Secondhand bookstore updated

Dear fellow readers,

As I work to update my secondhand bookstore more regularly, do help me to pass the word round, eh? For those itching for a book to read, check it out. I recently bought a stack of books, to stock up for 2009. Yah, I have issues with spending on books. I need help. Heh. Yes, my dear, I have exceeded my budget. And I shall stop now. I promise. =)

So as a way to make up for it, I am trying to pass on some books to make space for the new.

I have heard many times that people find it hard to trust Ebay sellers. I know, I’ve been conned a few times too myself before I got “smarter”.  So, I assure you that I try to portray the book quality as accurately as possible.

Friends who need help to sell their books are also welcome to email me for help. We’ll work something out.

One of my favourite places

There’s nothing like this place. Two years ago when I was tutoring a student in KL, I had the pleasure of walking into the Berjaya Times Square outlet on a weekly basis.

During my final semester in my undergrad, I’d find solace in the Starbucks, inside the Curve outlet.

And now, my favourite outlet of all times, the one at The Gardens.

There’s nothing like it. I have frequented it so many times that I even have my favourite spot, where the temperature is just right – not too cold. Just right, like how I love it.

I love their concept of a bookstore and it really feels like home. Nothing like spending an hour or so there, after a stressful day. I literally curl up, and get lost in the book I’m reading. Occasionally, the selection of background music annoys CY so much so that he actually dislikes being there at times. But as for me, the many times that I’ve been there on my own, the music selection has been tasteful and enjoyable – to my fortune! =)

Sundays, to me, are best spent, reading here, with great company.

Quite a walk it was

 

After a year of hiatus,  I was glad for this. It was only 3.8km and we were kindly reminded that it was a WALK, not a run. Of course, some people didn’t bother. They took off like wild creatures. Eesh.

Well, like Sister, I too had a smug look on my face as I crossed the finish line, except that, it was not really a competition. I guess I’m relieved to see that I’m still fit enough to brisk walk for 3.8km up and down the Pantai hill, but I guess it wasn’t that challenging after all. But let’s not be too ambitious. I was super glad that the rest of the day went quite painlessly. My muscles complaineth not. That’s a good sign.

It was quite an interesting event, to be walking for a cause. It’s my first one like this. I don’t have anyone in my family with breast cancer but so far, I’ve seen this disease inflict many other friends’ families. It felt good to be part of an awareness campaign and see the public responding so actively. There were coupla cancer survivors who participated as well. I truly salute them. There was an array of activities lined up after the walk but too bad, I couldn’t stay on as I had to rush off for a meeting.

I will sign up for the next 10km run there is. I will also make sure CY comes along. I shall also drag along two other unwilling souls. Hehe…

Talks on Finance

I wouldn’t have gotten out of bed on a lovely rainy Saturday morning, if it weren’t for the fear of CY. I was afraid that he might be upset at me  for missing out on a seminar that would be for my good. After all, I am a recovering shopaholic.

Sigh, so I dragged me out of bed. Of course, the morning laziness got the better of me. I ended up being 30 minutes late. But hey, I was one of the participants who didn’t live in the area. I had to travel a good 20km to get to my destination. So I deserve a pat on my back for actually going the distance.

Nothing to lose. Although the speaker turned out to be someone familliar to me, it was quite a fruitful morning. Funnily, I had picked out her book in Borders just 2 weeks ago and had already read through most of the vital parts. So this session was sort of like a revision. However, what I gained from seeing her in person was that I started to think about what kind of impact she was making in society. I liked how she was so passionate about her topic and speaking to people of all ages. I was easily the youngest person in the room (something quite rare these days what with being a quarter of a century old just being around the corner…).

It is pretty cool to be a single woman, in her thirties, being an only child in her family having to support her elderly parents, to go around, working with various organizations and authorities, wanting to help people manage their finances better. She is also one of a kind – undertaking a Masters in Counseling, just so she could be more effective in her counseling clients in the area of finances. I take my hat off to her.  

Not to mention, as part of attendance, I was given the gift of four financial magazines – literature that I would most likely never have laid my hands upon in the past.

Best of all, was witnessing a community of residents who were a great support and family to each other. I have never been in a room, surrounded by total strangers, but being spoken to as if I was part of them. What a difference it is to live among neighbours like that!

