Some things to say..?

I think my head is quite a screwed up place...? 'Coz I can be trapped in a dilemma and not be able to work it out. I tell myself one thing, but another voice in me seems to disagree... I think everyone experienced it before.

Making a decision can be awfully difficult and sometimes, we end up choosing not to make one; we just wait for the moment and chance to slip away. And only when it has passed us, you stop to wonder if it was right doing just nothing.

People tend to say, "Sometimes it's best to leave some things unsaid." But I guess if some things were to be left unsaid, how do you what should or should not be said? Then, in the end, would everything be left unsaid instead? If things were all left unsaid, we will never know the future that we have missed.

For the better or worse, at least it would have been our own choice, and there would not be any "what if's" and "why didn't I's". At least, there won't be any regrets.

Collapsed bridge in Perak killed three

(I'm doing this post because I was unable to comment on Ian's post due to technical problems. Please click on title to be linked to referred post.)

I think we all have heard about the good bridge in Perak which collapsed. It's official that three children were killed.

When I saw the news on tv, I could only shake my head. It's incredible. I've always that prejudice perception that Malaysian engineers and architects' ability are questionable. This incident evidenced it. It was just built two weeks or so before its collapse.

What happened? The government has a lot of answering to do and the pressure is on. Three count of deaths are never too small a number to be taken into account. If the government does not provide a satisfactory answer now, I'm sure they will eventually have to answer when the next election arrives.

Just to add salt to the wound, the incident was reported on BBC. Now, the whole world can be sure how 'awesome' Malaysian engineers and architects are. While some of you may think I generalise too much and that this is an isolated case, don't feel too offended. If you're Malaysian and a good engineer or architect, I feel bad for you. As the Malay proverb goes, "Nila setitik rosak susu sebelanga."

Last day of class in college @ Dedication to my housemates

Hmm... I haven't blogged for a long time. And all of a sudden when I decide to blog, it's the last day of college before the finals.

It's pretty cool that we actually get to skip the whole day of college. Spent the day taking tons and tons of pictures with college mates. Strange, I was quite sure I didn't take as much pictures during secondary school. And I think I never write quite as much before for yearbooks.

Throughout this one and a half year of experience in SAM, I've met people who have definitely left more-than-footprints-in-the-sand impact in my life. A large portion of them would be my beloved housemates.


To Cindy (big sister)!

You make me... speechless sometimes. xD The way you flare your anger at things and people that piss you off, the way ask us if you look pretty in your new clothes, the way you can randomly just bring back to Casa two lil' hamsters as our pets, the way you can quarrel with Zehe ko-ko but still get back together next day... All of these makes you, you. =)

One thing I have learned from you is the ability to forgive quickly after being angry. You know I have the tendency to hold grudges. For a person like me with a quick-temper, I think it's quite a lesson I gained from you. And now, I believe, I am better with handling anger.

I will miss the times we have breakfast together before college, watching shows while eating dinner, cursing together as we wait for the lifts... LOL. Well, thank you for taking care of me, and acting like my big sister in College. I pray for all the happiness you can get in life, because you deserve it. =)

To Yih Ling, my counsellor of Faith in college life,

At times of fear and worries, you calmed me like how Jesus did to the stormy sea. You always remind me to look back to the Lord for strength when I am weak and shelter when I am weary.

When I was sick and feeling unwell, you became my mother and made sure I could recover quickly and relieved my illness as much as you can. You never ask for any returns or rewards for your efforts. You showed much sincere kindness and goodness to those you care for.

You said I am a courageous person, to face what most people could not, have faith when people failed but I want to say that you helped me a lot. There're abundant values I learned and must learn from you. Your greatest being wisdom beyond our age, diligence, obedience to your parents and steadfastness towards your own principles and values.

Thank you for everything you have done for me. May the Lord always be with you.

To Qiu Gee, my Penangnite roommate!

I must apologise that i ruined your chance of having the master bedroom to yourself but I hope you have accepted me well as I have to you. I am also sorry for being the messy one, always leaving my things untidy all over the table, not making my bed most of the time, cramming the room with my knick-knacks...

But know that I appreciate all the times we spent together. Sitting together in the bus, talking to you one-to-one in the bedroom, in the common room... While you may get moody at times, it's ok. I still love when you tell me lame jokes that your friends send you through sms and talk to me about some random stuff that happened in college. In fact, I like the way you laugh; it's infectious.

I admire how you are athletic. When you are determined to train, you ARE determined. Wish I were a little more disciplined like you when it comes to sports. Hehe Through you I understood that it is possible to let go some sadness in life, when things don't go the way we hoped it would have, that we can come through and look at that past as another memory in life. It is a good thing for me to learn because then, I would not have kept so many regrets and dissatisfaction for the past.

You have awesome siblings who can help you and guide you. From the stories you told me about them, I am envious. At the same time, I am happy for you. Lead a colourful and brilliant life, Qiu Gee. You will have a great life ahead because of who you are.

To Sher, my Lil' Mummy!

You are the most sentimental person I have ever met! You cry so easily that sometimes I go frantic. I thought it was impossible to find another who can tear up faster than me, especially when watching dramas. You normally beat me to it. LOL However, in reality, I do not think I'd cry as easily as you because you take heart of every little yet meaningful gesture of those who are close to you while I may not.

We are always 'observing', 'watching', 'interpreting' people and events. Because of you, I think I am starting to believe in telepathy. Is it great minds think alike or is it bonded souls think alike, or perhaps both? *wink*

We share quite a common past and for that, we understand each other even better. I hope, though, that the past will remain the past. I wish that nothing of the like would ever happen to you again. But because of our past, we learned the importance of true friendship. I daresay you are as fiercely loyal a friend as I am. Then again, because of our past, we become wary people too. As I try to tell myself I must learn to trust, I guess it's the same thing I want to tell you too.

