Hi readers, if I have any readers left!
How long has it been since I last updated this? I don't even remember how I ran into my blog today! This is quite helpful, actually, as I do need the writing practice. Speak less, write more. Save my endless questions and the "I wonder why…" moments for here.
A lot has changed in the past four years. You know that feeling, when you read your old diary and you wonder why you would say certain things? My first response was, "Oh god, I need to change that profile pic!" And I did! I should have kept that old picture with me in braces and nerd-short hair before I removed it though. Ah well, perhaps in the next five years.
Then, I had to check out the past comments. I have to say, I am surprised at how many people asked if I am still alive, or if I'm dead. I guess they should have just checked for my Facebook instead.
I wonder why I used to care so much about what people would say?
We all care, to a certain extent. I was called things from stupid to slut to unmusical to weird. Perhaps, if we don't let names define us, our life can get better. The good news is, it's true. Life did get better when I let go of all the packages of names that people have given me. For what it's worth. I'm glad for everything that has happened. Really.
Are you asking if I'd like someone to randomly yell profanities or attack me now so I can just be grateful?
Not really, that would be contrived; and you would have to be a bitch to do that.
My blog used to be named LiTTle WonDeRs. Of course I had to change that. I guess I used to be so hopeful and in awe. I still am, but I've come to realize that my awe and wonder comes in none other than random blobs and blubbers. Thus, the new name will stay for now. After all, I quite like its obnoxious-ness.
I also changed the layout. I wonder what I else I can do with blogger.com. Should I make a new blog and start, well, anew? Or should I continue here? My old layout had a weird color scheme; I think I'll go with this bunny gardens and sunshine one.
For the record, yes, I am still alive. And oh - I should update my other writing website too. Now, if only I could remember my own URLs…
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Excerpts from the book "Sex, Boys & You" by Joni Arredia
To Achieve Your Dreams, Remember your ABCs
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
Believe in yourself.
Consider things from every angle.
Don't give up and don't give in.
Enjoy life today: yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
Family and friends are hidden treasures: seek them and enjoy their riches.
Give more than you planned to.
Hang on to your dreams.
Ignore those who try to discourage you.
Just do it.
Keep trying, no matter how hard it seems.
Love yourself first and foremost.
Make room somewhere for letting others in.
Never lie, cheat, or steal: always strike a fair deal.
Open your ehart and you reyes will see things as they really are.
Practice makes perfect.
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life, and the world.
Stop procrastinating.
Take control of your own destiny.
Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
Visualize it with a picture perfect mind.
Want it more than anything.
Xcellerate your efforts.
You are unique of all God's creations: nothing can replace you.
Zero in on your target and go for it.
-Anonymous
"To try and to fail is to learn,
but to fail to try is to suffer
the inestimable loss of what might have been."
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
Believe in yourself.
Consider things from every angle.
Don't give up and don't give in.
Enjoy life today: yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
Family and friends are hidden treasures: seek them and enjoy their riches.
Give more than you planned to.
Hang on to your dreams.
Ignore those who try to discourage you.
Just do it.
Keep trying, no matter how hard it seems.
Love yourself first and foremost.
Make room somewhere for letting others in.
Never lie, cheat, or steal: always strike a fair deal.
Open your ehart and you reyes will see things as they really are.
Practice makes perfect.
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life, and the world.
Stop procrastinating.
Take control of your own destiny.
Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
Visualize it with a picture perfect mind.
Want it more than anything.
Xcellerate your efforts.
You are unique of all God's creations: nothing can replace you.
Zero in on your target and go for it.
-Anonymous
"To try and to fail is to learn,
but to fail to try is to suffer
the inestimable loss of what might have been."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Time Glides Past Swiftly...
In the speed of flashing light, a rolling of the eye, everything in front of me passes in a blur. It has been 2 months already, time glides past so swiftly I don't have the chance to seize it, grasp it, feel it.
College in CIC is everything I dreamed it would be - the western style of education, diversity of culture, and oh gosh, the freedom of unleashing the power of creativy. I swear I love every single thing I encounter, including the cafeteria food. (Look at the pics, i'm getting fatter by the day)
There had been spirit week last month, where there is a Wacky day, Represent your country day, Pyjama day and Games day. It was brilliant! I've never gone so crazy in my life. Being here is a chance for me to start anew, and I want to be a happy person who always radiates estoi mui contenta!
Every single night I would pack up a load of books in my bag and run (yes, i mean it - run) to the library in the town i live in. It's the dearest library ever! It has 4 floors, has a music room, and has enough books to last me a lifetime! I so want to marry the library... This is the place i spend most of my time in...
Although I'm movin' along fast, something did cramp me to slowness. Sometime a month ago, whenever i tried to run, something would go wrong with my left knee. As stubborn as i am, i did try to "walk on it" and ease it over.. but ahh my dear friend made me go see the doctor and oh , it's done now :)
This is a good time to remind m yself to use time well when i'm young - as i just got a short tour around how old-age life will be!
Anyway,I love life :)
College in CIC is everything I dreamed it would be - the western style of education, diversity of culture, and oh gosh, the freedom of unleashing the power of creativy. I swear I love every single thing I encounter, including the cafeteria food. (Look at the pics, i'm getting fatter by the day)
There had been spirit week last month, where there is a Wacky day, Represent your country day, Pyjama day and Games day. It was brilliant! I've never gone so crazy in my life. Being here is a chance for me to start anew, and I want to be a happy person who always radiates estoi mui contenta!
Every single night I would pack up a load of books in my bag and run (yes, i mean it - run) to the library in the town i live in. It's the dearest library ever! It has 4 floors, has a music room, and has enough books to last me a lifetime! I so want to marry the library... This is the place i spend most of my time in...
Although I'm movin' along fast, something did cramp me to slowness. Sometime a month ago, whenever i tried to run, something would go wrong with my left knee. As stubborn as i am, i did try to "walk on it" and ease it over.. but ahh my dear friend made me go see the doctor and oh , it's done now :)
This is a good time to remind m yself to use time well when i'm young - as i just got a short tour around how old-age life will be!
Anyway,I love life :)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Why Chinese shouldn't have English names:
Anne Chang
(Mandarin)-Dirty
Anne Chin
(Mandarin) - Keep quiet
Faye Chen
(Mandarin) - Dusty
Carl Cheng
(Hokkien) - Buttock
Monica Cheng
Hokkien) - Touching your buttocks
Lucy Leow
(Hokkien) - You are dead
Jane Tan
(Mandarin) - Frying eggs
Suzie Leow
(Hokkien) - Lost till death
Henry Mah
(Mandarin) - Hate your mum
Corrine Tai
(Hokkien) - Poor fellow
Paul Chan
(Mandarin) - Bankrupt
Nelson Tan
(Mandarin) - Bird laying eggs
Leslie Tong
(Mandarin) - Rubbish bin
Carmen Teng
(Hokkien) - Leg hair long
Connie Mah
(Cantonese) - Call your mother
Danny See
(Hokkien) - Squeeze you to death
Rosie Teng
(Hokkien) - Screws and nails
Pete Tsai
(Hokkien) - Nose droppings
Macy Koh
(Cantonese) - Never die before
(Mandarin)-Dirty
Anne Chin
(Mandarin) - Keep quiet
Faye Chen
(Mandarin) - Dusty
Carl Cheng
(Hokkien) - Buttock
Monica Cheng
Hokkien) - Touching your buttocks
Lucy Leow
(Hokkien) - You are dead
Jane Tan
(Mandarin) - Frying eggs
Suzie Leow
(Hokkien) - Lost till death
Henry Mah
(Mandarin) - Hate your mum
Corrine Tai
(Hokkien) - Poor fellow
Paul Chan
(Mandarin) - Bankrupt
Nelson Tan
(Mandarin) - Bird laying eggs
Leslie Tong
(Mandarin) - Rubbish bin
Carmen Teng
(Hokkien) - Leg hair long
Connie Mah
(Cantonese) - Call your mother
Danny See
(Hokkien) - Squeeze you to death
Rosie Teng
(Hokkien) - Screws and nails
Pete Tsai
(Hokkien) - Nose droppings
Macy Koh
(Cantonese) - Never die before
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
惜福吧。。。
如果您今天早上醒來時
還算健康，恭喜您，因為有
一百萬人將活不過一星期。
如果您不曾經歷戰爭的危險、
被監禁的寂寞、
被凌虐的痛苦、
或是飢寒交迫，
恭喜您，您比5億人還好命。
如果您可以參加宗教活動
而不必擔心被騷擾、
逮捕、凌虐、或死亡，
恭喜您，您比15億人還自由。
如果您的冰箱裡有食物、
有衣服穿、
還有地方住、恭喜您，
您比全世界70%的人還富有。
如果您在銀行有存款、
錢包裡有鈔票、
還有一些零錢，恭喜您，
您是全世界前10%的有錢人。
如果您的雙親還健在，
而且沒有離婚，
您算是幸運兒。
如果您經常抬頭帶著微笑，
而且心中感謝老天，
您是幸福的，
因為大部份的人可以辦到卻不這麼做。
如果您會握住某人的手、
或給他們一個擁抱、
或是拍拍他們的肩膀，
恭喜您，因為您是具有癒合人們心靈的能力。
如果您可以讀到這篇文章，
那是雙重幸運：
有人想到您這個朋友，
而且有15億人根本不識字。
您大概從來沒想到過
自己是多麼幸福吧！？
還算健康，恭喜您，因為有
一百萬人將活不過一星期。
如果您不曾經歷戰爭的危險、
被監禁的寂寞、
被凌虐的痛苦、
或是飢寒交迫，
恭喜您，您比5億人還好命。
如果您可以參加宗教活動
而不必擔心被騷擾、
逮捕、凌虐、或死亡，
恭喜您，您比15億人還自由。
如果您的冰箱裡有食物、
有衣服穿、
還有地方住、恭喜您，
您比全世界70%的人還富有。
如果您在銀行有存款、
錢包裡有鈔票、
還有一些零錢，恭喜您，
您是全世界前10%的有錢人。
如果您的雙親還健在，
而且沒有離婚，
您算是幸運兒。
如果您經常抬頭帶著微笑，
而且心中感謝老天，
您是幸福的，
因為大部份的人可以辦到卻不這麼做。
如果您會握住某人的手、
或給他們一個擁抱、
或是拍拍他們的肩膀，
恭喜您，因為您是具有癒合人們心靈的能力。
如果您可以讀到這篇文章，
那是雙重幸運：
有人想到您這個朋友，
而且有15億人根本不識字。
您大概從來沒想到過
自己是多麼幸福吧！？
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Deceiving Innocence
What could a sweet and innocent wrapped gift contain, other than a sweet and innocent thingie as well?
Looks certainly can deceive.
Savour the 100% pure skankiness ahead :D
I
I
I
I
V
Poor, lucky Chris.
Nevermind, the rest of us have the pretty black one as well. You won't be wearing that alone, dear boy!
PS: Seeing he's not back yet, do keep mouths tightly zipped!
Friday, September 19, 2008
A Beacon of Hope in the Cold
At that moment, I felt as though a dark cloud with a silver lining loomed over us like a dark shadow. Whatever happened that didn't actually happen flickered by so fast we didnt' have time to catch our breathes and senses. Not like that would actually happen, though.
It's time for a good talk. Three of us huddled in the corner of the edge in silence, looking below at the city view. Tears blur the glaring lights as we stare ahead. Our bags piled on the benches at our opposite lay abandoned in a lonely heap. A few stick-thin trees stood behind us, their casted shadows thrown ahead.
The icy cold wind pierced our skin and numbed our feet, but that was okay - we were all together and that was all that mattered. It is hard to describe how being so close, yet so far could feel. Although we have just met each other for not long, I felt as if i had never known anybody that deeply this soon.
Thoughts, feelings and emotions arised and intersected, breaking the deep silence that congealed just a while ago. Naiveness always brings out trust in people. I could see that just a little heartfelt concern is capable of triggering repressed memories as I watch them pouring out without the least hesitation. The bitterness of taking in the sorrow stung my nostrils and hung behind my throat. Why, why is that so?
The skies might turn cold and dark, but it never fails to grow brighter shade by shade soon after. A heart may feel at loss, but just as sure as the sun rising in the east, it will find it's way again, like a beacon of hope in the cold. Nurture the fire, liven up the flames and we shall see what the future holds.
There's so much that i want to express, but what I feel is so strong no words is capable of carrying it. The only thing I can say is, may everyone find their way through all things good and bright.
It's time for a good talk. Three of us huddled in the corner of the edge in silence, looking below at the city view. Tears blur the glaring lights as we stare ahead. Our bags piled on the benches at our opposite lay abandoned in a lonely heap. A few stick-thin trees stood behind us, their casted shadows thrown ahead.
The icy cold wind pierced our skin and numbed our feet, but that was okay - we were all together and that was all that mattered. It is hard to describe how being so close, yet so far could feel. Although we have just met each other for not long, I felt as if i had never known anybody that deeply this soon.
Thoughts, feelings and emotions arised and intersected, breaking the deep silence that congealed just a while ago. Naiveness always brings out trust in people. I could see that just a little heartfelt concern is capable of triggering repressed memories as I watch them pouring out without the least hesitation. The bitterness of taking in the sorrow stung my nostrils and hung behind my throat. Why, why is that so?
The skies might turn cold and dark, but it never fails to grow brighter shade by shade soon after. A heart may feel at loss, but just as sure as the sun rising in the east, it will find it's way again, like a beacon of hope in the cold. Nurture the fire, liven up the flames and we shall see what the future holds.
There's so much that i want to express, but what I feel is so strong no words is capable of carrying it. The only thing I can say is, may everyone find their way through all things good and bright.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
August+September photos...
The "Tablets" are birthday gifts for Qiudi! So cute, right?
We took the pictures at the stairways, it was so fun!
Me and Mindee at Uncle Richard's (my dad's great friend) house! That's Sam in the middle and her dog (Bella or Cinta?)!
Wonderland! (I brought my camera, but i didn't take it's battery.. so... end of story. My friend helped me take the pictures.)
That's Dr. Newman, our lovely english/ choir teacher.
Wina, Gaby and me - lazing around the 'hillside' before the Hillsong concert.
Oh nature, I'm close to thee!
Me, Carmen and Anna on our outings during outdoor activity club!
Proof of Autumn! RED MAPLE LEAVES!!!
I swear I took this shot although it looks too good to be true!
My good friends in Bio class...! They're the reason why I still go on with Biology. Hmph!
Us doing crazy things before Biology class. They actually braided my hair and gave me a Nigerian name - Nafi.
The Fa Hai Temple at Barton, Ontario. It's so huge it takes about 2 minutes to walk from the inside to the main gate!
We took the pictures at the stairways, it was so fun!