Now, if only something like that could be existent in my neighbourhood…

I guess it starts with me.

By the way, the next event is on the 20th December and it’s absolutely F.O.C. Thanks to the collaboration of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia and the office of Hannah Yeoh. Anyone interested, please let me know. It would be great to attend this with a fellow buddy.

The Pain of Self-Control

I realize now why I’ve been feeling so semangated to start exercising regularly now. I’ve always likened the pain of physical disciplines to all other disciplines in life, thinking that if I can ensure physical pain, hence the other “pains” would be much more bearable.

I think I’ve blogged about this a long time ago, but really, delayed gratification is something I’ve had to exercise over and over again, at different stages of my life, and it doesn’t matter how small or how big the issue is at hand, it tends to get more difficult at times, even though you’ve kinda conquered this problem before. Oh well.

But guess what? I realize now that because I’ve started working out the physical muscles, somehow, it gets easier to exercise discipline on learning how to say,”NO”, when I so need to do. Previously, I reigned as Queen of Justification for the past decade. I was able to justify every single thing under the sun and I even managed to psych myself into feeling all good about it. Now, in hindsight, self-justification merely serves to please temporarily; leaving me only to pick up the mess afterwards.

Now, I can look at temptation in the face and sneer at it, in fact, I am now able to say, “Get out of my face, YOU!”

What a victorious feeling it is to be empowered to say no. Thanks to a friend and mentor, D, who has been encouraging and beckoning me in that direction. It is indeed wonderful!

In the middle of reading Joyce Meyer’s book, The Battlefield of the Mind. Really good book. You’d be surprised how we really need to read the basics of the basics. Over and over again, until we finally get it.

Get THEE behind me!

One of the best things in life

I LOVE a good chat, especially when it’s with a girlfriend. While boyfriends have their function, nothing can ever replace the chumminess of having a girlfriend to banter with. For two nights in a row, I’ve had that fortune and boy, can I say that this is one thing that’s so great in life…and it’s free!

To Sister, you have been an absolute pal all these years. Thank you for always being there.

To Miss Crazy-about-book-collections, I had such fun! I think if you put two of us together, we’ll talk till our throats get sore! Hehe…Jamie, you are missing out! You had better come back soon!

It comes and it goes

Where oh where does money go? Into my bank account and out from my bank account.

For me, it is that time of the year where everything needs to be renewed for the year, and there’re tons of bills to pay, more than any other month of the year. Paid for bills, for this and that, for the car, for application fees, etc. Goodness, you name it, I’ve paid it! My credit card and ATM card are both exhausted to the max. Thank God, I’ve just about completed my Christmas shopping so that next month, I don’t quite feel so poor anymore.

Thank God, seriously, that the boyfriend is really good in this area, and that was how I crowned him my personal financial controller. He has taught me many good lessons. Change is really difficult. Especially when all your life, you are used to a certain way of managing money. But change is also really good for me.

I’m finally learning how to manage my accounts better, and always finding a way to choose the option where I get to save a little here and there; that way, every ringgit earned, is spent in a worthy manner. At the same time, it’s also nice to not feel quite so poor…all because of a new perspective and method of managing my finances. Thank God for wise people too, who have helped me much.

So while money comes and money goes…I hope that this time next year, a little bit more would’ve stayed, while a little bit more of life would have been savoured meaningfully too.

I hate those red spots

I always get myself in trouble. Usually life is pretty smooth. Until they appear.

Actually, life is pretty smooth, until they appear, and until my itchy fingers could bear them no longer, only to find their way to squeezing the life out of them.

But that always leaves me with a bigger problem. I never seem to learn. They  ALWAYS come back with a bigger vengeance. They simply get BIGGER and REDDER.

Grr. I hate them so much I could strangle and pinch them till they die. Wait a minute, I can’t coz things would just get worse. I hate how they have so much power over me. Grr. Funny how they really bug me now only when I’ve just passed the adolescence phase.

And what better time for them to pop up just before big events. Like the recent wedding of a friend. Or during my first date a while back ago. Or during my high school prom. Yeah, blame it on the stress. Actually, I should start wearing mittens on my hands.

I was talking about Pimples.  What were you thinking?

