08:00

The day before yesterday, I went to St Paul's Cathedral with cousin. (In case you do not have a slight idea of what it is, it was where Princess Diana got married to Prince Charles). It was indeed an amazing experience, admiring the beauty of its architecture. We didn't managed to visit most of it, as it was about to close for evening prayer. But we went round the ground floor and the Dome which was indeed a long climb. But the view from the Dome was amazing! It was really cold to be out though, bracing with the icy cold. I didn't dare to climb up to the top as it was kinda scary to be climbing down. After that, cousin and I sat for the evening prayers to see how it was done. Indeed an awesome experience. We warmed up with him having his beer and I had my mulled wine.

And the day before yesterday yesterday *lol* cousin brought me to Soho to which next to China Town, known as the gay area and we visited some of the toy shops. I must say it got me speechless to see some of the sizes *coughs* but it was fun fun fun. :D

And yesterday I went to Oxford Circus all the way to Primark to do my solo shopping. I'm planning to go again today *winks*winks* :-)

By the way, I thought of you, AAB. Hope you are well. Miss you during this season...

IMAX Biggest Screen in Britain!

2010-12-06T18:38:00.001+08:00

It had been a hectic schedule as I'm out in London and whereabouts that to actually blog about it now, making me feel extremely lazy. So I'm gonna let these pics tell you the story themselves. By the way, X Factor is such a big deal here. Cousin and I were in a bar so we won't missed it last night and seeing the responses from the people were really overwhelming. How I love London! :-D

Last Second Tickets

2010-12-04T01:13:00.000+08:00

@ cousin's working place, stealing them for a sec for a pic hehe. :D

Brrrr....

2010-12-03T14:36:00.003+08:00

I'm just too lazy to be blogging but just an update on my current activities. I took the underground tube by myself and I must say it is the most convenient means of transportation! Everything is clear and accurate. All I need to do is go online and type in where I need to go and how to get there and it will tell me which line or train I need to be taking. So I met cousin and his colleague, Ru from Taiwanese at Green Park, and it was snowing so it was really cold. We walked to the Hyde Park, where there this German open market. We had German sausage hotdog for dinner. Had beer and mulled wine. Mulled wine is a warm cooked wine with herbs. I love it, especially on a cold weather like this! Then we took the tube again and went to this bar to meet with cousin's friends. Had wine and good convo going on. Then we danced! But we left before 1am to catch the tube. It was a fun night indeed!

Let it snow.... :D

The next day, I took the tube again to meet with cousin and Ru at Bank Station. Went to Express Pizza and ordered three type of pizzas. Luckily these men can eat! lol. I love the dough balls :) Afterthat, we went to Ben's cookies where cousin used to work before. He made me Cafe Latte :) Then they headed back to work and I had to brace on the cold windy weather to take pics of few buildings. And I got back to the station to catch the next tube before it gets dark. As it gets dark by 4pm here.

And it snows even more. It gets thicker. One of these days I'm gonna make a snowman! :D

And yesterday we decoed the house with Christmas decorations. Love it! There will be Christmas party this Saturday. Surely I will be loving Christmas this year :D

White London

2010-11-30T19:40:00.002+08:00

The book that accompanied my journey

The nice looking blue eyed stranger that sat next to me

I had 24 hours travelling yesterday. Got up early as 6am, went to the airport at around 7:30am. Flew to KL at 9:45am. Arrived 12:20pm, immediately rushed to check-in to London. Flew at 2:30pm for freaking 13 hours! The flight felt like forever! I was sitting next to this nice young man, who taking different flights so he gets back to NYC. We didn't talk much coz I sensed he's a shy type. LOL. I read my 'Eat, Pray, Love', took a lil pic of the flight and slept most of the time. I thought the stewardess was a bit rude and loud the way she talked :-\

Arrived in Stansted airport at 8:30pm, got my passport stamped, my luggage when the fire alarm alert was announced. So we were stopped at the customs entrance for 15 mins or so. Few teens were doing this action dance kinda move game and we were entertained while we waited. I was excited to be meeting my cousin Hee at the airport and he handed me my welcome pack. (Yes, he is so thoughtful like that, I adore that young man!) Inside, there's map of London and a guidebook, my UK new sim card, my Oyster card for underground and bus and infos on his home, contacts and the internet password. (Yes, so thoughtful, right?) So we took the train to Liverpool street hoping to catch the underground but only to know it was closed, due to some riot on pay increase demands. So we had to take the double decker bus and got to chances to view London! I saw the Napoleon statue, the church where Princess Di got married, Big Ben, London Eye, etc. By the time we reached home it was midnight London time and Malaysia was just 8am. So I couldn't really sleep but cousin and I got to chat before I told him to sleep as he got work in the morning. He rented this flat and I thought it was really comfy. I love it! :-D I was online for a bit till I tried to sleep around 2am. Thank God I managed to shut eyes for abit!

I woke up couple hours early before the sun was up. Mind you, the sun was up before 9am. And guess what... it snows!!! Wow, cousin said I'm lucky coz it's snow first day today and I got to experience it on my 2nd day! It was freezing cold but I love it. We went out to the Tesco mart and bought food since I planned to stay in and get some rest. Experiencing bracing the snow was awesome, eventhough I can feel my face was numb.

Outside the bedroom window

Outside the house

Guess that's all for now. Day two in London, signing off :-)

Much Awaited

2010-11-26T17:01:00.003+08:00

One of my resolution this year is to travel to London. I had promised my cousin countless times that I will make it there one day... and over the years I've yet still able to do so, until this year where I was determined to make it comes true.

I know that I just got back from Seoul, South Korea and surely that was indeed an awesome trip. But I am so looking forward for this trip coz I'll be spending my whole month holiday with my best cousin Shaw Hee and although the winter will surely make me freeze my brain out, but hey... I'm sure it's gonna be an amazing experience! He had make reservation for one of the weekends to Scotlands and also reservation to watch Harry Potter in IMAX! Yes, didn't I say he is the best cousin!? I adore that young man! :-D

So I got my boarding pass from web check-in. And gonna start my packing tonight. I'm gonna be bringing my cam and capture 'everything'! Did I tell you I just bought a new lense EF 50mm f/1.8 II? Love it! Just two days left... and I will be in a foreign land. :-D

P.S. Wish Brenda and Eeteng are there. :-\
Also, I watched 'Rapunzel' - LOVE it! :-D

Me Time

2010-11-22T21:10:00.000+08:00

I just talked to Atama and it seemed it is impossible to have the shooting location to be done this weekends. And since I won't be around, the whole planning has to be scheduled for next year! I'm not sure whether it is a good thing or not, since I always believe that good things shouldn't be delayed. Anyway, it is an advantage over my side. I was offered to attend a conference sometime in December as well, and I had to decline it as well due to my trip. Another loss of an opportunity. Oh well, I guess this is indeed me time. So yea. I just gotta forget about work and just have some good time. But surely I hope I will be inspired to finish the animation treatment by December and the whole planning for the shooting so at least by next year, everything is ready. I foreseen a busy but fruitful year ahead :-D

P.S. I've been having really weird dreams lately. Opposite to what I will be having in my future. Like last week I dreamt I couldn't find my passport a day before my trip. And last night I dreamt my sis had made my car so dirty I got so upset. I even asked her why she did what she did, knowing how fussy I am about cleanliness and my car! *laughs and rolls my eyes* Damn, I forgot to tell her about that dream! *laughs*

6 days to go

2010-11-22T18:22:00.000+08:00

It's officially the end of school term and I'm on my long holiday. Work will be resumed on 03rd January 2011. *Woohooo* This is the time when I counted my blessing being a teacher. *Hehe* Yet, I only have this week to settle on matters, especially on Atama's short film. I finally came up with a good storyline for it and I met the director a.k.a. the cameraman. We sat down and discussed on it. Since the crew will only be available this weekends, giving me the opportunity to settle on my own stuffs and plan out for the shooting location as well. Atama had assigned me as the production manager, thus the whole planning is under my control. I may just hope everything will go smoothly as planned. The cast will be handled by Atama himself and he is the producer, of course. He actually wanted to have a press conference for this, but I told him to keep a low profile until the whole thing is completed and see how the outcomes of it. I'm actually excited but rather collected. I need to ensure that the product of it is as how I would have imagined it to be.

