2nd day of Chinese New Year..

and I'm back to work!

I have gotten so many puzzled looks and questions at work today- "Have you changed your religion?", "You don't celebrate Chinese New Year?", "Why aren't you on leave?" and etc. I find it a little disturbing that people seem to generalize when certain races should/shouldn't have to work.

When I was younger, I never did (or bothered) to question the reason why the Chinese celebrated this holiday- I was more interested in meeting up with my cousins at my Grandma's old papan (wooden) house, playing with fireworks, eating mandarins, meat floss, prawn crackers, and how could I forget the angpow collecting. I also remember walking around the house in my new shoes for 'good luck' on the first day, and also no bottles in the house were to be left unfilled. There is also this one tradition which goes somewhat like- you aren't allowed to sweep/clean for the first few days of CNY? I don't know who came up with this one but.. lazy much? 

As I grow older, I've come to stop practicing whatever 'traditions' I am uncomfortable with- no more stomping around the house in new shoes, I empty the trashcan whenever it's full and I will mop the floor if it gets dirty. There are many, many beliefs associated with the CNY celebrations which most modern Chinese have left out- so why can't I do the same and drop the ones which I find holds no significance?  

Another tradition which most Chinese practice is that all family members (and I mean all as in Uncles, Aunties, and etc) have to be together for the 8/9/10 course Reunion Dinner on the eve of CNY even if it means risking one's life to rush home. If you don't, you are considered an unfilial family member. Statistics show that road accidents have a sharp increase during the few days before CNY, which doesn't surprise me- considering how people would speed home to be in time for the RD, especially if they live inter-state. I guess I am lucky that I don't have elders who pressure my family into such practices. If we happen to be in Ipoh, we'll celebrate it with my 2nd aunt and her family. If we're in Kuantan, we'll celebrate with my 1st, 3rd, and 5th aunts' families.

(Note: Just yesterday I was in Kuantan for a day trip and when we returned to KL, we had Maccas for dinner because most Chinese restaurants would be closed anyway. Before anyone goes "WTH?! Maccas for dinner?! On the first day of CNY?!", whoever said you couldn't? There was a really old granny there too, with her sons/daughters/in-laws, grandchildren and possibly even great grandchildren. And they were having Maccas for dinner. If a granny that old has no objections, I don't have any either :D)

After all that talk about not following traditions, my family and I still do visit the temple to pay respects to my maternal grandparents but we do it because we want to, not have to. It is not a MUST DO for us on the first day of CNY and my grandparents sure aren't going to be tossing in their graves (urns) if we don't visit the temple. 

The way I see it, most people are just using this celebration for a reason to get together, clean the house, visit relatives and indulge in cookies, mandarins and the likes. Do we really need to wait a whole year just to do this? Just a thought. 

That said, have a Happy Chinese New Year! Drive safe, and drink responsibly if you are going to.

(P/s: Do you know how the CNY celebrations originated?)

xoxox

Christmas Haul 2010

I know I made a list and Santa totally did not visit me this year (is it cause I sang the Diarrhoea Song?) but who needs him when I have people in my life who get me these:

A 500GB portable hard drive! I don't know how I managed without one before. Now I can store the movies and series I copy off people..

A super cute thumbdrive- my current one is only 1GB and I have been using it for ages.

A new phone cover! And yes, I like Hello Kitty.

A book by one of my fave fashion icons which I couldn't bring myself to buy..

A pouch to keep all my pins and tiny bits in. This I received by courier from Japan so it's really special..

A sewing kit to shorten my sister's skirts..

This I got myself.. Couldn't resist the puff

A shooting star.. I love it! *shining star..like a little diamond~

Hey Santa, I don't need you! I got this myself to keep it all in..

Okay this wasn't a Christmas present but a gift from YiLeng when she went to the States a week back..

I also received someone to sleep with. So soft! All in all, it was an awesome Christmas.

Thank you baby for helping scratch another item off my MateriaList.. I love it! And to my Secret Santa Sen, I love you long time too.. while everyone was busy opening ONE gift, I had THREE! :D and to Mama who shouldn't have got me anything, thank you.

Despite being showered with gifts left, right, up and down.. the Lee family has also donated 4 big bags of clothes, stationery, toys and some shoes to an orphanage. Of course, this is not a 'Christmas activity' for us. We do this every few months. Once in a while I clean out my wardrobe and remove stuff which I haven't worn or used.

I can't stop my excessive buying but I can make this situation a win-win for everyone. By giving my stuff a new home, I know that some kid isn't going to be in tatters. A lot of people turn into hoarders because they can't let go of their old stuff. But think of it this way- when you give away the old, you make space for the new.