Me and Mindee at Uncle Richard's (my dad's great friend) house! That's Sam in the middle and her dog (Bella or Cinta?)!
Wonderland! (I brought my camera, but i didn't take it's battery.. so... end of story. My friend helped me take the pictures.)
That's Dr. Newman, our lovely english/ choir teacher.
Wina, Gaby and me - lazing around the 'hillside' before the Hillsong concert.
Oh nature, I'm close to thee!
Me, Carmen and Anna on our outings during outdoor activity club!
Proof of Autumn! RED MAPLE LEAVES!!!
I swear I took this shot although it looks too good to be true!
My good friends in Bio class...! They're the reason why I still go on with Biology. Hmph!
Us doing crazy things before Biology class. They actually braided my hair and gave me a Nigerian name - Nafi.
The Fa Hai Temple at Barton, Ontario. It's so huge it takes about 2 minutes to walk from the inside to the main gate!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I'm BACK! - to blogging.
I'm back to blogging! - not back to Malaysia ^.^
Lately life's been crazy.There's so much to do, so much to learn and so much to feel. Canada's so different from Malaysia, everyday is still a surprise to me.
Summer's faded and winter is slipping in now. Day by day, the weather gets chillier. The tree leaves have turned a shade of yellowish red and they flutter and fall. In the grass fields you can see all the pretty brown maple leaves embedded between the blades of grass. It is breathtakingly beautiful.
There are some things in Malaysia that we should be proud of. The education system might not be all that great, but the education is. The notes and revision books we use? They're great. Trust me! Besides,Malaysia's system has trained us to be able to write and read fast, working on a hundred subjects at one time. The only thing we lack is the ability to work hard apart from only working hard.
Lately lots of things have been going on and it'd take years to describe by words. Well, as people say 'a picture can speak a thousand words'... then there you go!
Lately life's been crazy.There's so much to do, so much to learn and so much to feel. Canada's so different from Malaysia, everyday is still a surprise to me.
Summer's faded and winter is slipping in now. Day by day, the weather gets chillier. The tree leaves have turned a shade of yellowish red and they flutter and fall. In the grass fields you can see all the pretty brown maple leaves embedded between the blades of grass. It is breathtakingly beautiful.
There are some things in Malaysia that we should be proud of. The education system might not be all that great, but the education is. The notes and revision books we use? They're great. Trust me! Besides,Malaysia's system has trained us to be able to write and read fast, working on a hundred subjects at one time. The only thing we lack is the ability to work hard apart from only working hard.
Lately lots of things have been going on and it'd take years to describe by words. Well, as people say 'a picture can speak a thousand words'... then there you go!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Random Thoughts
1. I love you guys for reading my blog even when I'm across the world away.
2. I wonder why I become so crazy over here when i used to be so serious and righteous back home. Am i wrong?
3. When you have all the time to yourself, with no one to pressure you, it's like wobbling on a jelly - you choose your direction. It's kind of hard.
4. Why do people who have long distance relationships eventually fall inlove with someone else no matter how much they were inlove before?
5. I did something ridiculous today. Who knew I'd write someone's name in my own name bracket. Oh my god.
6. I actually sang for a whole classfull of people and in the laundry room. That, is crazy.
7. I said "crap" in front of a teacher.
8. I'm not afraid of physical contact with people anymore
9. I climbed on top of a bus tyre today.
10. I've learnt the technique of grasping chances (wiggles eyebrows).
2. I wonder why I become so crazy over here when i used to be so serious and righteous back home. Am i wrong?
3. When you have all the time to yourself, with no one to pressure you, it's like wobbling on a jelly - you choose your direction. It's kind of hard.
4. Why do people who have long distance relationships eventually fall inlove with someone else no matter how much they were inlove before?
5. I did something ridiculous today. Who knew I'd write someone's name in my own name bracket. Oh my god.
6. I actually sang for a whole classfull of people and in the laundry room. That, is crazy.
7. I said "crap" in front of a teacher.
8. I'm not afraid of physical contact with people anymore
9. I climbed on top of a bus tyre today.
10. I've learnt the technique of grasping chances (wiggles eyebrows).
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Life at CIC...(2)
Yippee, I know this sounds nerdy, but I love school. I LOVE school. I LOVE SCHOOL!
Is it because the weather is cooler here and I don't spend 90 percent of my energy wiping off sweat, or is it because of the more interesting education system, or...maybe I do just love school. Anyway, enough of the crap.
For this term, I took Psychology, English and Biology. All the classes are interesting and fun. The thing that I enjoy is, it's not how much we memorize that matters, but how much we try. Especially questions like "express your opinion" and "How do you feel about...", they do give us chance to write about what we know, not what we cramp. And oh, the teachers are funny and nice!
In the social department, I guess I'm not doing too bad :P
I found many friends, who look like my old friends in Malaysia. It's shocking! I have found at least 3 pairs of similar faces already.
This is my roommate, Sheena. She's actually lived here for a year already before I came, but for this semester, she returned a few days late. The first few days the room was all mine (lonely). Normally, we wear our keys and cards on our neck, so one day when I got back and tried unlocking my door, it wouldn't unlock. Shock! Suddenly, someone yanked the door open and I saw a face inside. What else would I do? Of course, scream. It turns out my roommate is back. That was crazy and I had a laughing fit.
This is Chuk. He's so tall I only reach up to half of his arms, can you believe it!
He was placed to sit beside me in English class, and we had to "interview" each other and introduce the other person to the class. When he said his name is Chuk, he pronounced it as "cherk" and I went like "What?! Your name is jerk?!" That was when we hit off.
Me and my parents in front of my school! That was taken before they went back, and I had a blubbering fest.:(
The guy is Victor from Russia (one of my favourite countries! Eeeks!)He's also much taller, and I "requested" him to shorten down while i jumped to be higher (which explains the pained expression on me)
He actually told me that in Ukraine at his town, they did not have cars. People used donkeys, and the poor people never wear clothes. Then he said he was just joking. =.=
The beautiful girl there (all Russian girls are beautiful, god knows why) is Marina, she's in my psychology class and she has visited more than 30 countries.
Hmph!!
This is Wina, from Indonesia, and I LOVE her. Nuff said.
Aaron is a Canadian, and he likes to go to international schools to meet all sorts of people. Haks, he actually tries learning chinese by himself! Cool, eh.
Right in front of my Residence, there is a WONDERFUL vegetarian restaurant called Affinity. I'm so lucky! The shop owner is from Taiwan and their food are fit for a king!
Well... here's a list of the funny things i like in CIC:
1. The toilets are clean, the mirrors are huge, and there is TOILET PAPER! CHEERS!
2. There are lockers! We don't need to lug our books everywhere. CHEERS!
3. We can use english all the time. CHEERS!
4. There's a music room to practice in. CHEERS!
5. I'm not the only crazy person here. CHEERS!
(Joking!)
Is it because the weather is cooler here and I don't spend 90 percent of my energy wiping off sweat, or is it because of the more interesting education system, or...maybe I do just love school. Anyway, enough of the crap.
For this term, I took Psychology, English and Biology. All the classes are interesting and fun. The thing that I enjoy is, it's not how much we memorize that matters, but how much we try. Especially questions like "express your opinion" and "How do you feel about...", they do give us chance to write about what we know, not what we cramp. And oh, the teachers are funny and nice!
In the social department, I guess I'm not doing too bad :P
I found many friends, who look like my old friends in Malaysia. It's shocking! I have found at least 3 pairs of similar faces already.
This is my roommate, Sheena. She's actually lived here for a year already before I came, but for this semester, she returned a few days late. The first few days the room was all mine (lonely). Normally, we wear our keys and cards on our neck, so one day when I got back and tried unlocking my door, it wouldn't unlock. Shock! Suddenly, someone yanked the door open and I saw a face inside. What else would I do? Of course, scream. It turns out my roommate is back. That was crazy and I had a laughing fit.
This is Chuk. He's so tall I only reach up to half of his arms, can you believe it!
He was placed to sit beside me in English class, and we had to "interview" each other and introduce the other person to the class. When he said his name is Chuk, he pronounced it as "cherk" and I went like "What?! Your name is jerk?!" That was when we hit off.
Me and my parents in front of my school! That was taken before they went back, and I had a blubbering fest.:(
The guy is Victor from Russia (one of my favourite countries! Eeeks!)He's also much taller, and I "requested" him to shorten down while i jumped to be higher (which explains the pained expression on me)
He actually told me that in Ukraine at his town, they did not have cars. People used donkeys, and the poor people never wear clothes. Then he said he was just joking. =.=
The beautiful girl there (all Russian girls are beautiful, god knows why) is Marina, she's in my psychology class and she has visited more than 30 countries.
Hmph!!
This is Wina, from Indonesia, and I LOVE her. Nuff said.
Aaron is a Canadian, and he likes to go to international schools to meet all sorts of people. Haks, he actually tries learning chinese by himself! Cool, eh.
Right in front of my Residence, there is a WONDERFUL vegetarian restaurant called Affinity. I'm so lucky! The shop owner is from Taiwan and their food are fit for a king!
Well... here's a list of the funny things i like in CIC:
1. The toilets are clean, the mirrors are huge, and there is TOILET PAPER! CHEERS!
2. There are lockers! We don't need to lug our books everywhere. CHEERS!
3. We can use english all the time. CHEERS!
4. There's a music room to practice in. CHEERS!
5. I'm not the only crazy person here. CHEERS!
(Joking!)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Some Pictures in Canada (1)
Me and my parents in Bank of Montreal - Wakakak!
A nice China style Buddhist TEmple on Niagara Street.
Feast your eyes upon this magnificent sight!
Check out that rainbow.
Us at the park in Niagara Falls. I kind of look invisible and under-aged in there, huh? >.<
That's the Ripley's Believe it Or Not Museum. The building is built slanted with a king kong on it. So cool...
Adorn me slippers with fruits! Juicyy-eehhh!
That's the Guinness World REcorDs Museum! See that crazy man climbing outside there? Don't worry - it's a fake.
Can you believe this cute bear is actually a binoculars?!
This is taken in Niagara Falls. The guy standing on stilts was really funny- he could juggle with one hand, play the mini banjour and act really cute. Those are my friends from China.
Us at the falls! The Indo+Penang people...
Friday, August 15, 2008
College Life? I Don't Know Where To Begin!
So on the 13th of August 2008, I checked into the girls' dormitory of Columbia Int. College, which is called the Linden Hall. My roommate, who has already been here for quite some time, is back in Malaysia for holiday and has not yet arrived, so it's pretty lonely in there. It's nothing special, but it has a homey feel and I like it.
The next day, aha- is the orientation. Truthfully speaking, someone from CIC (wink wink, you!) told me that orientations are so boring you numb your butts off, so I was a little skeptical. Much to my surprise, it was pretty great. The teachers are cute, the school is exactly what I hoped it would be, and most importantly - oh the diversity! In this school, you can see every shades of skin, hear every different language, catch the different accents.
During orientation, the teachers/guides let us play games to get everyone to know each other. There were many groups, like one for Spanish, Chinese, English and all that. At first I wasn't sure if there would be an English group, so when they announced for the Mandarin speakers, I wanted to join in - but my parents were waving like mad, practically screaming NO!! WAIT FOR ENGLISH! ( I know my chinese ain't that good, blueks!)
They made us play games that required us to communicate without talking. Like the first one - they made a circle with a rope and wanted us to move and stand in order of our birthdays WHILE HAVING THE ROPE BETWEEN YOUR LEGS AT ALL TIMES. Everyone were hmmpph-ing and ahh-ing, pointing fingers at each other, and trying to move around in line. Someone actually did a leapfrog too!
I learned pretty much about respecting other cultures and stuff as well on that day. In our last activity of the first day, Mr Freddy made us all find someone and introduce ourselves, then exchange our similarities and differences. Then he set us in groups like Weight, Height, Religious belives, Hometown, Language and all these. After that, he had us go to a group which we'd been made fun of before and talk about it. I'm so surprised that many of these cool, confident kids talked about facing racism, shunned, worried about the way they are and being poked fun of.
Apart from that, it's pretty funny that many people would ask me (there are two malaysians this term) "Ah! Malay can speak Chinese?!" Then I'd go like "HAHA! No, i'm just a Malaysian Chinese, and yes- we can speak Chinese.", and alot of Africans and some of the Westerners would ask, "Huh! You are a chinese but you can speak English!"
One thing fantastic about being a Malaysian, is that you can speak many languages and it's a plus to be able to understand what many people are saying.
Today's the second day of orientation and we had to take an English and Math placement test. The thing that frustrates me the most is, the maths test which is supposedly super-easy has defeated me. Not because I don't know it,BUT because I have finished my SPM a long time ago and i've donated every single academic book away. I hope they won't place me with the lower forms! GRR!!!
They brought us on a tour to a few nice tourist spots in Hamilton and we had loads of fun. I'm glad I came to Canada, it's certainly a lovely place.
Currently I have friends of Singapore, Indonesia, China, Africa, Nigeria and Canada. Everyone is nice! Will any Russians, Mexicans and HongKong peoplel step in please? Wakakaka!
I'll post some photos later, keep reading!
The next day, aha- is the orientation. Truthfully speaking, someone from CIC (wink wink, you!) told me that orientations are so boring you numb your butts off, so I was a little skeptical. Much to my surprise, it was pretty great. The teachers are cute, the school is exactly what I hoped it would be, and most importantly - oh the diversity! In this school, you can see every shades of skin, hear every different language, catch the different accents.
During orientation, the teachers/guides let us play games to get everyone to know each other. There were many groups, like one for Spanish, Chinese, English and all that. At first I wasn't sure if there would be an English group, so when they announced for the Mandarin speakers, I wanted to join in - but my parents were waving like mad, practically screaming NO!! WAIT FOR ENGLISH! ( I know my chinese ain't that good, blueks!)
They made us play games that required us to communicate without talking. Like the first one - they made a circle with a rope and wanted us to move and stand in order of our birthdays WHILE HAVING THE ROPE BETWEEN YOUR LEGS AT ALL TIMES. Everyone were hmmpph-ing and ahh-ing, pointing fingers at each other, and trying to move around in line. Someone actually did a leapfrog too!
I learned pretty much about respecting other cultures and stuff as well on that day. In our last activity of the first day, Mr Freddy made us all find someone and introduce ourselves, then exchange our similarities and differences. Then he set us in groups like Weight, Height, Religious belives, Hometown, Language and all these. After that, he had us go to a group which we'd been made fun of before and talk about it. I'm so surprised that many of these cool, confident kids talked about facing racism, shunned, worried about the way they are and being poked fun of.
