It's Merdeka day!! The day we achieved independence 52 years ago!! It is a day to really be proud of, for it signifies our freedom from the clutches of foreign control and power.
For the past year and a half, ever since the ruling government lost a significant majority in the last general elections, there has been much talk about the integrity, responsibility and efficacy of the government; and much of that talk has been of the negative. In my entry today, I would prefer to stick to talking about the good things that is Malaysia, especially in this time when everything seems to be haywire.
Malaysia has always and will always been known as a multi-racial/multi-ethnic country. That's what makes Malaysia unique. The fact that its people are of different races and religion living together in harmony and with respect is truly a point to salute.
Off the top of my mind, I can think of three things that show how Malaysia has really grown in terms of being united:
1) There are more inter-marriages now than before. And I don't just mean the marriages between the Indians and Chinese, but also of the Chinese and Malays...etc. The willingness to commit to a different religion and lifestyle just goes to show how we have all evolved and have finally begun to see past colour and religion.
2) 'Mamak' shops now boasts of having multi-racial customers, enjoying their cup of 'teh tarik' and 'roti canai'. Even the Chinese are learning and enjoying the spicy delights of Indian food. One good example is my brother Jared who is half-Chinese and half-Filipino. With that biological traits in him, he could not, for the life of him, eat anything spicy!! But...with constant practice and lunches at my aunt's house where curry and chillies are staple food, Jared has "taught" his Chinese-Filipino tongue to accept spicy-ness!! Hahaha!! He has indeed grown so much that he now eats chillie padi!!!!
3) And of course...who can forget the infamous "lah" that accompanies almost every word or sentence. I bet that we can recognise a Malaysian anywhere in the world from that very word: 'LAH'!
It is sad to see that the problems or issues of racism seem to stem from the very people that are supposed to symbolise unity: the government. I don't see the people being racist. I don't see celebrities being racist or practising racism. It is those in power that seem to that this racism issue so personally.
I just hope that...before it's too late, people will learn and realise that race and religion is a private issue. It should not be made into something political or a problem.
HAPPY MERDEKA MY FELLOW COUNTRY MEN (WOMEN)!!
August 31, 2009
August 23, 2009
Finally...I'm officially a graduate!
(L): Sun Yat Sun building where we had out lunch.
(R): Group shot!
Finally...after two years of waiting, my much anticipated graduation took place; although there was no ceremony to receive my scroll. Nevertheless, after two years, to actually HAVE a gathering was good enough!!
So...the graduation lunch gathering was held on the 22nd of August at 'The Sun': Spring Chamber Restaurant. Only a small group attended the lunch along with a few lecturers and also the principal of the college. Lunch was from 12pm-3pm. There was lots of laughter and chatter as we reminisce the past, talking about our college days and how the lecturers had to endure our antics. Business cards were distributed, work experiences were shared and pictures were taken as we enjoyed our 3-hour lunch. 2 years have passed and yet, it felt like it was only yesterday that we sat for our final exams and left college. :-) It was a good gathering. Oh...we also signed up to be part of our college alumni.
And then it was Sunday...and it was photo-shoot day!! I've waited two years to don the robe and mortar board and I finally fulfilled my long awaited dream. I had thought that I would have to give up the chance of ever getting my graduation picture taken. But I guess God is on my side and also with my believe in The Secret my dream was fulfilled.
With my make-up done professionally, me dressed in my robe and mortar board, and my family present, my photo-shoot took place. After nearly 2 hours of smiling and posing (for solo shots and family shots) the photo shoot was over. One thing that I regret is, because we did not have the ceremony, I did not have the chance to take pictures with my fellow classmates. Nevetheless, trusted Trish was on hand and together, we manage to take pictures together, complete in our robes and mortar board!! :-)
Here are the pics taken with my camera:
August 15, 2009
Gossiping
Gossiping - idle talk or rumour, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.