Charity starts at home and people shouldn't just limit giving to Christmas time. There are many unfortunate children out there who need a helping hand, and if you could look into your hearts and wardrobes- you'll see that everyone has something to offer.

What have you given this Christmas?

...sent from iPhone

It's all about you.

"If you want a kinder world,

then behave with kindness;

if you want a peaceful world,

make peace within."

-Dan Millman

I couldn't agree any more.

Most people won't acknowledge that their problems arise from themselves. So much unhappiness, and pent up anger I could feel. If you never learn to truly forgive and move on- then my dear, you will be the only one stuck and left behind. For everyone is moving along.

It is your choice how you want to live your life. But don't lash out on everyone who's just trying to help you understand things which you don't comprehend. Continue hurting the one who truly cares and in the end, she will just be gone.

She is not your family, and truth be told- noone needs to put up with your absurd behaviour. I don't think you even treat (your) family this way. You never healed properly and instead of nurturing the wound, once in a while you will grab a fork and scratch at it till it bleeds. And then you expect it to heal. When starts to, you go at it again.

I am in no position to 'advice' anyone on anything. For I am still learning too. Listen with an open heart, and think with a clear mind. If we can fix ourselves first, the world would be an even better place.

I've been receiving Daily Contemplations for a few years now. This came in on Thursday but I just read it..

"We touch the lives of others in ways we often never know.

People sometimes come into our personal world for fleeting moments

and can leave us forever changed.

We have more power to create or to destroy than we can imagine.

We can leave things or individuals better or worse than we found them."

- Gail Pursell Elliott

*edited* (:

--

JagiBOY surprised me at lunch, I was already smiling as I spotted him waiting outside. Thank you babe, you really made my day.

I won't forget what you said to me. Truth be told, for the first time in a long time, I actually felt like I was the book. Scary, different, a little hard to sit through intitially, but I loved it. (:

And, I love you! ♥

Spring Cleaning

Today, I cleaned up my Facebook friends list.

Most people dont mind a little litter lying around, but I do.

Even more if its plastic and an eyesore.

I am anal like that.

After being around you(s) for so long, I would like to say thank you for not making me feel outcasted like how you did to two of the dearest people I know. Knowing or unknowingly.

But I think Ive been exposed to enough plastic radiation (from a particular someone in the past years) to actually withstand anymore.

We definitely dont share the same values nor do we share the understanding of what being a friend is. Not to mention the unethical things you(s) get up to.

So out you(s) go.

My friends are a reflection of myself, and I stand to that.

Maybe someday in the future when you (we?) have grown up, things would be different.

For now, goodbye.

Never had the chance to meet you but I'm sure you would've been a dear.

I believe in reincarnation.
I believe that this life is only one of the many lifetimes I have already been through.
I believe that everyone has a lesson to learn this lifetime and if you don't truly make amends, you will keep coming back to the same mistakes you have made.
I believe in karma.
I believe that all the things I have or don't have are all due to my past decisions.
I believe that if you don't appreciate all that you have this lifetime and make full use of it to move on to the next level, you may very well have to go through it all again.

I believe that all things living have a spirit as I do, only difference is the form we take.
I am very lucky to have this perfectly healthy 'human' body and I really shouldn't abuse it.

Hell to me is not as portrayed in the movies, where there is eternal fire and the devil rules. Hell is our present state. Here, now. There is a saying that newborns cry when they are born because they realize they have to walk this Earth again.

--

I am no Christian, neither am I a Buddhist, Hindu nor am I a Muslim- why do we need labels to define what we believe in? Should one religion exclude the other just because they seem to believe in a different 'God'? The ultimate basis of each religion is LOVE.

"You have created a culture based on exclusion, and supported it with a cultural myth of a God who excludes.

Yet the culture of God is based on inclusion.

In God's love, everyone is included. Into God's Kingdom everyone is invited.

And this truth is what you call a blasphemy. And you must. Because if it is true, then everything you have created in your life is false. All human conventions and all human constructions are faulty to the degree that they are not unlimited, eternal, and free."
-Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations With God, Book 3)
--

I won't judge you for what you believe in but everyone has a right the right to question what they doubt. You have your beliefs as have I, but blind faith is a form of ignorance to me. Who's to say that a blind isn't leading the blind? Again- not judging, merely stating what I see. Religion is such a sensitive subject to talk about without offending someone.

Look at things with an open mind and heart, there is no need for such hatred and misunderstanding to go around.