Apart from that, it's pretty funny that many people would ask me (there are two malaysians this term) "Ah! Malay can speak Chinese?!" Then I'd go like "HAHA! No, i'm just a Malaysian Chinese, and yes- we can speak Chinese.", and alot of Africans and some of the Westerners would ask, "Huh! You are a chinese but you can speak English!"
One thing fantastic about being a Malaysian, is that you can speak many languages and it's a plus to be able to understand what many people are saying.
Today's the second day of orientation and we had to take an English and Math placement test. The thing that frustrates me the most is, the maths test which is supposedly super-easy has defeated me. Not because I don't know it,BUT because I have finished my SPM a long time ago and i've donated every single academic book away. I hope they won't place me with the lower forms! GRR!!!
They brought us on a tour to a few nice tourist spots in Hamilton and we had loads of fun. I'm glad I came to Canada, it's certainly a lovely place.
Currently I have friends of Singapore, Indonesia, China, Africa, Nigeria and Canada. Everyone is nice! Will any Russians, Mexicans and HongKong peoplel step in please? Wakakaka!
I'll post some photos later, keep reading!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Flight
Not another gruelling long distance flight (fright)?
Actually it's not always like that, if we bother to do our own leg stretching and give it a chance.
I quite enjoyed my 20 hour plane flight (from HongKong to Toronto)
The rush of adrenaline when the plane hops from its wheels into the air, defying gravity; and when you travel from different heights, the way you move in and out from the clouds.
Ahh the clouds! In the morning, the sky is a sheet of pale blue and the clouds just float about in big white piles-as fluffy as pancakes. After a few hours, sunbeams will slowly overpower the pure whiteness of it all and evolve into a heavenlike golden glare which no one could bare to stare at for more than a second! I love it especially in the evening and dawn. Black, dark blue, red and orange streaks will meet at the horizon, a ray of beautiful hope. Then, it blends into each other like a palete of watercolor and fades in different hues of blues and reds.
I admit that I love it when the plane jiggles and lurches around. It feels kind of thrilling. Sometimes it makes you sick though!
The cabin crew (Cathay Pacific) are really,really friendly and helpful. Totally awesome. My dad has a really bad cough and cold, and this guy flight attendant kept bringing him hot water and even a cup of lemon juice. A touch of kindness is worth a lot, don't you think?
It would be just a boring, horrible flight if you view it that way. I think it's a good chance for dwelling on insight...and not to mention watching all those movies and flipping through the songs on the entertainment selection!!
Actually it's not always like that, if we bother to do our own leg stretching and give it a chance.
I quite enjoyed my 20 hour plane flight (from HongKong to Toronto)
The rush of adrenaline when the plane hops from its wheels into the air, defying gravity; and when you travel from different heights, the way you move in and out from the clouds.
Ahh the clouds! In the morning, the sky is a sheet of pale blue and the clouds just float about in big white piles-as fluffy as pancakes. After a few hours, sunbeams will slowly overpower the pure whiteness of it all and evolve into a heavenlike golden glare which no one could bare to stare at for more than a second! I love it especially in the evening and dawn. Black, dark blue, red and orange streaks will meet at the horizon, a ray of beautiful hope. Then, it blends into each other like a palete of watercolor and fades in different hues of blues and reds.
I admit that I love it when the plane jiggles and lurches around. It feels kind of thrilling. Sometimes it makes you sick though!
The cabin crew (Cathay Pacific) are really,really friendly and helpful. Totally awesome. My dad has a really bad cough and cold, and this guy flight attendant kept bringing him hot water and even a cup of lemon juice. A touch of kindness is worth a lot, don't you think?
It would be just a boring, horrible flight if you view it that way. I think it's a good chance for dwelling on insight...and not to mention watching all those movies and flipping through the songs on the entertainment selection!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
怨怨相报，何时了？
在多伦多，发生了一件令人毛骨悚然的罪案。在公车上，一位华人突然拔起刀，往坐在旁边的一位18岁少男的身上插，还把那个人的头切下来，提得高高的让大家看，再继续切他身上的肉。奇怪的是，这个犯罪者是被认识的人形容为很友善的一个工作人员。上法庭时，他也不争或造反的。。。 世间乱相。。。 ：（
为什么他会这么做呢？
为什么他只攻击一个人而已呢？
你们不觉得这种情况很熟悉吗？
为什么一定要是杀人，你们才会认为很可恶呢？
那人类。。。
残忍地为娱乐而斗牛，在血磷磷的牛前显示自己的胜利。。。
为了娱乐而打猎，把冤枉而死的动物的头挂在墙上。。。
为一时的名利把难得活到超大的鱼，吊起来杀。。。
这都不一样残忍吗？
相信大家都有怨恨，都有想报仇的心。那动物也一样啊！它得了人身后，会不顾一切的为算账而算账。这太可怜了！现代的人类也非常残忍，什么动物都要吃，简直是贪得无厌！我们都不是活得很幸福了吗？为何要一直把自己的快乐，满足建立在别的众生的痛苦上？！
唉~怨怨相报，何时了？
为什么他会这么做呢？
为什么他只攻击一个人而已呢？
你们不觉得这种情况很熟悉吗？
为什么一定要是杀人，你们才会认为很可恶呢？
那人类。。。
残忍地为娱乐而斗牛，在血磷磷的牛前显示自己的胜利。。。
为了娱乐而打猎，把冤枉而死的动物的头挂在墙上。。。
为一时的名利把难得活到超大的鱼，吊起来杀。。。
这都不一样残忍吗？
相信大家都有怨恨，都有想报仇的心。那动物也一样啊！它得了人身后，会不顾一切的为算账而算账。这太可怜了！现代的人类也非常残忍，什么动物都要吃，简直是贪得无厌！我们都不是活得很幸福了吗？为何要一直把自己的快乐，满足建立在别的众生的痛苦上？！
唉~怨怨相报，何时了？
新的旅途，新的期许
转眼间，我就要离开了。
星期四 八月七号 早上8.00 ， 就是开始新的生命旅途了。未来会是怎么样的呢？我决定自己抉择，掌控我的命运。
我好怕好怕我会变坏，好像那些杀，盗，淫，妄，酒的人一样。我好怕自己会与佛教脱节。我好怕离开亲爱的善知识，师父们。我好怕自己做得不够好而辜负父母亲。我好怕我会在弱的时刻随着贪，憎，痴而行。我好怕我行不到我所发的愿。
但是，既然这一切将是我自己塑造的，那我会尽能力好好把握！拥有这个福报出外留学，就应好好珍惜了。我决定发奋图强（不是发粪图墙啊。。），做好自己的本分，也为佛教与众生服务一些！
现在，我在收拾着行李。看起来简简单单的，但是心一随它乱一下，那就好烦了！东西一大堆，四方的行李却是那一个小空间而已。（快吐了）汗！还蛮有趣的！
这是我生命唯一的机会在新的人群中画下不一样的形象，也是让我洗心革面，改过之前的习气的机会！我希望。。。自己不会像这边一样“幼稚”，长不大的样子！还有，我不要太友善，以免传播错误讯息给别人。最重要的，我要当一个对得起自己，符合我的标准的人！
我要对我自己说，
静菱阿！
我不要再玩火了。。。够了！
做人不要那么怕输：打败了，别放弃；胜利了，别“乐极生悲”。
不要因为可怜人而做傻事。。。
决定不要再自虐了~我要照顾好身体，不然什么都不用作了。
千万不可以懈怠！不要做猪！
省吃，省住，省用：简朴最好！
感恩一切于我接触过的，让我成长至今天！
至于那些考验我的，疼爱我的，教导我的，谢谢了。
星期四 八月七号 早上8.00 ， 就是开始新的生命旅途了。未来会是怎么样的呢？我决定自己抉择，掌控我的命运。
我好怕好怕我会变坏，好像那些杀，盗，淫，妄，酒的人一样。我好怕自己会与佛教脱节。我好怕离开亲爱的善知识，师父们。我好怕自己做得不够好而辜负父母亲。我好怕我会在弱的时刻随着贪，憎，痴而行。我好怕我行不到我所发的愿。
但是，既然这一切将是我自己塑造的，那我会尽能力好好把握！拥有这个福报出外留学，就应好好珍惜了。我决定发奋图强（不是发粪图墙啊。。），做好自己的本分，也为佛教与众生服务一些！
现在，我在收拾着行李。看起来简简单单的，但是心一随它乱一下，那就好烦了！东西一大堆，四方的行李却是那一个小空间而已。（快吐了）汗！还蛮有趣的！
这是我生命唯一的机会在新的人群中画下不一样的形象，也是让我洗心革面，改过之前的习气的机会！我希望。。。自己不会像这边一样“幼稚”，长不大的样子！还有，我不要太友善，以免传播错误讯息给别人。最重要的，我要当一个对得起自己，符合我的标准的人！
我要对我自己说，
静菱阿！
我不要再玩火了。。。够了！
做人不要那么怕输：打败了，别放弃；胜利了，别“乐极生悲”。
不要因为可怜人而做傻事。。。
决定不要再自虐了~我要照顾好身体，不然什么都不用作了。
千万不可以懈怠！不要做猪！
省吃，省住，省用：简朴最好！
感恩一切于我接触过的，让我成长至今天！
至于那些考验我的，疼爱我的，教导我的，谢谢了。
Sharing one of my favourite poems by Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Welcome ABRSM Piano Exam Pieces: 2009-2010!!
Finally the long awaited (to me, it's quite long..) new, upgraded ABRSM Pieces are out! A little twinge of disapointment that I have already finish graded exams (Whew!) hits me as I set my eyes upon the beautiful, nifty cover.
According to Libretto, this coming exam syllabus will have brand new sight reading pieces and a slightly difference in scales. Of course, the standard of examination will also be raised so it will stand equal with Trinity Guildhall and all other music examination boards.
Let's see this year's Grade 8 pieces...
Allegretto Con Espressione (Sonata In E Op.6) [Mendelssohn, Felix]
Allegro (Sonata In E Op.14) [Beethoven, Ludwig Van]
Allegro Assai (Sonata In F K.332) [Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus]
Allegro Con Brio (Sonata In B Flat Op.24 No.2) [Clementi, Muzio]
Alligator Crawl [Waller, Thomas 'Fats']
Arabesque No.2 In G [Debussy, Claude]
Consolation No.3 In D Flat [Liszt, Franz]
Finale (Sonata In C Minor Op.10 No.1) [Beethoven. Ludwig Van]
Four Piano Blues No.2 [Copland, Aaron]
Fuga (Ludus Tonalis) [Hindemith, Paul]
Fugue In G Minor (The Cat Fugue) [Scarlatti, Domenico]
Fugue No.6 In C Minor [Handel, George Frideric]
Gopak (Sorotchinsky Fair) [Mussorgsky, Modest]
I Wouldn't Normally Say [Wallen, Errollyn]
Interludium (Ludus Tonalis) [Hindemith, Paul]
Intermezzo In B Minor, Op. 119, No.1 [Brahms, Johannes]
March Op.33 No.1 (The Love Of Three Oranges) [Prokofiev, Sergei]
Molto Allegro Assai (Sonata In C Minor K.457) [Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus]
Moment Musical In B Minor (Six Moments Musicaux Op.16) [Rachmaninoff, Serge]
Month's Mind [Ireland, John]
Moto Perpetuo [Elias, Brian]
Poeme In F Sharp (Deux Poeme No.1) [Skryabin, Alexander]
Prelude And Fugue In F Minor (Well Tempered Clavier) [Bach, Johann Sebastian]
Prelude And Fugue In G Op.87 No.3 [Shostakovich, Dmitri]
Prelude In C Sharp Minor Op.45 [Chopin, Frederic]
Prelude In E Minor (24 Preludes Op.102 No.10) [Bowen, York]
Retrato De Alfredo Gobbi [Piazolla, Astor]
Rondo In E Flat Op.11 [Hummel, Johann Nepomuk]
Sinfonia (Partita No.2 In C Minor Bwv826) [Bach, Johann Sebastian]
Sonata In B (200 Sonatas Vol.2 No.86) [Scarlatti, Domenico]
Sonatina In D Minor (Raccolta Di Varie Sonate Book 2 No.25) [Cimarosa, Domenico]
The Man I Love [Gershwin, George]
Third Movement (Sonata In A Flat Hob.Xvi/43) [Haydn, Franz Joseph]
I am sooo jealous that they have lots of good beethoven sonatas, Debussy's 2nd Arabesque and a nifty modern piece called Aligator Crawl (check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LK4tEA0oGc )
Those who are sitting for grade 8 next year, you guys are a lucky bunch!!
Well, as much as I enjoy starting new exam pieces, I am GLAD that I shall no longer have to go in for these exams for a while now. Good luck y'all!
Friday, August 1, 2008
打击
为了筹备第八级钢琴考试，可想而知我练到半身不遂。真的练到手指受伤，脊椎骨发痛，精神出状况! （离谱了吧！）
走这一条路来还蛮累的。念音乐就是那么可怕：要适合每个人的口味，练上万遍后还会弹错，要适应每架乐器。。。所以我就跟命运来个打赌。如果考及格，大学我就念音乐系；如果不及格，那就练宗教系/心理医学。事情到底会怎么样呢？
在考试前几个月，我知道自己有所进展，至少还有信心。。。哪知道一旦接近考试日期时，水准大大下山波了！老师天天苦口婆心骂啊，念啊，讲啊。但是，我已有心理准备面对失败了。这次下场应该不好看了！考试日期还重第一天！！
这个星期，成绩终于出炉了。原本星期一可以拿到的，但工作人员偏偏不说，真是气死人。老师就在今天特地飞到槟城去拿，当他打来给我时，我才想到。哦！今天！CHAM LIAO 啦！
果然给我猜中了~ 他一打来就连声叹气的说“不知道你啦！跟你讲又不听的！。。。你差九分才及格啦！”
原来。。。这一切都。。。
阿，也不可说浪费！我学到了很多，也突破了与贝多芬没缘份的障碍，还训练了自己忍耐。也许是我不适合当音乐家？近来我都觉得越来越没兴趣了，我的天份也好像蒸发了。
我决定了。换科系吧！有了英文，写作，心理学，我可以轻松地闯进加拿大最好的大学，也不用苦练了.
