-Cherry, Plum, Peach and Damson blossoms-

Musical Itch

2012-01-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

I miss my piano. >.<

One thing bad about being far from home and also not being at undergrad anymore is that I don't get to play the piano anymore. I mean, its not that I was super good at it because I'm definitely not but at least I could play the piano or even take some part time music lessons when I wanted too. But now...

The last time I actually played I think was almost a year ago. I doubt playing the piano is like riding a bicycle. Once you lose it, its really hard to get it back.

Piano is kinda the only music instrument I can play. My brother can play the drums. Oh goodness, I never understood why that was fun. Its soo super crazily noisy. But I guess if you're in a band, it'll be fun. My dad bought him a set of drum set a few years ago, I think it was the Tama drums, not sure. Boy was it super noisy. Thank goodness I already moved out that time so I didn't need to listen to it. Only those rare occasions when I was back for the summer.

Haha..

Argh I miss my piano.

Holiday on Wheels

2012-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Because US is so huge, Americans tend to take road trips as part of their vacations. Instead of flying to other countries, they take road trips and explore the other parts of the country. I never really understood that because in Malaysia, the ideal way of taking a holiday is to travel overseas. But the East and West coast of US is seriously different. And from one end to the other can take you literally a week to drive. That's why I guess RVs are so popular here.

I went up one recently because it was in a showroom in one of the malls and its seriously super interesting. Its literally like a house! And don't think its cheap either! It almost cost as much as a house itself!!!

Unfortunately though, just like everything else, RVs have RV insurance too. I mean, that's totally understandable I guess. When you buy something so expensive, and you actually drive it around, you need to insure it too just in case something bad happens. Even iPhones have insurance these days. =.=

2012-01-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

The semester has started. And winter is coming. Oh goodness. I'm so nervous about driving in the snow. How do people do it anyways? Seriously.. who ever knew that driving in snow is one of the life skill that all people should know. They need to teach this in driving school.

Seriously.

2011-12-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

I barely slept last night. Argh finals. Even after I finish my exam, words such as "impossibility," "mitigation," "depraved heart," "abstract v. concrete" are still floating in my head.

If you don't know what those words are. Its okay. It doesn't matter. Haha..

And also some other things.

Faith means having the most powerful conviction ourselves. When we chant daimoku with the firm belief that the heavenly deities will definitely protect us because we are entities of the Mystic Law, then that is precisely what will happen.

Toda Sensei, The Vow of Ikeda Kayo

Disney World v. Disney Land

2011-12-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

When I mention Florida, what is the first thing that comes into your mind?

What? Its not Disney World? What kind of childhood do you have anyways?

No.. I'm just kidding. I actually don't know what Florida is famous for besides its beaches, Miami, sexy bikini clad girls, Orlando hotels, Florida University..

Oh. Ok. Florida is pretty famous huh.

But yeah. Hahha.. I wonder what is the difference between Disney World and Disney Land? I been to the Disney Land in CA before and the one in Tokyo too though I'm not sure whether the one in Tokyo is Disney Land or Disney World. Why do they even make this distinction anyways? Are they different? Can anyone tell me what the difference is?

But its always sooo crazily packed which makes me lazy to go into one of them again.

Maybe when I have kids.... God knows when that will be though..

Battery Bunny

2011-12-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

One thing good though about my Canon SX10IS is that it uses rechargeable batteries. Though recently, I don't know what is wrong with my batteries since it dies after an hour of use even though I have charged it for hours without end.

I highly suspect that its time for me to change batteries. But seriously though, its really convenient using camera batteries rechargeable especially those AA ones because you can buy them anywhere you are. And if you can't find the rechargeable ones because you're in the middle of one small town in South America, I'm pretty sure you can find those normal AA ones too. It make take you only a few hours to drain it but at least you can still use your camera.

Right?

Gadget Freak

2011-12-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

Though my Canon SX10IS is huge, its does take really good pictures. The only problem is seriously (why do I keep using this word?) .. its humongous. How is a lady like me supposed to carry around a huge *** bag just to fit in this gigantic camera?

And don't even talk about a camera cases. I bought a camera case for it once on Amazon which cost me about $20 something I think, and I never ever used it. Because it made my camera even bigger.

I want a new camera. =( But my friend recently told me that I tend to buy a camera once every year. No I do not. >.< Do I? Ahhhh.. is that bad?

I'm like my tech freak dad, who needs some new gadget every now and then, gets bored with it and buys a new one all over again.

I'm sorry but.. but.. can I get a new camera?

Gifts for Men?

2011-12-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

Its hard to look for Christmas gifts for guys huh? Especially guys that are.. actually scratch that. Its hard to buy gifts for any guys.

Guys that act like they're still in high school and love rock and roll. Well maybe foulmouthshirts for funny t-shirts will be good for them.

They'll be good for little brothers too. By little I mean brothers that are younger because seriously my brother is not little anymore. *sob* he is a grown matured man now.

Where did my little brother go anyways?

Well... he grew up when you went to college smart girl. =.=

Ok. I shall stop talking to myself now.

Plain Jane

2011-12-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make.

I realized the older I get, the less I actually fuss over my looks.

Is that bad? I kinda think it is. o.O Seriously though, when I was in high school, I would buy make-up products, and put on make-up once in a while just for fun and to look pretty. Things like eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow.. And I always knew that my eyelashes were short and non-curly so I would always believe the ads when they said that their product was the best eyelash growth product on the market and proceeded to test them on.

Nope. It hardly worked, if ever.

And after buying make-up products and them expiring on me after a few years. I gave up.

God knows how I'm gonna find a guy. *sob*

Haha.. well at least there's a little hope out there because my mum never puts on make-up either and to my knowledge, I think my dad still loves her tremendously.

Lawyers v. Doctors

2011-12-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

I recently went for a talk about women and law and.. Sigh.. we have too many lawyers around. According to the specialist.

But.. we are still in need of people in the medical field. Doctors, psychiatric aide jobs, nurses.. they all need people and it seems that the need would not diminish anytime soon.

I always wanted to be a doctor actually. Seriously. But I know its a little too late now. So next life time. Next life time I'll be a doctor. =)

Definitely not saving trees

2011-12-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

I appreciate my undergraduate college so much more. Over there, students could print as much as they wanted without any charge. Rumor has it that every student gets 500 pages every month and it accumulates. I don't think any student has tested that before because seriously, who prints out that many papers everyday?

Here in my graduate school, printing everything cost about $.05 each. I know that's not a lot but when you want to print out your outlines at the end of the year for finals, or print out your class notes because ExamSoft doesn't allow you to access to any of your documents while you're taking in-class exam, you kinda have no choice. Its like buying a new book but its actually your own stuff.

Blargh.

A friend of mine gave me her old printer but I have yet to plug it in. I still need a cable and everything. I need some POS hardware to get me started. Though I seriously don't know which is cheaper. Printing in school and paying 5 cents for each piece of paper or buying everything and printing it at home.

Getting married younger now?

2011-12-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

People always tell me that I will find "my man" when I go to graduate school.

Em.. really?

Every student I see is either happily married, engaged, or in a long term super committed relationship. And everyone is around like early 20s. Seriously.. whatever happened to marrying when one already has a stable career? It seems like in the US, the more "developed" the country, the earlier people get married. Its like a cycle back to the "good ol days." Weird huh?