For Christmas, I am seriously contemplating getting 2 pairs of mittens – one for Mr. Itchy & Scratchy and one for Miss Pinchy.

The Incident and Some Lessons Learnt

What happened at this time last Wednesday was that my dear boyfriend had the misfortune of getting mugged.

This time, you can read about what happened from the man himself. Some of the tips given may seem common, but you’d be surprised how many people actually take their safety for granted and couldn’t be bothered to be extra vigilant. All I can say is that I am so grateful that he is safe, and unhurt, save for some slight paranoia now on my part and his. All the same, thank God it wasn’t anything worse.

Below, an excerpt of his story to his colleagues, who were very supportive of him in every way:

Yes, I got mugged. At 10pm, parked outside my girlfriend’s house. I’m working from home today and you won’t get to hear my story in person till I return in another 2 weeks, so here is the gist. 

 

At 10pm, I got into my car to leave, shut the door already. Then I heard a motor suddenly pick up speed and it stopped behind my car. I couldn’t see them ‘coz it was behind me, but instantly I knew what was about to happen. I tried quickly to lock my door (Proton Waja), but failed to do so before one of them managed to open my door and threaten me with a parang in front of my face, asking for the usual stuff. The rest is history, as they say. He got what he wanted, hopped on to the waiting bike, and the two of them sped off.  

Guys, we live in troubled times, where humans resort to acts of violence devoid of any sense of human decency. It’s finally happened to me, and now it’s become real to me. If it’s not happened to you yet, thank God for that, and just know that it is real. I don’t mean to instill fear and paranoia, but please be vigilant. Being bitten hard once like that, I kinda am still going thru the last couple of days in paranoia, so forgive me if I suggest the following measures to help you stay vigilant:

1. Make it a habit to watch for your surroundings before you get in and out of your car.

2. Make it a habit to get in and out of your car quickly.  

 

3. Make it a habit to lock your car immediately. In the anxious moments, it’s easy to fumble while doing a simple thing like locking your car door. Worse, if your lock is a lousy ’slow’ design like Proton Waja where you have to feel for your lock in the dark.

 

4. Reverse park if possible, so that you are not ambushed from behind where you can’t see, and also so that you can speed off immediately, just in case.

 

5. Carry your cash (large notes at least), IC, driving license in a money clip or a really flat holder in your pocket, separate from your usual obvious wallet holding all your other cards, receipts etc. That way if you ever get mugged, you just pass them your wallet. After the incident, just call your credit card companies to block your ATM and credit cards and you lose no/little money. (The wallet that you ‘give’ them, better also to ensure there isn’t any identification of your house address).

   

6. Park in well-lighted areas.

 

7. If you have to park in secluded areas, always have company when getting to your car. 

 

Two more months

“Wow, it’s November already!” I’ve heard many others exclaim in similar fashion too.

And here I am on a Saturday morning, at work. Grr.

In a way, I am quite thankful for being forced to be in the office on a beautiful Saturday because that way, I actually start my day early. The only downside is that I love staying up late on Friday nights, so I am looking rather zombie-fied at the moment. My body refuses to be awake.

Anyways, I will be facilitating a small session today. together with a super experienced and qualified partner. It’s been a while. The last one was probably at tute sometime in June. I am really looking forward to it!

In fact, I am really looking forward to 2009! I think there’s so much in store for all of us. A new year, with many new beginnings! But as for now, I’m actually quite excited for this next two months as the preparation period is when things start brewing and start cooking. Hehehe…

OOhh la la!

100 Things

I got inspired by Mrs. Ngian. Actually, I had done something similar about three years ago. But I thought, hey, why not do this again. After all, our desires do tend to change a little from time to time. So, here are 100 things I’d like to do in my lifetime here on earth:

1. Read through the Bible, at a concentrated level, at least thrice.
2. Treat my parents to a holiday overseas.
3. Get married.
4. Become a mother.
5. Master the recipe of my family’s favourite dishes.
6. Write an autobiography.
7. Write a biography of someone I greatly admire.
8. Write a book (fiction/non-fiction).
9. Open a centre for psychological and educational needs.
10. Start a website on something I am really passionate about.
11. Compose a song.
12. Perform in an international musical performance.
13. Act in a movie.
14. Share my story before 10000 people.
15. Hug someone with leprosy.
16. Visit the poorest countries in the world.
17. Adopt a child as my own.
18. Play the violin.
19. Write for a newspaper column.
20. Speak Mandarin fluently.
21. Learn French.
22. Learn Spanish.
23. Climb Mount Kinabalu.
24. Sky-dive.
25. Ride in a helicopter.
26. Horse-ride.
27. Participate in a triathlon.
28. Sing a song live on air, over the radio.
29. Design and decorate my own home.
30. Learn and perform CPR in emergency situations.
31. Celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary with my entire family, on a holiday.
32. Become a great grandmother.
33. Honeymoon at the beach.
34. Become a great baker.
35. Open a cafe.
36. Write an introduction for someone’s book.
37. Go backpacking in Europe.
38. Visit all the beaches in Malaysia.
39. Witness a childbirth process -  live.
40. Own a coffeemaker.
41. Have a meal with the Prime Minister.
42. Shake hands with World Leaders.
43. Visit Egypt & Israel.
44. Visit Russia.
45. Visit the UK.
46. Visit the US.
47. Take diving lessons and go diving.
48. Take a photo with (the real) Tom Cruise.
49. Bungee-jump.
50. Build an orphanage in a poor country.

Ok, doing this list is more exhaustive than I thought. I’ll continue later.

Cleaning is Therapy Alright

It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who’s starting to clean the pig-sty of the living space we both call our bedrooms. I bet her room will still be cleaner than mine in the end, for I have far too much junk and far too much things I don’t need!

Yes, me who is a recovering shopping addict, is trying very hard to become a cleaning addict. I seemed to have struggled with this thing called “retail therapy” for the longest time. Psyching myself to believe that shopping is good for my soul, I have landed myself into much trouble, much to the dismay of my dearest and beloved other half.

So, to make amends for my past sins, and to redeem myself, I hereby proclaim that I will make every effort to be more organized, to clear out the whole lot of stuff I have in my room, to give away things to the needy, and to learn to not be a hoarder – a trait in my family which I am fighting very hard to not become.  Yeah, whenever you have something not-so-good in your blood, always blame it on the genes. Kekeke…

Anyways, since cleaning is such a chore for me, I have decided to be kind to myself this time and spread my Operation Cleaning Room over a generous period of 2 weeks. I’m quite proud of the progress I’m making – so far, I’ve put my 3-week pile of laundry to wash – finally. I just hate how I can never keep my room clean for longer than 2 weeks. I fail nearly almost every time. So why bother starting at all, right? Alas, but this condition has become so bad that I have to swim across piles just to get to the other side each day. And God knows how many bumping and knocking accidents I have had over the last coupla months. So it’s time for a major change.

I deserve a good pat on the back.

Next big step, to actually start making my bed every morning. Heh.

Buy buy buy…

I have officially spent my entire budget for books for 2009. Yep, with the tight scrutiny of my newly appointed financial controller, I am now limited to spending within a budget. And I have blown my budget for 2009 already. Well, I just need to finish reading what I’ve got. That should be enough to last me, I hope. You can do it, Serena!

On Wednesday, I went for the warehouse sale. Being a seasoned shopper, I knew well that in order to get the best deals, one should make every effort to go early. Common sense. And boy, am I glad I made the right choice. Right, Sister? *wink* 

I had a real surprise. Firstly, I got to get the books I’ve been wanting to get for a really really long time, and at very good prices.

Among the many great books I got, I am so glad I finally got my hands on Nelson Mandela’s biography. I am really looking forward to reading it.  

About to go home, I managed to have a quick girly chat with Sister. She is getting quite as fanatic as me when it comes to books. Nice. Just that we happen to have very different taste in books, so that’s such a pity. And then, second pleasant surprise came in the form of Hitz (Prado?) Cruisers who dropped by..and me being competitive in the name of fun, went home with my hands full of goodies! Yay! Well, it’s just been a while since I actually bothered to participate in these kinda stuff so it was jolly fun!

Oh yah, tips for people who are new to warehouse sales:

1. Wear as little clothing as possible. You’ll soak through your clothes no matter how nicely you dressed.

2. Bring some water. You have no idea how many times I nearly succumbed to the killer-breaths of many fellow book-lovers.