You are such a prim-and-proper person who can make me feel bad about my untidy self without even trying. LOL I love teasing you about having OCD although we all know that is not the case. I admire how you wove your wonderful closing speech during moot court session. Oh, and thanks for introducing me to your big brother, De Ren (Err... correct name and spelling?! O.O) who conveniently updates me about Naruto and Bleach when I'm too lazy to read the manga myself. Hehe

In any case, I want you to know that you have a special place in my heart, my dearest lil' mummy. I see you every day in class and every weekdays in Casa. How could I not be attached to you (and our other housemates)? Please take good care of yourself wherever you go. Your lil' daughter will miss you as many times as the numbers of stars in heaven.

To Clarine, my wish-you-were-my-little-sister!

Clarine, Clarine, what can I say about you? Your brilliance amazes me, your simplicity for clothes astounds me, your innocence and curiosity amuses me... Your 'maximum point' is your trademark (along with Shawn who can also do inflection point but I don't know if you can... xD). Your effort to learn Chinese, acknowleged. You are so cute when you try to speak some Mandarin. ^o^ I will never forget your 'world peace' attempt.

You are never quick to judge, which makes me wonder: Would that make you a good judge or a bad judge? LOL (couldn't resist a lil' legal joke there.) You do not let your emotions cloud your thoughts and always manage to treat everyone without prejudice. You are humble about your achievements and never boasts. You are such an angel!

Remember how I always complain that your comments on stuff in general are predictable? Yeah, well, it's really fine (although it frustrates me sometimes xD). It's part of what I will remember you for (but I hope you will improve on that =.=. Can you imagine you asking me, "So what do you think about this dish?" and I answer, "Err... Ok laaa."? That's like, pretty lame, ok?) Hmm... come to think about it, this whole paragraph is full of contradictions. But never mind, you are not Dr. Santha. You get what I mean. Hehe

I will also remember how you like tapping people on the shoulder and then pretending you didn't just to prove how long your arm is. Swt.... LOL Not to mention, our moot court session when you acted as an 'emo' witness who I really didn't think was a very good emo-ist. XDDDDD And I enjoy trying to 'match-make' you just for the fun of it! LOL

If you weren't part of my life, I will definitely miss out on a lot of stuff because most of the time when I'm with you, I'm laughing (doesn't matter if it's laughing at you laa... Hehe). It was also a great pleasure to know your family. You're a kind and gentle soul, Clarine. Remain that way. It's your greatest treasure.

~*~

As a closure, I would like to tell you, my housemates, how much I love you and will not forget any of you. If I have done anything to make you angry or hurt you, know that I didn't mean it and please forgive me. We are now far more than just friends. We are now a family. You make me feel that attachments are alright. As long as we sincerely care for one another, no matter how far apart we are, we can know that somewhere, out there, someone's missing us and praying for our happiness...

Cheers, my dearest friends, to our unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Thought of the day

Sometimes, you just have to be nice enough to be the first to say, "Hey, so, whatcha' doing?" and the ice will just melt accordingly.

Being stubborn and hard-headed ain't going to pay, you know.

P/S: Yes! Two more years to go till the day I get my voting power!

Thought of the day

Sometimes it is those who you least expect to be the ones who cheer you up when you are feeling thoroughly down.

To those quiet, unbeknownst angels in disguise, thanks for the helping hands. =)

To those who have always been by my side, I can never thank you enough. You guys make life bearable with a touch of laughter. =D

Thought of the day

I tell myself, "Girl, you know how terrible it was. Don't ever let your children go through the same pain and torture."

Yes, to my future children, I promise you if you don't like Math, you can ignore it. >.<

I think I died in Math's direct investigation today. I'm so sorry for my team mates. X_X

Thought of the day

You must be thinking, "This fella is blogging more frequently nowadays." Well, yeah, I think it's my only way of relieving some emotions and thoughts to prevent them from suffocating me. Here's my thought of the day...

An event happened today which dumbfounded yet amused me, in a way, how wishes come true but the wisher is unable to handle the wish as one thought one could. I guess sometimes we really don't know what we are wishing for. It's like wishing for a BMW 7 Series and then when it appears before you, you suddenly realise that you have no driving license and therefore, unable to drive the hottie. (Don't insult my analogy. I just have the sudden urge to mention the car in this post. LOL)

Marriage

So my Legal Studies lecturer has started us on the last topic of the year, Family Law. The first part of it revolves around marriage. Through out these past lessons, my understanding of marriage is really challenged as I always regard marriage in a very traditional Catholic manner.

First of all, there is the argument regarding the definition of man and woman. Now, if technology has not created sex operations and stuff, we won't have the problem of it. What's with the rising number of transexual couples, the Australia Court suddenly decided in 2003 that the gender of a person is to be decided upon the time of marriage, the perception of one's own gender and the operation on the change of one's gender is irreversible.

Perhaps it is my conservative mind but I really cannot understand how people would and could accept such explanations of gender. What determines your gender if it is not your chromosomes or your gender determined upon birth? By conducting an operation and changing your genital parts into artificial ones, how does THAT change your natural gender?

For that I cannot accept transexual marriages. It is against the law of Nature. Do not argue with me that by changing one's gender, the gender is changed and therefore, acceptable. I do not believe in such changes. It's like an old woman or man injecting botox into the body, trying to look young, but cannot truly become young as the fact that the person is old cannot be changed.