Many girls in my class wear diamond rings. One girl actually wears both her engagement ring and her wedding band and seriously.. boy is the diamond big.

I wish I had slender fingers like her. Then when I wear rings it'll be nice and pretty. But with my fat chubby fingers... =(

*Sad*

A Thousand Years

2011-12-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

The last time I watched the Twilight series was a bittersweet experience. It was so painful yet really profound at the same time. I don't think I will forget that for the rest of my life. I could hardly remember the movie but it was the last movie we watched. I haven't watched the last one yet but

I'm sure it'll be a good one.

I just miss you that's all. I hope you're doing great.

On another note, I noticed more people are following me now. Thank you for reading my post and I just wanna say that this is not really a SGI blog, but its more just some random quotes that really inspires me especially when I'm feeling defeated. And of course some random posts here and there.

I hope some of these quotes will encourage you too in some small way. =)

Winter Clothing

2011-12-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

The weather is slowly becoming cold. Someone asked me the other day, "The weather won't be so cold after Christmas right?"

Yeah.. the popular notion, or at least for people who never generally experience the cold, we all think that cold weather is only for December and after that, its spring.

Nope. February is the coldest month. Sometimes even up to March.

I am seriously not looking forward to it. Especially driving in the snow. Oh goodness.

But shopping for winter clothing is fun. Been shopping for winter boots for quite sometime now. I didn't know brands like Northface have boots. I thought Northface only provides winter jackets and stuff. Or even Northface backpacks. But cute little Northface boots?

I want one.

Should be good quality for the extreme cold right? Not that I live in Alaska but still..

Monday, Apr. 19th, 1954

2011-12-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

A Youthful Diary by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 19th, 1954

Few friends know me.
Few members trust me.
Few seniors sincerely look after my development.
Few truly protect me.
No- such spoiled attitude will not do.
Everything derives from my determination. Before judging others, remember to look strictly at myself. Must take a good look at my own faith. The Gohonzon watches over and protects me. My mentor watches over me and guides my growth.

If a person cannot manage to cross a moat ten feet wide, how can he cross one that is a hundred or two hundred feet?
- "The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra" (WND, 766)

Must never forget that my mentor has led me from miserable circumstances to the state of growth and happiness I now enjoy. To bed 1:25.

Bf needed?

2011-11-25T02:24:00.000-08:00

My car engine light is on! Help! I don't know what to do! I noticed it today while I was driving out to my thanksgiving dinner party and and and.. I really don't know what to do.

I probably need to send it to the mechanic soon but finals are coming and I don't know if I have the time. I know I know this should be a priority but.. is it really serious if your car engine light turns on? I probably need to google it. Google just solves life's problems. Don't you think so?

But argh.. I need to learn more about cars. Daddy.. Help!!! Winter is coming and my dad is telling me all the things that I need to do and I'm like totally zoning out. Coolant pumps? huh? Radiator water? Em...

Yeah. No idea.

Enjoying Peace and Security...

2011-11-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

I love what President Ikeda wrote in the latest New Human Revolution

In the Lotus Sutra, we find the words, 'They who have heard the Law will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences' (But various obstacles arise in the path of kosenrufu, and life is a battle against our personal karmic destiny. 'Enjoy peace and and security in their present existence' doesn't mean that life will always be smooth sailing, with no troubles or challenges. It describes a life-state in which, even when we experience difficulties and trials as fierce as angry breakers, we can courageously and serenely overcome them, never retreating a step.

Triumphing boldly in life, come what may, is the true meaning of enjoying peace and security in our present existence. What matters is being able to experience in our final years that our life has been one of peace and security in our present existence after having triumphed over the storms of adversities that may have marked our previous years. To achieve that, we must never stray from the Soka Gakkai or abandon the Gohonzon, no matter what, and continue chanting Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo and striving courageously for kosenrufu as long as we live.

***and later***

Shin'ichi concluded his speech, "We are living in very hard times, but I sincerely hope that all of you will always make chanting your top priority and advance in triumph with a rich life force, dignity and good cheer"

Chanting Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo fills one with courage, joy and conviction, and brings about the blossoming of great benefit, which, in turn, gives rise to even more courage, joy and conviction. Everything starts with chanting.

-Daisaku Ikeda-

"Bold Struggle" Vol. 23 Chapter 4, Installments 42-53, World Tribune Oct 14, 2011.

Planner freak

2011-11-07T01:42:00.000-08:00

How do you remember dates? Are you one that keeps everything in a planner and when your planner disappears, your whole world ends? Or are you one that keeps everything in your brain and every time you try to use a planner, you end up not checking it anyways.

I'm definitely the latter. I always tell myself that I want to start being more organized and keep a planner and I always get so excited when I get myself a pretty new planner. But I'll spend the first few days (in a year) trying really hard to be as detailed as possible with my schedule whenever something comes up but I never ever look back at it to see what I have for the day. Then because I knew I wouldn't check it anyways, I got lazy and stopped recording stuff. So I have a whole bunch of 98% empty planners.

Silly right? Well if you're one that needs a planner, then I guess save the date cards will be perfect for people like you. Not only will you have something physical to remember a special someone's wedding/birthday/baby shower, you can even clipped it inside your planner and make your planner even more busy!

But I forgot to mention that now that I'm in graduate school, things are starting to change. Sigh.. Either there's too many things I need to do, or my brain is getting slower.

Being cars literate

2011-11-07T01:36:00.000-08:00

I'm your typical girly girl. Seriously. I don't know how girly a girl can get anymore. No.. That's not really true I guess. I'm sure they're more girls out there that are more of a princess like me. But..

I can't read maps.

And most importantly, I don't know how to take care of cars at all.

Its so bad. Seriously if one day my tires get punctured, I will be dead. Literally and figuratively. I just send my car to the mechanic every few months and just hope that they're trustable and will do everything required to make my car safe. Tire chain? What's that? Transmission fluid? What's that? Screwdriver? Em.. the drink you mean?

Its bad. I need to learn to be independent.

Light of Hope

2011-10-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Light of Hope everyone. =)

The lyrics are so profound. Must embed every word deep inside my heart.

Poor Graduate Student

2011-10-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

You know what is the best way to lose weight? Being a poor graduate student living on your own. That's the best way. Carbs free diet? Protein only diet? Austin hcg diet? Nah.. just be a poor graduate student. That will solve all your worries.

Seriously. When you live on your own, your stomach is suddenly your full responsibility. No mother to force you to eat your dinner, no cafeteria outside your dorm where you just need to walk out and get food. Suddenly, you actually have to fork out the money every week, go to the groceries, buy food, and coook!!!! What is cooking anyways?

Yeah its scary definitely. Unfortunately though, I'm not sure if I'm losing weight. I didn't bring my scales over so I'm seriously doubting if I actually lost weight. All these cooking and deciding for myself what I can and cannot eat is not really good because I decide all by myself. Its liberating yet scary at the same time.

One thing for sure though, I'm getting huge panda like dark circles around my eyes and this is definitely without a doubt not a good thing. >.<

Best Invention?