3. Bring tissue, for the sweat, as well as, just in case you need to use the loo and trust me, it ain’t a pretty one. Or for that person you saw spitting on the floor, right next to where your favourite book is located.

4. If you’re a little bit more hygiene-conscious like me, bring a hand sanitizer. The stuff are usually really dusty and if you rub your eyes (because of all the dust in the air), it can get pretty ugly.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Read the synopsis. Have a quick feel of the book. I have made many bad buys in the past because I got the impression that the book was good, all because of the claims printed on the cover of the book. E.g. “National Bestseller!” or “#1 book in Times!”, yadda yadda.

Anyway, since I was buying for 2009, I am proud that I bought a variety of books, to last me through the seasons. I’m a happy camper!

Huffing and Puffing Up the Hill

It has been more than a year since I woke up so early on a Sunday morning. 6.30am to be exact, and without the alarm clock set, mind you. What got into me?

CY and I had planned, very spontaneously (which has become a little bit more common in our lifestyles, of late) to go trekking up Bukit Gasing. I vaguely remember doing so about 6 years ago, while still in high school and I remembered that I wasn’t very impressed with the gradient of the hill, nor the track. So, I got dressed, drove over to his place, not really feeling overly excited. In fact, I was actually expecting to take a nice stroll. On the other hand, I think CY thought we would be jogging uphill. Due to our crazy work schedules, we hadn’t been exercising for some time. By “some time”, I mean, approximately 1 year? So, of course I didn’t really think highly of how much exercise we would accomplish. But being the dutiful girlfriend that I was, I acquiesced to the idea. Heh.

When we arrived, we were quite surprised that there was actually a crowd of people; but it wasn’t too packed – just nice. We had 4 tracks to choose from. Me, being the gungho kind, was up for the longest and most challenging track. After all, we had made all the effort (and “effort” meaning getting, more like persuading/begging/forcing CY to wake up in the morning on a Sunday, or weekends for that matter) to come all the way, might as well make the best out of the moment right?  ‘Coz secretly, I didn’t expect to come back again, because I thought that there would be more exciting places to go to.

The entire trail took about 1 hour. But I reckon it’s coz we weren’t fit. If we were in good shape, I think we could have easily finished it in less than 45 minutes. It sure beats running on the treadmill, which to me is so much work! Climbing up a hill, is so much more fascinating and it actually feels like we’re heading somewhere. There’s even a view. Not to mention, the fresh air is so invigorating, which makes me ask, “What have I been missing out on all these while?!”. Makes me want to wake up every morning.

(Of course, I being the relatively fitter one, huffed and puffed significantly less than the Boyfriend.)

Anyone interested? You’re welcome to try it out. It is mighty fun!

Reading Spree

Haha, I think CY’s influence has rubbed off on me. I no longer crave shopping sprees as I used to. God brought a good man into my life…for my own sake! =P

I like this season. I am reading a lot. Maybe I am escaping some things I have to do…but maybe this quietness is necessary.

Anyways, to make room for more books and to avoid being a hoarder, I’ve decided to start an online second-hand bookstore. Nothing grand, really. Just me, trying to pass on some of my humble collection of books. Two reasons – I find that when I give away books for free (which I’ve done countless times), the new owner often doesn’t treasure it as much as I had hoped for. And secondly, I need some $$$ to get more books for myself. So if you’re a booklover and want to get second-books at really really low prices, do drop by: Cafe Booklovers. As time goes by, hopefully, I would have posted up a large collection of books. For now, it’s fiction. If I have time, I’ll post up some of my non-fiction. Just so you know, I’m only putting up books that I bought. I never give away books that were given as gifts.

As for me, let me get back to that lovely book I just started. Jodi Picoult. A new favourite author. Gift by my ex-colleagues. Huge smile of gratitude.

On postgrad

Ah, now that’s a topic that many of my college-mates would love to go on and on about.

It’s been an issue that has given me too many a headaches. GRRRR!!!! My family, friends and ex-students-turned-into-friends, know how I have been exasperated by it.

I’m not sure how long more would I have to go through the occasional mental torture. Feels like the longest battle ever. I’ve gotten so many comments and opinions in the last 2 years that if I compiled them all, I’m sure they would surely outdo the thickness of the Complete Oxford dictionary.