What about homosexual marriages? Some parts of the world recognise it. I cannot and I will not. While I agree with giving homosexual equal rights in property, employment etc., I don't agree with homosexual marriages. It is just not right. I'm sorry I cannot be empathetic but I don't agree with same sex partners. I don't hate transexuals or homosexuals, I just cannot accept them.

Marriage in the eyes of Catholics is sacred, a voluntary union between one man and one woman, a vow given for life. To change and fool around with the definition of man and woman simply defiles the sacred meaning of marriage. Let me just add in that I am against divorce, not even for any reason at all. Don't give me talks about 'what if there is no feeling anymore' or 'what if a spouse is disloyal', etc.

The problem with people nowadays is generally, they are so absurdly casual about marriage. It used to be treated with utmost respect and a heavy vow not to be taken lightly. Just because there is an exit for marriage called divorce, it doesn't mean we should opt for it whenever things cannot work out. When two individuals marry, they choose each other by their own free will. Since it is one's own decision, can people not be a bit more responsible about their choices of life partners?

When a couple 'loses' the feel, that's because they're not communicating. They're not taking the effort to make every day a 'romantic-feel' day. When a couple quarrels and cannot come to an agreement, it's because both are unwilling to tolerate and be patient. When a spouse cheats on the other, or worse, both are cheating on each other, that's because of disloyalty. As mentioned earlier, the sense of responsibility is missing. When there is disloyalty, only forgiveness and repentance can be the remedy. Yet, nowadays, how many are willing to put up a fight, not against one's own spouse, but to save the marriage?

I think those who know me well will know enough that I can never be a divorce lawyer. In fact, I don't think I would ever choose to practice family law. The world is in too much a mess to talk about what family really is.

Life so far.

Things haven't been absolutely great so far.

Let's see, last week, I was emo-ing over the fact that my class chose boring 'peace and war' articles over short stories. I just couldn't understand why they love such articles. Why not short stories? I certainly feel it would be much more interesting. The analysing of language, characters, plot... it's so much more fun! I really miss those days of attending Brother Albinus' Literature in English class. =(

Then, there was the coming of the next batch of scholars. I wouldn't have minded their existence if the College actually INCREASED the number of shuttle buses which are responsible to take us to and fro college. We didn't have to squeeze or 'battle it out' for seats on the bus since a long time ago. I can't believe the nightmare is back... Not to mention the influx of people in college. Taylor's ain't big in space, alright? It's terribly crowded. Like thousands of chickens together in a small pen. The laundry shop which monopolises the business in Casa must be so happy. Money are dropping from the skies for them. And their service is horrible. I heard they don't even use proper detergent to wash your clothes!

Thank goodness there were two great events which cheered me up! The animangaki event at Sunway University College (which I talked about it previously already, though briefly) and the Daicon in MMU, Cyberjaya. My very first experience of attending anime convention! (Pics available in my FB acc) Cosplays, anime merchandise, Japanese Karaoke... Nice! ^o^ Obviously, I got myself a few tokens from those events! =D

I also stumbled across a new online RPG game. The Secrets of the Solstice. Looks like RO, sounds like RO, but it's not RO. It is BETTER than RO. I have a Solstice account just to try out the game. I find the system well organised, noob friendly and creative. There are more which I have yet to explore. Perhaps when I am more familiar with the game, I will give a full review of it. Nonetheless, I would say it's a recommendable online game!

Bad news currently is that my com seems to be rebelling against me. It's been seeing blue screens of death, lagging, hanging and jam. Please don't let it be virus or spywares.... curse 'em existence! >.<

Thought of the day

Don't push it, people.

I am nice most of the time (at least I think so) but don't think I don't have a temper because I do. So, be wise and remember that. I have little patience for those who dilly-dally, are undecided and ignorant. Be warned!

I am not a very nice person, after all, I suppose. =.=

Thought of the day

What's best in life is when you see dreams come true.

Today, I saw anime characters pop out to life from TV. Yeah, I attended an anime convention at Sunway University College. Will upload pictures soon at Facebook (when Iris passes me all those pictures I took with her cam. I NEED MY OWN CAM~~~~!)

Thought of the day

I like a good movie. It makes you laugh, cry, hate, and love in less than three hours. =)

Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen One is a job well done! Excellent sequel! Bravos and ENCORE!!!!

Thought of the day

Stressing yourself out over presentations and assignments kills your appetite to eat and sleep.

No joke.

Thought of the day

If humans are that capable of repenting and learning from mistakes, the world would have been a more peaceful place today.

In a more trivial sense, if I am so capable of learning from past experiences that procrastinating is bad, I would not have procrastinated my work or still procrastinating now.

In any case, I shall not procrastinate any longer. Pray I can successful do work now. Haha

Thought of the day

Leos hate being ignored or sympathised or looked down upon.

Seriously.

Dedication to Iris' birthday~ 30 March 09

It was 7: 45 p.m. We were ready to ambush. 

Now you know how hard it is to light up the candles on your cake, Iris. Look at the amount of hands it took! It's darn windy outside on the corridor of Casa Subang. Lol~

I know... it's hard to decide whether you should laugh or cry when you're caught not properly dressed for a surprise birthday party. XDD

It can't possibly be a party without food... X)

...and of course, the bashed up nicely cut pieces of the birthday cake.

During the birthday party, we certainly didn't forget to cam-whore (is this how you spell the word??) take photos for memories.

Group photos are a must. 

Of course you can't find me in the there. I was the photographer, you dummy.

Guess which footwear I was having?

How about guessing which foot was mine? LOL

A show of hands.... (what random things we do!)

But I guess, in the end we all had fun.

We were all glad that we successfully surprised Iris, the birthday girl. Cheers!

Freaky?

Here's the story.