And since we have the weekends (exactly two days of shooting), I need to do my packing in advance. Yep, I'm flying off to my next travel. Not gonna say it out loud till I'm safely landed on its soil. *LOL* So, it is going to be a busy week indeed.

I met the other teachers that went to the same trip to Korea over lunch. We had a good discussion on the post mortem, to which I need to prepare the whole report for it. I'm glad I had completed works at school so I could concentrate on this as well. Surely will be done soon :-)

I guess that's all to be said. Till then... have a good one ;-) Cherios!

My current wallpaper

2010-11-19T18:46:00.002+08:00

I'm not meant for you

2010-11-18T17:19:00.001+08:00

Four walls and no you.. Huh... Wow.

2010-11-08T17:43:00.001+08:00

Thanks to Dina, for introducing me to this song. I love it instantly. :-)

Stompin' Sabah 2010

2010-11-07T21:20:00.002+08:00

Last year I won two VVIP tickets for Stompin' Sabah and counted the end of 2009 at Jesselton Point with sis. I had a blast! And early this year, I won myself a free Stompin' Sabah tee and was invited to their club party at Sheningan. AND yesterday, I won two tickets for this year Stompin' Sabah and I brought along Felicia to stomp KK with me! Since I had to be there by 6pm to get the tickets from Breeze Mag, it was pouring heavily last night non stop. Met Felish and we had dinner at Little Italy. We basically walked under the rain with just an umbrella from Jesselton Point to Little Italy, just because Felish refused to dine at Jesselton Point. And coz it was still early, we walked to Suria Sabah and hung out at Times reading some magazines. It was still raining at 9pm when we walked back for the concert. We got tickets for the arena but shortly afterthat we were given two VIP tickets. *LOL* But we stayed at the arena most of the time as it was much happening and rocking in that area. The concert was ok despite of the rain and everyone with their umbrellas blocking the view of the stage. Thank goodness for the two big screen on each side of the stage, otherwise we won't be able to see a thing! I must say that the concert last year was so much better. The only thing that made this year a fantastic one is because of beatboxer Shawn Lee and performances from Wicked Aura Batucada! They were the ones that stomp KK for sure. Ella, our queen of rock did her few performances before re-entered for her second shift. But it was still nothing compared to Wicked Aura Batucada. I got home pretty late last night, showered and slept late as I was still pretty much awaken by the concert. I hope next year it will better and hoping I will still be getting free tickets ;-)

Below are the two performers that I enjoyed watching last night. You will know why after viewing them ;-)

Spices

2010-11-06T14:24:00.000+08:00

I didn't expect much of today, being one of the laziest weekends. As I got message from Atama to meet him at Starbucks by noon, I was late for 10 mins and glad that he wasn't in yet. But as I ordered my cafe latte, settled in and turned on my lappy, he walked in. Shook hands, I immediately got down to business. And surprisingly, our meeting was more casual and instead of actually talking about the upcoming animation project we are working on, we talked a lot of other things. Basically on how to promote and create a cultural awareness through multimedia. Before I knew it, we are going to meet next week with his team and brainstorm on a short film. I basically only have 3 weeks here and I hope it could be done then. But then again with such notice, I've to start cracking my head for a story. But since my brain works in a mysterious way.. *LOL* I do need to sit down with the rest of the team and brainstorm on the potential story. I believe each and everyone of us has their own unique creative ways and normally the product out of it will be fantastic. I told Atama, not to aim too high nor go far. Just start with our very own community... to which if we were able to capture them, eventually what we do will spread out and that itself will start a trend. Afterall, he himself is already a trademark.

I still couldn't believe that I will be working with him, in something like this. I know I always wanted to be working on something creative, but hey. *Yes dear Lord, You always listen to my silent prayers* :-) I guess only when I really see the products out of all these discussions, then I will believe it that it is happening.

I hope I will have fun out of these, providing that it is coming to an end term of work, with much works to be completed in two weeks time. :-) *fingers crossed*

Oh the same time I checked on my FB, I won the freaking Stompin' Sabah ticket concert again this year! Unbelievable! I won the VVIP tickets last year, bringing my sis along with me. This time I'm gonna bring Felicia and hope she'll enjoy it. I wasn't planning on going for this concert although I did have so much fun last year... but I guess it will be good for me to just jump, dance, sing and scream my heart out! So I got concert to attend to tonight ;-)

Alrighty, I finished my cafe latte. I guess I should be checking out of Starbucks. Later fellow blog readers :-P

Autumn in my heart

2010-11-04T18:31:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow

2010-11-03T16:53:00.003+08:00

Gravity pulling me down

2010-11-01T08:57:00.003+08:00

Thanks to my students who took the trouble to prepare this dance during the school charity dinner. I really appreciate it considering you guys only had few days to practise for it. It was good and I loved it. Thanks! :-D

Happy Birthday Hiew Tian Yen!! :D

2010-10-31T21:58:00.005+08:00

It is my bestie's birthday today - Hiew Tian Yen. And for those who do not know Tian Yen, or also known as Ah Tiam, I got to know her when she was asked to help me out with the drama team back in 2005, to which officially made us being friends for 5 years now. And since we went all the way to National level, we endured lots of ups and downs. She had been helping me with the drama team eversince even after we got transfered together to KK, she still helped me with my current school in giving opinions and ideas.

Anyway, since it is her day, I devoted my day to be with her. Afterall her hubby is away in Indonesia at the moment. So we started off at 9am, where I fetched her from her house. We had our breakfast at this chinese restaurant in Towering Penampang. I had my usual fav of flatten rice noodles, also known as Wantan Ho.

She had something similar, except hers was noodles. Then I asked her what she wanted to do today, as I would be all hers. So her idea of spending her birthday was to pamper herself - hair wash, manicure, pedicure, shopping and massage. So we did :-) (Btw, don't mind Hiew's eye bags. She watched sad movie last night that got her crying hard. *LOL*)

This is me taking snaps of myself at the saloon. *hehe*

We had our hair washed, did our manicure and pedicure. It was reaching to noon that we got off to Suria Sabah for shopping. :-D I sent my car for polish to which it was raining in the afternoon *rolls my eyes* :-\ Our first stop, surprise, surprise... Times bookstore. *laughs out loud* Yea... she got 20% discount for her birthday so she wanted to buy a book or two. And I took the opportunity to get one as well :-D

I was actually happy when I saw this book - 52 photographic projects. I loved it! I immediately held it close and showed it to Hiew. Then she showed me "This is not a book" to which I found interesting so I bought it as well... so two books instead. *LOL* Hiew couldn't really decided on what book she wanted, eventually after my recommendation, she bought "P.S. I love you" :-)

Then we went to Metrojaya, shopped till we got separated. I bought myself new bras and panties *blushes* and a new camera bag!!!! Love it! And when I met Hiew, we were showing off our shopping stuffs before we proceeded to next shoppings *hehe*.