So. anyway. I never thought I’d say this, but I think I have finally come to terms with waiting for God’s timing. It took me a long long long ride to get here, but I sure am glad I finally learnt it. I recently I picked up a book entitled “What is God waiting for?”, and all I can say is that boy, am I glad I did. To me, the best books are not those that are written, speckled with bombastic vocabulary, but those that are so real. So real that it pierces through you, like someone punched you in the chest and knocked all the wind out of you.

Because now, I actually have a story to tell. I’ll keep you posted. I can’t wait to share it. All thanks to CY, who dared me to believe that it is His story, not mine. All credit goes to the One who deserves all glory.

Yikes!!!

I never seem to learn. Or rather, I think I must have an affinity towards ”things to do” or “things to get involved in”. “Affinity” is the most apt word because ever since I learnt about how our body’s cells have affinity towards different chemical properties, I find myself behaving quite the same way too towards life and its many things.

Poor guy. He has been at the brunt of all my weariness and sometimes, short temper. Then again, the one I should feel most guilty about is my mum. Have really been neglecting her. Was so glad to come back after a long day out at work, to just sit down next to her on the sofa, and watch the meaningless TV programme, just so I could accompany and chat with her.

How did I get here yet again? I thought I had cautiously taken time to re-evaluate on my life, as well as to reprioritize the various things in my life, just so that I wouldn’t be so stressed out over and over and over.

I hate how most people associate me with the word “busy”. I should hate to think that that’s the first word that comes to mind whenever my name is mentioned.

Writing’s really good for my soul. I need to do this more often. Really, thank God for well-meaning friends who actually bother to nudge me if I don’t update often enough. If not for that kinda peer pressure, haha, I just might not get down to doing it. Today, I am actually sacrificing my lunch time, to plop down at the computer to write this. Cheers for myself! Heh.

Hmm, let’s see, what have I been up to.

I recently became a member of a political party. Initially, I was feeling shy about this and hence, didn’t bother informing many friends. Because I often only got one of two reactions. I either get a “Wow, good for you!” or “Why that party?”. But yeah, why did I do it? I’ve been procrastinating long enough. Since my college days, ever since I took the Political Science, it changed my perception of politics forever. And seriously, what better way to get involved by taking the first baby step? Honestly, I am so tired of hearing people bash the government day in day out – and not do anything about it. I decided I am not going to be one of them. If something needs change, then the first thing to do is to take the first step towards working for a change. And I know I am just one person, but at least I convinced myself to do something, rather than do nothing. So which party I joined? I joined the branch that’s spearheaded by a leader whom I respect, and who share the same godly values and principles that I abide by in life. It was simple to do, but no so easy to commit because doing so does inconvenience me. But I sure am glad I did it. If you want to know more about what I’ve volunteered to do, drop me an email. Now, let’s see what God has in store for me that arena.

What else? I decided to start writing more seriously. I need to do this. It’s one skill I need to polish and refine. Because if I don’t, I’m gonna lose it. Was initially considering taking up a writing course but then it would be too time consuming at the moment, and a more vital point in the decision making was that it would cost. Quite a lot. So well, took up a very very very part-time stint. Just for practice with meeting with deadlines and at the same time, learning to be versatile. Hopefully I don’t get stuck with only mundane things.

Ooh, been reading a couple of books on financial management. This is something totally new to me. I’m so glad I’m starting young so that hopefully, I don’t make the same mistakes as many others do when it comes to money matters. I’m so thankful for friends (and boyfriend) who are an excellent influence to me in this area.

Recently starting reading more regularly too. Decided I will not be too busy to invest in my personal time. Currently reading The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve. I have to say Joanne has been a pleasant company in this area. I find it so enjoyable to be able to discuss books with a friend. I’m not sure if I look like a bookworm. But I really am, true and true. I guess it all started when I was a child and because I was the only girl among 3 elder brothers who had their own games and activities, most of which totally didn’t interest me, I turned to books as friends instead. And over the years, my love for them have only developed further. And I don’t know why people look at me funny when I’d much rather read a book during lunch break than to spend time gossiping about everything under the sun. However, I have a bad habit. I tend to read a few books (ok, so maybe it’s more than a few) at once and so on my night stand, lies about 10 (no kidding you) books of different genre. What can I say? I have different moods for different books each time. But I’m about to finish The Pilot’s Wife because it is pretty easy reading and engaging.