2011-10-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

I once asked my dad what was the greatest invention ever made. He gave me a really simple answer. He said he thinks the greatest invention is glasses, because without them, people with eyesight problem wont be able to see anything, thus making them unable to invent anything even if they wanted to.

Recently, I think the GPS can be one of the greatest invention ever made. I know it was used by the military or NASA long time ago but I don't think I'll be able to live without it. My faithful Garmin Trucker GPS. I'm serious. I go everywhere with it and I know I wont ever get lost without it. It certainly doesn't help being a girl and living alone in a foreign city but I need to go to places to buy stuff or visit people. I seriously don't know how people survive before mapquest, google map or the GPS.

I remember my dad getting lost a lot. But then that was fun because all I needed to do was sleep behind the car. =)

Please don't use bottled water

2011-10-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone knows how valueble water is as a resource. We all need water to survive. But how people gain access to water, even for daily use like drinking and cooking varies depending on what circumstances you're born in. People in developing countries certainly have it way harder than people in developed countries. I'm considered super lucky if you want to talk about other more unfortunate people. I remember my mum used to boil water everyday for us to drink. Who even does that these days? With all the technology, like Aquatell reverse osmosis system, ten thousand kinds of filters, and the worse of all, which I can never accept: buying bottled water. I mean I get that some people are fussy and want to have a better taste for their water. That's why you have those reverse osmosis system, or those big gigantic tanks of distilled/natural water. But individualized bottled water?

How can people buy tons and tons of bottled water to consume daily? I mean I understand if you want to use it on a trip or for a picnic, but to consume three to four bottles of 500ml of water bottles a day is just beyond me. Can you imagine how many bottled water you'll be using a year? Ten years? And multiply that by the entire population in the US?

Urgh. Get so mad thinking about it.

My Gaming Brother

2011-09-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

My brother is a gaming freak. And when I say that.. I really mean it. He locks himself in the room the entire day and plays computer games all the long. Like those Korean boys. Ever heard of the story where one Korean teenager died of exhaustion because he played non stop for god knows how many hours? Thank goodness my brother is not to that extend... yet.

Haha.. hopefully he doesn't read this post of mine but yeah, he is always asking me "where can I buy ps3 games" and of course I have no idea how to answer him. Though technically he doesn't really need my help because he would know where to get the best deals.

Even pirated ones. Shhhh.. Hahaha.. that's Vietnam and Malaysia for you.

2011-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

I gave my experience today during a Youth meeting. Felt really happy that I could encourage the members but I still felt defeated after that.

I must really pull myself together and take responsibility of my own happiness. Must not let my mentor down or let myself be swayed by the environment.

Don't hurt anybody

2011-09-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Studying law has made me realize how important insurance is. Seriously.. I think whoever that wants to sell insurance should first send their potential clients to a one day law school experience and I guarantee they'll start buying insurance. Especially torts class. You cannot imagine what cases come out from torts. Little boys that get hurt (to the extent of losing the leg) from a small kick on the knee. Woman that goes blind because a small pebble bounces from the road when a car drives by.

Yeah. If you're responsible for another person's injury even if you didn't intend for it to happen, you better make sure your insurance company pays for it or the punitive damages itself might kill you. Don't have insurance? You better go get it from wholesale insurance.net or something. You never know when you might hurt someone. It can be anything. Even the most bizzare circumstances. Trust me.

Are you buying Christmas Presents already?

2011-09-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the radio the other day and the DJ was talking about what irritates them the most these days. It went from parking fees in the hospital, to electric transportation fees (god knows what's that) to sales tax, to people who drive super slow on the left lane on the freeway, etc..etc...

But what I really thought was funny is that the lady was going on and on about how major stores like Wal-Mart, Macy's and the likes have started to put up Christmas decorations!

Can you imagine? Its only freaking September and they're already thinking of Christmas!!!

Where's Halloween? Thanksgiving? Black Friday? Christmas is like wayyyyy long..

What are these people thinking?

Seriously though.. Christmas always makes me feel the loneliest, because I'm never with my family and I don't even celebrate it! =.= But all the decorations and celebrations just make me miss my family more.

Halloween Costumes

2011-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I was reading a case the other day and came across this one case which was so absurd I don't even know what to think of it. A man shot a 13-year old boy when the boy went to the man's house during Halloween dressed in military fatigues and carrying a plastic model submachine gun. He later sued the boy's insurers for causing the man to be tried criminally, incur legal expenses and suffer damaged reputation.

Can you believe this guy? He was probably paranoid or something. Or crazy.

Yeah.. Halloween is coming. Are you ready? Be careful when you go out there for some candies. Have you brought your costume yet? I tell you I still don't get all the hype about Halloween. You just wear the costume once a year and you can never repeat it because people will know. I rather use the money for some thing else.. bedroom stuff (*wink wink* like men's lingerie), movies, some good outside food, an electrical blanket for the coming winter.. Anything but Halloween costumes.

But that's just me.

Happiness Within

2011-09-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside oneself, both lie only
within one's own heart."

Oh my goodness.. this is such a strict guidance. All the unhappiness that you're feeling right now, you can't blame anyone. No one is responsible for your happiness but yourself. That's harsh isn't it? Most times, we just want to blame everything around us for our anger or frustration but in truth, we are responsible for our own happiness. We decide for ourselves if our heart is in a hell state, or in a Buddha state. And when you decide that you're going to be happy no matter what the circumstances is, naturally, your environment will reflect what is in your heart.

Strict and so hard to apply.. but sooo true.

Hello again Random Strangers!

2011-08-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

I just noticed something interesting. Is there a way to earn money these days by leaving comments on people's blogs and at the same time, "accidentally" leaving a link to a website? I mean.. We know of all the random spam where sometimes you happily see that you have a comment on one of your post and when you click on it, its only a link or something. But these days, the comments are genuinely about the post you have just written! That it is actually by real people!

You feel your heart leap a tiny bit when you read that a random stranger actually cares for what you wrote but then your eyes skims down and you see a random word like "window cleaner" or something. And you're like.. "sigh.. this person is only reading your blog because he/she needs to"

Ah well.. at least its a step higher than imaginary readers! =)

A Peace of Mind

2011-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Health insurance these days are so crazily expensive!!! My undergraduate college used to provide insurance for me and I think it was only about $800 in total for a year but over here in CT its a whooping $1600!!!! That's like freaking double the price!!!!

Totally crazy I tell you. How can an average person afford it? And did you know that New Haven is the 4th highest crime rate city in the US? I hope dad doesn't read my blog. Coz seriously.. I remember asking someone.. "What do you mean when you say that some neighborhoods here are unsafe? How unsafe is unsafe?"

Know what this person's answer was?

"Means that shooting happens!"

o.O Are you serious? Shooting? I stay in a neighborhood where shooting happens?

Hahha.. mum you're not reading my blog right? Don't worry I'm still alive.

I digress. My point is.. Medical insurance are expensive but medical bills are more expensive. I mean I'm not sure if all doctors are paid well. There's the surgeons, therapist, prosthetist jobs, pharmacies... Point is not whether they earn a lot or not.. but what do we pay for their services. We are essentially, like what my housemate stated, paying for a "peace of mind."

Car talk? What?