突然的打击，我觉得。。。麻麻的。是随便还是随缘阿？！
大提琴老师一直劝我，人生面对失败，是应该的！是成长！一定要继续下去！
ALPHIE哥不相信我说不及格，还亲口打电话向老师问问。
结果。。。。。 结果。。。。结果。。。。。
~！~！~！~！~！~！
当天晚上是我（难得）和朋友们出门的机会。我想，考不好算不了什么，就别做脸色给别人看。反正，都无常阿，尽力尽力最重要。师父常说，事情不在于成绩，而在于过程。我想，这还蛮需要功夫的！
哪里知道，妈妈打来说，“你老师骗的啦.他说你考及格，玩你而已。”
什么？！？！？！？？！？！？！？！？！！？
我。。我。。不是考不过吗？怎么会这样？但是。。我已经下决心了阿，那怎么办？！搞错了吧？ 会不会是哪个人又在玩我！
所以。。。我就气呼呼的拨电话给他。
我：你给我解释清楚啊！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！你到底什么意思！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！
老师：*笑笑*。。。。
（看看他写的吧：http://www.wretch.cc/blog/fred3991/10127267）
他竟然说，既然最后一次给我考了，就玩玩我吧！原来，我考得还不错！150分里拿到141分，奇迹！
我当场在车上，在大家面前哭了起来，驾车的BUG还得拔TISSUE给我。（你真的给我丢脸了啦！）
原来，老师一直以来都不是夸张：考高级，技巧上，音符对错上，不太重要，而在于表现的格式，音乐感，台风。当时考试进行时，我严重失手了一次，在最后一首歌还弹得很糟（错音一大堆，钢琴的PEDAL又不好，音拉得不美）。唯一让我坚持下去的是老师告诉我的一则故事。他的老师的老婆，有一次考（高级的哦）钢琴考试时，衣袖盖到了钢琴，结果谈错了一大堆。但是她考得很好，因为虽然弹错，但FEEL还保持着，没有中断。
我想，死就死吧，弹就对了。
我好幸运,这真的是奇迹！考官阿，谢谢你放我一条活路！一天练几百小时，多年来的牺牲，终算出了结果。我人生第一次的失败，很激烈的转成第一次的DISTINCTION。
不是打击也假。。。
我今天，绝望得麻痹，惊讶得痛，开心得流泪，真的好累。师父说，心情起伏要注意，否则会过得很累，心情跟着境界波动嘛！我体验了。。。体验了。。。
Zzzzz....... 谢谢老师啦，若不是你变态的要求，我今天就无法过关了。。。还有父母亲承担着恐怖的学费。。。感恩了。。。
走这一条路来还蛮累的。念音乐就是那么可怕：要适合每个人的口味，练上万遍后还会弹错，要适应每架乐器。。。所以我就跟命运来个打赌。如果考及格，大学我就念音乐系；如果不及格，那就练宗教系/心理医学。事情到底会怎么样呢？
在考试前几个月，我知道自己有所进展，至少还有信心。。。哪知道一旦接近考试日期时，水准大大下山波了！老师天天苦口婆心骂啊，念啊，讲啊。但是，我已有心理准备面对失败了。这次下场应该不好看了！考试日期还重第一天！！
这个星期，成绩终于出炉了。原本星期一可以拿到的，但工作人员偏偏不说，真是气死人。老师就在今天特地飞到槟城去拿，当他打来给我时，我才想到。哦！今天！CHAM LIAO 啦！
果然给我猜中了~ 他一打来就连声叹气的说“不知道你啦！跟你讲又不听的！。。。你差九分才及格啦！”
原来。。。这一切都。。。
阿，也不可说浪费！我学到了很多，也突破了与贝多芬没缘份的障碍，还训练了自己忍耐。也许是我不适合当音乐家？近来我都觉得越来越没兴趣了，我的天份也好像蒸发了。
我决定了。换科系吧！有了英文，写作，心理学，我可以轻松地闯进加拿大最好的大学，也不用苦练了.
突然的打击，我觉得。。。麻麻的。是随便还是随缘阿？！
大提琴老师一直劝我，人生面对失败，是应该的！是成长！一定要继续下去！
ALPHIE哥不相信我说不及格，还亲口打电话向老师问问。
结果。。。。。 结果。。。。结果。。。。。
~！~！~！~！~！~！
当天晚上是我（难得）和朋友们出门的机会。我想，考不好算不了什么，就别做脸色给别人看。反正，都无常阿，尽力尽力最重要。师父常说，事情不在于成绩，而在于过程。我想，这还蛮需要功夫的！
哪里知道，妈妈打来说，“你老师骗的啦.他说你考及格，玩你而已。”
什么？！？！？！？？！？！？！？！？！！？
我。。我。。不是考不过吗？怎么会这样？但是。。我已经下决心了阿，那怎么办？！搞错了吧？ 会不会是哪个人又在玩我！
所以。。。我就气呼呼的拨电话给他。
我：你给我解释清楚啊！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！你到底什么意思！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！！
老师：*笑笑*。。。。
（看看他写的吧：http://www.wretch.cc/blog/fred3991/10127267）
他竟然说，既然最后一次给我考了，就玩玩我吧！原来，我考得还不错！150分里拿到141分，奇迹！
我当场在车上，在大家面前哭了起来，驾车的BUG还得拔TISSUE给我。（你真的给我丢脸了啦！）
原来，老师一直以来都不是夸张：考高级，技巧上，音符对错上，不太重要，而在于表现的格式，音乐感，台风。当时考试进行时，我严重失手了一次，在最后一首歌还弹得很糟（错音一大堆，钢琴的PEDAL又不好，音拉得不美）。唯一让我坚持下去的是老师告诉我的一则故事。他的老师的老婆，有一次考（高级的哦）钢琴考试时，衣袖盖到了钢琴，结果谈错了一大堆。但是她考得很好，因为虽然弹错，但FEEL还保持着，没有中断。
我想，死就死吧，弹就对了。
我好幸运,这真的是奇迹！考官阿，谢谢你放我一条活路！一天练几百小时，多年来的牺牲，终算出了结果。我人生第一次的失败，很激烈的转成第一次的DISTINCTION。
不是打击也假。。。
我今天，绝望得麻痹，惊讶得痛，开心得流泪，真的好累。师父说，心情起伏要注意，否则会过得很累，心情跟着境界波动嘛！我体验了。。。体验了。。。
Zzzzz....... 谢谢老师啦，若不是你变态的要求，我今天就无法过关了。。。还有父母亲承担着恐怖的学费。。。感恩了。。。
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Bitten in the neck
I admit a guilty pleasure.
I'm so addicted to Vampire novels that I literally dream of them all day long. So far, I've read about 7 of them. Ahh, the woes of forbidden, dangerous, yet magnetic romance - the lurking suspense --- the beautiful plots.
What more could we want!?
Here's a list of should-reads:
1. Twilight (and all it's sequels) by Stephenie Meyer
This one is SO good i kept up all night to read it
2. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
Published in 1991, still as good as ever, hauntingly romantic and dangerous.
3. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
It's upbeat and nice, saucy yet mature... I like how she presents her characters, they seem to stand out.
4. Marked (and sequels) by P.C and Kristin Cast
This novel's voice is strong, and you can hear the main character's thoughts and catch the scene perfectly. Oh, and she (the main) has 3 boyfriends. Wink!
5. Vampire Kisses (and sequels) by Ellen Schreiber
The novel draggged a little before it entered the plot, but nevertheless enjoyable.
Meanwhile, I'm going to resume my vampire hunting pleasure.
Ciao ciao!
PS: Who thought bloody fangs and blood shot eyes would be fascinating? I guess i'm deluded! (as usual)
I'm so addicted to Vampire novels that I literally dream of them all day long. So far, I've read about 7 of them. Ahh, the woes of forbidden, dangerous, yet magnetic romance - the lurking suspense --- the beautiful plots.
What more could we want!?
Here's a list of should-reads:
1. Twilight (and all it's sequels) by Stephenie Meyer
This one is SO good i kept up all night to read it
2. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith
Published in 1991, still as good as ever, hauntingly romantic and dangerous.
3. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
It's upbeat and nice, saucy yet mature... I like how she presents her characters, they seem to stand out.
4. Marked (and sequels) by P.C and Kristin Cast
This novel's voice is strong, and you can hear the main character's thoughts and catch the scene perfectly. Oh, and she (the main) has 3 boyfriends. Wink!
5. Vampire Kisses (and sequels) by Ellen Schreiber
The novel draggged a little before it entered the plot, but nevertheless enjoyable.
Meanwhile, I'm going to resume my vampire hunting pleasure.
Ciao ciao!
PS: Who thought bloody fangs and blood shot eyes would be fascinating? I guess i'm deluded! (as usual)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Lies or Truths?
Which would you prefer?
Preparing yourself to face truth, in fear
or
Building lies to make your way through, to live .
I sure wouldn't know.
Both of them fall through in the end all the time, don't they?
Preparing yourself to face truth, in fear
or
Building lies to make your way through, to live .
I sure wouldn't know.
Both of them fall through in the end all the time, don't they?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Reaching Out To You
You gave me your hand,
But you took it away.
You wanted to speak,
But you kept quiet anyway.
You give me hope that I’d be let in,
Then you’d just clam up again.
You leave me out,
In the middle of nowhere,
I’m left standing in the dark,
All alone, full of doubt.
You give me hope that I’d be let in,
But you’d just hide your feelings again.
At this very moment
I have nothing more to say.
The thought of being with you slowly fades away.
You’re near yet so far,
It’s never easy,
Reaching out to you.
Last night I’ve been thinking,
Maybe we’re just not meant to be.
No matter how hard I try,
You still do not trust me.
Is it time to go our separate ways,
And set each other free?
At this very moment
I have nothing more to say,
The thought of being with you has simply faded away.
You’re near yet so far,
It’s never easy,
Reaching out to you.
Just now I’ve been thinking,
For the sake of dear old memories.
I guess I shouldn’t give up trying
So one day you will give your heart to me.
I’ll keep on reaching out,
So our love may remain forever true.
I promise to be a real man,
But the choice is up to you.
...2007...
The first poem i've ever written.
But you took it away.
You wanted to speak,
But you kept quiet anyway.
You give me hope that I’d be let in,
Then you’d just clam up again.
You leave me out,
In the middle of nowhere,
I’m left standing in the dark,
All alone, full of doubt.
You give me hope that I’d be let in,
But you’d just hide your feelings again.
At this very moment
I have nothing more to say.
The thought of being with you slowly fades away.
You’re near yet so far,
It’s never easy,
Reaching out to you.
Last night I’ve been thinking,
Maybe we’re just not meant to be.
No matter how hard I try,
You still do not trust me.
Is it time to go our separate ways,
And set each other free?
At this very moment
I have nothing more to say,
The thought of being with you has simply faded away.
You’re near yet so far,
It’s never easy,
Reaching out to you.
Just now I’ve been thinking,
For the sake of dear old memories.
I guess I shouldn’t give up trying
So one day you will give your heart to me.
I’ll keep on reaching out,
So our love may remain forever true.
I promise to be a real man,
But the choice is up to you.
...2007...
The first poem i've ever written.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Walking Through Clouds
In my dreams, I would see myself light-stepping from a white powdery puff to another. Each time I reach the ground, or the so-called mystical object I step on, a light melodious thud would 'zing' in my ears. I can't help wondering, what would it be like walking through clouds?
Clouds are mysterious, playful yet emotional creatures. They are unreachable yet friendly; sunbathing a moment, yet pondering in the dark the next. Clouds may just be the formation of evaporated water, but with a little imagination it can be much, much more. Have you imagined walking through clouds?
When we were little, our mommas would tuck us under fluffy white blankets. And when we grow up, we adore soft, silky clothes with a soft touch. It's all in contrast with life, whether if its the hard-as-ever skyscrapers, or the numbing stress of daily life. Who doesn't adore soft plainness- coddling and loving to the soul? So, it is probably different, walking through clouds.
In my dreams, I also see myself chasing after goals. These goals look quite like rocks to me, firm, practical yet cold and hard. Stone after stone I grasp, yet all these just adds up to the burden on my back. It feels heavy, inside and out. I think to myself, how could something that is supposed to fulfil end up feeling so empty? It's a strange mirage of clouds, merely an illusion.
Most of the time, I barely remember that I'm alive. Images fleet by with the speed of light, it all happens so fast. But when I slow down, everything becomes so clear. Like meditation. It is a simple miracle, a taste of heaven on earth! All it takes is to grasp the present moment, not galloping towards the future or dwelling in the past. Do you see it then?
I'm walking through clouds.
Just breathe.
Clouds are mysterious, playful yet emotional creatures. They are unreachable yet friendly; sunbathing a moment, yet pondering in the dark the next. Clouds may just be the formation of evaporated water, but with a little imagination it can be much, much more. Have you imagined walking through clouds?
When we were little, our mommas would tuck us under fluffy white blankets. And when we grow up, we adore soft, silky clothes with a soft touch. It's all in contrast with life, whether if its the hard-as-ever skyscrapers, or the numbing stress of daily life. Who doesn't adore soft plainness- coddling and loving to the soul? So, it is probably different, walking through clouds.
In my dreams, I also see myself chasing after goals. These goals look quite like rocks to me, firm, practical yet cold and hard. Stone after stone I grasp, yet all these just adds up to the burden on my back. It feels heavy, inside and out. I think to myself, how could something that is supposed to fulfil end up feeling so empty? It's a strange mirage of clouds, merely an illusion.
Most of the time, I barely remember that I'm alive. Images fleet by with the speed of light, it all happens so fast. But when I slow down, everything becomes so clear. Like meditation. It is a simple miracle, a taste of heaven on earth! All it takes is to grasp the present moment, not galloping towards the future or dwelling in the past. Do you see it then?
I'm walking through clouds.
Just breathe.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Me
The other day I was asked, "What's your favourite food?"
At that moment I went blank. Like, "Huh? What... food?"
And when he asked me, "do you know yourself?"
I know I did not.
I guess I spend too much time indulging in activities, I never really sorted out myself. So.. here goes.
I like all colours, it's weird when people ask insist you have only one.
The scent of something citrusy and fruity is my ideal kind of perfume, musks and rosey kinds put me off.
I think the prettiest animal in the world is rats, everything about them makes me squeal - oh the tail, the eyes, the snout. Stop me before I give a rat overdose!
Chic lit and funny books are my favourite - I can't believe so many guys snigger at my reading preferences!
I like chocolate, yet I dislike chocolate ice cream.
Curry flavoured Maggee noodles with button mushrooms or a cheese macaroni is what I gulp down when I'm in a rush.
I have a habit of taking notes super detailedly in pen.
I have a HUGE dog plush, a st.bernard to be precise, on my bed.
Guys become my best friends, not my boy friends.
My typing ability surpasses my talking ability. I just type in the air when i'm nervous.
I am afraid of losing.
Just to win/succeed, I risk my health and body.
I admire people who understand the term "responsibility".
People who bully animals are the biggest cowards of all.
I absolutely detest the smell of dried prawns, prawns, and..literally anything made out of prawns.
My first advice to dating teenagers is, "Don't have sex before you get married!"
My secret obsession is skincare. I just enjoy experimenting and playing with the bottles.
I am addicted to carressing the tip of shirt collars, that's why all my school shirts have black, thorn collars.