On Sunday evening, when I arrived at Casa Subang, I saw a police car behind my taxi. And I saw and ambulance at tower B. I was curious already but my curiousity wiped off when I reached my unit and met my housemates.

Later on, the next day in college, I heard rumours that someone committed suicide. Korean? Negro? Too distorted to know. I decided to go look the incident up. I investigated. (Cool ler?! Hehe)

So! I went to one of the shops down there. Now, information cannot be obtained for free. So I bought a lollipop there. Coincidentally, two fellows were asking the cashier auntie about last night's case. Here's the truth.

A man was a Brahmin, Bangladesh. He jumped off the 25th floor at tower B. Reason was work pressure. He was said to have his regular vegetarian meal and tea at Bombay cafe (one of the shops in Casa) before he jumped. He instructed his friend to leave everything he had to his family. He had a son who is doing a piloting course and three other daughters who are still studying. 

The auntie walked past the scene after it was cleared up and she said she still saw spilled guts. Bystanders were really nauseated by the sight. The man landed flat on his stomach. 

The woman who works in one of the shop saw the man hit the playground. She was just so happened to be staring out of the window. I wonder if she'd be traumatised. She didn't seem too eager to talk to me about it.

Dear all, there's nothing worth taking away your own life. I don't think you even have the right to do that. Love yourself. Don't be stupid.

Some people just LOVE redundant craps

You know, if you had been reading the newspapers these few days, you'd notice what's been going on in Malaysia. Not race issue... nope, not religion issue too. It's the thing about Math and Science being taught in English.

Anyway, I think it is beyond SENSELESS that people actually went on STRIKE out in the open just because they bloody think Math and Science should be taught in B.M. The reason being that our national language is facing threats from goodness-knows-what. 

I'm sorry but don't you think it's a bit dense to disagree with using English to teach those subjects? Especially when the country's already doing it for six years? It's not some overnight thing if you get me. How do you expect to see results in such a short time? Think, people, think, why the education system changed in the first place, implementing English in Math and Science.

Grab any young teen on the road and ask them, ask them if they would prefer B.M. or English for Math and Science. Any one of them who is clairvoyant would know how important it is to use English as the medium to study the subjects. It's for the sake of tertiary education! How many universities in this world use B.M. to conduct courses? How many use English? Which is the INTERNATIONAL language? Are you trying to make students' lives difficult by being idealistic and not practical?

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it well when he said that English must be used to keep our young people competitive. And gosh... it's completely embarrassing that we actually had a strike about this issue. I respect B.M. as our national language but seriously, it's retarded to say that by teaching Math and Science in English, English will eventually take the place of B.M. in the country. 

Don't our Constitution say that B.M. is heralded as Malaysia's national language? If B.M. were to ever be replaced, we still need a referendum. And since it IS our national language, it IS already a compulsory to study B.M. So tell me, how is it possible for Malaysians not to know B.M.? Sure, we speak not-so-perfect B.M. But hey, even Westerners don't speak perfect English too. 

Stop making Malaysia a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. It's embarrassing. Really.

Random thoughts...

Life isn’t meant to be perfect all the time. Most of the time, things we do not want them to happen, happen; things we yearn for them to come true, don’t.

                When we are children, we ask from our parents the latest game console available in the shop but don’t get them. Entering school and college, we grow into adolescents, teenagers. We demand for the clothes from GAP, Espirit, MNG etc. We want to be the centre of attention our school, to be part of the ‘popular’ clique. Adulthood isn’t too different too. We go to work and expect to receive a high pay. We want an opulent and fancy living place, a Porsche (maybe another BMW) and a spouse who would earn you the envy of your multitude of friends.

                It’s amazing, you think, how there are so many things just not going your way. Sure, you may have one of your wishes fulfilled, but really, you don’t have it all, no? Nonetheless, if you could just... widen your vision and look to your left, right – oh! And behind you too! You’d notice that you have a couple of details in your life which you have always taken granted for.

                I suppose that would be your nagging mother, who loves you like how a jeweller loves his precious stones, your own ring of friends who always have your back, your average-looking spouse who is devoted to accompany you till the very end... and the simple fact that you are alive!

                I always wonder why people say, “Life’s unfair.” I tell you, “Look on the bright side!” You might call me an optimist but would it be that you are admitting to your own pessimism? I stand corrected. Pessimism isn’t the issue, ungrateful hearts is. If we could utter ‘thank you’ to even the simplest gesture – perhaps to a stranger who holds the door open for you to enter – we would learn to see that in truth, we are living just fine.

                We must learn to be grateful, always bearing in mind that there are always others who are much unfortunate in comparison to us. While you complain about not getting that pretty dress or Diesel jeans, there are those who are clothed with rags-like clothes; while you grumble about eating broccolis, there are those who are starving; while you whine about the size of your house, there are those who are homeless.

                So many hardships, far beyond we could imagine ourselves to undertake, are happening to people somewhere else. It just so happens that we are not the one suffering that fate. What would they give to trade places with us? I presume you have internet connection and a computer. Otherwise, you can’t possibly be reading this post. Now, aren’t you lucky, having access to technology? No, not everyone has them, even if it is the 21^st century. I bet you can’t leave without the internet and your computer.

                Why, I believe we should start counting our blessings from now. Let me see... I’m not an orphan, I have enough to eat, I have a roof over my head, I have a college to go to...

                What are you waiting for? I’m not going to list everything here. Go make your own list!

Hypocrites!

Today is Ash Wednesday. I went to church with Nick, my cousin but that's really not the geist of the story that I am going to tell you. 

See, it was raining throughout the mass and it was still raining after the mass. Being reckless teens as we are, Nick, Howard (a friend) and I ran all the way to the car as we did not bring along any umbrellas. 

