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In a year long, there are sure to be months of goodness, months of so-so and then the months of ‘suey-ness’ for everyone. Just like shares market, the outlook is so uncertain. Nobody knows what going to happen next. It shot up for a moment, and then the next thing it plunged down.

Even for someone who’s being perceived a happy go lucky, optimist all year rounder will also face downtimes. Are they truly happy inside as tally as it shown on the face? Maybe.

Many many years ago, someone suggested paying a visit to psychiatrist if you found yourself often encounter breaking down moments, can’t help but crying at situations. It seems no big deal, who hasn’t cried before? Guys, perhaps less frequent or they just never show.

Crying is just another method of releasing all the sorrow, anger or tensions one kept inside their heart. And when the moment is intolerable, they shed tears, scream, go drinking or even do silly things; to be able to lose in time momentarily.

But recently to my discovery, I realize that an anemic person can easily fall into depression. And that explain why one has such a split of personality occasionally.

No matter what, life still carries on. When you sit down and think about your life, think about this: the question is not what or why, but how are you going to live?

If you ask me, it’s a sure thing I’d reply, “having a happy and fulfilling life.”  A fulfilling life is passion driven and a big part of that life derives from the thing that you do. It doesn’t matter what the thing is. What matters is the passion that you have behind it and that you put into it. The same applies for the rest of your life.

One cannot compare to another person, because we are all individuals. Someone can have a big dream and is working toward it, getting rich for instance. A person who works so hard, day and night to succeed having a bigger setup, to get more money for the family, to afford a better lifestyle; these are good, but also comes at sacrifices. So, if one chooses to live in the other way around, no dreaming to become rich (day-dreaming excluded, haha), but as long as satisfactorily, there’s actually no wrong to it. You see, different people just have different needs and wants.

It all comes down to “How are you going to live?”

When was the last time you woke up in the morning and were really excited about the thing that you’re about to do? If the thing that you do is diminishing your ability to live an abundant life rather than adding to it, it is time to make a change.

Sometimes change can be particularly painful; it’s a natural reaction to resist. But sometimes the most painful lessons are the ones that have the most benefit in the long run.

Think about it. Times change, and people change. If a path feels like a struggle, is part of the struggle because it’s not the right path for you? Then, it is time to develop an exit plan and finding something else that has more meaning for you.

Stay true to yourself.  

May 12-17, May flew to Hanguk for Seoul International Book Fair 2009. “An yong haseyo!”

“Oh! What a beautiful name ~ May”, said those Korean that I had meetings with. ‘May’ in Korean language refers to spring, and that’s exactly the season during my visit. Weather is cold, taking a little time to adjust ‘coz KL was damn super hot few days before my departure. Luckily, health is good throughout the trip apart from being exhausted, totally.

All along, I’ve been wondering if I have the gut to travel alone one day, and how is it going to be like being solo. Quite recently, a pal in Melbourne & I were exchanging thoughts about travelling alone and with companion, since most of the times, he travels alone & I always with friends. We talked about the pros & cons of each experience.

Not sure about personal travel plan, but for this very first business trip on my own, I survived. I have done it, oh what a great independence!

It was a very good exposure and eye-opening trip to meet people and make observation on the country people & culture. As many would have known that communication is a problem in Korea as they hardly speak English, but it’s still Ok although sometimes it’s a bit tricky situation to let them know what we want. My newly acquainted Thailand publisher friend, met at the fair, even draw out a pig and a cow picture at a restaurant to have our order taken, topping up with body gestures requesting for less spicy. In place like this ‘chicken & duck talking’, body language is the best universal communication to go with, isn’t it? Haha…

About the people, I actually don’t quite fancy Korean. I think they are quite rude in general, but of course they are still minority of them who are nice. I guess probably due to the language barrier, they rather act ignorant. Oh, have I not mention that they don’t like to give way when we are walking in from opposite direction? And they will just langgar you just like that, unlike the Nihon-jin who actually will give way for you to walk instead. Rude, rude… I don’t like it.

Korean oh Korean. Thanks to the girls, Korea cosmetics making big bucks. Who doesn’t envy & dream of having their beautiful, fair and spotless skin? Even my Melbourne pal, who is so in love with Korea, is also going routinely on his skincare. And I even see school children are having make-up at such a tender age. Early start, huh?