In my opinion, japanese style plait skirts in Sailor moon style looks cute.
I hum and bob my head even when there is no music, in public.
The only specialty I have is being able to type 115 words per minute.
I seem to enjoy washing toilets.
When in frustration, I claw my face.
The thrill of performing never bores me.
If i had a big huge, i'd take in all stray animals.
Buddhism is the most important part of my life.
I may seem as if I don't care much, but I think of my family, pets and friends all the time too.
I have broken more than 15 hearts in 3 years (this is guilt!)
I cried 3 times reading the fifth Harry Potter book.
I sigh when i'm happy.
Tha'ts all for n-aw
At that moment I went blank. Like, "Huh? What... food?"
And when he asked me, "do you know yourself?"
I know I did not.
I guess I spend too much time indulging in activities, I never really sorted out myself. So.. here goes.
I like all colours, it's weird when people ask insist you have only one.
The scent of something citrusy and fruity is my ideal kind of perfume, musks and rosey kinds put me off.
I think the prettiest animal in the world is rats, everything about them makes me squeal - oh the tail, the eyes, the snout. Stop me before I give a rat overdose!
Chic lit and funny books are my favourite - I can't believe so many guys snigger at my reading preferences!
I like chocolate, yet I dislike chocolate ice cream.
Curry flavoured Maggee noodles with button mushrooms or a cheese macaroni is what I gulp down when I'm in a rush.
I have a habit of taking notes super detailedly in pen.
I have a HUGE dog plush, a st.bernard to be precise, on my bed.
Guys become my best friends, not my boy friends.
My typing ability surpasses my talking ability. I just type in the air when i'm nervous.
I am afraid of losing.
Just to win/succeed, I risk my health and body.
I admire people who understand the term "responsibility".
People who bully animals are the biggest cowards of all.
I absolutely detest the smell of dried prawns, prawns, and..literally anything made out of prawns.
My first advice to dating teenagers is, "Don't have sex before you get married!"
My secret obsession is skincare. I just enjoy experimenting and playing with the bottles.
I am addicted to carressing the tip of shirt collars, that's why all my school shirts have black, thorn collars.
In my opinion, japanese style plait skirts in Sailor moon style looks cute.
I hum and bob my head even when there is no music, in public.
The only specialty I have is being able to type 115 words per minute.
I seem to enjoy washing toilets.
When in frustration, I claw my face.
The thrill of performing never bores me.
If i had a big huge, i'd take in all stray animals.
Buddhism is the most important part of my life.
I may seem as if I don't care much, but I think of my family, pets and friends all the time too.
I have broken more than 15 hearts in 3 years (this is guilt!)
I cried 3 times reading the fifth Harry Potter book.
I sigh when i'm happy.
Tha'ts all for n-aw
观察五蕴 文章
佛陀在《五蕴譬喻经》中教导我们要怎样观察五蕴，经曰："观色如聚沫，
受如水上泡，想如春时焰，诸行如芭蕉，诸识法如幻。"佛陀教导我们观察五蕴
中的"色"如河水冲击时形成的肮脏的泡沫，虚有其形，实无一物，保留片刻，
容易破灭；"受"如水中一个一个浮上来的气泡，一下子就破灭了，我们受的心
念也是这样，比如：眼睛一念一念的感受，一下子就过去了；"想"如春天或夏
天时阳光照在地上，水份蒸发成为水蒸气，它有时会反射，形成各种影像，它是
一种幻象，我们的想蕴就有如春时焰那样，虚幻不真实；诸"行"如芭蕉，就是
我们一念一念的心行好像香蕉树，一片一片的剥开来是空心的，里面什么都没有，
我们的心念亦复如是。比如说：阿弥陀佛，你看"阿"里面有东西吗？没有。"
弥"里面有东西吗？没有。……但是你把它组合起来，你看到"阿弥陀佛"四个
字所代表的东西；诸"识"法如幻，"识"就是我们能够知觉的心，它如幻如化，
就好像魔术师，它变化出一些东西，我们被它迷失了，以为真的有这些东西，同
样的，我们也认为有一个心存在，但是心是如幻如化的。
受如水上泡，想如春时焰，诸行如芭蕉，诸识法如幻。"佛陀教导我们观察五蕴
中的"色"如河水冲击时形成的肮脏的泡沫，虚有其形，实无一物，保留片刻，
容易破灭；"受"如水中一个一个浮上来的气泡，一下子就破灭了，我们受的心
念也是这样，比如：眼睛一念一念的感受，一下子就过去了；"想"如春天或夏
天时阳光照在地上，水份蒸发成为水蒸气，它有时会反射，形成各种影像，它是
一种幻象，我们的想蕴就有如春时焰那样，虚幻不真实；诸"行"如芭蕉，就是
我们一念一念的心行好像香蕉树，一片一片的剥开来是空心的，里面什么都没有，
我们的心念亦复如是。比如说：阿弥陀佛，你看"阿"里面有东西吗？没有。"
弥"里面有东西吗？没有。……但是你把它组合起来，你看到"阿弥陀佛"四个
字所代表的东西；诸"识"法如幻，"识"就是我们能够知觉的心，它如幻如化，
就好像魔术师，它变化出一些东西，我们被它迷失了，以为真的有这些东西，同
样的，我们也认为有一个心存在，但是心是如幻如化的。
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Duh-lusions
”Perceptions and opinions are always one sided.. which by itself, a delusion“
(Re-quoted by my friend Aika)
Daily accumulation of knowledge and facts adds a bonus point to the smarty pile of our brain. Unfortunately, it also pretty much adds up delusions and self pride.
Its good to be smart, but when it goes overboard and becomes cocky, overly strong perceptions and opinions, it's not healthy anymore. "The more you listen, the more you learn." When one no longer believes in other people's words but his own, then that person will be rather one sided and delusional.
Confidence is very important.
But confidence without humbleness and eagerness to learn, is nothing but a stuck-up attitude.
So...if you can free yourself from delusions, then you can prevent the brutal awakeing of cruel truth.
(Re-quoted by my friend Aika)
Daily accumulation of knowledge and facts adds a bonus point to the smarty pile of our brain. Unfortunately, it also pretty much adds up delusions and self pride.
Its good to be smart, but when it goes overboard and becomes cocky, overly strong perceptions and opinions, it's not healthy anymore. "The more you listen, the more you learn." When one no longer believes in other people's words but his own, then that person will be rather one sided and delusional.
Confidence is very important.
But confidence without humbleness and eagerness to learn, is nothing but a stuck-up attitude.
So...if you can free yourself from delusions, then you can prevent the brutal awakeing of cruel truth.
你累了吗？
一年过得真快，转眼间，该入学的都去读书了；该做工的都去上班了。而剩我呢，没上学也没上班。很多人都告诉我，“NICOLE！如果我是你多好啊！你每天假期，多爽！我快累死了！”
我没有必要为自己辨别说我也一样很忙，累不累根本不在于这个！
您有没有试过天天迟醒或睡午觉的习惯？
其实，我们真的很奇怪！即使你把休息时间拖长，也一样会累，借口一大堆的。
也许第二天有工才会这么样吧？若是隔天要去吃喝玩乐，即使你一整晚不睡，第二天也一样龙马精神，不是吗？问题在哪儿啊？！
这证明境界先前之前，心里若有任何抗拒，那身心自然会疲累，事情自然做得不圆满！全都在于“心”怎么去看待！
这也是我在面对着的问题，而在上星期道一师父讲课时有谈到，才跟大家分享的。
不是叫我们天天熬夜不睡，只是转转心态，乐观看待生活每一细节，过得更快了，充满！
我没有必要为自己辨别说我也一样很忙，累不累根本不在于这个！
您有没有试过天天迟醒或睡午觉的习惯？
其实，我们真的很奇怪！即使你把休息时间拖长，也一样会累，借口一大堆的。
也许第二天有工才会这么样吧？若是隔天要去吃喝玩乐，即使你一整晚不睡，第二天也一样龙马精神，不是吗？问题在哪儿啊？！
这证明境界先前之前，心里若有任何抗拒，那身心自然会疲累，事情自然做得不圆满！全都在于“心”怎么去看待！
这也是我在面对着的问题，而在上星期道一师父讲课时有谈到，才跟大家分享的。
不是叫我们天天熬夜不睡，只是转转心态，乐观看待生活每一细节，过得更快了，充满！
Monday, July 7, 2008
Never Do Abortion....
Mommy
I am only 8 inches long
but I have all my organs.
I love the sound of your voice.
Every time I hear it
I wave my arms and legs.
The sound of your heart beat
is my favorite lullaby.
Month Two
Mommy
today I learned how to suck my thumb.
If you could see me
you could definitely tell that I am a baby.
I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though.
It is so nice and warm in here.
Month Three
You know what Mommy
I'm a boy!!
I hope that makes you happy.
I always want you to be happy.
I don't like it when you cry.
You sound so sad.
It makes me sad too
and I cry with you even though
you can't hear me.
Month Four
Mommy
my hair is starting to grow.
It is very short and fine
but I will have a lot of it.
I spend a lot of my time exercising.
I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes
and stretch my arms and legs.
I am becoming quite good at it too.
Month Five
You went to the doctor today.
Mommy, he lied to you.
He said that I'm not a baby.
I am a baby Mommy, your baby.
I think and feel.
Mommy, what's abortion?
Month Six
I can hear that doctor again.
I don't like him.
He seems cold and heartless.
Something is intruding my home.
The doctor called it a needle.
Mommy what is it? It burns!
Please make him stop!
I can't get away from it!
Mommy! HELP me!
Month Seven
Mommy
I am okay.
I am in Jesus's arms.
He is holding me.
He told me about abortion.
Why didn't you want me Mommy?
Every Abortion Is Just . . .
One more heart that was stopped.
Two more eyes that will never see.
Two more hands that will never touch.
Two more legs that will never run.
One more mouth that will never speak.
I am only 8 inches long
but I have all my organs.
I love the sound of your voice.
Every time I hear it
I wave my arms and legs.
The sound of your heart beat
is my favorite lullaby.
Month Two
Mommy
today I learned how to suck my thumb.
If you could see me
you could definitely tell that I am a baby.
I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though.
It is so nice and warm in here.
Month Three
You know what Mommy
I'm a boy!!
I hope that makes you happy.
I always want you to be happy.
I don't like it when you cry.
You sound so sad.
It makes me sad too
and I cry with you even though
you can't hear me.
Month Four
Mommy
my hair is starting to grow.
It is very short and fine
but I will have a lot of it.
I spend a lot of my time exercising.
I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes
and stretch my arms and legs.
I am becoming quite good at it too.
Month Five
You went to the doctor today.
Mommy, he lied to you.
He said that I'm not a baby.
I am a baby Mommy, your baby.
I think and feel.
Mommy, what's abortion?
Month Six
I can hear that doctor again.
I don't like him.
He seems cold and heartless.
Something is intruding my home.
The doctor called it a needle.
Mommy what is it? It burns!
Please make him stop!
I can't get away from it!
Mommy! HELP me!
Month Seven
Mommy
I am okay.
I am in Jesus's arms.
He is holding me.
He told me about abortion.
Why didn't you want me Mommy?
Every Abortion Is Just . . .
One more heart that was stopped.
Two more eyes that will never see.
Two more hands that will never touch.
Two more legs that will never run.
One more mouth that will never speak.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Consersation Over A Cup Of Tea
这次有因缘，我们北海社区的一些佛友到妙佛院去和道一师父一起喝茶聊天，真的很难得。
我们一共有八人。。。师父开玩笑说“八仙过海”，其实还蛮有道理的！
一开始时，一位佛友就说：
“在日常生活中遇到逆境时，是不是都一定要吞下去（忍气吞声）？偶尔有事解决不了，就会找另一个师兄谈事情，她就会说“吐出来！会比较舒服！”
一位师兄又补充：
“对，吐出来也好，不然消化不良！但是记得别呕到完哦，留着一点温胃，不然营养不良，又很可惜！”
真的有趣吧？
师父再分享。。。
忍气吞声，是为了避免撕破别人的脸皮，与别人结下恶缘。往往硬碰硬，是不能解决的。
遇到逆境时，应找个善知识，在一边把心事吐出来。这样也是如把垃圾环保，可以分析问题从中学习。
除此，逆境也是让我们成长的啊！所以，别吐到完，留着等情绪稳定后再思考，索取经验。
~ 有时候，我们一直专著在问题上，别人说什么我们都听不进，很烦恼。其实应该多专著在解决的方法上，会更有效。
~ 有一位师兄，她时常都到NATIONAL SERVICE国民服务去讲课，也有中学校请她讲。
她有跟我们分享，单讲弟子规与佛法，第一句的“父母呼，应勿缓”就用不完了！这不只限制在那一方面而已！自己的责任未做，就是责任呼！ 范围是很广的。
法，是活的。
她也有说，当老师，要先感动学生，有体验，听众才会尊敬的。教学用打骂，其实很失败。上学，就是要学做人，不只为了成绩。开始时，她有先向学生们鞠躬，过一阵子，他们都很配合了。当她的学生，真的很幸福！
~ 天下没有所谓的天才与蠢才，而是有没有试着发挥潜能！
师父有说，工作上没有谁比较了不起的。医生虽然厉害，但若电线出问题呢，MECHANIC 就是大医王了！
互相都很重要的。
~ 怕输：为了几分而争夺，而这些分数未来都没什么大帮助，哪值得？应该争取的，就尽力，但不必要强求。
反而，生活的经验，办事能力，生活上的体验会更重要。有时忙，减少了读书时间，但是生活上比别人更有体验，那也很好啊！（这是我唯一对自己的安慰）
去念书前，有机会跟大家聚一聚，太好了。愿下次再有这种机会！
6/7/08 妙佛院
我们一共有八人。。。师父开玩笑说“八仙过海”，其实还蛮有道理的！
一开始时，一位佛友就说：
“在日常生活中遇到逆境时，是不是都一定要吞下去（忍气吞声）？偶尔有事解决不了，就会找另一个师兄谈事情，她就会说“吐出来！会比较舒服！”
一位师兄又补充：
“对，吐出来也好，不然消化不良！但是记得别呕到完哦，留着一点温胃，不然营养不良，又很可惜！”
真的有趣吧？
师父再分享。。。
忍气吞声，是为了避免撕破别人的脸皮，与别人结下恶缘。往往硬碰硬，是不能解决的。
遇到逆境时，应找个善知识，在一边把心事吐出来。这样也是如把垃圾环保，可以分析问题从中学习。
除此，逆境也是让我们成长的啊！所以，别吐到完，留着等情绪稳定后再思考，索取经验。
~ 有时候，我们一直专著在问题上，别人说什么我们都听不进，很烦恼。其实应该多专著在解决的方法上，会更有效。
~ 有一位师兄，她时常都到NATIONAL SERVICE国民服务去讲课，也有中学校请她讲。
她有跟我们分享，单讲弟子规与佛法，第一句的“父母呼，应勿缓”就用不完了！这不只限制在那一方面而已！自己的责任未做，就是责任呼！ 范围是很广的。
法，是活的。
她也有说，当老师，要先感动学生，有体验，听众才会尊敬的。教学用打骂，其实很失败。上学，就是要学做人，不只为了成绩。开始时，她有先向学生们鞠躬，过一阵子，他们都很配合了。当她的学生，真的很幸福！
~ 天下没有所谓的天才与蠢才，而是有没有试着发挥潜能！
师父有说，工作上没有谁比较了不起的。医生虽然厉害，但若电线出问题呢，MECHANIC 就是大医王了！
互相都很重要的。
~ 怕输：为了几分而争夺，而这些分数未来都没什么大帮助，哪值得？应该争取的，就尽力，但不必要强求。
反而，生活的经验，办事能力，生活上的体验会更重要。有时忙，减少了读书时间，但是生活上比别人更有体验，那也很好啊！（这是我唯一对自己的安慰）
去念书前，有机会跟大家聚一聚，太好了。愿下次再有这种机会！
6/7/08 妙佛院
Saturday, July 5, 2008
我愿
一心礼敬归命
二手胸前合十
三宝究竟依处
四信我心俱足
五戒当今受持
六道寻求解脱
七愿牢记在心
八正道为引导
九品回向西方
十善修好品德
愿永不退菩提心
5/7/2008
四信具足： 一、信娑婆是苦。 二、信極樂微妙清淨快樂。 三、信釋迦無虛言。 四、信彌陀無虛願
二手胸前合十
三宝究竟依处
四信我心俱足
五戒当今受持
六道寻求解脱
七愿牢记在心
八正道为引导
九品回向西方
十善修好品德
愿永不退菩提心
5/7/2008
四信具足： 一、信娑婆是苦。 二、信極樂微妙清淨快樂。 三、信釋迦無虛言。 四、信彌陀無虛願
Friday, July 4, 2008
Inner Peace... or Inner Piss?