When we reached the car, nick opened his car door. Being in a hurry to get into the car, he accidentally slammed his cardoor against the next car's. I didn't notice it until the driver came out of the car and confronted him. 

The Indian man rapped his knuckles against the car's windows furiously. Nick wound down the window.

"What were you trying to do to my car?!" he fumed.

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to," Nick apologised.

Guess what the fella said next?

"What's wrong with you? Why you wanna hit my car? You just came out of church, man!"

I stared at the man. I was thinking to myself, 'Excuse me? Look who's talking! Nick apologised already and you're the one who should learn to forgive since you mentioned about coming out of church."

Now, I understand it's Nick's fault in the first place but because the man was acting so... not 'Christian-ly' and tried to push the fact that Nick was a bad Christian just because he banged his cardoor is absolutely absurd. 

From my point of view, the man was more at fault for saying such mean things. Hypocrisy!

Seriously, be careful of what comes out from your mouth.

Matthew 12:36-37

"...I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

[Thanks, Albert. The verse you shared with me, I apply here because it's really applicable. =P]

Honestly, I can’t accept you as the way you are.

Anyone one who has made contact with me recently face to face would know how much I have come to dislike my once-upon-a-time favourite subject, English. Out of frustration, I am declaring that. Yes.

I hate English.

It has turned into a subject I dread so much that I have thoughts of skipping the lesson every day during the period prior to English.

Perhaps it is by my own fault that I'm doing horribly in my English assignments. I can't find the enthusiasm or initiative to carry it out. It is not a labour of love, a total opposite from my Legal Studies CPT. Also; perhaps for the fact that I do not complete my task whole-heartedly, I make mistakes I would never have dreamed of making previously.

I'm going nineteen. This, in my own mind, occurs to me as childish too but it is happening. I am taking it out on a subject because of the lecturer. Back in form one, I had a terrible teacher for Geography. My results, of course, plunged for the subject because I refused to study for the subject.

Who would have thought I would one day rebel against my first language (Yes, I learnt English first before Mandarin when I was small)?

I am sorry but I cannot adapt to your teaching methods, your often annoying remarks, your unreasonable demands (like making sure all four sides of the paper must be of a space of an inch), your frustrating criticisms which are not constructive (you tell me the way I express a sentence is wrong but you never bother to tell me how I should correct it! Ordering me to go look it up in the dictionary is NOT helpful at all because the dictionary offers the definition of words and does NOT necessarily instruct you on how to use it in varying sentences!), etc.

It is a sad thing when you have your least favourite lecturer as your class mentor because you have NO class mentor to lament to.

Why make life so miserable for others? Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.

I do not know how to please you. I attempted to convince myself that you do all these for our welfare but it was futile. I just cannot accept you the way you are.

Good Samaritans

Present day.

The year is 2009. (This story took place yesterday, by the way)

Class has just ended at three. Maggie and I had decided to see Mrs. Wendy for her review on our Legal assignment which is called CPT. You don't have to know what it stands for. But wait! Nature called. So, I obediently took a trip to the washroom on the same floor.

In my hand, I was holding the golden pouch which had my two hand-phones in it.

I didn't realise I was holding it until I was right inside the cubicle of a toilet and ready to... well, answer nature's call. I looked around. A-ha! A hook on the wall. For the sake of convenience, I hung my pouch on it. I was too lazy to go back to class and asked a friend to take care of my phones.

I flushed and walked out of the cubicle. Then, left the washroom. (I did wash my hand before I leave!)

After meeting Mrs. Wendy, I went to the library, eager to start working on my English assignment. It was due today and I had not begun my work. It would have been a piece of cake if our lecturer wasn't so picky.

One hour later, my fingers itched to text people. I felt for my phones in my pocket. Oh! The right pocket. No? The bottom right? No? The bottom left? No? The pockets behind? NO?!

Oh, I must have placed the pouch on the desk. I looked for it under the piles of papers and books.

NO?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was then that I figured I lost them. BUT WHERE!!!?????

DAMN! The toilet!!!!

I rushed out of the library and ran (would have flown if I could) to the old block where the toilet was. I prayed fervently that the pouch was still where I left it. When I pushed open the door, to my disappointment, though it was expected, the pouch was no longer there. I cursed.

But before I panicked, I told myself I must think calmly and try to recover my phones.

The cleaners!

I saw none in sight, so, I ran to the new block where I bummed into two cleaners.

"I lost my phones in the toilet in the old block. Did you see them?"

The lady cleaner shook her head. "We're not in charge of the old block. You should look for the cleaners there. They should be still there."

Thanking them, I ran back to the old block and busted down every door of every classrooms, from the third floor to ground level. I spotted them near the labs.

Tired and panting, I could only manage, "Phones... lost.... did you see them?"

"What????"

"I lost my phones in the toilet, second floor... did you see them?"

Their answers were not good. They said the time when I lost it, they were cleaning the classrooms and not the toilet. They assured me if they had come across it, they would have handed it over. I didn't doubt their sincerity. They didn't look like they were lying. It was by my own fault that I lost them.

Now, I panicked. I didn't know what steps I should take next.

Lodge a report, you idiot!

Ah, right!

I sprinted to the new block and entered the SAM office. I gaped at the empty place. There was no officer in sight.

WHERE'S EVERYONE?!

Feeling rather lost, I headed for the student central, which was in front of the old block. At the reception desk, the lady was busy answering a call. The phone seemed to never stop ringing. If I were Piper from Charmed, I would seriously have blown up that piece of communication tool.

Finally, she was able to entertain me.

"How may I help you?"

God, please let my phones be in the lost and found section already.

"I lost two phones in a pouch."