Yesterday, after months of turning down, re-scheduling and postponing our catch up, Trish and I finally met up. We both decided to have dinner together. I met her at her new office after work, where she showed me her very own room(!!), new computer (!!) and uh...well...basically, that's it. Haha!! Her new office is nice; it's modern in design with black walls and it doesn't look like the typical office setting as the cubicals for the clerks are all of the modern design. But I digress.
We were to have dinner together and had initially decided to go to Gurney. However, being a Friday night, as expected the route to Gurney was jammed. So plans had to be changed and we ended up going to Ananda Bhawan in Tanjung Bungah (although I had banana leaf for lunch that day!!).
The Ananda Bhawan outlet in Tanjung Bungah has a very nice setting, which is basically to attract tourists; but it also serves as a good place to hang out and not to forget that the food is also good. So...while we waited for our order of Mutton Briyani, Tandoori Set, Cheese Tosai, Sirap Ice and Bru Ice Coffee to arrive, we did what we always do: GOSSIP.
We talked about so much of stuff and about so many people. After all, it's been nearly two months since we last met and in almost 60 days, a lot can happen. Even as our food arrived, the pace in which we were talking did not slow down. We talked and talked and talked, then ordered a second round of drinks, then continued talking and talking.
All in all...we talked for nearly 4 hours!! And the place was actually closing by the time we left (though there were still other customers there)!!. Half way through our conversation, we stopped and reflected on what we were doing i.e. gossiping. We wondered whether what we were doing was right. After all...we were talking about people we call friends (some of them anyway).
In my book (and Trish's) I think what we were doing (and will always be doing!!) is okay. Yes we're gossiping but we're not spreading rumours or lies. She updates me on what she's heard or talked about or experienced, and I do the same. If not for this 'gossiping', there's nothing to talk about, we realised!!
In the end, we decided that we will continue gossiping. If it doesn't hurt anyone, then what's the problem right?
On the way back, we still had not finished talking!! Even when we reached my house, I continued sitting in the car talking!!! Haha!!
I suppose she's right in saying that, between us, there will never be a silent moment. There will always be something to talk about. So...to many more hours of more gossiping!! :-)
Yesterday, after months of turning down, re-scheduling and postponing our catch up, Trish and I finally met up. We both decided to have dinner together. I met her at her new office after work, where she showed me her very own room(!!), new computer (!!) and uh...well...basically, that's it. Haha!! Her new office is nice; it's modern in design with black walls and it doesn't look like the typical office setting as the cubicals for the clerks are all of the modern design. But I digress.
We were to have dinner together and had initially decided to go to Gurney. However, being a Friday night, as expected the route to Gurney was jammed. So plans had to be changed and we ended up going to Ananda Bhawan in Tanjung Bungah (although I had banana leaf for lunch that day!!).
The Ananda Bhawan outlet in Tanjung Bungah has a very nice setting, which is basically to attract tourists; but it also serves as a good place to hang out and not to forget that the food is also good. So...while we waited for our order of Mutton Briyani, Tandoori Set, Cheese Tosai, Sirap Ice and Bru Ice Coffee to arrive, we did what we always do: GOSSIP.
We talked about so much of stuff and about so many people. After all, it's been nearly two months since we last met and in almost 60 days, a lot can happen. Even as our food arrived, the pace in which we were talking did not slow down. We talked and talked and talked, then ordered a second round of drinks, then continued talking and talking.
All in all...we talked for nearly 4 hours!! And the place was actually closing by the time we left (though there were still other customers there)!!. Half way through our conversation, we stopped and reflected on what we were doing i.e. gossiping. We wondered whether what we were doing was right. After all...we were talking about people we call friends (some of them anyway).
In my book (and Trish's) I think what we were doing (and will always be doing!!) is okay. Yes we're gossiping but we're not spreading rumours or lies. She updates me on what she's heard or talked about or experienced, and I do the same. If not for this 'gossiping', there's nothing to talk about, we realised!!