Finally, really really really desiring so much to be consistent in all other areas of my life. Now, if only I can be disciplined enough. I have to. I must. I shall.

Dear Lord, please help.

Sussing out the nonsense

In the past 3 days, I think I’ve met enough nonsense to be quite disillusioned about what kind of people we have in existence. Some cause me to blink in disbelief. Some just punch me in the face. Some just have bad breath enough to blow you to the moon. They reek of stinking attitudes!

I don’t get it. Why are some people the way they are? I did a degree in Psychology, hoping to get a better idea of the human kind. But I’m afraid a degree can only do so much. It was probably sufficient only to get me a job interview. But in every other situation, it sure didn’t help me much.

Now I get it. Now I know why so many successful people out there can make it although they don’t even have a college education. These people possess a doctorate in Life Experience. These people’s optimism towards life and towards their expectations of everyday is so admirable. They’ve garnered every ounce of my respect and regard.

Priceless. Thank God for the real friends who don’t just tell you what you want to hear but tell you the very facts, and yet, patiently teach you a way out. A way out of all the horribleness.

Now I really really know what it means to be IN but not of this world. It’s quite a lonely journey at times. You’d be surprised at the number of people who supposedly claim to have the same beliefs and faith as you, but who often turn their backs on you, especially when you need them. But there is no time to be upset, hurt or offended anymore. Enough with all that. Time to move on. I have very little time. Time. Something so precious to me. Lord, help me to stay focused on the right things and disregard the petty stuff.

On Politics (just a little)

Just spent quite a bit of time browsing through one of our local state assemblyman’s blog. She is quite a fresh breath of air. She’s doing a great job. She and a bunch of many others too. I’m hopeful to think that we have an army of young people, rising to the occasion, to lead the rest of us to the place where justice prevails. And the journey is just as important as (if not more than) the destination.

I don’t know much about politics. I know that my dear Political Science lecturer back during my uni days would scorn at my ignorance. Haha. But all I know is that our country could do with some people with integrity onboard, and at every level of society, might I add. People who dare to say no to the right things and say yes to things that require courage and in desperate need of change. And I must admit that I was challenged to be more participative, like how I was a little bit more this year, during the general elections.

On a different note, I have to say, having a lunch that was spent reading good material, is the best lunch I’ve had in a long while. My date was a book that I bought months back but has been rather neglected and left to rot on my bedroom bookstand. A few colleagues gave me a queer look when they asked who I was lunching with and I replied nonchalantly, “my book”. Hmm, I may have just garnered a reputation for being an oddie at my workplace. Oh well, I don’t really care. I’m the one who’s thoroughly enjoying.

Today’s Tuesday

Sorry la, but I somehow love trying to coin interesting post titles out of the day’s name.

Today’s Tuesday. It was really something. Fadzeeeel, an all-time favourite of mine. So tiny yet so power-packed.

Y’know, in the past 10 months, I have learnt that mixing around, with people not of your own kind, is absolutely WONDERFUL. I’ve always wanted to go overseas to study. Something that has not yet quite materialized. But so what? I just realized that I LOVE hanging around the various races and campur-campur (or what the Malaysian forms love to put as lain-lain). Without having to travel across thousands of miles, we really have an amazing blend and mixture of all sorts, right in our very own city. I have really made many new friends, and grown much newfound respect for peoples of other races. Humbled me very often too. I love Manglish. I love Singlish. I love Hongklish (Hongkee English). Nyek nyek nyek. Cracks me up all the time!

So, Mr. Handsome than Hamster. Keep going you. You’re my inspiration. I wanna be Handsomer than Hamstress.

Oh, and yesterday, Christoph expressed a slight disappointment that the Man isn’t indian. I know, I know. I failed in my pursuit of finding an Indian man as a partner. My college mates can attest to why. Haha. But then again, why do you think he’s travelled to India for the third time now in the last 8 months? Go figure. =P

Goodnight Tuesday. Goodnight India. Muax!