It was raining so we decided to head home and cancelled on our plan for massage. And since we didn't take lunch, we had satay and bread for our afternoon tea. :-D

I gave Hiew this Starbucks Chocolate Milk coin for her birthday and wishing her good health and wealth! With a condition that she had to eat it all in front of me, to which she did. I got that choco from Korea anyway! And I only have 3 of it, so she better knew how special she was to get one from me :-P

Here, wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Hiew. And for many many more to come. May all your wishes and dreams come true. And may we be friends till we are old and cranky. Hehe. *HUGS* Love ya! :-)

P.S. Happy birthday as well to my sis's hubby, Mr.Wong and to Trish's bro - Jedd Chung. *cheers* :-D

Trip To Seoul Part Three

2010-10-27T15:20:00.010+08:00

Right... my final entry on my trip to Seoul South Korea :-) And to complete my evil intention in making Catherina Wong boils and turns green with envy. *hehe*

Perasan juga her ya, that she is pretty? Haha! Well, you are, Cathz :-P
But before you go any further, please let this song plays in the background as you read this. This song 'Travel in the sky by Jack Johnson' had basically accompanied me in the bus as I looked out to the beautiful Seoul from my bus window - of its people, of its buildings, culture, cars, everything. Yes, I missed Seoul :-)

Day 5 : Oct 20.

This day considered as 'working day' as we spent the whole day visiting one particular school - Haja Centre. Again, I was inspired. By their syllabus, their appreciations towards arts, talents and creativity. An opportunity for us to be interacting with Koreans was overwhelming as they were very friendly, patient, kind and helpful.

First of, we were introduced to what Haja Centre is all about and did a tour on the school. Then we were brought to their hall where we basically sat on the floor (I loved the smell of the wood and its simplicity) and coloured buttons with our names on it. Oh did I say that they use nicknames in this school? Yes, the students and teachers were given and called by their nicknames instead of their actual real names, with the reason that everyone is the same and they got along closer better this way. What a genius start, I told myself. I might use the same method next year with my own students :-) But then again, my students called me Ms.Lat... that already considered a nickname? :-D

Then we were taught on this dance to which I heard Folk or Poke dance. Whichever. But it was kinda cute dance but you gotta be alert to be able to dance it. After that we proceeded for lunch. Indonesian cooking! Finally, something to our liking! Hehe! It was yummy! (The cook was an Indonesian, that's why lol)

My team had to prepare themselves with makeups and costumes as it was their turns to perform their cultural dances to the Koreans. Given an hour and half, we were set!

With 4 type of dances and one song sang duet by them, it was a successful event! They made us so proud and made Sabah proud indeed :-)

It was kinda adorable watching those Koreans trying out our cultural traditional dance but they were really sporting to try them out. *Salute to the Koreans at Haja Centre!*

After the final performance of Malaysia Truly Asia, we had photo sessions with them. A chance to keep something to remember by. :-)

As soon as my team changed into their casual attire, we were taught on how to make a candle deco using used can drink. It was interesting and seeing how creative they could recycle used materials only showed how advance these people are. As we waited for the candle to be boiled and melted out from the cans, we were entertained by three songs sang by them, along with a contemporary dance accompanied by reciting a Korean poetry. It was beautiful indeed.

Our final activity was to write messages on the boxes where we would be keeping the can. It was a bit touchy and most of us got sensitive and sentimental as we knew after this trip, everyone would be leading their own lives. I could hear some of them saying "I hate this", "This small box is not enough to write on", etc. I took the chances to write something more meaningful to each individual of the team. How such activity had become something so meaningful at the end, for us.

As we bid goodbye by 7pm, we were sad to leave as we had so much fun. We had ginseng chicken soup for dinner... another must-try-dish. Another an hour and half drive back to the hotel, but it was rather noisy in the bus by this time. Coz the team had done their duty in performing their dances, after 2 months of hard work and practices. The girls were hugging and crying. Then they were singing and dancing in the bus (I could imagine what the driver and the tour guide might thought of us *LOL*) We gave them the chances to have their own freedom that night... to which some slept extremely late just chatting away. *rolls eyes* Typical teenagers.

Day 6 : Oct 21.

We went to the Blue house in the morning. It was ok as we got to know Korea's history. As Korea would be having their G20 meeting, we got the chances to be sitting on the round table on each country and pretended to be the presidents. But the topic was about what for lunch *hahaha*

We walked across to the Palace. To which... *ehems* I was way at the back from the tour group with one of my student (Jeffrey), busy taking pics. *Haha* Before we knew it, the group was out of sight. *Oh hoh* Yep, we were lost. Jeff said that the tour guide mentioned about going to an exhibition, while I thought I saw one of the teacher went to different route. But I believed him anyway and we went to the National Folk Museum of Korea. We went round and round but the group was no where to be seen. So we got out and we went to the different path to the palaces. Still no sign.

By now, I told Jeff that we would surely be scolded. *haha* Jeff blamed himself on his poor directions. I told him it would fine as I was sure they would be coming to look for us. To which was right, they did. One of the teacher found us and brought us back to the team. The team leader was kinda angry but didn't show it to us. Everyone was asking where did we go and how it felt to be lost. But to me, it was alright coz I knew they won't go anywhere without us anyway *whistles innocently* Jeff said to me that he got the chances to be in the adventure with me. Upon hearing it, another student - Serena said, "I wished I was with you, Ms.Lat." *laughs* The tour must be boring but then again Serena always got bored easily. *rolls eyes* Anyway, even when we were lost, we still took lots of pics. *LMAO*

The big palace was amazing. The tour guide told us that the straight path was higher for the King to walk on. You should notice that from the pic above.

The tour ended with the visit to the Museum to which Jeff and I had covered. So I stayed out and took more pics instead. *grins*

After lunch, another BBQ pork *ugh* we went shopping in Sadong. I loved the street along the way where there was no end of shops. It reminded me of Bangsar in KL somehow. Except this is longer. We separated and to meet couple hours at the other end of the street. I took the chances to snap pics of Seoul and its people. Oh of course I did buy something for myself. I couldn't resist it this time. I bought myself a ring cost me 40,000 won. Yep that cost me RM140. And a hat of 12,000 won. (Thanks to Jeff who obsessed with hats, got me influenced :-\)

In the evening, we went to the War Memorial museum. We had fun taking pics most of the time here.

We ended the day having sizzling Bimbimbak which tasted better than the first time we tried it in Modan School. That was our final night to be in Seoul. :-)

Day 7 : Oct 22.

We checked out rather early in the morning as we got to drive out to Seoul in couple hours before it was jammed. We had our final shopping at Gil street. I could see my students were rushing to do their final shopping. The girls went gugu gaga over boots and dresses, the boys over Supra shoes. All I did was stop at Starbucks and bought my coffee. *hehe* Oh and also a Starbucks candy can *whistles innocently* Well, I did buy a sweater for 15,000 won. After I paid it, my Canon DSLR cam accidentally dropped. It was a loud bang. *OMG* Yes, Jeff and I were shocked! I stayed calm and collected... took it and tried it out outside of the shop. *PHEW* It worked perfectly fine. *THANK GOD*

In the bus everyone was busy showing off their shoppings. Meanwhile I told the teachers I dropped my cam and Jeremiah (KDCA ISCEP alumni and currently studying in Seoul Uni whom joined us on that final day) told us that it is cheaper to be buying lenses and cam in Seoul. (Grrrrrrrrr........ and you are telling me this, NOW???!?!?!) Anyway, maybe on my next trip to Seoul, I might buy one since he said it is cheaper :-\

We headed back to Incheon and had our final lunch in Seoul. Bought some snacks and tidbits for my family, friends and colleagues to which cost me 50,500 won. Yea, they were quite expensive but at least I bought something for them.