2011-08-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I had to go fix my car today. Argh.. doing all these things alone are scary and I seriously don't like it. >.< But what can one do.. Nothing.. you just have to take it in stride and be strong and independent! =(

Because I didn't have anyone to send me to the mechanic, I ended up waiting there from 8am to 1230pm. Luckily I had my law books with me so time actually passed by pretty fast. Surprisingly. I have to go back again tomorrow to continue fixing it. Something to do with the wheel bearer. God knows what that is.

Cars are such a mystery to me. I'm like the typical girl where once you talk about sports, or give me complicated road directions, or talk about car parts, I just zone out. Completely. Muffler? Chrome Wheels? V6? Don't even think about it.

The other day, my law professor was giving a hypothetical and he was explaining the concept of football in class and though I knew it is super important to always remain focused in class, my mind just went blank. It totally shut down and didn't want to function at all.

Stupid girl's brain. =.=

Sigh...

Malaysia's Birthday!

2011-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know.. which I think I can actually safely assumed that you didn't..

TODAY IS MALAYSIA's INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!

Woooohooo!!!!

Yay for Malaysia! Happy 54th!

Shoeeees..

2011-08-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Its the time of the year to pack. Pack pack and pack. Its the end of the summer and one has to spend the time packing and try to fit in as much things as possible into two luggage. Argh.....

I seriously don't know how to put everything inside. I mean how do you fit everything that you need to use for the next two years into two luggage bags? Shoes are the hardest to fit. Shoes are so huge!!! There's high heels (that girls can't live without), sport shoes (for those days that you feel fat), backpacking boots (just in case you find a man that loves hiking.. you never know..), flip flops (those days where you just want to go to a grocery store)..

And I think this time the airline is gonna charge me for the luggage. >.<

USD25 for one luggage. What happened to flying without paying for all these tiny stuff? Argh.. I'm so nervous about the flight and the move. Help!

House on Wheels

2011-08-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

I was watching a TLC program the other day about RVs and do you know how much one can actually cost? Those nice huge moving house on wheels that people use to travel around the country on roads.

It can cost up to USD1 million! And even USD2 million!!!

Seriously.. why would anyone spend that much money on a "house" that you barely stay in? Yeah yeah.. when people are rich they can buy anything they want but seriously.. RVs are small and how comfortable can it be? Why not use the money for something else? Though I know the interesting thing is that it is movable but you can fly around in a plane can't you?

Weird people. Imagine. A RV already cost that much. How much would a RV insurance quote be? Seriously..

Hmm.. if I had an extra USD1 million. What would I use it for?

Hello to you!

2011-08-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

So weird.. more and more people are following my blog. I don't really know who you guys are. Em.. is there a reason why you guys are following me?

Like.. for example.. do you know me? Did we go to the same high school or something? Haha.. I'm so sorry if I don't really know who you are.

Either way.. Thank you so much for following me. Though I'm not sure how interesting this blog is going to be but.. yeah. =)

Hello!

Bye bye Friends

2011-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

My friends are all over the world now. Seriously.. A few are in Japan working, either teaching English or working for a Japanese company (of course right? what else?). One in India studying. One in Singapore. A few are in the US, though even in the US we're all split..

Its really heartbreaking. Going from seeing each other 24/7 in the dorms and classrooms to not being able to see each other at all.

I mean.. seriously.. why do we have to go through all of these? Why do all high school students, college graduates all have to go through these? Why do people need to go through separations anyways?

Luckily technology has made life a little easier for us to connect and still keep in touch with each other. And also to know what is going on in each others lives. There's also flowers and gift baskets for her birthdays if you have any special girlfriends you want to surprise.

I know there's always means and ways to still be close to the people special to you. But why does it have to be so hard....

Last Minute Packing

2011-08-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I really don't know where my home is. Is it in M'sia? Vietnam? Or the US? And because I travel so much, the chances of me leaving things around is super high, especially with my careless attitude. =.=

Just the other day, I was rushing to pack for my stuff because we were leaving for the airport in 15 minutes time. And being a procrastinator as I am, only waited till the very last minute to pack my stuff. And guess what I forgot?

Tons of stuff!

Ok.. you might not think its important things. Stuff like my favorite pair of scissors, my mosquito repellant, my echo trimmers (ok.. this belongs to my dad), my favorite necklace..

But these things hold a whole new different meaning when you know you wont be seeing them for at least a year!!!

I know you might say more reasons to buy new things and do more shopping but... Sigh..

New Furniture

2011-08-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm moving to a new area soon!!!!! Oh my goodness.. soo nervous I tell you. There's so many things I need to settle before school starts and I really don't know how I'm going to handle everything.

The most critical thing is first.. in my opinion.. is to get a bed. Or at least a mattress. =(

I need to be able to sleep on something. I think the apartment that I'll be staying does not have carpets installed but instead have wooden floors. I'm not complaining. I think its pretty and easier to maintain but.. but.. but.. it'll be hard.

So.. yes. I need to be able to get furniture for my place as soon as possible. Preferably rustic furniture because it gives the place a nice warm feel to it.

Argh.. *nervous*

Houseparty!

2011-07-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

One of my friends is moving house and she was just complaining to me the other day how much stuff she needed to do. Yeah.. I totally understand the stress and anxiety behind moving to a new home. I myself am going to move to another state in the US to attend graduate school and though I'm kinda excited, I think I'm definitely more nervous about it than anything.

It is even worse when you don't even stay at home anymore and you only come back during the summer. The place that you have called home over the years is not a strange place that you have no feelings for. All the toys and decorations that you have done while you were young will be all replaced with new walls and new room.

Blargh.

But one thing good is that if you have a party, you'll get lots of gifts. I don't think its really hard to shop for housewarming party gift for hostess because a new home needs almost everything. Don't you think so?

Alas.. when I move.. I'm going to be alone and I don't think I'll have any friends to throw a party to. =( Sad...

Fat Talk

2011-07-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

People always complain that they're fat. Especially girls. Even if they're not. I remember taking a class once in college which states that girls say they're fat as a "ritual." Its called the "fat talk." Sometimes they truly feel that they're fat but most times, they do it just because everyone else does it. Girls say they're fat because not only does it spark reactions like "no you're not," or "dont be silly! I'm the one who is fat," it makes them feel good to hear positive things such as those.

Are you guilty of participating in fat talk?

I know I am. Though I sometimes really worry that girls really do feel that way even if they're not because of all the images of slim girls bombarding their everyday life. Even PlayStation created a new game called zumba as an exercise fitness game.

Do you think you're fat? Or are you just saying it?

What is home?

2011-06-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

You can only truly fall in love with a city when you start knowing the people there. Seriously.. I have been going back and forth to Vietnam for over 10 years now and most times staying about a month each but I never really felt that this was home.. Until I finally volunteered for an NGO and made some friends. And started to see Vietnamese people as individuals and not just a blob of unknown people..

That's when I started to like this place..

That's when I started to feel kinda at home.

Kinda cool no? Its all about the people. Always.

Summer of Boredom

2011-06-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Summer. Oh my goodness. Its funny how one looks forward to summer the entire school year and when it finally arrives, one (or me at least), is filled with a sense of a mixed feeling of wanting it to be over soon and wanting it to live up to one's expectation made during the school year.