In the end, we decided that we will continue gossiping. If it doesn't hurt anyone, then what's the problem right?
On the way back, we still had not finished talking!! Even when we reached my house, I continued sitting in the car talking!!! Haha!!
I suppose she's right in saying that, between us, there will never be a silent moment. There will always be something to talk about. So...to many more hours of more gossiping!! :-)
August 14, 2009
August 15th 2009
On August 15th 1990 - A small, fair, bald-headed, chubby baby girl was born. She was the centre of attention when she returned from the hospital; but she was also the envy of her elder sister.
Fast forward to August 15th 2009, this baby girl who will turn 19, is still the envy of her elder sister. Who's this OLD teenager, who will be celebrating her last year of being a teen? My sister!!
I've had 18 years of fighting, arguing, hair pulling, shouting, kicking etc...you name it...we've done it. But despite all the crying and shouting and occasional ignoring, we've had loads of time laughing (most of the time at my mother's expense), joking, bonding and simply enjoying each other's company. Not to mention the comparing!! I can't stand the fact that she has natural brown hair and is fairer than me!! Haha....even so, there are people who say that we look so much alike. Though there are some dimwits who have asked her if I was her MOTHER!! Stupid, blind people!! But I digress.
I think I can safely say for the both of us that without one another, life will be difficult. She's always been there (here) for me when I need a shoulder to shout at, throw a tantrum, complain or just bitch about people. She does things for me when I am tired or lazy (though it takes a hell lot of cajoling!!). And.....she's good for my wardrobe!! Hehe...since the both of us are thin (though people ALWAYS say she's okay in size), we can share everything from jeans to t-shirts to shorts!!
We are so close that people find it hard to believe we are THAT close!! We are always asked whether we fight or not. I suppose in this day and age, it's hard to find sisters who are so close. In fact, we even get complimented on being such good sisters, so much so that we are some-sort of a role model to my cousins!! Haha!!
It's fun having a younger sister. Though we are 6 years apart in age...sometimes those 6 years seem to be invisible. She reminds me that age is just a number and that we will always be young if we put our heads to it; while I teach her the rudiments or rather the survival of growing up!
Fast forward to August 15th 2009, this baby girl who will turn 19, is still the envy of her elder sister. Who's this OLD teenager, who will be celebrating her last year of being a teen? My sister!!
I've had 18 years of fighting, arguing, hair pulling, shouting, kicking etc...you name it...we've done it. But despite all the crying and shouting and occasional ignoring, we've had loads of time laughing (most of the time at my mother's expense), joking, bonding and simply enjoying each other's company. Not to mention the comparing!! I can't stand the fact that she has natural brown hair and is fairer than me!! Haha....even so, there are people who say that we look so much alike. Though there are some dimwits who have asked her if I was her MOTHER!! Stupid, blind people!! But I digress. I think I can safely say for the both of us that without one another, life will be difficult. She's always been there (here) for me when I need a shoulder to shout at, throw a tantrum, complain or just bitch about people. She does things for me when I am tired or lazy (though it takes a hell lot of cajoling!!). And.....she's good for my wardrobe!! Hehe...since the both of us are thin (though people ALWAYS say she's okay in size), we can share everything from jeans to t-shirts to shorts!!
We are so close that people find it hard to believe we are THAT close!! We are always asked whether we fight or not. I suppose in this day and age, it's hard to find sisters who are so close. In fact, we even get complimented on being such good sisters, so much so that we are some-sort of a role model to my cousins!! Haha!!
It's fun having a younger sister. Though we are 6 years apart in age...sometimes those 6 years seem to be invisible. She reminds me that age is just a number and that we will always be young if we put our heads to it; while I teach her the rudiments or rather the survival of growing up!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAYSHNAVEE!! MY BABY SISTER!! LOVE YA LOTS!