While waiting for the rest, I got to the bus early along with other students. In the bus they were telling me about how Adam, one of the students could see ghost in the first hotel we stayed. (Damn, luckily we were leaving Seoul, coz all these while I had been staying alone in the condo-hotel room) And I was basically stayed up late at the internet cafe being online, too. Oh well. *shrugs* Then some of them said that they lost their money, Serena lost 30,000 won, Vil 50,000 won. Made me wonder if I lost any of mine coz I hardly counted what I spent. *another shrugs*

We left for the airport at 3pm. Checked in, hugged our tour guide whom had been extremely patient with us! And waited in the boarding hall. We flew at 6:30pm Korean time and reached Sabah Malaysia at 11:30pm Malaysia time. It was good to be home :-) We had our last group hug at the airport before everyone said goodbye. We were to meet again on Nov 7th though :-)

Serena, couldn't wait to be the first... she rather waited at the corner where she could rush to be first on the line. *LOL*

So that's the whole trip. I might miss few details here and there but overall it had been an awesome trip. To my surprise and out of my expectation, where I wasn't excited for the trip, but looking back, I'm glad that I went for this trip. It was inspiring and eye opening. It made me a better person I was before.

The more I learnt and travelled, the humble I become. Thanks Seoul. Till we meet, again. :-)

My Trip To Seoul Part Two

2010-10-26T20:30:00.010+08:00

Day 3 : Oct 18

We checked out from our resort and were brought to Yeoju Premium Outlets. Yes... shopppppinnnnnnnggggggg! *Finally* But instead of getting excited of shopping, I hunted for Starbucks *whistles innocently* Yep, me and my starbucks. It helped my migraine too! And what more surprisingly, I managed to fight the temptation to actually not shop for anything!! Yes, I kid you not. I didn't buy anything! *shocks of myself as well*

Instead I had fun watching my students running around taking pics, shopping and for some, just like myself, just wondering around. But at least I'd my coffee in my hand, with my other hand in my pocket ;-)

We had a very late lunch as we headed to Kimchi Making Centre. They planted ginseng as well, as we were welcomed to a short intro on ginseng and drank ginseng milk. It was actually good. Then we were led to the kitchen, wore our aprons and ready to make kimchi! Do you know that kimchi is actually scientifically proven to be good for health? And Koreans must have kimchi in every meal! Interestingly, the kimchi we made would be donated to the needy :-) If you had no idea what kimchi is, *rolls my eyes* you just gotta do your own research :-P

We had a light meal of fishcake soup and kimchi pizza, made by the owner's wife (whom face incredibly smooth and young looking for her age).

As soon as that was over, we were brought to the dressing room where Korea traditional costumes were waving at us, asking us to try them on. Just imagine the excitement of my team looking for their own costumes to try on. It was like a free shopping spree. *haha*

That was one of the boys, dressed in a woman traditional costume, with big boobs hehe.

As we bid goodbye to the owner and his wife, the excitement didn't end there. We were looking forward to one thing throughout the trip. Visit to Everland theme park! We were set free like kids running freely looking for Easter eggs! I joined with one of the male teachers along with few students and we immediately aimed for the wooden roller coaster T-express! The queue was long... we waited for nearly 40mins before our turn! And the sound of the screams and the wooden track didn't help us throughout the waiting. I kept saying how much I wished I could just turn back and blaming the male teacher for dragging me along into it. (To which I actually wanted to do it, just blaming on someone might made me feel better :-P ) If you wanna know how it was like, just watch this vid :-D

Sat on the 5th seating, next to my student... I screamed and occasionally shouted 'sh*t' and 'OMG' throughout the ride. *haha* There was once I turned to her and said "I hate youuuuu" hahaha. I closed my eyes most of the time but it still didn't beat the feeling of your body lifted up as if you were to fall anytime soon. Yes that was the scariest part of it all. Although the roller coaster track looked long, but it was so fast... I was glad to know that it was over. It did felt short. Haha! No regret tho, at least I took that ride in Korea. I have the guts to tell others how much I had balls to ride that scary wooden roller coaster :-P

T Express
Theme Park: Everland
Park Location: Yongin, South Korea
Coaster Type: Triple Out and Back
Ride Length: 3 minutes
Top Speed: 104 km/h
Highest Point: 56.01 metres
Length: 1,640.99 metres
Other Specs: South Korea's first Wooden Roller Coaster, Steepest first drop for a Wooden Roller Coaster in the world, Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster in Asia

We didn't get to ride anything else as time was limited. We did have a walk around the theme park and I bought a small red hair bow for my niece. We had dinner BBQ pork, but I had mushroom steamboat instead. Afterthat we had an hour drive to our hotel - Hanwha Resort in Yongin, reaching 10pm. By this time, it was chilling cold. And the good thing about it, they had internet cafe on 2nd floor. Finally, I was connected to the world! Hahaha!

Day 4 : Oct 19.

We got up early for breakfast and immediately left to Korea Folk Village along with the principals group. Another beautiful place to visit as we were taught on Korean traditional houses and way of life. (Ok, ok... I think by now you would notice I'm getting lazy to blog this... so I'm making it as simple as possible :-P )

After lunch we stopped at Face Shop (made me wonder why was this in the package but oh well... we probably would learnt why the Koreans' skin are so perfectly nice and smooth *hehe*) Funny thing about this, we got to mock on the promoter who introduced us to the facial products. He (yes, he.) kept saying 'Please waiting' instead of 'please wait'. So since then, we always teasingly said, please waiting.... hehe.

We went for more shopping in the afternoon at Doota. Shopping was mad as we got to see and shop Korean fashions! I took the chances to shop for souvenirs and spent 40,000 won on them. (But at least I got 1,500 won tax refund tho). Again, time was limited. We stopped at this river-man-made in the middle of Seoul for 15 mins before back on the road for dinner. And what impressed me, they actually supported the breast cancer campaign. Cool!

Had dinner, and back to the hotel. I was staying alone in my condo-like-hotel-room. :-D

...to be continued...again. :-P

My Trip To Seoul Part One

2010-10-25T15:50:00.019+08:00

As most of you readers out there knew, I was away for Seoul South Korea the whole last week for work and leisure. I was actually too lazy to be blogging about it, as I hardly jotted down any journal throughout the trip (although I am assigned to report about the trip *lol*) but because my beloved dearest envious curious nosey former student Catherina Wong wanted to know about the trip... so here goes, Cath :-P

Day One : Oct. 15 & Oct 16.

As much awaited, the trip for Korea was finally here. In my previous entries, I stated that I wasn't entirely excited over the trip. As I left for work and colleagues wished me for a safe trip, I got home and finished my packing. I was still not anticipated with the trip, for some reasons. Sis sent me to the airport around 9pm and already some of them were already there early. We changed into our official tee and I could sense their excitement in the air. We checked in and bid goodbye to families and friends.

We flew in Korean Air, 12:05am Oct.16. As the pilot announced of departing, we whispered goodnight to Sabah Malaysia. The flight took 5 hours to be exact. Seated with my other two students, we listened to Korean songs (which were not bad at all for first timer like me) and swinging our hands in the air, trying our best to enjoy the flight. We noticed how sexy and cute those air stewardesses in their blue blouses and white tight skirts; and how old and gay looking was the steward *LOL* Their English were not perfect, having that as our first experience in trying to understand their accent. We managed to get some sleep... some not at all (yea, you can't blame those we were excited :-P)

The team was assigned to write a journal throughout the trip so they took the opportunity to kill the hours on plane to write their first mixture of emotions. I couldn't be bothered watching whatever movie that was on and tried to get 3 hours of eyes shut.