Ignorance leads to incompetence..

I wanted to keep this blog free of emo/angsty posts lest it becomes like my old blog but I guess it's human nature to want to vent/rant/bitch or 'express yourself' or whatever you want to call it.

Ignorance and incompetence are almost at the top of my 'List of things which tick me off'. I also believe that they go hand in hand.

Before I begin, I would like to say that there is a difference between 'people who help others' and 'enablers'. The former judges and helps when needed. The latter, who just enjoys the fact that anyone asked them anything and comes running to help- also helps creates an INCOMPETENT person.

What happened: I was driving this morning and I was cutting into the fast lane(note there was a huge gap between motorcyclist and my car)- being a responsible driver, I signalled long enough for him to note before I turned in. So what happens? The minute my car starts to cross the white line, the rider starts blaring his honk. Even when he is a good 2.5 cars away and then speeds up to zoom past me.

To rider: WTH is wrong with you? Which driving school did you attend? Because I sure don't remember anything about taking other cars' signalling as a sign for you to speed up and close any gaps! And you even have the audacity to blare your puny honk at me?! At times like these I wished it rained everyday just so I wouldn't have to put up with you ignorant motorcyclists.

I know not ALL riders are like that BUT it would be safe to say that more than half of the motorcyclists I observe on the road daily are like that! I have yet to have a 'wth is wrong with that rider' day. With so many fatal road accidents involving motorcyclists, you'd think that they would at least be more wary and cautious when they ride with cars. Because of their ignorance, the death toll for motorcyclists rises each year.

(I speak for myself, while OtherXen always tries to empathize with the other party and tries to see where I may have missed out. In other words, making excuses/reasoning why some people are that way. Our conversation..)To motorcyclists: 1. You dont own the roads so please stop using your honk as a signal for us drivers to make way for your highness. OtherXen: But if they don't use the honk, drivers probably can't see them and may hit into them! You may use your honk to create awareness of your presence but other than that, it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to start blaring 10 feet away and then zoom past us.

2. You are also not allowed on certain roads and tunnels so stop using them- if not dont come crying/complaining about us drivers who dont 'care' about the poor hurt riders when you get hit/run over. OtherXen: Maybe they missed the signs? The signs are there for a reason so please pay attention. And don't tell me that motorcyclists cant read cause they are poor, hence the bike, and didnt get an education. Cause the sign is a picture of a dude on a bike with a huge red CROSS on it!

3. Also, only 2 people are allowed on a bike at any one time. I find it acceptable to have 3 (if the kid is tiny and puts on a helmet) but not 5!! HOW CAN YOU HAVE 5 PEOPLE ON AT ONE TIME. I don't know if the parents are just slow or what and I dont want to be racist but I have only seen Malays doing this. OtherXen: But you can't blame them, they have a big family and this is their only means of transport. Not everyone can afford cars. Ya ya, if you can't afford so many, then don't have so many. If your religion says you can't use protection then har har no sex for you then. Doesn't your religion teach self control anyway? Stop bringing children into a world where you not only can't provide but you also put their safety at risk. By the way, have you heard of the BUS? I personally don't ride the bus because of many reasons but since you are THAT desperate to get somewhere, I guess the bus is acceptable for you? Cheap, safe and reliable on most days. Heck, it is even FREE for kids to take the bus (or do they charge half price these days? not too sure). So no excuses about why we should be 'compassionate' towards people who have other means.

4. Why do you guys like to hog the road? Can't you just ride back to back as opposed to side by side SLOWLY and TALK to the next bike. Yes! I have seen this before. OtherXen: Maybe they were asking for directions? Should I wind down the window, slow down, forget that I do not own the road and ask the next car when I am lost?

If the Govt. can run ads on the radio to remind us drivers to be wary of motorcyclists, they can also station traffic police at major roads (which are prohibited to the riders) to book offending motorcyclists. If you are going to start an awareness campaign, you have to target it at all parties involved! Dont tell me that they cant book offending riders because they cant afford to pay the fine. Then dont commit the crime! Stop being an enabler and contributing to this. You can warn the drivers but you let these motorcyclists off the hook and roam the streets and when an accident occurs, almost always the finger is pointed at the bigger vehicle just because injuries sustained are not as serious as the rider.

I can try to be more aware of them and 'look out for them on the road' and even put up with their 'I-am-king-of-the-road' attitude but there are people who wont. Ignorant= expecting people to be aware of YOUR circumstances but you don't do the same for someone else. Incompetent= devoid of qualities/skill needed for effective action.

