Run

Do things that you never thought that you'll ever do. When something scares you, you know you're doing it right, you know you're living life to your fullest potential. You don't need to plan it all to make it work cause plans are dead. Now, I can proudly share if I were asked how it feels like donating a part of myself. The red bloody connective tissue that does everything it has to to keep me alive. Although it started off as a not so good experience but it became one that was even more memorable than the crazy deed itself. I am grateful for the ever so caring and loving people by my side who knows me and what I need better than I do sometimes.

And three whole days of Health Promotion Campaign could really open your eyes to more things that you'll ever learn in a year of lectures. Things that I call the 'real stuffs out there'. The people, they're real. Their stories, the look on their faces when they express those words, the burning desire to know more and to be reassured. I'm glad to have been exposed to this side of the profession that I've chosen. And the indescribable feeling of satisfaction working and spending more than 12 hours a day with my fellow batch mates and the seniors. They're an awesome bunch. It's a shame that we only have such brief moments with each other before some of them leave to UK. Nevertheless, the connection was strong and a comprehensive one. No one could understand this part of our uni life better than they do really.

This evening, I am glad to have the opportunity to listen to Orla Meade, Unilever's HR Head of Singapore. It was a privilege speaking to her and she said, studying something and doing something in life doesn't have to be the same thing. Love her Irish accent. Okay gotta pack, off to Penang tomorrow. Teehee.

Love, peace and understanding.

Cielo

I know it's everywhere but just wanna say, great effort to the organising team and everyone involved in putting together such an awesome event. It did reached out to many many youths in the most exciting and upbeat way. Such a shame the lil' one and I had to leave before the concert. Anyways, it was worth it listening to all the sharing from a list of successful and inspiring personalities like Tony Fernandes, Dato Ruby Khong, Pushpa Basnet, Scott Hammel, Henry Golding, 14-year old Matthew Supramaniam and Deborah Henry and of course, our prime minister. :D

She is Ashling Ezra Lee. :)

Happy Monday, amigos!

Shine On

No words could describe it. All the photos and hype is still ongoing on Facebook. And looking at the photos only brings back deep emotions. It's funny how you could connect with so many people in such a short period of time. We came as strangers and parted as family. I guess that says it all. 

Throughout these awesome six golden days, I've learned so much about myself through others, and others through working together as a team. Being transparent about yourself is not an easy thing to do. You need to have immense trust in the people who's listening to it. I'm very glad to say that I did not regret it at all. 'Cause the consequence after that is too overwhelming. I experience tremendous changes immediately in those aspects pointed out and I really really appreciate it and want to do the same for others as well. This is the life-changing experience that I've been hearing for so long. I get it now.

One of the very beautiful and admirable thing about AIESECers is that we all acknowledge our weaknesses and we try to improve ourselves. And we know that the best way to do that is through others. I'm often amazed when I get feedbacks that I would probably never be able to think of. It's like they get what you're going through, what you need, what you want. We're all hungry and foolish people so to say. :)

I'm really thankful to have been to MyLDS 2013, themed Impact Now. I don't know if I've impacted anyone but I really want to thank my dear Chief Delegate, Winnie, my team, Tiger who's a mixture of Malaysians, Egyptian, Chinese, Hong Kong-ian and Paskistani, my group faci, Andy from Taiwan, Hong Kong delegates like Michael and Helen who I met on the first day, Jessy from Madagascar, all OCs, MCs and facis and everybody whom I've communicated with. They've all contributed to my awesome experience I'll never forget. ♥

2-3 hours of sleep a day and still we're so energetic.

Sugarcubes and souvenirs.

 Happy February you beautiful people! :D

Gemini

Got on a crazy huge ship at Penang Island and off we sailed. Away from the structured-landscaped view. Away from people, literally. One of the best travelling experience so far. Thanks to my dear parents for always giving us the best lifetime experience and momentous moments like this. Got the chance to get to the shore of Phuket and Krabi as well by tendering boats, and did some sightseeing at the town. Beautiful people, amazing food, lovely tour guide, great weather, breathtaking sceneries, awesome companies. Twas perfect.

Being 'stranded' in the middle of the deep sea, not having a clue of where you are and what to do if anything were to go wrong, twas just amazing. There's no separation of the sky and the sea. The horizon is endless. You turn around 360 degrees and all you see is the same serene, soothing scenery. But sometimes, a lil' change is needed. I never knew it could be so uplifting to see the mountain-like dark patches appearing above the skyline. That's when I realised, no one could ever live alone.