Upon reaching Seoul, we could see the line light of sunrise welcoming us like open arms. Another day in a foreign country, those beautiful colours of sunrise gave us hope and joy that it would be an awesome experience indeed. Arrived 6am Korea time (5am Malaysia time), we were welcomed by our tour guides. (By this time I turned on my phone only to my disappointment discovery that I couldn't use it at all! Grrrrrr..... :-( Stupid Digi!) My team was already thrilled with their first encounter at the airport itself - the Koreans were fashionable fair slim good looking people! We took our road trip on the tour bus heading to Modan School (also known as Modern School) which took 3 hours drive out of Seoul. On the road, we were forced to watch Daejanggeum (if I spelt that right, I kinda forgot) and it was rather an interesting drama. I learnt my first Korean word - 'Yeh', which mean 'yes' *haha*. Next I learnt "Annyong Haseyo" which means 'hi' and 'Kamsamhamida' - 'thanks'. Out of the bus window, I noticed Kia cars were everywhere! Naza, Hyundai, etc. We stopped after an hour half for washroom and refreshment. Again we were awaken by how modern and fashionable people were in Korea. As I headed to the ladies', I was bumped by these Korean ladies - I apologised and they couldn't be bothered! Instantly I realised it was probably a normal thing for them *blank*

But wanna know what else I discovered? In the ladies', they did not have an extra tap or water hose for you-know-what-for-after-doing-your-thingy. They provided tissues and they had this waste bin next to the bowl for those used tissues (to which you were not allowed to just throw it inside the toilet bowl). Immediately my brain triggered on the women's hygiene. *erasing the thoughts*

Moving on... I got to use my Korean won money for the first time, buying coffee and peanut buttered donut! All for... ermm... about 7,000 won (Btw, 1,000 = RM2.80, so you do the calculations :-P). As we continued our journey, I stole an hour or so to nap and ignored the drama on the tv.

We arrived at Modan School about 10am and we were blown away by the breathtaking scenery. The school was located by this huge long river (which at first we thought was a huge lake), with modern artistic structure buildings and designs. The team did not waste their time immediately taking shots of themselves with the view.

We were brought to their art room, where we were briefed on what the school was built for. I was touched with one of their quotes {People makes the city} how true. The school had mini theme park with roller coaster and few games and rides. (Nope, we didn't play any of them) Our first activity was drawing on a mug.

It did challenge my creativity as I hadn't been drawing or painting for ages! But instead of the usual drawing, I drew {People Makes The City} in Korean language, knowing that mug would be mine. At least it would be something for me to remember by. :-)

For lunch, we were introduced to Korean must-eat-food, Bimbimpak, consisted of sticky rice, vege, fried egg and Korean red sauce. Oh, with seaweed soup.

All of them were to be mixed well before you eat them. For some, they couldn't take it. I could see some of them trying so hard to swallow their meal. One of the teacher said, "I felt like a goat now, I can taste the grass in my mouth" *hahaha* As for me, I was quite ok with it. :-)

Before I go any further, I also noticed that their spoons were slightly longer and instead of the usual round chopsticks, theirs were flatten on both side - made from stainless steel.

After the meal, we had a walk around the school (which was quite big). Along the way, they had artworks, designs with poetry written in Korean. I was indeed amazed at how much they appreciated these, to which I don't see much in my own society.

After the tour, we had our afternoon tea, followed with a performance by their students, playing traditional drums. It was quite interesting as our team got the chances to learn to play along with them. It was their first chances of real interaction with the Koreans. I must admit the language barrier was difficult as most Koreans do not have good command of English. (Made me think of moving here and teach! LOL)

We had our dinner at the same place, a Korean soup noodles - fish and noodle flat rice. At least it wasn't as bad as lunch to some. *rolls eyes*

Did you notice by now that we hadn't taken our bath? *laughs* Yep. To some of us who kept asking when would we be sent to our hotel, we couldn't stand knowing if we smelt. I couldn't help to wonder if the Koreans do not take shower as much due to the cold weather? *shrugs*

In the evening, we were sent to this traditional house museum to do our performance. With traditional houses, surrounded with colourful lanterns and the compound was covered with red carpet as the open stage, it was pretty calm and warm atmosphere despite of the chilling cold weather. Coz of the small stage, we decided to do just one traditional dance with just 6 dancers. Mind you by now it was 8pm and it was really freezing cold.

The dancers had to wear short skirts as you can see the pic above. Immediately after the dance, they had to change into something warmer. The audience was pretty impressed with our cultural introduction of Sabah Malaysia, that they had thought of visiting. :-) We were also entertained with few traditional dances and singing. It was an awesome night indeed.

We were back on the road, for an hour to the country side where there was this small resort in the village. Surrounded with paddy field and vege, we settled in and finally had our hot showers! By midnight we slept well as it had been a very long day. Oh did I say we slept on the floor? With just mattress, comforter and pillow - Korean style! The good thing about it, the floor was actually heated so it was warm throughout the cold chilly night. :-)

Day Two : Oct, 17.

In the morning we got to view of our surrounding and it did reminded us of our very own national park in Kundasang :-) (Btw, the pic above is the house where we stayed for 2 nights, 3 days) With better breakfast, we were set out in the morning looking for dried nature to be used in decorating our mini mirror. It was quite an interesting walk in the village. Most of the time, we goofed and had fun. I had a lil migraine tho as I hadn't have my coffee (mind you, they served tea all the time :-(

Well, you get the idea. *haha* As we returned to the house, we were immediately set on our creative thinking skills and started working on decorating our small mirror. Again we knew it would be ours at the end of the day (yea, we made our own sourvenirs *haha*).

It amazed me how creative my team could be, given them the opportunity. I was inspired indeed.

After lunch, we were back on the road to Seoul, visiting the Nation Science Museum. Entering this huge round hall, as the lights turned off, there were stars above our seats. We were stars gazing! I was 'wow' at how advance Koreans were. Again I had underestimated them. We were introduced to names of planets and zodiac signs. But to some of us, secretly took the opportunity to doze off instead *haha* After that stars gazing in the middle of the afternoon, we toured around the museum, enchanted with dinosaurs, space ships, type of stones, 3D show, etc.

I guess too much info absorbed, the teachers had gone mad *laughs evilly* But nothing beat to my discovery in the ladies' room. (Yes, again) At least this time, it had water for you to clean up after-you'd-done-your-thingy. But it also had this lil air blowing to dry it up as well. I had fun playing with it for, ermm... a min I guess *whistles innocently* Just sat there and enjoy *LMAO* Ok, don't get any idea :-P

Then, we were back on the road, heading back to our countryside resort. Another couple hours of drive. After dinner, we were taught on how to make fresh taufu from soya beans by the villagers.

If I wasn't mistaken, there were 3 process to 3 different taufus. When we used to have taufu fah (the sweet type) they ate it with chilli sauce. Then we had cube taufus which were unbelievable fresh and yummy!

After all that, we had sourvenirs exchange session. By this time I had to escape to my shower and slept as I had my monthly bestie. (Yea, tell me about it... it just spoilt the remaining of my evening) So that's the end of day two. :-)

.... to be continued :-P

Autumn Korea in my eyes

2010-10-23T17:57:00.017+08:00

For more pics, check them in my FB or flickr :)

Land Below The Wind

2010-10-21T22:41:00.003+08:00

Seoul has been marvelous.

But I can't wait to be home. :-)

P.S. Korea experience : The good thing about languages... when the Koreans mumbling something you assumed were bad... you do the same with your own language. Hahaha. Syok! :)

Saranghaeo!