"Please fill up this form." She passed me a pen and a form.

No such luck. I sighed. Depressed, I filled it up with all the details and descriptions of my lost belongings. My mind was totally numb with the thought and the prospect that I was phone-less then. I could not accept that fact. I had friends who lost their phones. I never thought it could happen to me too.

"We will inform you if we recover it. Thanks."

"Okay..."

I exited the student central building. That. Was. It. There was nothing else I could do. My phones were as good as gone.

I decided to pack up and leave the library. Go back home and lament to my friends or something. I was no longer in the mood to study or do any work.

As I was about to climb the stairs, I bumped into Siew Fong and Kevin.

"You look very distressed," said Kevin.

"You look very tired," said Siew Fong.

"I am very tired AND distressed," said I. I told them the whole story. Siew Fong was kind enough to lend me her phone so that I could call my cousin Nick to tell my dad to cancel my phone lines.

"Let me give you a hug. If it makes you feel better, I lost four pendrives in college before," comforted Siew Fong.

It sounded amusing but I couldn't bring myself to laugh because I just lost two phones, my two darlings. I bid them goodbye and resumed my grave march to the library.

I was going back to the desk I was using when I met Jie Hui.

"Ahh!!! JOYCE!!!"

Don't worry. The main campus library isn't exactly the quietest place on earth anyway.

"Oh, hi, Jie Hui," I greeted her, less energetic than usual.

"Did you know..?!"

I looked at her blankly. How did she know I lost my phones so soon?

She shoved a golden pouch before my face. My eyes widened and I blurted, "MY PHONES!!! Holy cow!!!!"

"Did you even know they were gone?!!!" she asked incredulously.

"Of course! I've been looking for them for the past half an hour!"

It was amazing, that gush of joy. Indescribable. What I have lost, I have now regained. (sounds like something out of the Bible. Haha)

"How did you find it?? Thank you so much!!!! I'll treat you to one week of vegetarian food no problem!" (Jie Hui is a vegetarian, okay, not that I am stingy. =.= and mind you, vegetarian food can be quite expensive!)

"You are a very lucky person. It was my friend who found it in the toilet. She looked through your contact list and found my name. She called me up so that she could return the phones back to you!"

"Thank your friend for me. I owe her big time!!!" I exclaimed.

I was astonished at such... honesty! I was touched at the same time.

"There, that's her!" Jie Hui pointed out. She waved and signalled her to come over. The girl came to us and I thanked her gratefully.

"Oh no, not me, it's natasha (I think that's what she said)."

I had the opportunity to thank the ultimate saviour of the day as the girl who found my phone was in the library too. Gosh, what good Samaritans!!!!!

It suddenly struck me.

"Oh crap!"

"What?" Jie Hui enquired.

"My dad is going to cancel my lines!"

-end-

We have a few lessons to learn here:

1. We must be honest people. (Natasha, Jie Hui's other friend and Jie Hui)

2. We must help those in need. Don't be stingy with your credits. (Siew Fong)

3. We must thank those who help us.

4. We must thank God every time He helps us. (Everyone I met along the 'journey' to find my phones was angels in disguise, I believe.)

The greatest lesson of all...

MUST SURE YOU HAVE A LONG CONTACT LIST SO THAT WHEN AN HONEST PERSON WANTS TO RETURN YOU YOUR PHONE, THE PERSON CAN DO SO!! HAVE GOOD P.R. AS WELL OR PEOPLE WOULD NOT WANT TO HELP YOU! xD

What.

There's no more lesson left from the story for today.

I didn't leave any out on purpose.

Okay, fine.

Don't be another forgetful girl like me. I was only lucky. My luck might run out if this happens again. You may not even have that luck that I had. =P

Oh, and no worries, I was in time to stop my dad from canceling my lines.

Appreciate

Last Chap Goh Meh, I took it for granted, not knowing that in the next year, I would not be celebrating this day with my family and relatives.

I've always spent the fifteen days of Chinese New Year with my family previously. Suddenly, breaking the tradition, I realised how much it meant to me. Not the ang pows or mountains of food, but the sheer presence of being with my family was what mattered.

Though still living in the same country and just a sea apart, it struck me how it was a simple blessing from God to be with your loved ones every day.

So, those of you who have not left home for a long period time, appreciate your family. Don't take them for granted. Make every single moment with them meaningful.

Happy Chap Goh Meh! Cheers!

Life of scholars at Taylor's =P

Scholars in Taylor's study as though it's a crime not to be studying!!


Until there's the symptom of lack of sleep...

But thankfully, J9 knows the importance of fun.
...We draw and doodle in class when the teacher is out,


we have I-touch to entertain us (to keep our sanity)...Even in the bus, we can have simple fun!

Conclusion?

Of course, you got that right.

J9 rocks! ^.^

Says Rei-kun - Lecturers for 2009 + THANK-YOU LIST for English teachers who impact me a lot in the past

Gosh... the title's a tad bit too long...

It's been two weeks since class started in college. Most of lecturers changed. Only my Economics lecturer, Ms. Malini remains with my class. I was pretty depressed when I knew the day before school started (that'd be 6 January 2009) that Ms. Julianne was no longer my class mentor and English lecturer. Good old Mr. James was also taken away from us. (Gah... I didn't like Math class but at least I enjoyed listening to him teach... Err... did that sound right?)