One of the day while I’m in Seoul, it was raining the whole day. I came into surprise seeing majority of the Korean, even youngsters and those dressed in trends, actually brought umbrella along for their outings. Back here in Malaysia, I think many urbanites like me rather left the umbrella at home as we are lazy to carrying around especially when we are going shopping. It’s quite leceh to carry another weight going out, right? That’s what I personally think, at least.

Well, because that day it rained morning till night, the weather is extremely cold as if I was there for winter 2 years back. I think it’s around 10 degrees Celsius plus minus. I was freezing walking on the street looking for makan place. Rest assured that Korea is a safe country to walking alone at night. There are no stealing or ‘ragut’ cases like what we heard and seen daily in Malaysia *sigh* The country is so safe that the Korean can even left their bags unattended in a public spot like food court while getting their food/returning the tray to the stall. If in Malaysia, haha… if you do that, it will be gone in just minutes; ‘now you see, now you don’t’.

Hmm, I always wonder why ‘Malaysia tak boleh’? Why can’t our country be as safe and advance as Korea or Japan or even our closest neighbour, Singapore? I wonder what all the ministers are doing when they visiting other countries. Don’t they have eye to see how progressive their counterparts are in terms of public transportation like LRT? There are 8 lines in Korea, and link from a one line to another. Travelling is made so easy with interchange located within each line, not to mention the many exit points *sigh, sigh*. Don’t know when our rail transits can match up to HK, Singapore & Thai.

If possible, can we also request for clean toilets? I noticed that toilets in Korea are so clean. Thumbs up man! The toilets at the convention centre are so orderly and it smells good too, auto-parfumed regularly. And guess what?!! It even have music inside, all the classical pieces ~ Mozart, concerto orchestra, etc. Wow! It was so pleasant and who would mind to stay a little longer in such cosiness. The toilet seats are dry, not any stains. In Malaysia….. urhhh, eewww & yucks. Do you need me to go further? I guess it’s just the mindset that Malaysians are brought up in such a way.

Enough of pathetic stories, now back to some cheerful ones. Honestly, didn’t have much time to go around places since meetings are scheduled for daily. Busy & lazy, afterall had already been to some of the interesting places before. However, I made my way to one place ~ Dong Dae Mun. Well, the area is well-known for wholesales shopping. There are a number of new shopping malls built, and I revisited Doota again since didn’t manage to hangout long as it was Christmas eve back then, fully crowded. The interior recently renovated and the new look is so classier, but the prices remain same, errmm…. still expensive in Malaysian Ringgit though.

One thing I enjoy is spending time checking out their trendy gifts/accessories shops ~ so many cute & attractive gadgets inside. Some come in vibrant colors, very nice and make one happy to look at indeed. Each gifts shop is full with Korean youth getting stuffs for their room, handphone, stationeries, etc. just like all the items we seen in K-pop dramas. It’s just so irresistible that I also got for myself a cute lil’ car display….yippie!

Solo in Seoul at spring, 5 days 4 nights; what a good experience. Next destination? Don’t know yet. Maybe Bangkok? Dee, no problem…quite familiar with the places already and I can eat my favourite ‘khao nam mu’ (pork knuckles rice) over & over again. Or Frankfurt? Well, really looking forward if chances are real. Keeping my fingers crossed, to be flying around one day.

Till then, “an yonghi Hanguk!”

I thought I already blog this, but looks like I missed out.

Times flew so fast, as if I put braces on only a couple months ago. Without realising, it has come to a year on 19th April. The braces is just like part of me now. So used to it, so used to brushing long times. So far the result has been good. Teeths have been straightened a lot,…… now waiting patiently for the bottom to align in as well. And so, I don’t need to extract any teeth at all for this treatment *glad*.

Now with the straighten teeths, lotsa beautiful smiling around, in photo and in real. Sometimes, people mistaken me smiling when I just lift up my lips. Heheh…. sorryz. Moreover, received compliments being more beautiful now eversince braces… hahaha… sure or not? What an encouragement it is, at least these words help given some strengths to undergoing the whole endurance. Bravo!