2010-10-20T22:21:00.002+08:00

Day 6. It had been really tiring 6 days of non-stop touring around Seoul and out of Seoul. Today was the performance day and everything went smooth and well. The team did made us proud. :-)

Besides making new Korean friends (the girls are so fashionably sexy here) and having kimchi every single meal of the day, I must say that I miss home. Nothing is the same like 'home'. And soon I've to get back to reality and my busy work routine. Even Atama had emailed me on the animation treatment project. *Oppss... I haven't even completed on the storyboard* :-S

This morning as I sat on the side of the window to the tour bus, as I looked out to the beautiful morning Seoul - I couldn't help but to wonder of the many things I did in my life. In which I had done so many that some I couldn't really remember (Yea, I tend to do that when they were less important to keep). Seoul is beautiful and I had indeed underestimed the city and its people. But the most awaken experience was the visit to the two schools that concentrate nothing but creative arts. "Teenagers are not the problems, but resources". How true.

My own student wrote in this box where we had to write a message to each other, he wrote "Thank you for being my 'mom' and corrected on my weaknesses". Yes, you may think that is a nice thing for him to have written down, but to me - it was another slap to the face. I've always been strict and tough at times. Well, most of the time that I had forgotten sometimes to point on an individual's strength rather than just keep correcting on their weaknesses. One of the team came to me this evening, stating she needed to talk coz of what I had written on her box. "The best thing to be is simply being yourself". She asked me, how could that possibly be when some do not even like her guts and attitude. I told her, if they do not like her for what she is, then they are not true friends. I hope I did make some senses into her, she cried and her friends asked what I did to her. I told them that I bullied her. *Haha*

Again, as we were travelling back to our hotel in the evening, I looked out to the lights of the city from my side of the bus window. Had I made a different today? Do I like what I do and did it make me a better person? At times it does scared me... how if I do not have answers to everything? How if I said the wrong things?

Another student wrote on my box "You are amazing and much more." How can one sees that in a person in the period of 6 days? The same student told me few days ago before we took the ride to the rollercoaster that "You're interesting". Hmm...

The past six days have been ... indeed an amazing rollercoaster ride. Not just as what and who I am but also to what I do want to do and have forgotten sometimes. I guess coz I've reached to a certain age in my life that I just want to do what I'm passionate about. And seeing the Korean teens in these two schools and their capabilities and talents did amazed me in so many ways. Learning not only have become a process but also a play. So in a nutshell, I learnt to discover myself back the same time. :-)

AND did I say that the Korean girls are fashionably sexy? *LOL*

Anyong Haseyo!

2010-10-18T21:50:00.004+08:00

Hello from South Korea!
It has been really mad mad tight schedules that we hardly really have time. The past two days we had been staying in the country side, beautiful big rivers and paddy field and vege! Today we went to Everland Theme park and I played that longest wooden rollercoaster ride!!! Mad mad! But I had fun the same time. Will update the whole thing when I get back tho. Just checked into the hotel ... I dont even remember the name of the hotel. Haha. Sucks tho that they do not even have internet access in the room, but at least they have this internet cafe... 30 mins for 1,000 won! And my phone can't seem to be connected in here.. I'm so gonna be mad at my phone network provider. Grrrr!! Anyway... I only have 15 mins left in here... so gotta use it to the fullest... till then... kamsahamida :)

KK International Airport

2010-10-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

Before checking in :D for Korea!

A Week Away

2010-10-15T18:44:00.005+08:00

Good night KK!

Good Morning South Korea!

Blog.Action.Day.15 Oct 2010.Water.

2010-10-15T07:45:00.010+08:00

For someone who bathe and shower 2 - 3 times a day, drink over 1600ml of water daily, wash and clean, laundry and watering plants : clean water is indeed an essential source to living. And the problem of scarce clean water is that over 1 billion people lack access to clean water, which causes a litany of struggles, diseases and even death worldwide. *sighs*

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses.

90% of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions are to children under five years old. Many of these diseases are preventable. The UN predicts that one tenth of the global disease burden can be prevented simply by improving water supply and sanitation.

While the developing world faces a water crisis, those in industrialized countries consume far more than their fair share. It takes 24 liters of water to produce one hamburger. That means it would take over 19.9 billion liters of water to make just one hamburger for every person in Europe. The shiny new iPhone in your pocket requires half a liter of water to charge. That may not seem like much, but with over 80 million active iPhones in the world, that's 40 million liters to charge those alone (and here I am thinking of getting myself an iphone4. *rolls my eyes*). That cotton t-shirt you're wearing right now took 1,514 liters of water to produce, and your jeans required an extra 6,813 liters. *wow* Speechless? *nods*

That isn't all. The disregard for water resources in industrialized countries impacts more than humans – it causes environmental devastation. Every day, 2 million tons of human waste are disposed of in water sources. This not only negatively impacts the environment but also harms the health of surrounding communities *gulps*. Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion a year. *sighs*

In general, whatever YOU do, your actions will affect every single living things around you. It's as simple as that. And that is why... think wisely cause by the end of the day, it is you who will be taking responsibilities of your own doings. Stop complaining. Start learning. Take the RIGHT actions for the better future. It's you, your children and your future grandchildren who will be living on the planet.

Ref :

http://www.charitywater.org/whywater/
http://thewaterproject.org/hunger.asp
http://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/environment/the-coming-clash-between-water-and-energy/1
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/how-many-gallons-of-water.php
http://www.unwater.org/statistics_pollu.html
http://savethesea.org/STS%20ocean_facts.htm

Much Awaited

2010-10-14T11:58:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow.Midnight.Seoul.South.Korea. :-D

Mixture of Emotions

2010-10-13T07:45:00.008+08:00

Last night I went through my archives in this blog, clicking one after another... reading how my sorry-miserable-not-so-beautiful life was the past few years, only to sum into a conclusion - my life was just about work, work, movies, work and movies. And I didn't even realised how many times I wished for me time and counting for the next coming holidays.

But as I moved closer to family, I realised my prerogative changed and my archives sounded more relaxed then ... or rather... no entries. *laughs*

I realised I need a change, for I've changed. I'm not sure whether I should be keeping the rest of the archives and create the new change in me.

Afterall, the only reason why I went through my archives is because a new friend of mine wants the url and it did freak me out a bit, for someone to be reading about me and figuring me out. I don't even know me sometimes. *sighs* So to that friend (you know who you are) - happy now? :-\

Anyway, on a total different turn... I'll be leaving for Seoul this Friday midnight. The team is excited, my colleague and friends are excited for me. And my response was "I'm excited". But the truth is, I'm "not" entirely excited over it. I'm not sure why exactly. This week itself has been ... I don't know. Lazy I would say. I'm just too lazy to do anything much in particular. (But I still completed my works, just in case you wondered :P ) I have few things to buy before my trip, sis helped me with some of the meds, and I just couldn't be bothered to do it myself. *sighs* I think I'm really losing me. The hyper energetic inspired creative active me. I miss her.

I think I need a self discovery. Just like that story - Eat, Pray, Love. I need to have that passion and the urge to taste life. I want that desire, wanting to do everything, especially the things I love. I want to have that spirit in me, that pushes me to take that extra miles knowing whatever the outcomes are going to be... no matter how small and nonsense it will be... it is still worth every effort.

Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow...
Creeps in this pity pace of time...

For some reason the voice of MacBeth by Shakespeares lingering in my head. Damn you! I don't want life to be meaningless.

This morning news was sad. KK city isn't as safe as it used to be. The world is changing, people change, people get hurt, mother earth is in pain. Click here for the news. And here too :-P

Former student of mine, Andreas tagged me in this pic that I discovered this morning in my FB, back in 2003 when they were in Form 2. Wow... looking at them made me smile... coz some of them are going to be somebody for sure. :-) Classic pic. *laughs*

Ok work calls. Gotta ends this... right about now. Ciao!