Anyway, I'm going to talk about my present lecturers. (No, silly! I'm not going to badmouth them, just talking and introducing them! xD)

Firstly, my new Legal Studies lecturer: Mrs. Wendy Loo. Let me make a statement about her - She is impressive. Mrs Wendy is a very organised lecturer who knows what she's saying or doing. Having her as my LS lecturer is a pleasure and an honour. We respect her not because she is strict or fierce but because of the opposite. She makes the class fun and at the same time productive. We memorise things with ease and we understand her lessons without much difficulty. We don't even feel uncomfortable or 'stupid' if we had any questions and will ask her without hesitation. It's quite a different experience as compared to my previous LS lecturer, Mr. Vijay.

Okay, my Accounting Studies lecturer up next: Pn. Anizah. Well, she's not that new to J9 (In case you forgot, J9 is the class I'm in. And don't give me excuses if you did forget. =.=). She taught my class AS last year for a month or two at the beginning of our first semester but got transferred to other class. I'm really sorry to say that I don't enjoy this subject. But it's hilarious at times to watch and hear her teach. I'm not too sure if she did it on purpose but she does crack jokes with a poker face, or maybe she didn't think of it as a joke, just that our class took what she said as a joke and laughed. Lolz!

Another thing about Pn. Anizah is that she ALWAYS writes in capital letters on the white board. It's only the truth to say that sometimes we can't read or interpret what she wrote on the board. We asked her if she could write with the proper usage of big and small letters but she replied, "If i write with small letters, I'm sure you will not be able to read anything I write at all."

And we laughed. =D

We laughed even more when we asked her to read what she wrote out loud for us and she uttered, "What is that that I've written?!" xD xD

Moving along now, let me introduce to you my new Mathematical Studies lecturer: Ms. Sia. Yeah, you can't expect much from me when talking about my MS lecturer. She's okay. I had her a few times last year as a replacement lecturer for MS. She's much better teaching us this year. She seems more friendly now.

In fact, let me tell you a very shocking fact. The thing is... I realised that I frown much more in English class than in MS class. Wow. I think dinosaurs have come back to life to roam our planet.

See, I have a 'Dr.' for as my current English Lecturer. Dr. Santha, to be exact. Oh, you have gotten it so wrong, my friend. She is no Santa Claus nor his wife nor one of his little green elves or reindeer. She is a no-fun, no-nonsense lecturer who barely gives you any space to breathe. She slays you for a missing 's' or an inappropriate tense. She blasts you to goodness-knows-where because you forgot to bring your dictionary to class.

I think it's because I've had too many cool and fun teachers for English class that now, I have run out of luck, and ended up with a dragon-lady this year. I can't believe I'm not going to have any fun for my last year of formal education in the English language.

You may argue that she's being strict for our own sake but I just don't enjoy that. Miss Mary, my English for Academic Purposes and IELTS teacher, was strict on us when it comes to English but she corrected us nicely, teasing us for our mistakes that we automatically know them and cease to commit them.

Dr. Santha, I believe, needs to know how to have a little bit of fun because right now, I picture her as some sort of bully trying to bully her way in and out of things. She was right in saying that getting A1 for English in SPM was no big deal but she was wrong to put it in a way that it doesn't worth a penny.

Language is supposed to be a fun subject. For that, I would like to thank all the teachers who were once my English teacher, that includes:

1. Mrs. Chong (I'm sorry I couldn't remember your full name), Living Springs Tuition Centre, Kuching - Thank you for encouraging me to write when I was only twelve years old. KATELION owes her existence partially to Mrs. Chong. Without her encouragement, I wouldn't have even begun to think I could do well in creative writing.

2. Pn. Lucy Sim, SMK Batu Lintang, Kuching - You are simply amazing. I'll never forget how you kept English so lively and colourful. I never felt bored even once in your class. Thank you for believing in the fact that English can be and should be fun for everyone.

3. Pn. Anita Wee, SMK Batu Lintang, Kuching - Although you were not my official English teacher in class, I learnt a lot from you during our debate practice sessions. Your English, I absolutely admire. (The food prepared when the debate team was over at your house, I miss even more!) Don't worry, I now pronounce 'development' properly whenever I use the word. "It's dee-vé-lep-ment!" =D Thank you for correcting my pronunciations!

4. Brother Albinus, Le Salle Tuition Centre (currently residing at SMK St. Joseph, Kuching) - You were my most respected Bible Knowledge and Literature in English teacher. I've never had an Irish for a teacher and you were my first. You were strict but I enjoyed your class because you were in a way, fatherly. Thank you for helping me understand and getting closer to God and also, have a stronger grasp in English.

5. Miss Julianne, Taylor's College Main Campus - Though I had only six months with you, I really missed your classes. They were fun! Your English-based games were interesting and challenging. You, too, believed that English classes should be fun. J9 really misses you as our ESL lecturer and mentor. Thanks for the good times!

6. Miss Mary Josephine Morias, Taylor's College Language Centre - Your English is (may I say it) flawless. You taught us so much! Group 11 must have been quite a handful for you last year but we (at least Sher Rin & I [she insisted that I add her name too. =.=]) really loved your classes. You were 'funnily strict' but we still adored you. Thank you for pointing out all my bizarre slang and accents, unknowingly resuming Pn. Anita's job of correcting my pronunciations and assisting me in enhancing my presenting and writing skills.


Missed every one of you great English teachers~!


P/S: I'll try to get photos of them lecturers next time. ^o^

Happy New Year!! (I know! I know! I’m really late!)

This is my first post for the year 2009 (Yeah, the Chinese knows this year as the Cow/Bull/Ox [pick your choice] year) So what I have to say?

Obviously, New Year new resolution!!! One of my most important goals this year is to never be late to church in Subang Jaya. I realised that I was often late to church last year after going to college. Either that or I missed church. That has got to stop. I am firmly putting a stop to it and I'm going to promise God that I will do whatever I can to be punctual to church every week (you heard me right the first time, no need for me to repeat).