This coming Friday, am returning for a wire change. Hope everything goes accordingly. Looking forward.

It has been a one good year. Another 1.5-2 years more to go. Ganbatte May-san!! Cheese forever

Time flew; soon it’s going to be a year since I fixed braces ~ 19April 2008, the day I ventured into getting my beautiful smile journey. Haven’t you notice that I always smile widely now? Even strangers on the streets smile back to me whenever I lifted up my lips showing my teeth although I’m actually not smiling. Haha…… And I even received compliment on my smiles with obvious dimples now. Maybe this whole fixture had turned my face structure into being a even more friendly and approachable person.  

Last Saturday, 21^st March, was my 6^th appointment for wire changing. Every time before each appointment, Chris and I will MSN each other to remind, keep posted on the visit and calm ourselves ‘coz we are afraid of hearing the word ‘extraction’ from Doctor’s mouth.  

This recent visit, phew……. so far, so good. Changed wires again, up & down. Good to hear it’s moving for bottom front. Well, perhaps keeping myself focus to escape the horrid of extraction visit helps. Keep it going strong there, May!!

Well, as usual wires change come with either little numb or extreme numbness. This time, I thought it was only little numbing but manatau today evening, the pain suddenly started while at work and is still on-going. Really no joke, can’t believe the pain only came in 2 days later this time around. I can feel on my gum, one of teeth as though is like kena pull to the front by extreme force. Wow! Darn pain, words can hardly describe. Luckily back home dinner; there are steam eggs and sardines. Soft enough to eat, but didn’t ate much.

Dah lah in pain, night brushing even more syiok. Ouchhhh….. but as I looked into the mirror, I can see the bottom is starting to align, squeezing hard to fit into place. What else can I say? I’m happy to see they are moving into straight, but of course come at a price of PAIN, besides the heavy investment. Although it’s going to be painful for few more days, but I’m happy to know that I can stay away from extraction later, hopefully. Thinking positive.

So, 6 weeks to go before next visit. As usual, Doctor asked me to enjoy my days and if any problems, just call them. Hmph, I can feel the lower wire extended a little, poking my inner mouth now, but let’s just wait a little if I really need to return for a cut.

Anyhow, the even happier news from this visit is to know that I can enjoy my Krabi trip fully next month without pain and hassle on food. Isn’t that Good news? Yuppie!!…. I’m just one happy go lucky little star \(^_^)/

Year of the moo-moo is here!! Seeing the maturity a friend turning 24, she has grown up better now. Myself turning three zero this year… what to hush. Just like I recently presented my ice-breaker project at the toastmaster, I’m ok with that number… as long as one lives happily, why bothers right?

So, what in store for 2009 lunar new year?

With so many CNY sms greetings flocking into my cell with the same kind of wishes every year ~ prosperous, lucks, good fortune, healthy, abundance, etc… they never seems out of date, really. Who doesn’t want all these goodness in life, right? For me, I felt this year, since economy outlook has not been really kind for most… with lacking of bonus, paycuts or maybe retrenchment elsewhere, I think in times like this, it’s good to always stay happy, ‘coz happiness leads to good health and being healthy can bring more prosperity. That’s exactly my sms spreading across to my close friends & relatives. If one is unhealthy, how on earth can we carry on living prosperous, right? So people, remain happy wokay!!

The year of Ox, seems not so ox-picious to a lots of zodiac signs. Known to all, Ox is an animal who works so hard to earn its reaping. So, many has said it… this is a tough year. Many feng shui masters did. In fact too many predictions, don’t know which is which. It has gotten all mixed up being a person who interested in astrological insights myself. Some say Sheep is not in a very good year, but then I also read elsewhere that it’s a quite favourable year also. Who to believe in this case?

Anyhow, it doesn’t really matter lah. Like said, stay happy is the most important thing in life. Being optimism is a way to live happy. Although, to some, it may appears as self-deceptive for not accepting the bad facts. But if it keeps you worry and fearing the days ahead, why not look at the bright side to live happy each day, everyday?

So, embrace yourself with braveness in heart, to never give up if things didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to be this year. Calm yourself and be reminded each day that God loves you so much so that he has plans something better for us in days to come, very soon. Meantime, just be patient lerr.