Blog Action Day 2010

2010-10-12T19:01:00.003+08:00

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

BE PART OF IT!

Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Petitions by Change.orgStart a Petition »

350

2010-10-11T09:23:00.003+08:00

I'm pleased to announce on my involvement with 350.org Borneo Global Work Party yesterday, an international environment event, where everyone around the world unites to one cause... work towards a greener and safer mother earth. For more information, check on 350.org. My class did a mural on one of the school walls to which was a fantastic artwork that even the boss was impressed. And yesterday, dated as 10.10.10 volunteers gathered at 1st Beach Tanjung Aru, collected rubbish on the shore and gathered them in making it 350. Kinda cool eh? Can you find me in the pic? ;-D

Seoul

2010-10-09T08:20:00.001+08:00

6 more days to go... :D

Temporarily Sanity

2010-10-06T20:12:00.002+08:00

Q had known Ad for just too long. Too long it felt as if they were married. At least there were one time they thought they were. Sharing their ups and downs, from childhood stories to their hopes and dreams - in reality just bit them back. For at least Q realised, maybe they had been too comfortable being together, almost like husband and wife, that they were blinded to the fact the future seemed dim and far.

Q wanted to believe, there were the future. Wanting to hold on to the sweet bitter of their relationship so no matter how the future brought for them, at least they had the moment to cherish. And so she thought everything was perfect just the way they were.

How could one let go easily, was the question asked at times. Especially after having life together almost a decade. And how could one moved on easily, was the question asked. Especially not having the one to hold on to.

It felt as if life gave up itself. Just too tired to start all over again - only to discover the headache and heartache. Didn't I meant something? Another question bothered Q.

She tried to move on. Mingled with people. Opened up to them. Only to discover she crawled back to the only pain she tried to vanish from.

Like drugs, those were just moment of illusion. Temporarily sanity that eventually slapped you in the face and woke you up from the pain you thought would had gone away. Only to realise you broke down and cried... caused it still cut like a knife, bleeding endlessly.

Q didn't know how long it would take... cause the answers were unknown...

Eat.Pray.Love.

2010-09-30T09:27:00.003+08:00

EAT

PRAY

LOVE

If you could clear out all that space in your mind, you'd have a doorway, and you know what the universe would do? Rush in. Everything else will take care of itself - Eat.Pray.Love.

Simple joy

2010-09-29T20:54:00.002+08:00

I discovered old pics in a burnt cd, which I thought were all gone since my old hardiscs damaged. They made me smile. :-)

Change

2010-09-29T12:37:00.003+08:00

Ok I'm planning on changing my url and the name of my blog. So if you are interested to continue visiting my blog, let me know. If you want to remain anonymous, then good luck in finding me :D It will be done in couple of days. Ciao :-)

Blues

2010-09-27T08:38:00.002+08:00

I'm having Monday Blues....

I'm alone and lonely, tho I'm surrounded.

2010-09-23T12:28:00.004+08:00

Have you ever fall on the ground and let gravity just pull you completedly down? And all you feel is nothing, totally numb and staring blankly upward, letting your mind wander on its own. You want to pull yourself up again, yet you feel that you are safer laying just there... hoping someone might come up to you and say, "Hey, you need a hand?" or probably no one would even cares for your existence. And as you are getting lost and noise becomes distant... you wonder. You have to decide there and there... should I get up or just letting go.....

Rebirth

2010-09-21T09:11:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday was my birthday. Although I didn't expect to be celebrating and just hoping for a quiet day to myself, it didn't turn out as I thought it might. First of all, friends had wished me an advance birthday wish a week early. Then as it was couple hours before midnight, I had friends and former students from Australia as it was already 19th where they were. Followed by friends all over the world, as I was in a chatroom. Shortly after, my bro called stating that they want to arrange lunch at my place on that Sunday. I called sis to reconfirm. Yep, that's the good thing about staying close to family. They do not leave you alone on your big day. Indeed I'm blessed. Good thing about it, I don't have to cook. *Hehe*

But I ordered 4 large pizzas just in case my nephews and nieces had not enough to eat. You know how these youngsters... they are growing so they need food all the time. To make it short... there were karaoke session, food, drinks, good chats, good laughter... good time. :-) I was only left alone around 5pm, to do a lil of tidying up the place. I'm such a neat freak *lol*

Not to mention, over 200 wishes on my facebook. Sorry that I can't mention it in here... just too many. But I took my time to thank every each one of them :-) I thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and wishes. God bless each and every one of you. *smiles*

Facebook messages, Inbox Messages, SMS texts from friends, former students, friends all over, current students, powerpoint presentation, phonecalls... yes, indeed it had been one of the noisest birthday ever. *laughs* Out of my expectations really.

I even had my students singing birthday song for me in classes and thanks to 3P for the birthday cake. One of them gave me a pressie as well. Thank you. :-)

But to end it, one that really least expected was a birthday wish from my dearest old friend - Angel. Thank you, it means the world that you even remembered, cared and took that effort to send me an e-card. God bless you for that. *hugs*

I won't say it out loud how old I am, coz I'm just as young than I look. *whistles* Hey, I got friends saying I look 19, or 21, or in my early 20's. Hahaha. Thank you to everyone that was with me on that special day, even not physically, but I was in your thoughts. You are all in my prayers. xxx

P.S. I'm sorry if my birthday entry might not sound all excited, I actually got sick on Monday yesterday. I guess too much birthday excitements. But I'm feeling much better than yesterday. It sucks to be sick :\

Miss you already, Hee

2010-09-17T11:01:00.002+08:00

My favourite cousin in the entire whole world, came to visit from London. Stayed with me for three days, two nights before flying back this morning. I missed him already. But excited that we'll be meeting again in couple of months. Take care Hee, love you always! *HUGS*

Empty

2010-09-13T16:13:00.003+08:00

I know, I know. I haven't been updating. But I got to thank you readers for constantly visiting this blog, although knowing they could hardly be anything to read on. So I'm gonna just randomly post whatever comes across my mind at this very seconds... *blanks and blinks*

*Evil laughs*

Alright, I'm mean. But just on the nice spot, I'll tell you what has been going on with my current so-called-life at the moment.

1. I just changed the header. Did you notice? I haven't been taking photos of late. I don't want to be losing that touch but I seriously need inspirations. Are you willing to be my model? *winks*

2. I've been involved with KDCA ISCEP. In case you do not know what it is all about, it's the Kadazan Dusun association that involved with international students exchange programme with South Korea. They came last May during the Harvest Festival where we held a charity concert for it. The teens had fun for sure. So we'll be leaving to Seoul in mid of October, so our groups of students and teachers from selected schools have been doing their cultural dance practices every weekends. Yes, there goes my weekends... now you know why I hardly update this? *excuses, excuses* AND YES! I'm going to Seoul :-D

3. I haven't been doing much of photography and I haven't been doing much on theatre either. The Green Theatre House is coming up with a performance sometime this week. I probably just watch, rather than being in it. Yes, I've become that lazy. :-\

4. Mr.Atama had requested me to write a story treatment for his new animation and game projects. I only completed half of it. Something new to look forward for... if only he gave me a deadline, I probably would have finish it ages ago. *giggles*

5. Currently on my second week of two weeks break. Just visited my bros and their families. Always good to be spending time with nieces and nephews, making me feel extra older. :-\

6. Oh yes. Happy belated 53th Independence Day, Happy Eid Mubarrak and Happy Malaysia Day in advance. :-)

7. I so want to be watching Resident Evil 3D. Oh Step Up 3D was awesome!!! Gotta love those dance routines :D

8. My closest beloved cousin from London, Shaw Hee returned to do his passport. He's coming over on Wednesday to be spending time with me before flying back to London on Friday. I'm so looking forward for it. W00t!! W00t!! :D

9. *blanks* Guess that's all folks. Signing out... ;-)

I want to be a billionaire so freaking bad

2010-09-08T10:45:00.000+08:00

Lightning don't strike the same place twice

2010-09-04T06:49:00.000+08:00

X Generation

2010-09-01T16:14:00.002+08:00

Our young generation isn't blind. They learn from what they see and hear. Maybe we need to stop and listen. Happy 53th Birthday Malaysia.