My mama says I have too much rationale in me for my own good. Not everything can be explained rationally(but I can try!) and that I have this perception of how people generally should be. And I shouldn't because I would drive myself crazy wondering why some people just dont have basic common sense.

*Phew*

xxxxx

On a brighter note, Royce' must have read my mind because they brought the COCONUT flavour back! Hoorahhhhh!!

All packed..

.. and ready to go!

Another 31897645 hours till I get off work. I predict today to be a looooooong day.

Cant wait to kick off my shoes, lie back, eat some hot pot and drink a mug of hot sweet jasmine green tea. Everyone needs to get away sometimes. I don't like to see myself being caught in the rat race cause there are more important things to me than being a corporate robot.

Rules I follow @ work:

1. Leave on time, but ONLY if I have completed work set out for the day.

2. Prioritize and be efficient to finish work on time. So that No.1 is possible haha

3. Never bring work home. A home is a place to relax.. I dont like to mix it up unless I need to work till 12am. Which would never happen!

4. I don't entertain late requests/last minute work- ESPECIALLY if I know the person(s) could have asked for help sooner. I don't sit around waiting for a charity case.

5. No getting pissed drunk with colleagues/people I work with. Cause shit happens when you get drunk.

6. Don't divulge too much info about yourself. Please keep it professional, I don't want to hear you whine about your day or how your bf forgot to buy you breakfast.

7. Always suck it up and take responsibility for your work.

8. No finger pointing- find a solution, not a scapegoat.

9. ALWAYS stand up for own ideas and talk it out rationally- even with superiors who doubt you. If you doubt yourself, everyone else will too.

10. Enjoy what you're doing and do it happily- if you can't seem to find anything enjoying about your job, I suggest you look for a new one.

You can't buy time. Make the most of it.

xxx

On a side note: I am still in disbelief over how you were arrested for drug possession, at a foreign airport no less. It shocks me because you are smart, well-educated, and come from an elite family. It is no secret that you're a user, but you didn't have to be so blatant about it. So much for being streetwise, huh? Some say you're serving 4 years now, others think your dad could've easily got someone to sit in there for you. Either way, the damage is done. What matters now is what you will do when you get out.

Stop calling, I dont wanna talk anymore..

Its been too long since my last post!

Just a quick update, I am currently agonizing over which phone to get..

Currently in my bag:

Nokia E71

Age: 1 year
Time in my hands: 4 months+

The Nokia E71 I traded my sister for. Best trade ever I tell you, a piece of clothing for this phone? ;D Well to be fair, it was a really gorgeous piece lying in my closet that she had been eyeing for a while.

Am considering (in no particular order):

Apple iPhone 3Gs 16GB

As much as I think that it's overrated, it IS a pretty cool phone and doubles as a mini movie player/game console. Plus it has so many apps to be explored! One down side is that I like my nails long and fake haha, so texting may be a problem. Check out the pretty cases you can get..

How pretty!

Second choice:

Blackberry Bold 9700

If I do get this, I will be able to text the whole day with my sister in Melbourne.. however I don't really like open keypad phones, cause I tend to accidentally pick up calls esp when I'm fumbling around for it in my bag (eeeekkssss). But, you can also dress it up.. so I guess it's bearable.

Barbie, Chanel, Bows, Crown.. ooh la love~

Last but not least:

LG Lollipop

Okay I know, I know, this phone may pale in comparison to the other two but I really like it! I've always had an affinity for flip phones and this one is no exception. You can customize the front screen and the profiles are really cute too. Plus they have this function where if your phone rings and you cant/dont want to pick up.. just flip it over on the table and it will go on silent mode.

Hmmn.. I really can't decide. Help, anyone? I havent really checked out reviews of pros and cons of these phones, maybe I'll do so tonight.

On a side note, I'm really happy with where I am right now, and with the people I have around me and with me. I don't need trash talking people who pretend to be everyone's friend, but in reality just wants to dig up news to broadcast. So please, stop calling cause I dont wanna talk anymore. I don't need them, and neither do you (:

What I need..

"What you need isn't someone who will prove trustworthy so you can lie helplessly in their arms. You don't need someone who will make sure that you need them.

You need someone who builds you up..

And that means someone who will do everything that they can to make sure that you don't need them- and then simply hope.. of your free choice, that you won't leave.

Someone who they themselves don't worry about trust, but will fearlessly open up because he knows his heart is strong enough to survive even if you do choose to go."

You told me there is a difference between putting a wall up, and having your guard up. To me, its the same. You are still guarding one thing. Your heart ♥.