August 10, 2009
Decision Made
Ok...after much thought, frantic calls, much persuasion and countless SMSes, the decision has been made. I am going for the very very very belated graduation gathering. Although the number of attendees (so far) is a mere 11 people, I've decided...what the heck??!! At least I won't be alone. Apparently, the rental of the graduation robe comes together with the lunch; and that we cannot just rent the robe. So we really had no choice.
After much clarification and persuasion, we (my friends and I) had to accept that we have to pay for the lunch in order to get the much wanted robe as it was a package. [We wanted to just rent the robe so we could get our photos taken, but alas, we couldn't just rent the robe. Furthermore, we want the ACTUAL robe with the correct colours and stripes, not just any robe that can be rented at the shop]Although lunch will not be served at a hotel but rather a restaurant, GOOGLE put our fears to rest as we found out that the restaurant is new, of fine dining standard and the place actually looks nice. Now all we can hope for is that the food tastes just as good as the place looks!! :-)
Well...looks like 2 years of waiting is finally coming to an end. I can't wait to go for the lunch and then to get my photos taken, so that I can finally put one phase of my life behind me. For two years I've felt as though I have had no closure. No end or rather no proof of 4 years of hard work and brain damage!! Haha!
It will also serve as a proud and memorable moment for my parents; to show that they have a graduate daughter; to stand tall next to me holding my scroll and dressed in my robe and mortar board. The picture alone (with my parents and sister smiling) will speak a thousand words. Words that will come from my smile, saying, "without my parents (and sister) I would not be where I am today". And words from my parents' smiles, that will say, I have done them proud!
After much clarification and persuasion, we (my friends and I) had to accept that we have to pay for the lunch in order to get the much wanted robe as it was a package. [We wanted to just rent the robe so we could get our photos taken, but alas, we couldn't just rent the robe. Furthermore, we want the ACTUAL robe with the correct colours and stripes, not just any robe that can be rented at the shop]Although lunch will not be served at a hotel but rather a restaurant, GOOGLE put our fears to rest as we found out that the restaurant is new, of fine dining standard and the place actually looks nice. Now all we can hope for is that the food tastes just as good as the place looks!! :-)
Well...looks like 2 years of waiting is finally coming to an end. I can't wait to go for the lunch and then to get my photos taken, so that I can finally put one phase of my life behind me. For two years I've felt as though I have had no closure. No end or rather no proof of 4 years of hard work and brain damage!! Haha!
It will also serve as a proud and memorable moment for my parents; to show that they have a graduate daughter; to stand tall next to me holding my scroll and dressed in my robe and mortar board. The picture alone (with my parents and sister smiling) will speak a thousand words. Words that will come from my smile, saying, "without my parents (and sister) I would not be where I am today". And words from my parents' smiles, that will say, I have done them proud!
August 8, 2009
Dilemma
The day that I've been waiting for, for the past two years is finally about to arrive. Two years of waiting and harassing people; and finally, it's about to happen. Though the excitement has long been diminished, the feeling once again re-surfaced when I got the call. Excitement, anticipation, relief.
But wait... all that vanished just as soon as it returned; two years is indeed a looong time to wait for something so significant. However, the significance soon died down, when people moved on and achieved greater things; things far more important than a graduation gathering.
I never had and never will have a graduation ceremony where I would gather in a hall with my classmates, walk on stage to receive my scroll when my name is called and take endless pictures, all this being witnessed by my family. That day has long gone. The "day" that is to arrive is actually of a gathering of graduates from the past two years; a "formality" gathering that the college is organising to 'acknowledge' that we have indeed graduated. It'll be a lunch affair, complete with us (or whoever's going) wearing the robe and mortar board.
The sad thing is (to which my dilemma stems from), my friends do not want to attend this function. It's been too long and some of them are already certified lawyers who have recently just been called to the Bar. No point in going back in time just to have this "graduation", they say. I agree with them. But at the same time, I'm thinking, I'm never going to be a lawyer. I'm never going to be called to the Bar, so I'll never have that "achievement"/"closure" that marks an end of a person's education route.