We call ourselves learners who are willing to improve and become better persons. No matter what religion, philosphy, theory or technique is used, the ultimate goal is none other than to find
Inner Peace
Normally in the beginning, we start off strong -- full of righteousness and perseverance. Very impressive. But soon, the daily wear-&-tear of life rips right through our protective bubble and our true colors show.
Sometimes i feel vexed at myself. When i am oh-so-full of inspiration, i can control my temper perfectly. But after some time, instead of improving (rolls eyes), i start becoming worse. Why???
Has my inner peace evolved into Inner Piss?
I guess the hardest thing next to finding peace, is KEEPING peace- preserving it so it won't rot. There are a few ways that I've learnt, which are pretty handy in DIFFICULT times... so... there you go.
1. That Annoyin' Buzz
I just thought of this when my friend complained to me about a problem. What could be more of a fuss than those who are over-clingy, negative-minded and oblivious to bad moods/bad timing ? I have a good friend who doesn't seem to sense when you're busy or not in the mood to talk, but just yammers right up.
To sedate the iritation, why not change the state of mind?
Even when the world seems to suck, and things are caving in, at LEAST there is a person who is nice enough to share his thoughts and worries with you. It means you're trusted and cherished. For those who have friends that worship the ground you walk on, don't feel peeved immediately. A snap and an impatient click of tongue is enough to send such confidence-lackers back to square one.
If it's really bad timing, don't just wave an arm and mutter 'busy, not now.'
Due to others' excitement and concentration on owns' point of view, they will NEVER hear it.
Try stopping what you're doing, look them in the eye, smile and say firmly. "Look, i know you want to talk, i understand how you feel But i'm doing this REALLY important thing right now, and i CANNOT talk. We will talk LATER." It should do the trick. If they're still oblivious, go somewhere else to do your thing, or just nod and throw in an occasionally "hmm".
2. Hold that anger.
Your temperature is rising and you're about to say a F-o-u-r lettered word to 'inner peace'.
But before you do that,
- breathe in and out ten times. Sounds old school but it does the trick.
- don't be the slave of your emotion. Think as in, if you get angry, you're surrendering to the dark lord. *chuckles*
- it's always nice to be the good person. If you lose your temper suddenly and hurt someone, you will feel really guilty later. (And we all know guilt ain't a nice flavour)
- health nerds! Being angry triggers secretion of poison, a cause of cancer, makes you old and ugly, causes brain degeneration/bad memory.
So, hold it right there. Freeze! I know it's hard, but triumphing over your anger is a victory.
3. Weigh its worth
Think of all those time you have tried to polish your heart and mind. Now that it's squeaky clean again, would you throw it all away with contamination again? I don't think so. So, guarding that inner peace is worth it alright!
Inner peace is something that the world lacks, and personally i feel it's much more valuable than gems in real life. It's the jewel of the heart, the treasure of the mind! Don't let it rot in... *you know what*.
Inner Peace
Normally in the beginning, we start off strong -- full of righteousness and perseverance. Very impressive. But soon, the daily wear-&-tear of life rips right through our protective bubble and our true colors show.
Sometimes i feel vexed at myself. When i am oh-so-full of inspiration, i can control my temper perfectly. But after some time, instead of improving (rolls eyes), i start becoming worse. Why???
Has my inner peace evolved into Inner Piss?
I guess the hardest thing next to finding peace, is KEEPING peace- preserving it so it won't rot. There are a few ways that I've learnt, which are pretty handy in DIFFICULT times... so... there you go.
1. That Annoyin' Buzz
I just thought of this when my friend complained to me about a problem. What could be more of a fuss than those who are over-clingy, negative-minded and oblivious to bad moods/bad timing ? I have a good friend who doesn't seem to sense when you're busy or not in the mood to talk, but just yammers right up.
To sedate the iritation, why not change the state of mind?
Even when the world seems to suck, and things are caving in, at LEAST there is a person who is nice enough to share his thoughts and worries with you. It means you're trusted and cherished. For those who have friends that worship the ground you walk on, don't feel peeved immediately. A snap and an impatient click of tongue is enough to send such confidence-lackers back to square one.
If it's really bad timing, don't just wave an arm and mutter 'busy, not now.'
Due to others' excitement and concentration on owns' point of view, they will NEVER hear it.
Try stopping what you're doing, look them in the eye, smile and say firmly. "Look, i know you want to talk, i understand how you feel But i'm doing this REALLY important thing right now, and i CANNOT talk. We will talk LATER." It should do the trick. If they're still oblivious, go somewhere else to do your thing, or just nod and throw in an occasionally "hmm".
2. Hold that anger.
Your temperature is rising and you're about to say a F-o-u-r lettered word to 'inner peace'.
But before you do that,
- breathe in and out ten times. Sounds old school but it does the trick.
- don't be the slave of your emotion. Think as in, if you get angry, you're surrendering to the dark lord. *chuckles*
- it's always nice to be the good person. If you lose your temper suddenly and hurt someone, you will feel really guilty later. (And we all know guilt ain't a nice flavour)
- health nerds! Being angry triggers secretion of poison, a cause of cancer, makes you old and ugly, causes brain degeneration/bad memory.
So, hold it right there. Freeze! I know it's hard, but triumphing over your anger is a victory.
3. Weigh its worth
Think of all those time you have tried to polish your heart and mind. Now that it's squeaky clean again, would you throw it all away with contamination again? I don't think so. So, guarding that inner peace is worth it alright!
Inner peace is something that the world lacks, and personally i feel it's much more valuable than gems in real life. It's the jewel of the heart, the treasure of the mind! Don't let it rot in... *you know what*.
TOP TEN REASONS NOT TO EAT TUNA
1.Brain Rot!
Tuna fish accumulate toxic mercury in their flesh as a result of industrial pollution, and the side effects of mercury poisoning include finger curling, cognitive impairment, and coordination problems. A California boy, who was the subject of a front-page Wall Street Journal article, went from being a star athlete and honor student to being unable to concentrate or catch a football because he ate canned tuna. Even if he had eaten only half a can of albacore tuna a week, he still would have consumed 60 percent more mercury than is considered “safe” by the U.S. government.
2.Tremendous Tuna
The largest tuna are bluefin tuna, who can reach 15 feet in length and weigh more than 1,500 pounds. Even “small” tuna species, such as yellowfin and albacore, can grow to be 6.5 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. Tuna aren’t exactly couch potatoes—they can swim more than 100 miles in a day—with a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
3.Heart Attack on a Hook
Eating fish is not healthy for your heart! Heavy metals are concentrated in tuna because of the contaminated fish they eat. Tuna flesh is loaded with heavy metals that attack the heart muscle, so the toxicity outweighs any possible health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. According to a recent study published in the American Heart Association’s journal, men with the highest levels of mercury increased their risk for heart disease by 60 percent and their risk of dying of a heart attack by 70 percent. Do your heart a favor—put down the fish fork and pick up a safer source of omega-3s, such as walnuts and flaxseeds.
4.Would You Eat Your Dog?
How about a fish who’s as smart as a dog? Dr. Theresa Burt de Perera, an Oxford University scientist, recently published research showing that fish learn faster than dogs. And University of Edinburgh biologist Culum Brown says, “In many areas, such as memory, their cognitive powers match or exceed those of ‘higher’ vertebrates, including non-human primates.”
5.Sorry, Charlie
Unlike a certain cartoon tuna, fish aren’t begging to be caught. Tuna are chased until they move into a tight group, and then a net is lowered around them. They are dragged against rocks and debris, and some fish suffocate from the sheer weight of other fish pressing against them. Large tuna are impaled on longlines—which are miles of barbed hooks that are left in the ocean for days at a time.
6.Death, Sopranos-Style
Think “swimming with the fishes” in reverse. “Hit men” dump smaller tuna onto ice, where they slowly freeze to death or are crushed when thousands of their schoolmates are piled on top of them. Tuna caught on longlines are beaten until they become unconscious before they are thrown into the freezer—and that’s if they haven’t already bled to death while struggling to free themselves!
7.Factory Fish Bowls
Because fishing trawlers are increasingly emptying the seas of more and more of their inhabitants, fish are now being raised on “farms.” Small tuna are captured and dumped into netted pens. They are fattened on pellets of concentrated fish flesh and killed when they get big enough—if they don’t die first from the parasites and diseases that thrive in extremely crowded conditions.
8.Sickening Sashimi
Stay away from the sushi buffet if you don’t want to spend the next day at the porcelain palace. Seafood is the number one cause of food poisoning in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 75 million cases of foodborne illness every year, including hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.
9.Dolphin-Unsafe Tuna
Tuna is about as “dolphin-friendly” as a boat propeller. Even if dolphins aren’t “accidentally” trapped in tuna nets, they are still killed intentionally by Japanese tuna anglers because they prey on tuna. Entire pods of whales and dolphins are rounded up and driven into shallow water where all but the youngest (who are captured and sold to aquariums) are slaughtered with knives and machetes.
10.Tuna-Safe Tuna
Vegetarian tuna, available from www.vegieworld.com, is a double-take fake tuna that is perfect for sandwiches, casseroles, and “fish” cakes. It is packed with protein and has an uncanny “tuna” flavor and texture, but it’s free of mercury, harmful bacteria, and suffering.
If you’re “fishing” for a heart-smart diet that has been proved to actually reverse heart disease while also reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and obesity and that is good for the environment as well as fish-friendly—a vegetarian diet is the perfect catch.
Order a free vegetarian starter kit and we’ll send you great-tasting recipes, nutrition information—and everything else you’ll need to make the easy switch to a healthy vegetarian diet.
Tuna fish accumulate toxic mercury in their flesh as a result of industrial pollution, and the side effects of mercury poisoning include finger curling, cognitive impairment, and coordination problems. A California boy, who was the subject of a front-page Wall Street Journal article, went from being a star athlete and honor student to being unable to concentrate or catch a football because he ate canned tuna. Even if he had eaten only half a can of albacore tuna a week, he still would have consumed 60 percent more mercury than is considered “safe” by the U.S. government.
2.Tremendous Tuna
The largest tuna are bluefin tuna, who can reach 15 feet in length and weigh more than 1,500 pounds. Even “small” tuna species, such as yellowfin and albacore, can grow to be 6.5 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. Tuna aren’t exactly couch potatoes—they can swim more than 100 miles in a day—with a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
3.Heart Attack on a Hook
Eating fish is not healthy for your heart! Heavy metals are concentrated in tuna because of the contaminated fish they eat. Tuna flesh is loaded with heavy metals that attack the heart muscle, so the toxicity outweighs any possible health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. According to a recent study published in the American Heart Association’s journal, men with the highest levels of mercury increased their risk for heart disease by 60 percent and their risk of dying of a heart attack by 70 percent. Do your heart a favor—put down the fish fork and pick up a safer source of omega-3s, such as walnuts and flaxseeds.
4.Would You Eat Your Dog?
How about a fish who’s as smart as a dog? Dr. Theresa Burt de Perera, an Oxford University scientist, recently published research showing that fish learn faster than dogs. And University of Edinburgh biologist Culum Brown says, “In many areas, such as memory, their cognitive powers match or exceed those of ‘higher’ vertebrates, including non-human primates.”
5.Sorry, Charlie
Unlike a certain cartoon tuna, fish aren’t begging to be caught. Tuna are chased until they move into a tight group, and then a net is lowered around them. They are dragged against rocks and debris, and some fish suffocate from the sheer weight of other fish pressing against them. Large tuna are impaled on longlines—which are miles of barbed hooks that are left in the ocean for days at a time.
6.Death, Sopranos-Style
Think “swimming with the fishes” in reverse. “Hit men” dump smaller tuna onto ice, where they slowly freeze to death or are crushed when thousands of their schoolmates are piled on top of them. Tuna caught on longlines are beaten until they become unconscious before they are thrown into the freezer—and that’s if they haven’t already bled to death while struggling to free themselves!
7.Factory Fish Bowls
Because fishing trawlers are increasingly emptying the seas of more and more of their inhabitants, fish are now being raised on “farms.” Small tuna are captured and dumped into netted pens. They are fattened on pellets of concentrated fish flesh and killed when they get big enough—if they don’t die first from the parasites and diseases that thrive in extremely crowded conditions.
8.Sickening Sashimi
Stay away from the sushi buffet if you don’t want to spend the next day at the porcelain palace. Seafood is the number one cause of food poisoning in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 75 million cases of foodborne illness every year, including hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.