Well, that’s all I wanted to share on this lunar days ~ to keep myself going, to keep you people motivated, to keep everyone living in optimism. Come what may, lets just ride on the waves. Be brave, bold & beautiful. Be HAPPY!!

And here wishing everyone a happy ‘moo-moo’ year then!!

a year which I went Bangkok travel with my ar lui chimui.

a year which I had my first car accident & still not get my insurance compensation. Sigh… conman Raymond of Initial-D workshop, Jalan Peel. You guys/gals beware don’t send your car there!!    

a year which I went body check-up & gotten the Twintrix jab,…….

a year which I get my braces.

a year which I get a Fujitsu notebook & signed up IZZi.

a year which I get a Garmin GPS.

a year which I became so adventurous climbing up Mount Kinabalu, 4095.2m high.

a year which I transferred doing business development ‘coz I wanted something more challenging to keep me going. It’s still a challenge to keep myself going, I want to see more of the world.

a year which I finally get a Vios.

a year which I made some new friends online.

a year which I became aunt with Ocean boy joining our family.

a year which I buy into KNM and the price dropped to its max now, waiting to bounce back. 

a year which is quite hectic finding new tenant for A-6-8, and suffer a lil’ loss for repayment. Sometimes, it’s a headache to have property.

a year which I had dream & created Happy Moments for myself; successfully have dinner for singles, something I been wanted to do couple of years back. And there is more for happy moments…….

a year which I joined Toastmaster Club.

a year which I accidentally became a tour guide around KL city went to Istana Negara, National Mosque, Central Market, Dataran Merdeka & KL Tower, and communicated in English mix with Nihon-go. Quite an experience for the future…….

a year which I hardly go clubbing, max twice or thrice this year…. getting old

a year which I saw no growth (or deficit) in my bank account. So sad ne….

Hmm, what else? There could be more, maybe too many to recall. This year had quite many new, first time experiences in life. So far, I consider 2008 an average good year. Hope life will get better & more prosperous years ahead.

Hello 2009!! Happy New Year \(^_^)/

Cest la vie!!

While sms-ing, a friend reminded me my blog on endurance beauty. Oh yeah! I recalled. Getting so use to living with it now, I almost forgotten. Haha…

Well, went for the fourth fix yesterday. And as usual wires changed. Top one with thicker wiring now - 0.16, huhu… small number, but not nice to smile in photo already ah now that the wire is thicker and very visible from a distance. If I didn’t hear wrong, the wire going to be thicker & thicker as time goes by. Wahsay…

Bottom part, the lonely teeth in front at last joined the rest of its member. Doctor attached a bracket to it, and then fastened with the whole wiring for straightening process. According to him, the lower jaw seems to be small and so the next trip, he will consider for extraction after studying my mould and progress again. The next date is very close to CNY… I’m so worry now if can’t enjoy feasting during the festive.  Sweaty… I’ve always been praying to escape from extraction nightmare, think I going to pray harder now. Will it works?

Anyway, I thought the fixture is no big deal, since the last treatment I went; there isn’t any numbness at all. I was wrong. Two hours from the fix, I couldn’t believe on what I see in mirror. The Damon 3 is so fast & efficient that it has aligned the newly fixed teeth to its neighbouring teeth. Paying hefty for it is definitely no joke. And the pain?!! Of coz there is!! The numbness increase bit by bit, and come evening, needless to say. Had scallop with salty egg porridge as dinner again, yummy! Still, sorry to my friend there, for me FFK the dinner promised earlier. And thank you for casting the tooth fairy to give my gum a pain remover spell, haha!!

The numbness is still on-going as I now blogging here, but it’s not as severe as yesterday night. Tonight dinner, am attempting to eat rice… although it’s going to be hard & slightly painful to gnaw the food, but don’t bother lah… maybe I just take longer times to finish my meal. That’s it.

Towards a greater smile & beyond!!!

For once, I’ll take it. Then, twice, I’ll still take it (although I really, really wanna smash you guys face.) Come third times, I’ll walk off.  Well, that’s what I think I will do if it happens again. ‘Coz I think enough means enough. Tolerance has its limit. Things are not funny being repeated and repeat again.