Hence my dilemma....do I attend the gathering knowing none of my friends will be there? Do I attend the gathering for the sake of wearing the robe and mortar board and having small talk with my ex-lecturers? Do I snub the gathering; the gathering which I have fought so hard for this past two years? After all, it'll be weird (and wrong, in my opinion) to not go after harassing the college to have one.
My rationale is this: What's the point of going to the gathering where you'll be the lone person from your batch? I'll still rent the gown and go for the studio photo session with my family (this I will not miss!!). But do I go for the gathering?
But wait... all that vanished just as soon as it returned; two years is indeed a looong time to wait for something so significant. However, the significance soon died down, when people moved on and achieved greater things; things far more important than a graduation gathering.
I never had and never will have a graduation ceremony where I would gather in a hall with my classmates, walk on stage to receive my scroll when my name is called and take endless pictures, all this being witnessed by my family. That day has long gone. The "day" that is to arrive is actually of a gathering of graduates from the past two years; a "formality" gathering that the college is organising to 'acknowledge' that we have indeed graduated. It'll be a lunch affair, complete with us (or whoever's going) wearing the robe and mortar board.
The sad thing is (to which my dilemma stems from), my friends do not want to attend this function. It's been too long and some of them are already certified lawyers who have recently just been called to the Bar. No point in going back in time just to have this "graduation", they say. I agree with them. But at the same time, I'm thinking, I'm never going to be a lawyer. I'm never going to be called to the Bar, so I'll never have that "achievement"/"closure" that marks an end of a person's education route.
Hence my dilemma....do I attend the gathering knowing none of my friends will be there? Do I attend the gathering for the sake of wearing the robe and mortar board and having small talk with my ex-lecturers? Do I snub the gathering; the gathering which I have fought so hard for this past two years? After all, it'll be weird (and wrong, in my opinion) to not go after harassing the college to have one.
My rationale is this: What's the point of going to the gathering where you'll be the lone person from your batch? I'll still rent the gown and go for the studio photo session with my family (this I will not miss!!). But do I go for the gathering?
August 1, 2009
Review
It's the 1st of August, and although I should have done this two months ago, to be honest, it didn't enter my mind until yesterday. What am I talking about? Why...my 2009 To-Do List of course!! At the beginning of the year, I made a list of things to-do or rather I would like to achieve by the year end. And like anyone on a mission, I think a review of the past 6 (7) months is due. What have I done in the 1st half of year and have I achieved anything? How many items on my list have I crossed out??
Well...there are 5 items on my To-Do List and so far, I've managed to strike off two items (clap clap clap!!) and deleted one item off the list as I figured that was something that's not realistic for this year. It's on my next year's list though!! I still want to do it!!
And so...as far as the review goes...I'm right on schedule. 7 months have passed and two items have been struck off. The remaining two items pose a bit of a problem as one of them has been a goal I've been trying to achieve for years. It's probably going to take me another few years. Only God knows. As for the other, it's not really something to achieve I just realised but rather, it's on-going. So far, I've managed to stick to it quite diligently and I hope to continue to do so.
Well...two more items with 4 months to go. I think I can complete my To-Do List. We'll see...
Well...there are 5 items on my To-Do List and so far, I've managed to strike off two items (clap clap clap!!) and deleted one item off the list as I figured that was something that's not realistic for this year. It's on my next year's list though!! I still want to do it!!
And so...as far as the review goes...I'm right on schedule. 7 months have passed and two items have been struck off. The remaining two items pose a bit of a problem as one of them has been a goal I've been trying to achieve for years. It's probably going to take me another few years. Only God knows. As for the other, it's not really something to achieve I just realised but rather, it's on-going. So far, I've managed to stick to it quite diligently and I hope to continue to do so.
Well...two more items with 4 months to go. I think I can complete my To-Do List. We'll see...
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