9.Dolphin-Unsafe Tuna
Tuna is about as “dolphin-friendly” as a boat propeller. Even if dolphins aren’t “accidentally” trapped in tuna nets, they are still killed intentionally by Japanese tuna anglers because they prey on tuna. Entire pods of whales and dolphins are rounded up and driven into shallow water where all but the youngest (who are captured and sold to aquariums) are slaughtered with knives and machetes.
10.Tuna-Safe Tuna
Vegetarian tuna, available from www.vegieworld.com, is a double-take fake tuna that is perfect for sandwiches, casseroles, and “fish” cakes. It is packed with protein and has an uncanny “tuna” flavor and texture, but it’s free of mercury, harmful bacteria, and suffering.
If you’re “fishing” for a heart-smart diet that has been proved to actually reverse heart disease while also reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and obesity and that is good for the environment as well as fish-friendly—a vegetarian diet is the perfect catch.
Order a free vegetarian starter kit and we’ll send you great-tasting recipes, nutrition information—and everything else you’ll need to make the easy switch to a healthy vegetarian diet.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Excuse me !
A few hours ago, I received an SMS from my cousin sister. It says,
" I found if we let go of our selfishness, we can think better and be happier.Try to give excuses for others even if they're not very good. Sounds stupid, right? "
Dear me, no. It certainly is not stupid. Infact it's tres brilliant.
This is a beautiful insight which n ot many people bother to linger upon.
Now try imagining this situation. You are giving a talk which you have prepared for AGES, and the people whom you're close with are not exactly paying attention. What crosses your mind? "How could they?! I always supported them when they needed me!" This would be my reaction.
On the other hand...Think : You've finally met someone you badly wanted to impress. But being as nervous as you are, silly words and comments accidentally slipped out of your trap. When you go back and reflect upon the conversation you guys had earlier... many would think "Ah! Stupid me!! Umm.. i'm sure he'd understand that i'm nervous, he'd know that it's because i admire him so much. I hope he noticed that i tried."
See? The problem is, we always give excuses and be really lenient on ourselves, naively hoping people will spare us from critical judgement. BUT we still weigh people and think badly of others.
Instead of just jumping into conclusion from these signs...
1. ARe not REspecting us
2. Do not care about us
3. Are not paying attention
4. ARe being Rude to us
5. Didn't show interest
6. their lack of enthusiasm
7. their facial expression (glare, frown, speaking tone)
Why not think rationally and save the silly thoughts? Sometimes, people are just tired! Maybe someone else provoked them before we talk to them? Or they might just be having a really, really bad day! Besides, the time we picked to talk to them might be wrong! About facial expressions and speaking tone, i've noticed that sometimes, people don't mean the way they sound. We might just be over-sensitive.
If we think they said something rude to us, it might have just slipped out of carelessness. Some people's words do not churn all the way through their brains!
Why torture ourselves with the negative thoughts that people are not treating us the way we want them to?
Okay, back to the point. What we should be learning now, is to think of others kindly. Give excuses to them, the way we hope people will give us. Second chances, words of forgiveness, a glance of reassurance. These are all it takes to give people the confidence and ease of mind!
So try thinking for others, understanding how littlest things might reflect upon everything, and you'll find yourself MUCH more refined and detailed.
Gambateh!
" I found if we let go of our selfishness, we can think better and be happier.Try to give excuses for others even if they're not very good. Sounds stupid, right? "
Dear me, no. It certainly is not stupid. Infact it's tres brilliant.
This is a beautiful insight which n ot many people bother to linger upon.
Now try imagining this situation. You are giving a talk which you have prepared for AGES, and the people whom you're close with are not exactly paying attention. What crosses your mind? "How could they?! I always supported them when they needed me!" This would be my reaction.
On the other hand...Think : You've finally met someone you badly wanted to impress. But being as nervous as you are, silly words and comments accidentally slipped out of your trap. When you go back and reflect upon the conversation you guys had earlier... many would think "Ah! Stupid me!! Umm.. i'm sure he'd understand that i'm nervous, he'd know that it's because i admire him so much. I hope he noticed that i tried."
See? The problem is, we always give excuses and be really lenient on ourselves, naively hoping people will spare us from critical judgement. BUT we still weigh people and think badly of others.
Instead of just jumping into conclusion from these signs...
1. ARe not REspecting us
2. Do not care about us
3. Are not paying attention
4. ARe being Rude to us
5. Didn't show interest
6. their lack of enthusiasm
7. their facial expression (glare, frown, speaking tone)
Why not think rationally and save the silly thoughts? Sometimes, people are just tired! Maybe someone else provoked them before we talk to them? Or they might just be having a really, really bad day! Besides, the time we picked to talk to them might be wrong! About facial expressions and speaking tone, i've noticed that sometimes, people don't mean the way they sound. We might just be over-sensitive.
If we think they said something rude to us, it might have just slipped out of carelessness. Some people's words do not churn all the way through their brains!
Why torture ourselves with the negative thoughts that people are not treating us the way we want them to?
Okay, back to the point. What we should be learning now, is to think of others kindly. Give excuses to them, the way we hope people will give us. Second chances, words of forgiveness, a glance of reassurance. These are all it takes to give people the confidence and ease of mind!
So try thinking for others, understanding how littlest things might reflect upon everything, and you'll find yourself MUCH more refined and detailed.
Gambateh!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
业障！
以前，当遇到逆境时，多数的人多会劝告说，“这是业障啦。。。”
当时，我还不太了解它的意义。我相信很多人都如此。也许。。。我们把它视为恶魔，磨难，困难等之类的。
其实，它是蛮有道理的咧！
用现代语，可指活动， 动作。
人，是离不开活动的。只要有动作，就会产生习惯/力量。那就是所谓的业！
When there is action/thoughts/habits, just like a spinning wheel, it brings on effects and feelings similarly to what whatever "data" was inputed.
I guess it's no coincidence. Whenever one chooses to act in a certain way, then similar kinds of friends/emotions/environment would arise. It's just like "both hell and heaven arise in your minds." When you are deep in the pit of anger and remorse, it's burning hell for you. But when you feel blissful and contented, then it's automatically heaven.
业障。。。使我们喜欢多睡，多吃，好玩等习惯。其实这并不是不好，只是对于寻找解脱，是不行的。很多人都会认为，玩玩哪有什么!解压吗！就是有业障和习惯，才需要这种方式来解脱。
业障。。。也让我们很执着名闻，利养，五欲，六尘，放不下，喜欢，讨厌。（生活不是不要有主见，只是过强烈的认定一件事，往往被人否定时，会自寻烦恼。）
讲真的，能BALANCE一下生活，在对的时候作对的事，那就很好了！
祝大家消业障成功。嘻嘻！
当时，我还不太了解它的意义。我相信很多人都如此。也许。。。我们把它视为恶魔，磨难，困难等之类的。
其实，它是蛮有道理的咧！
用现代语，可指活动， 动作。
人，是离不开活动的。只要有动作，就会产生习惯/力量。那就是所谓的业！
When there is action/thoughts/habits, just like a spinning wheel, it brings on effects and feelings similarly to what whatever "data" was inputed.
I guess it's no coincidence. Whenever one chooses to act in a certain way, then similar kinds of friends/emotions/environment would arise. It's just like "both hell and heaven arise in your minds." When you are deep in the pit of anger and remorse, it's burning hell for you. But when you feel blissful and contented, then it's automatically heaven.
业障。。。使我们喜欢多睡，多吃，好玩等习惯。其实这并不是不好，只是对于寻找解脱，是不行的。很多人都会认为，玩玩哪有什么!解压吗！就是有业障和习惯，才需要这种方式来解脱。
业障。。。也让我们很执着名闻，利养，五欲，六尘，放不下，喜欢，讨厌。（生活不是不要有主见，只是过强烈的认定一件事，往往被人否定时，会自寻烦恼。）
讲真的，能BALANCE一下生活，在对的时候作对的事，那就很好了！
祝大家消业障成功。嘻嘻！
Monday, June 30, 2008
BuG + LuM + PuFF + x!Ng = Friends Forever (Cheesy, don't gag)
Yesterday was Grrrrrr-eat!Finally, a day out with my best friends/soft-toy gang/childhood mates. *Broad Grinz*
I know these "little gentlemen" forever and will totally miss them when i leave...
At first i was reluctant on whether i should go out. Piano lessons on the next day, and I have new pieces due! I was having lunch with my parents when bug messaged me saying that he was getting tickets. I made 4 phonecalls to him.
The 1st one : Ok, get me tickets.
The 2nd one : Er... i tink i can't!!
The 3rd one : Nvm.. juz buy it. i meet you guys later.
The 4th one : I think suak liao lah...*What you mean suak?! Bought liao!* Ok then...
The funny thing is, as he finally reached the counter, with a long trail of queue behind him, i kept calling him, changing my minds, hence annoying the ticket lady. Sorry Boo!!
We watched "Get Smart". It's HILARIOUS!!! Watch it, people! *I screamed and clutched someone's arms when the mutant guy fell on the pig*
Before that... We had 2 hours before the movie starts.
That day, Ms Nee held her music school's performance in Sunway. And so we watched them! I turned around to see the guys' faces as the little mozarts group (5 and below!) performed. Ahh, the amused smiles. I wonder if they're thinking of sending future kids to learn music? Wink wink!
After the show, was Sunway's Idol Search contest. Lucky us!!! It was AMAZING! If i didnt' have a curfew, i'd stick there all night.
We hit crocodiles with a mallet at the games arcade. After a few serious rounds, we decided playing a cheat. guess how? And scored full points! *drumrolls!*
Lum gently taps, bug knocks, Xing WHACKS. Ouchies! The crocs see stars... *Cues "Starry starry night"*
Ahhh... thanks for the great night guys. So, what's NEXT?!
The Bold, the bad, the bonker.
(Xing in green, Lum in Black, Bug in Blue, PuFF in yellow. We are no rainbow)
I know these "little gentlemen" forever and will totally miss them when i leave...
At first i was reluctant on whether i should go out. Piano lessons on the next day, and I have new pieces due! I was having lunch with my parents when bug messaged me saying that he was getting tickets. I made 4 phonecalls to him.
The 1st one : Ok, get me tickets.
The 2nd one : Er... i tink i can't!!
The 3rd one : Nvm.. juz buy it. i meet you guys later.
The 4th one : I think suak liao lah...*What you mean suak?! Bought liao!* Ok then...
The funny thing is, as he finally reached the counter, with a long trail of queue behind him, i kept calling him, changing my minds, hence annoying the ticket lady. Sorry Boo!!
We watched "Get Smart". It's HILARIOUS!!! Watch it, people! *I screamed and clutched someone's arms when the mutant guy fell on the pig*
Before that... We had 2 hours before the movie starts.
That day, Ms Nee held her music school's performance in Sunway. And so we watched them! I turned around to see the guys' faces as the little mozarts group (5 and below!) performed. Ahh, the amused smiles. I wonder if they're thinking of sending future kids to learn music? Wink wink!
After the show, was Sunway's Idol Search contest. Lucky us!!! It was AMAZING! If i didnt' have a curfew, i'd stick there all night.
We hit crocodiles with a mallet at the games arcade. After a few serious rounds, we decided playing a cheat. guess how? And scored full points! *drumrolls!*
Lum gently taps, bug knocks, Xing WHACKS. Ouchies! The crocs see stars... *Cues "Starry starry night"*
Ahhh... thanks for the great night guys. So, what's NEXT?!
The Bold, the bad, the bonker.
(Xing in green, Lum in Black, Bug in Blue, PuFF in yellow. We are no rainbow)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Meludah ke langit akhir jatuh ke muka juga
I wonder what came over me.
I was messing with my drawer when i found a tiny bottle of perfume, so i spritz it in the air and raised my head to smell it.
Oh gosh it splashed all over my face and tongue and nose. ICK!
The smell is still there, and i'm not going to play with perfume again.
I never mix well with those stuff anyway. Hmph.
Umpama peribahasa di atas, * * * * * * *!
I was messing with my drawer when i found a tiny bottle of perfume, so i spritz it in the air and raised my head to smell it.
Oh gosh it splashed all over my face and tongue and nose. ICK!
The smell is still there, and i'm not going to play with perfume again.
I never mix well with those stuff anyway. Hmph.
Umpama peribahasa di atas, * * * * * * *!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Life's Clock is Ticking Away
"Each day in your life is so important. Your entire life is made up of these days, one after another.
Therefore, you should organize your life: “When I get up I’m going to do this, then next I’ll do this,
then this, this, this..”You should organize yourself. Then your life becomes useful, and you don’t
waste your time.
Organizing a balanced day is very important. If you don’t put one day together, then two days are
not together, one month is not together, one year is not together, and you finish up wasting your
entire life. That is why we need to organize our lives."
-Lama Yeshe
As I was browsing through some e-books in Buddhanet, i came across one of Lama Yeshe's works. His words slapped me awake like a charm, thank goodness.
My mom tells me i'm the least organized person she ever met. I tell myself that i'm a lousy old slob. I guess that makes one of us. Anyway, it is a fact that after my SPM, theory exams, driving tests, piano/cello tests, i have set my brain to 'lag' mode and it degenerates day to day. It really is too bad, seeing that i only have one more month to sort out my attitude before i start over in Canada.
Sometimes i wish i'm still living in the monastery. When i'm there, the rules actually protect me. I wake up early, rest early, bathe and do laundry at fixed times, and follow routines. There are time for meditation, study and relaxing. My life is fulfilled and i feel much happier than ever. At home, alas- a weak person like me gets seduced by the likes of computers, gadgets, music and games. Then i waste my time away, drifting like a body without a soul.
I wish to organize myself. These few days, i got pretty addicted to the game Pacman (which is outdated, i know) and much time i wasted from playing all day. Then at night, i feel guilty and start resenting myself. Teenagers are weird. We spend the whole daytime wandering around with nothing to do, and when night draws in, suddenly we are aware of time being wasted, then we start piling out on our work till midnight, nodding away like a fishing rod. Naturally, we study chunks between sleep, and do not have enough rest. Then, the next day we wake up with a horrible hangover. This, comes from lack of self-organizing skills.
One year=365 days (most of the time lah)
One year=12 months
One year= 52 weeks
One month= 31 days
One week=7 days.
1 day=24 hours
1 hour=60 minutes
ARGH! Time does pass so fast. WE think we're so smart, accomplishing a bit of this and that. but actually, when you ask yourself at the end of the day "How much have i done?", you probably will have to tell yourself "Wait ah, i recall..."
That's uncertainty.
So let's stop wastin' time!!!! Make good use of that healthy young brain, before you have trouble remembering your birth date. That, will be a little too late to regret.
Therefore, you should organize your life: “When I get up I’m going to do this, then next I’ll do this,
then this, this, this..”You should organize yourself. Then your life becomes useful, and you don’t
waste your time.