Next, of course, my 'lovely' contract with JPA. TER 85 and above or it's kissing JPA scholarship and Australia goodbye (so, yes, I expect you to empathise me and understand why I won't be blogging that regularly anymore). I must work my butt off this year. T_T I've never felt ever the more compelled to do well in my studies. Two years ago, I was thinking, "Ah... SPM, how nice if I could score straight A's..." Notice the dreamy and airy part, never mind the lack of vigour to do well.... Now, it's "God, help me! If I don't do well, I'm in deep trouble. I have no choice but DO WELL!" Yeah... the difference is priceless. Haha

 My Greatest Achievement in 2009 (up till date)

I know it's wee bit too early to mention about one's greatest achievement of the year but in any case, I'm so proud of myself. Last Friday, I actually WALKED home to Casa Subang all the way from Taylor's College main campus with my housemates (Sher Rin, Yih Ling and Qiu Gee). It's a thirty-minute walk. We even stopped by a nearby shopping complex, The Summit, to eat 'tauhu fa'. =D Just that morning, I was thinking to myself, how is it even possible to walk back home from college? You see, the buses which take us to and fro from Casa Subang to Taylor's College can be rather fantastically late. Now that I know it is POSSIBLE for me to walk home or walk to college, I think walking is a very valid option from now on. Try getting stuck in a jam for more than an hour and getting to class late. I think you will agree with me, no?

 

Global Peace: A talk by Dr. Tun Mahathir at Taylor's College Main Campus

Yes, I attended the talk by our former prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir. He talked about Global Peace. For those of you who did not have the opportunity of listening to him speak personally and see him in the flesh (no, I did not say that to annoy you nor to boast. xP), I shall try my best to recall what he had said in his speech.

Firstly, we were given the idea by Tun that generally, peace is the absence of war. If there is no war, then the world would be a peaceful place to live in. Now, in order to lead the world towards a more peaceful direction, the solution suggested is to criminalise war.

Here's the thing: To murder a person, is a crime. As we all know, a breach of the law, performing a crime, results in sanctions i.e, punishments. You will be given the death penalty or life imprisonment etc. In fact, there are even advanced nations which come up with the 'noble' proposal that the death penalty is barbaric and inhumane. So murderers don't deserve to die too.

However, it is legitimate to wage war: to sacrifice innocent lives of men, women, children, the young and the old, the healthy and the sick.

Do you see the queerness of the picture which I am painting before you?

Now, you must understand the fact that people in the olden days warred against each other only because they didn't know any other way how to resolve their conflicts. Leaders led their skilled soldiers into war with swords and shields, arrows and bows to fight their enemies in a battlefield. The death toll and damage done was at the minimal. Unlike today, the battlefield is a city/cities of a country, the damage done is massive and unbelievable. In fact, the world could get wiped out if our leaders aren't too careful. (What do you think nuclear bombs can do?!)

Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the ones who first tasted the destructive powers of the atomic bomb, yet, as though the destructiveness was not enough, people create better bombs—accurate bombs. Accurate bombs to...? To annihilate more people, to kill more innocent people. With such terrible tools available, war should not be an option to resolve conflicts between nation anymore.

War is very real, ladies and gentlemen. Why? Does it thrill you when you see people suffer because of war as you watch comfortably while sipping a glass of iced lemon tea from the television? Do you think that war can never reach us in Malaysia? Do you think that the word 'war' does not associate with our country as it normally appears alongside only with Gaza or Somalia or Afghanistan? If your answer is 'yes', shame on you. There is always the possibility that we will one day find ourselves in a war. War can happen anywhere if people believe that war is a method of resolution.

In order to obtain peace, criminalising war is an answer to it. People who initiate war should be trialled. If war is criminalised, people will see it as a bad and evil thing to do. During the Q & A session, Tun explained that awareness itself plays a vital role in spreading the message of global peace. (I used to think awareness is a kind of useless myth we mention in our moral papers to answer questions. "Kita perlu menyebar kesedaran tentang..." Sounds oddly familiar, no? I didn't know it actually has some practical use in it until now. Haha)

Anyway, as I was saying, I remember Tun mentioning that awareness itself is important. If the world believes in peace, then there would be no war. When awareness becomes a part the society, then people will refuse war. When people have a reluctant attitude towards war, then war can be avoided. People will refuse to fight in a war. When the people disagree with their leader going to war, the leader will not so easily place war as his number one option to solve conflicts. This is what is called a value system of the society; a mindset. Law is formed out of values and rights agreed by majority. So, naturally, if the world truly holds onto peace and hates war, war can be criminalised. It is not radical or just a mere illusion.

Evidence...

Tun's touch of humour

There was a student who asked a question (which I forgot to note down) and this was Tun's reply.

"Whether or not the bomb is accurate bomb or not, people are still terrified. People at Hiroshima and Nagasaki really could not possibly feel honoured when they were about to be killed by the first atomic bombs [which are much more accurate and destructive than a normal bow and arrow]. They were terrified."

I don't know about you but I find this part particularly funny. Lolz!

Conclusion

Global peace will definitely help improve the lives of a lot of people, especially those victims of war. Please support global peace. Spread the message. Nothing's worth to go to war for. The consequences are too dire, the sacrifice too colossal.

Doubt of my own, unanswered

Tun wishes that there will be no war. My question is if there is no war, how do you counter terrorist attacks? The September 11 incident happened, the Bali bombings happened, the London trains bombings happened. If there is no war, what about all these terrorists? They terrorise people. If a nation threatens to attack you, how will you retaliate?

Would you want to try to answer my question? =P

*To know what happened BEFORE the talk (the huge, unfortunate incident which upset quite a number of us), please click here~~