Three whole months of nothingness. I know I know.. I can go do summer jobs or take summer classes. But my circumstances don't really allow me to do that because I end of being in one place for only a month or so and I don't think anyone would want to employ me for a month.

So what do I end up doing? Watching TV and playing computer games. Yup. Did you know there's a wii black out there? Its so cool. I mean I know I'm not much of a game person, the only computer game that I actually play is The Sims and even then, I do that like once a year. Like during the summer.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

Dress to shock!

2011-06-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly trying to persuade my parents to visit Japan. Its such an interesting country. Never have I visited any country that has so many quirks and "weird" people. Seriously. Harajuku, one of the famous tourists spot, is a street filled with shops where young people shop. But what makes this place so special is the people that visit this place.

There, you can find young people dress in all kinds of crazy outfits. From sexy school girl costumes, to anime costumes, gothic scary men, uncoordinated color combination (well to me at least), nurses outfits and so on...

You just can't help staring at them when they walk pass you. Though I think these people like to be stared at that's why they dress this way.

I wanna go to Japan again..

Chocolates through Mail

2011-06-15T09:00:00.001-07:00

Just because one is overseas or not physically around a birthday girl/boy, doesn't mean that the person cannot give any gifts. I didn't know this too at first but you can soooo go online, buy a gift/flowers/chocolates/easter brownie pops and have the company deliver it as a gift.

You can be halfway across the world but just as long as you have a credit card.. swiped and you're off and ready!

Seriously business and technologies nowadays...

Sometimes I don't know if its brings people closer or further apart.

Bicycle Joy Ride

2011-06-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

I miss riding my bicycle. I know I know I just learned how to ride a bike at the age of 23 but one of the best experiences about my study abroad in Tokyo was learning how to ride a bike and going everywhere with my bike.

Seriously I went everywhere with my bike. To and from school, groceries, train station, visit friends.. everything. And I really think that if I can ride a bike in the narrow streets of Tokyo, in the midst of all the people, I can ride it anywhere.

One thing interesting about the lifestyle in Japan is the amount of people that ride bicycles over there. They have bicycle registration, thule bike racks around..special parking for bicycles. Everything u can think of for a city that runs on bicycles.

Totally environmental friendly I know.

Ah how I miss riding my bicycle.

2011-05-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

I just bought myself a Kindle...!!! Hehehe.. as my own gift. Whatever the reason but I'm telling myself as a graduation gift. hehe..

Yay for kindle..

Hope my dad isn't reading this.... o.O

Comfy pants

2011-05-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

When I first went to university from Malaysia, I still took care of what I wear to class everyday and could never understand how anyone could wear pajamas to class.

The only pants that almost resembles a pajamas pants was yoga pants. Those were comfy but yet not too casual that you'll fall asleep immediately after wearing it. Love those pants!

Alas.. fast forward 3 years and all I wear these days are sweats... =.= I know some guys complain about girls on campus not taking care of how they look and stuff but seriously guys.. if you can't like a girl at her most comfortable attire.. em.. yeah.. we don't want you either.

But yeah.. I need to get used to not being able to wear sweats everyday now after graduation.. =(

Libido booster

2011-05-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I blog about the weirdest stuff.. I know.. Don't blame me.. things just pop out without reason or explanation.

Take testosterone booster for example. Why would someone need a testosterone booster? Well actually.. taking such supplements actually increases not only your "libido" (*cough cough*) but also your stamina, energy and strength in your daily activities.

Not quite sure what it'll do for a woman though. Hmm..

But yeah.. sometimes I do talk about the most random things.

8 days till graduation..

2011-05-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
—— DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ——
“Happiness, exists near at hand. For instance, it can come from creating good relationships with those in your family, in your neighbourhood, or in your workplace. Being sincerely grateful for everything and everyone in your life, and feeling fortunate—that’s the key to happiness.”
SGI Newsletter SGI Newsletter No. 8231, The New Human Revolution—Vol. 24: Chap. 3, Humanistic Education 4, translated May 10th, 2011.

Life is hard these days. Seriously. Weird things are coming up that I never expected before and obstacles that I never knew existed are emerging.

Its ok.

I can do this. 8 more days till graduation. This is what its all about right? =)

Celebration!

2011-05-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Capstone is done!!! Woooo!!! I can't believe this. After 3 and a half years of listening to my upperclassmen complain about this scary senior thesis that they have to do, and finally needing to do it.. I mean.. seriously.. all the hype up surrounding it totally makes sense. It builds the suspense and when you're done..

Pooosh!!! Celebration!!! Wooohooo..!!!

I have so many papers around my room now. I just want to throw all of them away. But my sentimental self keeps thinking.. what if I still need them in the future? =.= I need those custom presentation folders to be able to arrange all my stuff neatly and efficiently. Not let it lie around my room.. I can't even see my carpet anymore because it is all filled with papers!

But whatevers.. Capstone is over!!! Woohoo!!!!

Round Ball

2011-05-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

There's really no such thing as an ideal shape for women. I mean seriously.. what is pretty anyways? Short and round? Tall and thin? Tall and round? Thin and round? No.. wait.. that doesn't make sense.

I'm short and round. =( I feel like a ball sometimes. Especially when I'm standing next to tall girls. Urgh.. One of my best friends is tall and slim and urgh.. I feel like a little round ball rolling around next to her. >.<

Sad I tell you.

And seeing diet pills for women seriously doesn't help with my self-esteem either. And all the runway shows basically features tall and thin women. American Next Top Model even had a special feature on "shorter" women and that was already like 5'4 or something. =.=

Where am I supposed to fit in this world. Bargh..!

2011-04-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

There are times when a victory or success actually becomes the cause for future defeat or failure. Likewise, defeat can become the cause for great, everlasting victory in the future. Now is the time to stand up and initiate a fresh advance, making this obstacle the cause for tremendous development and growth. A sincere commitment to faith will make this possible.

The New Human Revolution vol. 19 p. 88

Crazy Technology

2011-04-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Technology nowadays is crazy. I don't even need to wait for twenty years to remininse how "yesteryears" was. I just need to think back a couple of years and see how drastic our lives has changed.

It was my friend's birthday the other day and the restaurant we wanted to go was closed. And immediately, guess what everyone did? They whipped out their phones and started looking online for the nearest restaurant that had good reviews. And after they found it, they googled mapped it and used the GPS system to bring me, the driver, there.

All in just a couple of minutes.

Crazy I tell you.

And just today, the same friend of mine had a web video conferencing with an interviewer. My professor also conducts job interviews with candidates she's thinking of hiring. You don't even need to be physically in front of the interviewers anymore. You just need a laptop and skype and you're done.

Seriously.. I can't even imagine 5 years down the road where our technology will bring us.

Engaged High School Friend

2011-04-07T23:41:00.000-07:00

I just talked to my high school friend this afternoon. A friend I have known since I was 12 and she's not just a random high school friend but we were pretty close during high school. And I'm really appreciative because until now, we can still talk like old friends with no judgment or any air of arrogance, unlike some of my other high school friends. =(

She's getting married soon. She just got engaged a few months ago with a guy she dated since high school. I wonder how he proposed to her. And what kind of ring did he get her? Was it a Juneau jewelry? How big was the diamond?