Organizing a balanced day is very important. If you don’t put one day together, then two days are
not together, one month is not together, one year is not together, and you finish up wasting your
entire life. That is why we need to organize our lives."
-Lama Yeshe
As I was browsing through some e-books in Buddhanet, i came across one of Lama Yeshe's works. His words slapped me awake like a charm, thank goodness.
My mom tells me i'm the least organized person she ever met. I tell myself that i'm a lousy old slob. I guess that makes one of us. Anyway, it is a fact that after my SPM, theory exams, driving tests, piano/cello tests, i have set my brain to 'lag' mode and it degenerates day to day. It really is too bad, seeing that i only have one more month to sort out my attitude before i start over in Canada.
Sometimes i wish i'm still living in the monastery. When i'm there, the rules actually protect me. I wake up early, rest early, bathe and do laundry at fixed times, and follow routines. There are time for meditation, study and relaxing. My life is fulfilled and i feel much happier than ever. At home, alas- a weak person like me gets seduced by the likes of computers, gadgets, music and games. Then i waste my time away, drifting like a body without a soul.
I wish to organize myself. These few days, i got pretty addicted to the game Pacman (which is outdated, i know) and much time i wasted from playing all day. Then at night, i feel guilty and start resenting myself. Teenagers are weird. We spend the whole daytime wandering around with nothing to do, and when night draws in, suddenly we are aware of time being wasted, then we start piling out on our work till midnight, nodding away like a fishing rod. Naturally, we study chunks between sleep, and do not have enough rest. Then, the next day we wake up with a horrible hangover. This, comes from lack of self-organizing skills.
One year=365 days (most of the time lah)
One year=12 months
One year= 52 weeks
One month= 31 days
One week=7 days.
1 day=24 hours
1 hour=60 minutes
ARGH! Time does pass so fast. WE think we're so smart, accomplishing a bit of this and that. but actually, when you ask yourself at the end of the day "How much have i done?", you probably will have to tell yourself "Wait ah, i recall..."
That's uncertainty.
So let's stop wastin' time!!!! Make good use of that healthy young brain, before you have trouble remembering your birth date. That, will be a little too late to regret.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
My Decision..
This year has been pretty confusing. I can't decide- which should i major in? English? Or music? My interests bounce back and forth, it's hard to make up my mind.
I've decided that i want to do Music Therapy and Journalism. In music... if i take performing, it may be a boost of self satisfaction. But, the expenses might not be worth it, as no one is gonna be a performer in M'sia unless you're Dennis Lee?
Pedagogy sounds fun, but what i really want to do is to make people happy with music.
I guess that's Music Therapy for me. That's what i want!
Journalism? Bcoz i like to write! Let my pen run free :)
But the problem is.. the good, high-notch univs i'm aiming for like U of T and McGill and Western Ontario... DO NOT have music therapy in their programmes!
Only Wilfrid Laurier, Alberta, Winsor, UBC have it. UBC is the best, but too far... I guess it's Wilfrid LAurier for me, the same univ my dad went to.
But.. i love the ivy league... T.T
I've decided that i want to do Music Therapy and Journalism. In music... if i take performing, it may be a boost of self satisfaction. But, the expenses might not be worth it, as no one is gonna be a performer in M'sia unless you're Dennis Lee?
Pedagogy sounds fun, but what i really want to do is to make people happy with music.
I guess that's Music Therapy for me. That's what i want!
Journalism? Bcoz i like to write! Let my pen run free :)
But the problem is.. the good, high-notch univs i'm aiming for like U of T and McGill and Western Ontario... DO NOT have music therapy in their programmes!
Only Wilfrid Laurier, Alberta, Winsor, UBC have it. UBC is the best, but too far... I guess it's Wilfrid LAurier for me, the same univ my dad went to.
But.. i love the ivy league... T.T
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Therapy Mania!
I stumbled across some interesting information.. here it is! Have fun.
AROMA therapy
When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a relaxant), the keyboard typing errors dropped 20 percent.
When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent
When exposed to lemon fragrance (a sharp, refreshing stimulant), the mistakes fell by a whopping 54 percent!
-A fragrance company in Japan conducted studies to determine the effects of smell on people. They have pumped different fragrances in an area where a number of keyboard entry operators were stationed and monitored the number of mistakes made as a function of the smell in the air. (Results above)
Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.
Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.
Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes.
Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, the oils act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothes you down, some relieves your pain, etc. Then there are oils such as lemon and lavender, which adapt to what your body needs, and adapt to that situation. (These are called "adaptogenic"). The mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood. What is understood is that they affect our mind and emotions. They leave no harmful residues. They enter into the body either by absorption or inhalation.
Humor Therapy
Patients, doctors and health-care professionals are all finding that laughter may indeed be the best medicine.
Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
Laughter is infectious. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India, laughing clubs -- in which participants gather in the early morning for the sole purpose of laughing -- are becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United States.
Humor is a universal language. It's a contagious emotion and a natural diversion. It brings other people in and breaks down barriers. Best of all it is free and has no known side reactions.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Might help:
Acquired Brain Injury
AIDS
Autism and other Pervasive Development Disabilities
Critical Care
Developmental Disabilities
Emotional Traumas
Geriatric Care
Hearing Impairments
Mental Health
Neonatal Care
Obstetrics
Oncology
Pain Control
Palliative Care
Personal Growth
Physical Disabilities
Speech and Language Impairments
Substance Abuse
Teens at Risk
Victims of Abuse
Visual Impairments
AROMA therapy
When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a relaxant), the keyboard typing errors dropped 20 percent.
When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent
When exposed to lemon fragrance (a sharp, refreshing stimulant), the mistakes fell by a whopping 54 percent!
-A fragrance company in Japan conducted studies to determine the effects of smell on people. They have pumped different fragrances in an area where a number of keyboard entry operators were stationed and monitored the number of mistakes made as a function of the smell in the air. (Results above)
Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.
Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.
Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes.
Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, the oils act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothes you down, some relieves your pain, etc. Then there are oils such as lemon and lavender, which adapt to what your body needs, and adapt to that situation. (These are called "adaptogenic"). The mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood. What is understood is that they affect our mind and emotions. They leave no harmful residues. They enter into the body either by absorption or inhalation.
Humor Therapy
Patients, doctors and health-care professionals are all finding that laughter may indeed be the best medicine.
Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
Laughter is infectious. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India, laughing clubs -- in which participants gather in the early morning for the sole purpose of laughing -- are becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United States.
Humor is a universal language. It's a contagious emotion and a natural diversion. It brings other people in and breaks down barriers. Best of all it is free and has no known side reactions.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Might help:
Acquired Brain Injury
AIDS
Autism and other Pervasive Development Disabilities
Critical Care
Developmental Disabilities
Emotional Traumas
Geriatric Care
Hearing Impairments
Mental Health
Neonatal Care
Obstetrics
Oncology
Pain Control
Palliative Care
Personal Growth
Physical Disabilities
Speech and Language Impairments
Substance Abuse
Teens at Risk
Victims of Abuse
Visual Impairments
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
心灵的食物！
昨天我妈妈看报纸告诉我，
这个时代的年轻人有很大八仙拥有“自我放弃”的可能性。
这是很惊人的一回事。
当然。。我，也是脆弱的。那几八仙里，把我算在内吧！
为什么？当竞争，物质提升和心灵不平衡时，我们就会有心里空虚的状态！想也对啊~ 以前的人，一条衣，一碗饭，一个ATAP屋：就可以开心过生活。反之，现在，我们应有尽有，却天天烦恼忧愁！
不是吗？
所以，我想把善知识那边学来的，放上来和大家分享，也让我多复习，一起勉励。
不可以懒惰！如果我有写，你们一定要看哦。哼！
这个时代的年轻人有很大八仙拥有“自我放弃”的可能性。
这是很惊人的一回事。
当然。。我，也是脆弱的。那几八仙里，把我算在内吧！
为什么？当竞争，物质提升和心灵不平衡时，我们就会有心里空虚的状态！想也对啊~ 以前的人，一条衣，一碗饭，一个ATAP屋：就可以开心过生活。反之，现在，我们应有尽有，却天天烦恼忧愁！
不是吗？
所以，我想把善知识那边学来的，放上来和大家分享，也让我多复习，一起勉励。
不可以懒惰！如果我有写，你们一定要看哦。哼！
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Meaning Behind Writing
I wonder why I write about insights in my blog. Most people might regard it as something Chicken Soup-ish or Soul-ish. They might even think it is boring.
Maybe what i want to do is to ring a bell and strike the resonance deep inside.
In such a busy life, many do not dwell upon inner emotions and deep thoughts. I hope stumbling across such writings might let someone find their way in life.
Most importantly, I churn my mind each time I write and guess who gets the most out of it? Me!
Writing, or reading is always good. It helps you think and listen to yourself once in a while.
Maybe what i want to do is to ring a bell and strike the resonance deep inside.
In such a busy life, many do not dwell upon inner emotions and deep thoughts. I hope stumbling across such writings might let someone find their way in life.
Most importantly, I churn my mind each time I write and guess who gets the most out of it? Me!
Writing, or reading is always good. It helps you think and listen to yourself once in a while.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
值得吗？
终于，一切都过去了。
自从毕业了FORM 5摆脱了 政府考试，大家都以为我会很有空。有得多上网，多看书，多练琴吧！
老实说，原本以为可以善待一下自己，但是很可惜，我还一样当考试的奴隶折磨身心。
为了就是成功。
去年考完SPM前，我有了想讨入音乐学院的念头，就需要连SPM一起拼着练习，准备做录音。那时遇到很多障碍，自己程度也不够高，加上心里的矛盾很多，所以很东西都做得不好！最后，也取消入学院的念头。。还是进大学安全吧！那时真的好累，我的老师也比我还要担心。哈！
另一个让我急的是三月的考试。ＡＢＲＳＭ ＧＲＡＤＥ７ ＴＨＥＯＲＹ 和 ＴＯＥＦＬ英文考试都在同一个星期要考。ＴＨＥＯＲＹ呢，我知考到第五而已，在四个月里要搞定６，７级。ＴＯＥＦＬ，是外国的英文，有写有听有读，好难！所以，还是一样拼！
考完这些，就有些“来不及了！”的感觉。。因为还要准备ＣＥＬＬＯ和ＰＩＡＮＯ的考试！我八月出国，不知他们会把我的日期排在哪一天？结果，钢琴考试排在第一天，大提琴考试竟然把我排在最后一天。当时我都出国了啊！没办法：提前的话，就会很麻烦因为要连累钢琴伴奏者。唯一提后到明年六月，再添上多一级！
我的考试，全部，都终于考完了。内心是又开心，又懈怠，又伤心，又空虚，有成就感，有遗憾懊悔。真的很复杂。
现在我进入重点。。。
这次单为了准备钢琴考试，我练到手指的ＮＥＲＶＥＳ都怪了，脊椎骨发痛，膝盖，腿，颈项都发痛。考完后走路差点晕了过去，身体很多奇怪的问题。。。
我在想。。。如果我换上了病，一生就浪费了。我最后想做的事是什么啊？
到底，过分的为成功而拼，又无法接受失败的我，这么做。。是积极还是愚蠢呢？
愚蠢！
我心中最重要的目标还是上求佛道，下化众生啊！！我都做不到了，再破坏自己，不是更达不成吗？？？
生命的意义就是进步自己，不是破坏自己吧！
为了脸，为了文凭，为了追求成功而不顾率身边人为我着急的心情，损坏自己。。。值得吗？
我自己知道。。。
希望，我下次不再如此。。。
我不想做追求成功而成为奴隶的愚人。
自从毕业了FORM 5摆脱了 政府考试，大家都以为我会很有空。有得多上网，多看书，多练琴吧！
老实说，原本以为可以善待一下自己，但是很可惜，我还一样当考试的奴隶折磨身心。
为了就是成功。
去年考完SPM前，我有了想讨入音乐学院的念头，就需要连SPM一起拼着练习，准备做录音。那时遇到很多障碍，自己程度也不够高，加上心里的矛盾很多，所以很东西都做得不好！最后，也取消入学院的念头。。还是进大学安全吧！那时真的好累，我的老师也比我还要担心。哈！
另一个让我急的是三月的考试。ＡＢＲＳＭ ＧＲＡＤＥ７ ＴＨＥＯＲＹ 和 ＴＯＥＦＬ英文考试都在同一个星期要考。ＴＨＥＯＲＹ呢，我知考到第五而已，在四个月里要搞定６，７级。ＴＯＥＦＬ，是外国的英文，有写有听有读，好难！所以，还是一样拼！
考完这些，就有些“来不及了！”的感觉。。因为还要准备ＣＥＬＬＯ和ＰＩＡＮＯ的考试！我八月出国，不知他们会把我的日期排在哪一天？结果，钢琴考试排在第一天，大提琴考试竟然把我排在最后一天。当时我都出国了啊！没办法：提前的话，就会很麻烦因为要连累钢琴伴奏者。唯一提后到明年六月，再添上多一级！
我的考试，全部，都终于考完了。内心是又开心，又懈怠，又伤心，又空虚，有成就感，有遗憾懊悔。真的很复杂。
现在我进入重点。。。
这次单为了准备钢琴考试，我练到手指的ＮＥＲＶＥＳ都怪了，脊椎骨发痛，膝盖，腿，颈项都发痛。考完后走路差点晕了过去，身体很多奇怪的问题。。。
我在想。。。如果我换上了病，一生就浪费了。我最后想做的事是什么啊？
到底，过分的为成功而拼，又无法接受失败的我，这么做。。是积极还是愚蠢呢？
愚蠢！
我心中最重要的目标还是上求佛道，下化众生啊！！我都做不到了，再破坏自己，不是更达不成吗？？？
生命的意义就是进步自己，不是破坏自己吧！
为了脸，为了文凭，为了追求成功而不顾率身边人为我着急的心情，损坏自己。。。值得吗？
我自己知道。。。
希望，我下次不再如此。。。
我不想做追求成功而成为奴隶的愚人。
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Family ReUnion!
Ha! Lately, my relatives around the globe have returned to M'sia, just like durians popping up at markets in season. I'm glad to see everyone, it's nice to have everyone back.
Time flies, everything's impermanent. Always seize each moment with loved ones!
My nephew, at his piano class.(Back from Taiwan)
Everybody at Tao...
Set your eyes upon ze ladies' feet...
We're Crazy!
He's a genius, Keat is.(back from America)
Me and Dee! Do we look like sisters? (Back from Canada)
Time flies, everything's impermanent. Always seize each moment with loved ones!
My nephew, at his piano class.(Back from Taiwan)
Everybody at Tao...
Set your eyes upon ze ladies' feet...
We're Crazy!
He's a genius, Keat is.(back from America)
Me and Dee! Do we look like sisters? (Back from Canada)
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