If you compare yourself in the day and at night, you wouldn't see much of a difference in the way you live, your lifestyle, the people you meet, the things you do and such. It's pretty much consistent and in the 'safe' zone. I met this guy, Matt, who was our tour guide in Krabi. He has knowledge and experience as vast as you can imagine. Was a former Thai boxer, he met people from all around the world. One awesome guy I'd like to meet again.

The Gala Night taught me how diversity could bring people closer and not the presumed opposite. People from Philippines, China, Nepal, India, Finland, Sweden and Vietnam running that one ship. That's something there. Sometimes, we get too comfy in the same environment we overlook things. We assume and demand for our rights that we forget to be considerate and sensitive of other's needs. It's only human, ain't it. Think again. And also, extreme joy or sorrow brings the most kilos. Yeap. Oh well, as long as there's

..peace, love and understanding. :)

Unencumbered

It was great. It was exciting. It was meaningful. It was memorable. It was joyful.

I've nothing much to say really. Or rather too much for a quick post. After watching Life of Pi, tomorrow's adventure seems so much more exciting. Will be back in four. Take care, amigos. :)

One

Two

Three

Four

Every chapter is like one of those stones. Parallel with your collection of stones are the people you encounter's collections. Not everybody's stones are similar yet they exist on the same path. 

That's the beauty of it all.

Happy January!

Exceptional

It was amazing. Been fed with lots of cocktail hot dogs, long dogs, burnt chicken and yummy marshmallows. Hee. :D

Most beautiful and lovable people I couldn't possibly ask for. ♥

Little Things

It's been a hectic but fun-packed week last week. Kudos to the OC of the School of Pharmacy Sports Day 2012 for pulling off such an awesome one within the span of mere two weeks. It was really well-executed and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves. Jillian and I were the official photographers of the day but I ditched my camera every now and then to have fun myself. Came off fifth for the 1km run and my team, Team Orange Juice! championed the dodgeball competition. Of course, everything comes with a cost; bruised my knees badly and gave my muscles a humongous shock. Woke up the next morning with the expected entire body ache and had the time of our lives at the AIESEC LEAD Conference. Extremely awesome, inspiring and funny speakers. One of them looks and speaks like Russel Peters. :)

It's a really joyful feeling spending time you don't usually have doing things as simple as just talk and laugh in the library as if there's no one around. It's rare to come by someone whom you could jump straight to comfortable zone and just surprise them to the core. It's amazing how simple food like the food court's could give you such great contentment. It's beautiful how two people could sit over nothing and share a good time together (okay one had a sandwich, a cookie, a drink and a very hungry tummy and the other, lots of stories and time to kill intentionally) Lol. I've known them for a year now. If it wasn't for them, everything wouldn't have been as it is now. I know I'm blessed and cared for dearly when I had to postpone invitations or jot down 'dates' scheduled for weeks ahead. :D. Owh it's the winter solstice festival tomorrow. Thought of the time I packed them to uni last year and Cat had so much. Haha. 

Focus on what you have right now especially the little things, you'll realise that you're a very very spoilt kid. ;)

This is our family. The SOP family.

Aren't we nerdy? :D

You're the reason behind those smiles.

Howdy amigos. What better ways to welcome the weekend than doing something meaningful away from your thick heavy books and stressful timetable. Went for can-washing yesterday right after lecture with the whole gang from the class. Although it was raining, nobody complained but worked so diligently trying to get the work done as swiftly as possible. It's such an amazing feeling to obtain such contentment from doing something as simple as washing cans with your fellow friends in the cold drizzle. After that, attended a super last minute potluck party at the twin's apartment. Though we had simple, not-so-fancy food and take-away's but everybody enjoyed with endless joy in the company of awesome people. Playing Mafia was probably the biggest mistake for some of them especially Jordan. Haha face problem betul the whole night.

Today, woke up earlier than usual for the Educating children in Rural Areas (E.RA) Project in Pahang. It was an initiative by one of the groups in LEAD Programme in collaboration with the Reading Bus organisation. I've always wanted to do this, going to the rural areas, reaching out in whatever ways I could to help the aborigines. As you would've imagined it to be, twas a dismal sight with shortages in so many aspects. The first thing I saw when I stepped out of the four-wheel-drive was a pair of miniature slippers on the uneven yellow soil. I broke into a crooked smile before entering the hall where the children were. There were about 50 to 60 of them and they looked so innocent and ignorant of the lives they have yet to know exist if they would only reach their hands out to it. Or if they only knew it existed. It's 'heavy' to imagine myself being in their shoes and imagine not being who I am and where I am right now.