Its so weird. My friends are starting to get married and even have children. And I'm still in school. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Business Tycoon

2011-04-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

I always admire people who have their own business. Seriously.. coming up new ideas and actually setting up a business that no one has ever done before or making sure you own little business grows successful? In the midst of tens and thousands of others just like you?

How do people do that?

Franchises on the other hand, is a little different. You have everything plan for you, all you need to do is run the business. No need to build a brand, get customers, etc.. you already have all those. All you need to do is make sure you run the business well because most times, the brand is already well establish. Though of course well established brands will be much more expensive to get. Right?

Not so knowledgeable about the business world. Not sure if I'll ever be. Hmm..

Just in case

2011-04-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

We have a on-campus nurse in our university and she is really an interesting lady. Not sure if its a good way or not.

Every time students go there, female students I mean, no matter what sickness you might have, the first question she would ask you is..

"Are you pregnant?"

or

"When was your last period?" =.=

Seriously.. is that the only thing that female students do these days? Get pregnant? Its not that easy to find guys okay so stop making us feel bad for not even having the chance to get pregnant!

Anyways, my insurance with my school will end soon and to tell you the truth, I have not been using it at all.. which technically should be a good thing because it means I haven't fallen sick but still.. People seems to have all kinds of medical insurance these days.. like the Medicare part D plans..

Is it really that important to have medical insurance? Maybe you should ask me again when I'm sick.

Against All Odds

2011-04-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

When I went for a meet in Long Beach once, I noticed an interesting little chair-like thingy in the pool when we were warming up.. I asked my coach what was it and he told me it was handicap pool lifts. I was quite amazed because we never really have such things in Malaysia, especially in public pools. I never actually seen anyone use it before but its certainly really interesting.

I know I don't know too much about disability because I don't really have any friends who are disabled but I truly respect and admire these people for working doubly hard to lead a normal life. So please take care and keep up the good work. =)

Princess Charmander

2011-04-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Happppppppppppeee Birthday Princess.. You know who you are! <3! And if you're still secretly visiting my blog.. this post is for you! Hahah..

I love you lots girls and please don't worry about being *cough* 22.. Though I always say its downhill from here, especially for us girls, in actual fact.. its really fun. Being in our twenties is awesome and life is just full of infinite possibilities. ね？

So Happy Happy Birthday and I wish you all the happiness in the world my little princess friend. And since you don't have facebook making me unable to wish you on the internet world, I just wanna say have the greatest year ever! <3!

Sexy Men

2011-04-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Men in suits are sexy. That's all I can say. Especially men that you like, dressed in suits, or dressed formally, or for me, dressed in coats with scarfs (or the men version of it).. are super cute.

Men dressed in medical uniforms.. hmm.. Haven't fall for men like that yet. I'm not sure if doctors excite me. I think they kinda intimidate me though I do have a few friends who are on their way to becoming full fledged doctors and they're pretty charming seriously. But yeah.. no.. men dressed in medical uniforms not so cute.

But men dressed in suits.. or dark coats..

Halfway across the Country

2011-04-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

How do I move all my stuff across the country? Argh.. that is the big question that I really need to deal with. I love all my furniture and all right now but how am I gonna transport all of them across the country?

I have my TV, my cabinet, my books, my TV mounts, my clothes, did I mention my books..

Oh goodness gracious me. Everything cost money around here and everything is crazily expensive here.

I'm excited though. New chapter in my life. =)

Girls and Cars

2011-04-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Since we're all seniors in college right now, all that is on our minds these days are what we should do after graduation. Especially with the economic these days, its really not easy to know or decide for certain what one should do after graduation.

I have one friend in particular that actually thought of taking summer courses or continue taking classes in community college after graduation. What is so surprising about that, you ask. Well.. she's thinking of taking a class in car mechanics because she feels that she should learn more about cars just for fun.

Haha.. ok. Not exactly just for fun, but you know us girls, we know nothing about cars and always need to depend on guys when something goes wrong with our precious automobiles. We know nothing about car battery, thrust bearings, oil change, transmission fluid, etc etc. So I really applaud her for thinking of taking a class to increase her knowledge so as to not always depend on men in the future. Wooo...

2011-03-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

It’s funny how the people who know the least about you, always have the most to say.

Haha.. this is interesting. Wonder how true it is again..

2011-03-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

The whole thing was really like a dream. I wonder what that means?

Little Cabin in the Woods

2011-03-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

I recently went to Philadelphia for the weekend and.. I love that place. I really do. Not sure why or how.. but yeah. I did.

*breathes*

Its kinda nerve wrecking really.. to make a decision that will affect your entire future. But I have confidence that I will be able to make the right choice.

The East Coast is so different. Four seasons. Pretty little leaf change. Cold. Wet. Totally unlike California.

I can't even imagine how the mountains would be like. Having a nice little romantic cabin in the forest, with log furniture, fireplace.. and going there for the weekends.

Ok.. I'm drifting away. Need to get back to reality and graduate first. Argh...

Vrooom Vrooom

2011-03-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

What kind of car do you like driving? I miss my stick shift/manual car back home in Malaysia. Correction, even if I do go back to Malaysia, I can't drive it anymore because my parents sold my precious first manual car.

*sob* I miss it!

I love having the feeling of being able to hold the steering wheel with one hand, and having the other hand change gears. Or the feel of listening to the engine and knowing when to change gears. The only thing that suck is of course while you're stuck in traffic but when you're racing down a freeway.. sigh.. the exhilaration.

I don't think driving a zero turn mower would have the same feeling either. Its probably battery operated or something. Or uses automatic gear shift like a auto car.

Boring!

Messy Wallet

2011-03-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Argh.. wallet these days seriously need to be much bigger. Or shops need to find a better way to give out discounts or maintain customer's loyalty.

I'm so tired of keeping reward cards from 20 thousand different groceries stores, departmental stores and boutiques. Not to mention movie theaters, restaurants, and even my favorite frozen yogurt places.

Seriously.. how can one ever keep track?

Though come to think of it, I think sooner or later, somebody is going to be able to a reward program where you will only need to show your smart little phone and voila! You can get discounts and collect stamps.

Maybe they even already have it.

Pretty Little Things

2011-03-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

I recently heard from a friend that if a man is going to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, the price range of the ring he should buy should be equivalent to about three months of his salary.

Have you heard of that before?

That was seriously the first time I heard that. Maybe its a culture only in the US. I thought that the guy would just buy the most suitable, precious little ring he can find.. but to actually say that it should be equivalent to three months of his salary? Hahaha.. that's a little too specific.

Girls and their jewelry. I don't know. I don't really go gaga over jewelry though at the same time, of course I don't mind wearing receiving pretty stuff once in a while.. Chamilia has pretty interesting stuff on their website. I don't like loud shiny jewelry.. rather I prefer unique soft pieces that one has to look closely to appreciate its beauty.

Germy Hands

2011-03-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

I remember reading somewhere that hand dryers are a nesting of germs! You know those hand dryers in the public toilets that are there just for people to dry their hands? I used to quite like using them because its fun just leaving your hands there to dry.