Art of Graffiti

2010-08-29T16:16:00.004+08:00

I'm missing you...

2010-08-22T08:50:00.001+08:00

Life.

2010-08-19T09:01:00.002+08:00

I need to be inspired. I need to be pleased. Coz I'm hard to please. And I'm running out of inspirations.

In every chapter of our life, we meet people along the way. People come and go. People change. I'm still remain here. Thirst for adventure. Thirst for passions. Thirst for change.

Have I lost my mind? Have I lost me?

I gotta do something about this. I just must. Hear me, Universe!

You just got to grant my wishes. You just must. I know so.

To all the beautiful girls all over the world

2010-08-13T08:26:00.002+08:00

Blunt Much

2010-08-11T08:51:00.004+08:00

Have you read the famous story ever written in its century, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

There are so much truth behind that story, on every aspect nature of the imperfect creation of mankind. As we are brought up to hold on onto values and tolerance, of kindness and courtesy, there is no deny the urgeness of gaiety, the guilty pleasure of insanity and indulging the dark secret of pleasures. How human would go to that extent to be in that moment of lost, no rules, no morals, just pure escape.

Yet, in reality... we hide that side in us. We wear masks to cover the secrets we so eager to be drowned in.

We are, indeed... Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

So the question is ... what is your dark secret of pleasure?

I think of you

2010-08-08T05:47:00.000+08:00

Randomness

2010-08-02T10:29:00.001+08:00

My friend and I came up with this crazy thought of doing absolutely random and crazy things on one whole day. We haven't decide on what and when yet. So if you were us, what will be your 10 random and crazy things you will do? ;-D

Fragile

2010-07-28T10:01:00.001+08:00

AAB, little do you know... I still missing you.

It has been 23 years now...

2010-07-27T21:49:00.003+08:00

Pa,

It has been 23 years of your passing... and I still miss you dearly. Maybe because you went away just too early for me to be loved by you and for me to love and take care of you. I missed being your lil spoilt brat that able to get everything away with and everything she wanted. I missed the attention you gave me whenever I needed one. I missed your promises and how you tried to fulfill them. I missed having to do nothing but the best for you so you could be so proud of me. But most of all, Pa, I missed having your love and care around me.

I may have lost you 23 years ago, but I still am your lil girl... grown up to be someone I hope you can be proud of. I love you Pa. My thoughts, loves and prayers are always be with you.

Rest in peace, Pa.

Love,
Your lil Moi Moi.

Noy's Photobook

2010-07-26T21:35:00.003+08:00

Finally I completed my first photobook of Noy's pre-wedding and wedding days photos. Over hundred pics to be fitted into 40 pages photobook. These are just some of them :-)

When the Arabs and Romanians came visit

2010-07-22T11:48:00.004+08:00

There'll be an international folklore competition in the city and somehow my school was one of the selected two to get special performances by the Arabs and the Romanians, last Tuesday. It was an interesting day indeed and the students surely had fun. What disappointing was, there were no female performers. :-\ So no belly dance from the Arabs. Hahaha! :-D

Mizz Nina

2010-07-21T11:27:00.001+08:00

Just in case you guys do not know, the previous video was a song by Mizz Nina, a hottie Malaysian ;-) And after you watch that one, watch this one. A combination song of Black Eyed Peas and Mizz Nina. :-) Love it!

Inside my handbag

2010-07-20T21:04:00.003+08:00

Ok, thanks to Aidalicious, I just got to do this coz she tagged me. I might not need to but I thought sure, why not. Just for fun, right? Haha! So now you can peek into my handbag :-P

1. As you can see, I've quite a big handbag. That coz of my lappy. This is actually my handbag for work. Leather handbag from Seed :-)

2. My baby lappy - Sony Vaio that gets me connected at work.

3. My Motorola handphone. Can't do without.

4. The same goes with my wallet. Do you really have to ask?

5. My Sony Cybershot compat cam. Always handy just in case, you know ;-)

6. My lipstick, my lipbalm, my compact powder, panadol, nametag, my earset to my HP, pendrives - all in my Jim Thompson mini bag.

7. Hand Sanitiser - gotta have it!

8. My pad... hehe. Girl must have it at all time!

9. My account book and my passport. I carry it with me at all time.

10. Mini note book and pens, even highlighter.

11. Mini red umbrella. It rains a lot these days.

And... no one to tag. :-P It got to end here somehow. Haha! So Aidalicious, happy now :-P

To end this, I can't stop playing this song. Enjoy! ;-)

World Cup FIFA 2010

2010-07-12T05:24:00.003+08:00

SPAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

WONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!

WOoohooOOOOooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*doing the champion dance!*
HAHAHAhahahaha!!

10th 7k Sunset Charity Run 2010

2010-07-10T23:47:00.000+08:00

7K Sunset Charity Run

2010-07-09T07:48:00.002+08:00

Yep, you guess it right! I'm in it!! ;-)
Just wonder if I could actually finish the run, or should I just stay around shooting pics instead. What if it rained? Haha! As long I'm part of it, I'm proud! :P

World Cup

2010-07-08T06:45:00.001+08:00

I was on Uruguay and they lost to Netherlands. But they played well, they did not disappoint me.

This morning I was on Spain and they won by 1 - 0 with Germany. Way to go SPAIN!!! :-D

See you guys in finals!!

Boring Much

2010-07-06T11:16:00.003+08:00

Got this comic from kenwooi.com. From wherever he got it from. *lol*

Hi.
I know that I haven't exactly blog these days, or months. I have every perfect reason to it. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and workloads. Plus the lazy boring holidays that I had been busy doing absolutely nothing. But what amazed me is that I still got you people coming in here and read this blog. I must thank you guys for taking that efforts. I hope I would be able to get my sorry self back to being the self me again and actually share my life with the entire world, no matter how boring it can be at times.

Honestly I thought of actually just delete this blog. I mean, at times I could hardly be bothered whether I do owned a blog. I even got tired of Facebook by now. And to be frankly speaking, this blog has actually turning to photo blog than a personal private blog, really. Yea, I know I got myself to be blamed for that... but you gotta admit though, people love pictures. I know I do. I rather be looking at pictures than actually doing all the reading, scrolling my mouse down skipping all the alphabets and just looking at pics. They speak louder than words, I tell ya! And I can bet you guys are the same too. Don't deny it, you know you are the same as I am. Hypocrites much!

And yet you love checkin' out blogs, being totally anonymous, sneaking into people's life and thought you know them. Not like I tell much of what's going on with my life... but at least I'm being pretty positive, even with the blog entitled 'Latique's Beauty of Life'. At times I wonder if I ever actually swearing in here? Duh, makes me wonder why I own a blog the first place.

So the actual question will be... to blog or not to blog. To delete or not to delete. How could one actually own a personal blog but not able to actually express their sorry self and be true to it. Wait, now I'm the hypocrite? *blank*

OOoohh ok. The obvious reason is, I'm just trying to look busy at work, blogging whatever the first thing comes to my mind. Yep. Much with my mixed emotions... I guess we all have to move on with life, just appreciating the moments we had and continue to grab whatever comes along the way. No regrets really. I just adore you, for reading this. :-)