So we started off with a short ice-breaker. Then, it was free reading session. The kids were allowed to come up to the shelf and pick whatever books they like. You can clearly see there was a relatively big gap between the ones who are able to follow and the younger ones who are merely pushed by the current. Next, we distributed the new books on 'Bugs' and narrated it to them and they repeated after us. I never taught I would ever had the chance to do this, seriously. I went around trying to converse with them but obviously, their strength is in the Malay language. So I took a different approach and we did manage to understand each other. I saw their smiles when I high-fived them. Irreplaceable. And Pastor Charlie was really awesome in teaching the kids and getting them to be responsive and interactive. He shared a little about himself in the car, he's been doing this for 30 years now. It's just amazing.

It's been a really eye-opening experience. What I've realised and share would never be the same if you do not live it yourself for real. One thing for sure is that, if we have never seen something, we wouldn't have the desire for it. If you do not open yourself to the crazy amount of opportunities out there, you wouldn't know what suits you best or in the first place, what you would even have to ponder upon. It's pointless to be afraid, all you have to keep in mind is the precautions in case things go bad, which should be nothing surprising. I appreciate the love and care from everyone around me and I love you too very much.

Keep trying unless you're completely paralysed! Good day. :D

What's next?

Howdy folks. It has been one of the craziest week so far for me. I've never felt so occupied, so highly on demand and appreciated for a very long time. Indeed the decision to join AIESEC and the LLDS was one never to be regretted. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect at all from it. All I wanted to do was to occupy my free time with something hopefully beneficial and exciting. I didn't know anyone there but Jana and Sam but they're in the OC so they're kinda busy with  their responsibilities. I got into the bus and sat alone by the window and watched unfamiliar faces appear from the door one by one. Finally, the head count was done and the journey to Gohtong Jaya began. My plan to take a nap was disrupted when Kairat came to sit beside me. At one glance, you'll think that he's Korean. I was wrong, he's from Kyrgyzstan and he reminds me of Jia. :). We talked about many random things including politics. LOL. And he thought me his language. Privet!

We didn't take long to set our luggages aside and begin the game session. It was really fun and definitely got us hyped up for the following sessions. Next, we had a look at our accommodation for that two nights and I was in the room of six together with Xue Ying, Rachel, Renny, Yi Jing and Sam. Without wasting much time, we continued with the sessions at the activity room where we were introduced to the fellow facilitators, organising committees and executive board. Then, we had the ice breaking game which unconsciously brought us into our own groups of eight. I am glad to be in my group, F.S.B which stands for faster, better, stronger. Love our roll call :D. Fast forward to dinner and the Dream session. For certain reasons, things happen and that night, I knew for sure that I was not alone. Christina had been the nicest, most caring and encouraging person towards me throughout the entire programme. Knowing her is a privilege of a lifetime.

So we called it a night after Adrian and Jana left our room and I woke up at 5am, went down wandering in the cold dark dusk. My legs brought me to a swimming pool and I laid there watching the twinkling stars gradually disappear as the morning sunshine greets us with warmth. During breakfast, I got a cup of milo and Chipsmore from my guardian angel. What a great feeling to start your day with :). Everybody's doing the sweetest thing they could for their mortals from writing flowery notes, preparing breakfast for them to sending them massage services, it was such a beautiful concept I think. If only we all do this in real life. We'll only be happily broke, I don't mind. More exciting activities. I love the Paper Factory game the most. Like I said, everything happens for a reason. I was welcomed into Jia En's group where the funny people were. I really had fun bargaining with the tree-selling fella, making deals with other groups(thanks to MapleStory, lol), persuading the 'Mexican dude' and seeing Jin close a deal with the 'client'. So professional. Seeing that kinda hit me a little inside, I don't know why. And during Talentime, they all knew what happened. Yea some lady with weird accent won the talent show. Haha.

The second night was a long one. Everybody was writing sugar cubes till late night. I wrote till 4.30am and I slept off at the sofa outside. I got more biscuits from my guardian angel. I kinda suspected it must be from one of the EB cause he didn't give me any note. Thanks, Zee. Towards the end, we took loads and loads of photos and we had a sharing session. For me, these people really inspired me in many different ways; Christina, Elwin, Jin and Jet. Thank you. It has been a deeply memorable and amazing experience for me. The things I gained is just priceless. The people I've met are a gift from god. And the most beautiful part is, this is just the beginning. By that, the month of September was concluded and I started degree. Happy day every day, amigos! :D 

You sing, I'm killed, I'm just not the same

As I was a year ago and each minute since then

My jumper tears as we take it off

You say you'll sew me good as new and I know you will

Set Down Your Glass - Snow Patrol

J'adore macarons!