Though as I grew older, I started to not see the point of hand dryers because you have to put your hands under that thing for quite some time till it dries completely.

I would seriously rather use a paper towel instead.

And now that I read it is full of germ, because of its nice comfy temperature.. I have stayed far far away from it.

Short Cute Guys

2011-03-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Guys.. Its really an interesting thing. I'm quite a relatively short girl but you know.. because I'm a girl, I don't really feel pressured to have the need to be tall. But for guys.. its a different thing huh.

I know my brother tends to be a little self-conscious when it comes to his height. Though as a sister, I try to tell him that it is all right. When the right girl comes along, she wont mind if you're short or tall. Though unfortunately I have talked to some girls too and they always say they wont be able to date a guy who is shorter than them.

Some guys, those who are shorter I mean, tend to like to be more muscular (like consuming creatine) if they're on the shorter side.

Me? I used to kinda think my guy should be taller than me too. But I think.. when you really like someone.. nothing else matters.

Hmm... Haha..

Courage

2011-03-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

The courage not to bow to pressure, the courage to stand alone, the courage to maintain one's determination, the courage to look deep into one's heart and confront one's own cowardice and arrogance, the courage to challenge difficulties - those who possess this kind of courage are true victors.

-Daisaku Ikeda, World Tribune Feb 11th, 2011-

2011-03-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

A girl doesn’t need to tell you straight up how she feels, it’s written all over her eyes. If you can see how she feels without her telling you, then you definitely deserve her heart.

Interesting.. I wonder how true this statement is?

The idea of love

2011-03-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Love or relationship. Haha.. Yeah. I can't really talk about this word without having a weird feeling anymore. I don't exactly feel any negative feelings towards it, but its definitely not what I thought of it when I was still in high school.

Love changes a person. It really does. You are suddenly exposed to this intense feeling of wanting to do anything and be anyone the other person wants you to be. Suddenly, nothing else or no one else matters except that person. And you know you can sacrifice your entire being just for that one person.

You're not you anymore, or you own self doesn't matter anymore. What matters is the happiness of that person. And you feel like you can't live without the person.

And suddenly you lose that person.

Haha.. I don't know where I'm going with this but yeah.. I can see why people are so desperate for love and going to free online dating sites to look for love. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. But.. I think.. I don't know.

We don't need fickle, idealistic, temporary, just for the fun of it love. What we need is meaningful ones. What that means, I'm still finding out.

Playing Pool

2011-03-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

My school dorm used to have a pool table but it broke a few years ago. Its so sad.. I miss playing pool. Its funny but I always feel that is a boy's game but at the same time, I kinda feel strong being able to play it too. Haha..

Not that I'm good at it. I have my phrases. Sometimes I'm so-so, sometimes I'm really bad.

Wonder where we can get billiard supplies so we can start playing pool in the dorms again..

Childhood Injuries

2011-03-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I always remember seeing my friends coming to school with a purple toe, knee braces, neck braces, you named it, they have it. It always scares me and those injuries will always be filled with scary stories behind it.

I always waited for the day when it would also be my turn where I would sprained my ankle or break my arm. But *touch wood* it never happen.

I'm not sure if that was a good thing or not. Did I have a boring, uneventful childhood? Yeah.. Injuries and sickness scares me.

Gold gold gold!

2011-03-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

My mum has friends who buy gold online. I'm not sure what was the reason but it was for investment purposes or something to that extend. She tried explaining it to me but I had no clue what she was trying to say.

Can you imagine have gold nuggets or gold bar in your house? I wouldn't be able to sleep at night!

Seriously..

People keep thinking of ways to make it rich. Sigh.. the greed of mankind.

Computer Dinasaur

2011-03-19T20:07:00.001-07:00

I am such a dinosaur when it comes to computers. Argh.. seriously. I don't know whether it is really because I'm a girl and girls' brains are supposed to be wired differently and suck at understanding computers or..

I mean I know that's a wrong assumption and I have plenty of girlfriends who are great in computers and everything relating to it but.. I just am terrible at it. Blargh..

What scanning software? Why do I need a software to scan? Or why do I need to install a driver when I connect the printer to my laptop?

I don't understand. Have to make sure I find a guy that's great with computers. But he might be good at it for different reasons. Em...

Growing Pains

2011-03-19T20:06:00.003-07:00

My dad told me that children will never learn how to be independent until they really experience life struggles especially being financially independent.

Till then.. life is just a bed of roses for them.

I do agree actually. Children will not really learn how hard life is until their parents really entirely stop supporting them.

There's so many things to take into account of when one is living on your own. You can't imagine how many things our parents have done for us. Phone bills, electricity bills, tax forms, credit card bills.. etc etc.

It is also not easy to find reliable and trustworthy information about life insurance because you never know when the company just wants to earn your money and run, or if they truly want you to be a life long customer.

Same goes for everything I guess. Sigh.. growing up is hard.

High School Friends moving on

2011-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Facebook is so depressing sometimes. I already have friends who are deleting their accounts because they can't stand going onto facebook anymore.

I mean I know its a distraction and everything and it stops you from doing homework and stuff, but it can be seriously depressing at times.

People posting pictures about partying with friends, going to exotic travels with their boyfriends/girlfriends, being engaged..

I have to start preparing wedding gifts for my high school friends.. what the?!

Seriously.. more and more of my friends are getting engaged, marrying, and even having babies. I'm certainly happy the way I am right now, still studying, but sometimes it can be quite overwhelming.

But facebook is a great venue to catch up with old friends and keep in touch. There just need to be a balance.

Birthday flowers

2011-03-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

My birthday just came and past. A good friend of mine gave me a pretty bouquet of flowers. A bouquet of iris.. Maybe she got the Proflowers radio or TV code from the website

I never seen iris before and it was certainly a wonderful surprise. I loved it. Having flowers in your room certainly brightens up the room though it sucks when the flowers die. I always don't know what to do with the flowers after they die. I know they can be dried and made into potpourri but.. I know one can do that with roses but with other flowers?

And it just seemed so much work.

I never loved receiving flowers because sometimes I think its just a waste of money. Though I know an occasional splurge is exciting.

Neither here nor there

2011-03-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Another 2 and a half months still graduation. That's around 60 over days? Plus minus?

Argh.. I don't know what to do with my stuff. Or should I even buy more stuff. Toilet paper is slowly running out but since I'm staying by myself, I can't possibly buy a packet of toilet roll that comes in 12 because I will definitely not finish it.

And the green cleaning supplies. What should I do with them? My dishwasher is about to run out. Should I go buy a new one? Or should I just take my friend's?

Argh.. time...

Shopping therapy

2011-03-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Forever 21 just had a interesting promotion yesterday. If you buy stuff from their website, 100% of their profits would go to the Japan relief fund.

I ended up buying around $100 dollars worth of clothes. *sob* Jackets, cardigans, dresses...

I think the season right now is all about flowers and lace. Reminds me of the Victorian era and its fashion. Where men would wear breeches, have wigs on their head...

And women will have their big flowery dresses. So pretty. =)

Ah.. shopping therapy is expensive! Help!

2011-03-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the background look familiar?

Don't you think so?

2011-03-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

The story of my life..

But how do you know the difference?

2011-03-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

Ahhh... reminds me of Paris...!