Moreover you guys are my best buddies and it’s kinda heartache to be put on a spot, especially when acted in group. I feel like some sort of betrayal. Forgive me saying so but it’s just my feeling at that moment, I keep in my heart. Maybe I’m not being sporting, some might say… but to me, is not a matter of being sporting or not.

It’s just a personal value. And I often believe one has a choice to do something or not to despite of whatever persuasion, forces or thinking that come along the way. If the stand is strong nobody can sway it.       

Take drinking for example. Why do friends want to see their friends drink and get drunk? And why do the friends need to compel to drink? Is able to drink one round after another is a cool gesture, being perceived sporting or is a way to be accepted among the peers? Tell me.  

Whether a good drinker or not, why would one wants to make public his own strength or weakness? People will still get you to drink regardless yes or no. And if you refuse to drink, people make fun teasing you, again and again. What’s the point here? 

There’s this uncle in the family, which many of the cousins don’t quite like to mingle during their young age. ‘Coz uncle like to lecture for good whenever we gather. And nowadays, being the youngest girl among the cousins, I’m the common victim. He often says, “Sip like a lady. Don’t drink!” “I saw you drinking before, and that’s not the way a girl should drink!” Really, his sentence gets me into thinking when had he saw me in action before? Was it during one of the family occasions? Or he was coincidently there when I was hanging out? I really have no idea, and I just listen to his very same speeches as a respect to the elderly.    

In fact, which parents like their children active in drinking. I know my parents, they don’t and discourage. It’s not that we can’t drink but we got to know our limits and responsibility. Especially being a daughter, more concern they are. If one day I came home drunk, I wonder what will happen. Disappointed faces and talks, and because trust is broken, it takes harder time to regain for myself and for the friends I hold closely in heart.

Whatever it is, all I wanted to express is that I sincerely treasure our friendships, which I hope we can keep going for many decades more in life. Maybe I’m just being emo here, which I am at times.  It’s just not funny anymore, PLEASE STOP. Period.

If I knew what tomorrow lottery winning is, I would have become a rich man.

If I knew tomorrow is the end of the world, I would have enjoyed every moment now.

If I knew accounting, I would have excelled in it then.

But who knows what tomorrow brings.

So lost in the way.

Am I supposed to be a follower?

Since I don’t know what the things ahead.

And therefore I was born and am known as ‘Questions Girl’ to many.

To some, too many questions are not the way to go.

Coz to them, asking questions seems no risk-taker.

Doing everything according to plan.

Boring.

But whose knows.

When you asked, you got yourself better prepared.

You can preempt and reduced obstacles ahead.

You can at least have contingency if things didn’t turn out in the first place.

Is not a matter of which side you belongs to more.

Is about doing the right thing and doing things right.

To be one of flexible in appropriate situation.

So lost, all.

How am I suppose to move when nobody know anything?

Who am I to follow when there’s different opinion?

As I look out for solution and bring it to the table,

Will there be appreciated and show of gratitude?

Even if the matter is beyond my expertise, I seek to help out.

Just to make sure everything is in order and we can all move ahead smoothly.

Praise not, belittlement is the price paid out.

It seems to me a little unfair.

Of all the effort, credits zero.

But people with bigger mouth and voice, with a show of disrespect to the seniority, and keep repeating don’t know how to proceed, don’t have this and that; seems to be all-time winner.

And the deepest cut of all, being at fault not having an oversea degree and jargon to the world of accounts.  

Like said, if I knew designing, I won’t be in my current field.

Like wise, if you knew marketing, you’ll be doing well at it.

Life is a never-ending learning process.

Is not a matter of how far have you studied.

It’s more of a matter how far you have come to learn along the way.

And now, I’m even determined to learning more…….

Yessss, go for it!!!

Another year has come.

Wonder why have it been like this in recent years.

Whenever it’s soon approaching, the period before it often is unpleasant.

Have I been thinking too much?

As if an alarm clock is pre-set to alert especially during this phase.

Why the day comes with ‘happy’?

And family and friends shower with greetings on that day.

It works this way, I think.

It’s a new day in life, each year around.

So, the new washes the old.

A new year will bring goodness, washing away the ugly ones.

And it’s to therefore celebrate.

Be remembered once again to live life happily and fulfilling.

Time to rejoice, happy…….