Bonjour amis. Just gonna share some delicious snaps and I'm heading off to another dimension. So twas a beautiful Thursday. Went to Eng Ann to get some stuffs and headed back and got to work. Took me about six hours 'cause I was being really really cautious, didn't want to screw up (there's so much almond in it!). And my patience and prayers paid off well at the end with really cute, crunchy yet chewy babies. Satisfied and happy I was although my entire back and legs ached like mad due to all the hunching-overs in front of the oven. Twas magic, and me created it. :D.

And yesterday, had a good run while enjoying the beautiful shapes and patterns formed by the clouds. There's just something about the sky that makes me feel like everything else around me is taken away for a while and all I had to do is open my eyes wide and be amazed. I can't tell how but I've learnt quite a few things from it, nature. Sometimes, it pops up thoughts you don't expect. I don't know if it's normal or anything but I don't think it's at all crazy to have debates and small talks with yourself. But I always know that someone is listening. He's there and he loves me. 

And ouh, I had a dream of a baby yesterday. A really cute and smart one. I was cuddling him in my arms and he was like touching my face and playing with my ear? His super tiny fingers, they are so delicate and ticklish. Twas such a happy occasion and I almost tear up looking at his pure joy-filled smiles. I know it's different from the usual but I don't think it's weird.

I think it's crazy good. Nights. :).

The lil' one made those smilies. 

I thought the left one is scary-looking. Haha.

I never imagined you dead.

Went for the assessment yesterday. Twas kinda fun. Started off with some dances and then we had to sit in a circle. The situation was kinda tensed really because there were so many unfamiliar faces observing us. And we had to present about stuff that I honestly wouldn't give a crap about if not because of someone some time ago. There wasn't much crowd today, only got to meet a few fellows including a cheerleader. And then, the interview. I was the last to go which made me quite nervous and shivery as the temperature in the room started to decline. I went into the other room, saw their faces, didn't think much, only recognised them as males. They introduced themselves and when they asked me to do the same, I laughed a lil' too loudly and in a cynical way. Gosh what nervousness does to me. It was the exact same thing that happened during the degree interview. I clearly remembered laughing inappropriately throughout the whole 'chatting' session. In my mind, I was singing "Ooh you're so dead, LKY." But the right-hand-side dude kept yawning and I got a lil' distracted, fumbling at every word I had to say. The questions got weirder from one to another, from "Why pharmacy?" to "Sell this ashtray to me, but I don't smoke." Good experience indeed. Hope to receive good news these few days to come. *cross fingers*

Staying up late again. This is so unhealthy. Alrighty, photos of le bakes, mi amigos and ciao.

I find baking fascinating for some reasons.

One: Transformation.

 It amuses me how a little heat could do such magic tricks.

I ain't no baker, I'm a magician. ;)

Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places.

I think I like today, I think it's good.

Howdyyy. Gosh, it's been so long, hasn't it. Glad my lappy's back from the hospital after three whole weeks but I kinda got rusty. Typing like a tortoise. And new software. Good thing I backup-ed everything so I didn't have to redownload everything but still, I messed up stuffs. Oh well. Things like this, you'll never know when it'll strike you. It was fine all the while but suddenly that Sunday morning I wanted to use it but it refused to start. Numbers and codes were all I saw on the black screen for hours. Bummer. Guess me and tech gadgets can never be friends. :)

So two weeks ago, god uncle rang up and the next day at 6am, all of us were all packed and headed for Kuala Gandah, Pahang. We're seriously used to this already. The main attraction there was the elephants. It's opened free to the public and we got to feed, ride and bathe with the elephants. What a joy. But we didn't get ourselves wet though, for a very good reason; the elephant peed and pooped into the very same river you're splashing and soaking in. Besides that, we also went to the nearby Deer Park. Daymmm this was  the highlight I swear. I got to feed the deers and rabbits, cuddle a baby civet or musang and above all, carried a snake on my shoulders. I honestly didn't feel anything, I thought it was really cool. These experiences have made me realised that there are too many things out there that I've not explored and tried. Hope I'll have the chance to do as many crazy stuffs as I can before I get old and fragile and maybe senile. Haha.