They're sooo pretty aren't they? Not the most delicious stuff in the world but sooo pretty to look at! <3!

2011-03-15T16:31:00.001-07:00

“Sometimes, the person who tries to keep everyone happy is always the most lonely person, so never leave them alone because they will never say that they need you when they really do.”

2011-03-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes..

but it is the sad things that make you strong and grow. Not to let go, but to move past and over it.

Options after Graduation

2011-03-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

Seniors are graduating soon! Everyone around is panicking deciding what they should do after graduation. Its scary I tell you.. going out into the real world not knowing what you should do.

Boooo...

There are few paths one can take after graduation.

One is to go to graduate school, or further one's education. That's what I'm planning to do. Go to law school. not sure if its a good choice or not but yeah.. wish me luck.

The second is of course to find a job. Whatever job. Be it teaching English in another country, management jobs, working in Target.. anything. Just make sure you get paid and we'll go from there.

The third option, which people are taking more and more these days because of the bad economy is to go home and think about what you want to do with you life. It sounds funny and totally sad but its really not a bad thing. You're so burn out with all the academic work that you have been doing for the past 4 years that you just want to spend the next few months staying home, reading books and slowly finding what you should do next!

Which option are you taking?

Foreclosures

2011-03-12T16:56:00.001-08:00

Wow.. have you ever thought what banks do with the houses that they repossess when a person is declared bankrupt?

Did you know you can actually buy those houses as is?

Outer Banks foreclosures are basically what they call these properties. The bank takes the property when people cannot afford to continue paying for loans, and sell it out to the market.

I wonder if these properties are cheaper than normal market price. Probably not.

Urgh.. sounds scary. Having the bank take your property away.

After life

2011-03-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

The episode on Modern Family this week was pretty funny. If you're not sure what this show is about, you should definitely check it out. Its basically about three "modern" families in the US. Its not really a typical American family that's why its interesting. One family is basically a gay couple racing a Vietnamese baby. The other is probably the most normal of them all which is a couple with three children. And the third family is an older white man, Jay, with his young super sexy and hot Colombian wife, Gloria.

This week, Jay was looking to make plans for what he should do if he passes away. He brought Gloria around to look for funeral homes and plan for his future funeral expenses. It was just funny to see how Gloria just wasn't prepared to be stuck in a drawer for the rest of her life.

Do you know what you want to do with yourself after you pass on?

Troublesome Money

2011-03-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Its the time of the year again. Yup.. April 15 is almost here and that means... tax time!!!

Argh.. Its so troublesome I tell you to have to pay taxes. I mean I know I know that the government needs money to be able to build roads and stuff but seriously.. how much of these money actually comes back to the people? Definitely not much if you're talking about M'sia with all the corruption and everything. >.<

But yeah.. payday advance loans and tax returns always make my day. Hope I get it soon this year!

Imaginary Dream House

2011-03-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

Playing Sims is actually the perfect way to play up one's creativity and design your own dream house. I know people always think that its just a stupid computer game and my mum never understands it when I spent hours and hours on that game but seriously.. you can learn a lot from that game! =)

You can design your own house, build it literally from the base, decide how many rooms you want, design your own wallpapers, carpeting, even decide what kind of furniture you want in your house. From having a naughty love bed, to plasma tv mounts, to hot tubs.. everything!

Well.. if you can't have the real thing, the other best way is through the visual imagination right?

DIY House

2011-03-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

I seem to be writing a lot about homes these days. Haha.. Seriously though, there are a lot of decisions surrounding having your first home. Especially if one was to build the house from scratch.

Americans seem to like that. Building your own house. A DIY house. Haha... Can't imagine people in Malaysia doing that. I mean you could.. buy your own piece of land and build it from scratch. The only difference is that you'll probably be a millionaire and you'll hire your own contractor.

What kind of glass mosaic tile would you use? I really dislike green so probably something white or blue would be nice. Or dark gray. Like those shining dark tiles. Oooh..

Haha.. yeah. I still have for quite some time till I get my own place...

Chilling out in the Ocean

2011-03-12T16:25:00.001-08:00

What is your ideal holiday?

My current dream holiday I think, besides going to various countries, is to go on a cruise. Doesn't matter where the cruise is going, whether it is Asia cruise, a cruise going to Alaska (though that would be pretty awesome), or a cruise just chilling out in the Pacific Ocean.

I just want to be in the middle of the ocean, not having anything else around me.. just meters and meters of nothingness and just bask in the sunlight.

.... nice...

Electronic Blankets

2011-03-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

When I was studying abroad in Japan during the fall, you know what I really wanted to invest on? A heated blanket!

Seriously! Those electrical heated blankets were something that I really really wanted to buy but ended up not getting it in the end. First, it was too expensive. And second, I knew I was not going to use it back in California so no point buying one to only use it for a few months.

But come to think of it, the idea of using a heated blanket was kinda scary too. What if you get electrocuted in the middle of you sleep?

Haha.. but in the freezing cold weather of Tokyo.. sigh.. it would definitely be useful.

Weird Sink

2011-03-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Malaysian homes probably have something like that but I never came across one till I came to the US.

What am I talking about?

You know those weird things in the sink, those that you can find at insinkerator, where you can throw any food waste inside, turn on the switch, and voila! The knife inside will cut up everything and dispose it into the trash!

Super cool I tell you. Never came across one before at all when I was in Malaysia. Haha... I know I know.. Malaysia is not that backwards but I did come from a not so rich family so..

Future home

2011-03-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

What kind of house do you envision your future home to be?

I always dream that the interior of my home to be colorful, cosy, with lots of cushions and rose wood. I don't really like glass themed homes like we sometimes see on modern glossy magazines. But I like those that ya know, one can imagine situated in a small cottage in the middle of Windermere for example.

Haha.. Not sure about my home office though. What kind of modern office furniture would I like? A big nice cherry wood desk. Nice pluffy leader chair. Apple computer.

Haha.. yeah..

High School Name Tags

2011-03-12T12:14:00.001-08:00

Asian education, or more specifically Malaysian education can be so alien and foreign to Americans. There are so many instances where I thought that it was a totally normal thing to have while I was in elementary or secondary school and when I said it out loud to my friends, they always look at me with puzzled eyes.

One of it is the usage of name tags. I know my fellow Malaysian imaginary readers would totally remember this. We had to wear name tags on our school uniforms while we were in high school. I remember for the first few years you only need to clip it on, but after that, the school made a new rule that you had to sew your name tags on to the school uniforms!!!

I think the idea behind it was that they didn't want us to not go home after school. If we had our school uniforms with name tags on, it was easier to for "adults" to catch us and take our names down if we were in cyber cafes or malls.

Aih.. those were the days. Haha..

A Move

2011-03-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

When you first move into a new city, there is so many things you need to learn and get accustomed to. Where are the nearest most convenient groceries stores. How to get a car as fast as possible. Where is the nearest, most trustworthy mechanic shop, etc etc. And most importantly, you need healthcare listings of the city/town you're living in. You need all their address, and contact number so you know who to contact when there's an emergency.

I'm nervous about moving. Like super nervous. I don't even know where I'm going to go. But we'll see.

Rise

2011-03-05T10:41:00.000-08:00