The week before, another unexpected storm hit the family but thank god, this time was just a warning sign. You know, when family gets into trouble, the best support they could get is from family. I saw the tension and everything but I don't know. I guess I'm still too naive for the real deal. Sometimes people are funny, it looks like A to your eyes but hears like B and then the truth, C starts to surface from beneath, but there's another truth, D. In the end, nothing is resolved cause it goes nowhere. I used to shove aside matters that I dislike, unhappy subjects, arguments. Ignoring like it was just a bad play and wake up to a normal day. The scariest part is, it's not like I don't know anything, I knew everything. And in my dreams, I saw the beautiful side of it. Everything just plays in front of me and it all has a different ending. Some are just replays but some, they're remakes. Weird I know.

Alright it's getting late. Shall hit the sack and rock tomorrow's whatever I'm going for. Lol. Haha today I baked some raisin rolls and wholemeal loaf. Dad said I could open a bakery (flutters) but I will go bankrupt in no time looking at the amount of raisins I used. I ain't no business minded person. Never was. And my future bakery, I'll name it 'Family Bakery'. Tata :D.

The many beautiful creatures I met.

Awesomeness.

Do not let them die.

Ex-MGSians gathering.

Windmill & Neway. ♥

Dolphinately

I swam today, which makes my whole body ached like a grandmother for a while. Dissecting a cow's heart tomorrow. Whatchu gonna do 'bout that :).

Oh my gosh, we're like having a conference in Twitter right now. Everybody's online, waiting for miracle to happen or some sort. Like who cares about Chem quiz right, tomorrow's the 14th of February. Haha. And my mum called and asked, "No dating?". LMFAO. "No."

Today's English lesson was one of the okay and interesting one. Compare and contrast. The topics we came up with, gracious. College is seriously becoming like a resort. Soon bowling and golf will be available too and everybody can picnic and have family gathering here :D.

Happy day, everyone. It's gonna be an awesomely great one :D.

Cherished

24th December 2011

Happy birthday to my brother!

I will remember today for a very very long time. I really like today, celebrating at home rather than the usual mall-outing. Simple. Had dinner with grandparents just now. Yesterday night was funny, I can't get myself to sleep because I was scared somebody might appear at my gate at sharp 12 because of Pravin and my dear brothers. "Wear nicer a bit to bed tonight ah". What was that for..ish haha.

Anyway, today the gang came over and we talked, took photos, had lunch at Uncle Choon, sang song, ate cake(The Red Velvet Cake) and played Wii. It was fun. Feels so at home not having to bother where we are, what we do. I've never typed so many 'thank you's in a day but it's okay, cause every one of them made me smile. Some were really funny and some, I felt really happy just receiving them. And conversations with people I hardly get the chance to catch up with, all of the sudden they appeared and we had a good laugh reminiscing the past. Now, a lil' bit on those who gave my brother and I a heartwarming birthday gathering.

Rachel, thank you for the Bob's Machine! I never expected you to really make our creation one step closer to reality. It's amazing, I look hot with those sexy legs in there :). And yes, we will always be the awesomest mother-son pair FOREVER. Sorry I'm so mixed up with the Rajis and Rajims, why must you use such complicated words. Haha stay awesome always. ♥

Yen Yen, thank you loads for the wonderful Lilo & Stitch tumbler and the t-shirt. "Thanks for the memories all these years". Short yet means so much. Thank you too, for being there through all those crazy ups and downs. ♥

Geok San, thank you for the pretty little card and book. Will read it in the car during my journey to Johore. Although we've not been talking nor seeing each other much this year, I know you're always there looking after me :). You're one beautiful person, may God bless you and guide you through thick and thin too. Btw, your handwriting changed, so doctor-like now. ♥

Next, Siew Li aka Mamypoko. Me, Beyonce's moves? Haha I'm always sexy, Indian's natural curves. You are the longest friend I've ever known, since standard one. Those were the days.. I love you and best wishes to you, my friend. ♥

Kia Hooi, Vi Vian, Siew Ern, Vino, Wei Wei, Deena, thanks a lot for the wishes. Amazing people. May God bless you all and wish you all a great year ahead with all your loved ones. ♥

Bacardi

The last couple of weeks were indeed the most memorable ones for me. In such short period of time, we all got so close together and shared so much of good times. It all happened when Farah insisted on me staying back with them after the Moral paper. Crazy people, crazy conversations by the lakeside past midnight, crazy stuffs they do to scare us. Haha just insane. Well, we shall reunite and continue doing what we do best after the 3 weeks break. :)

The shinies in black and white :D

Sometimes you don't need much

All you need is noise

Sometimes it isn't loneliness you're feeling

It's just the heavy feeling

It's golden.