double the devastation, triple the strength

This was by far the scariest picture I've ever seen. Reports from witnesses in the 2006 tsunami claimed that the waves were almost 10 stories' high or as high as coconut trees. I never thought it was that severe. Because I thought that due to the circumstances they were forced under, they might unintentionally exaggerate what they saw. But now, I truly believe them. I apologize for my assumptions before this.

And I thank God Malaysia has yet to experience such kinds of natural disasters.

However protected Malaysia is now, somehow, there is something in me that believes Malaysia will not be excluded from these occurrences. It's not that I'm being pessimistic or damning it, but I simply can't deny there is possibility of it happening here. And when it really does happen, we will not be ready. If you come to think of it, we had never had any drilling or 'lessons' that teach us what to do and what not to do and how to survive when such natural disasters strike.

When things like that happen, we empathize and lend a hand to those who are affected. Effortlessly, we also tend to say "I know how you feel...", comforting words like that. But do we really understand how they feel?

I don't think we truly do. 

There's an urge somewhere within me that wants to be there and helps these people. Even though we need not lose someone dear to us to know what they are going through, but being there physically and living through the aftermath emotionally is more than enough.

Why am I sounding like this? I have no idea.

I pray for them who are affected even in the least bit to be given the strength to pick up these broken pieces of their lives and patch them up and move on tougher and stronger than they had been. God bless them.

say a little prayer

Barely a week's left before my semester 3 begins. In fact, there's only 4 day to go to be exact. Almost 2 months of holiday for me and I guess it was fruitful after all.

1. Trip to Penang

2. Had a 180 degree makeover to my hair, which I very much prefer my previous one with my bare forehead. Gosh, I miss that look. 

3. Read a few novels; 2 of which are from one of my favourite author, Nora Roberts aka JD Robb. And also The Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam, highly recommended. The beauty in his writing is just breathtaking. 

4. Finished watching the complete drama series of Full House. =)

Well, other than that, I think I failed to make it a habit of going brisk walking in the evenings. I just did not stick to the promise I made to myself. Sigh. 

Oh, and 5. I finally shopped for some clothes! ;P

Time seems to pass by so quickly you hardly realize it. You know how people always say, "It seems just like yesterday that...". I guess it makes sense after all. It seems just like yesterday that we finished our semester 2 finals. It doesn't seem like it's already a year ago that we went back to school for our SPM results. Some of us are already in their degree years. And us, just a few months more before we embark on that journey. A whole new experience, much more different than what we are going through now I believe.

And when you have so much time that you have no idea what to do with it, it starts to bother you about doubts and questions and insecurities or maybe fear of the future and what would happen. What is it that will unfold right in front of eyes?

I guess I've been in a dilemma ever since I've realized my interest has taken a different toll on me. Maybe this is where people would say circumstances force people to grow up. But how am I to do so without so much an advice as "Follow your interest."? And maybe that's why sometimes it occurs to me that humans have been laid out too many options and choices for them that it actually makes it even harder for them to decide on only one.

Sometimes, maybe more than that, I wonder why in the world did I insist on doing communications. Why in the world did I not pursue in science field as most of my friends do. Perhaps A-levels or something? I thought I would not have any regrets doing so because I was so sure of what I wanted to be that perhaps I'd actually sealed off all other doors available to me. 

It actually saddens me that I'm no longer gonna do maths and it frustrates me even more so that I might even forget how to work the solution out or forget about the formulas that were so deeply rooted in my memory I would have no difficulty recalling them. I loved maths. I still do. Perhaps that's why it affects me so much.

And now, I'm in a crossroad. Each route that I would take has entirely different expectations and experiences. Each would have different ups and downs. Each has its own attraction that tempts me so much into returning their favour. 

But it is the deciding part that poses a major problem for me right now.

Questions, questions and more questions. They will just remain unanswered.

I used to assure myself that I should not regret for the choices I made but it is the choices that I did not make or choose not to make that makes them regrettable. 

Perhaps, all we need sometimes is a little breather. 

just like summertime all over again

FINALLY, No Strings Attached.

FINALLY, we watched a romance movie. Good. 

How long have I been whining and begging desperately to watch this movie? Gosh, since before I left for Penang! Like, seriously.

First time watching a movie in KLCC. First time tasting KLCC TGV's popcorn, which is really nice by the way. First time having bumped into someone so close and almost getting a heart attack myself. First time strolling in the park under such hot weather just for the attempt to walk down memory lane. First time being so so so tired after a day out. Jeez, I can't believe I actually had 4 hours of nap and I still couldn't pull myself outta bed and just wanted to sleep through till the next morning. 

If not for the annoying flu I was having, I'm damn sure it would be such a great time watching this! Urgh, I just dislike it so much that I'm down with flu when I'm having a day out, you know! 




Synopsis: In this comedy, Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) are life-long friends who almost ruin everything by having sex one morning. In order to protect their friendship, they make a pact to keep their relationship strictly "no strings attached." "No strings" means no jealousy, no expectations, no fighting, no flowers, no baby voices. It means they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, in whatever public place they want, as long as they don't fall in love. The questions become - Can you have sex without love getting in the way? And can their friendship survive?




Sex friends? Uh-uh. With no strings attached? No commitment? No feelings getting in the way? Is that even possible??


To someone, note that : ' "No strings" means no jealousy, no expectations, no fighting, no flowers, no baby voices.'


It was a great day, though super super tiring, but like I said, every minute spent was worth it. Just, please please please, no more heart attacks next time. <3




Next movie, Grave Encounters and Rango! I hope so. Johnny Depp's in it! I mean, his voice. ;P I freaking love Johnny Depp! He's freaking awesome. =D


And one thing, I realized I eat sooo much when I have an outing with you that I feel guilty about it after that. Gosh!




Let's have another day out some time again! =)

sanctum's labyrinths

James Cameron did a terrific job with Sanctum. 

Just by looking at the poster, I thought it was some kinda underwater expedition gone wrong not because of natural disasters but of deep sea creatures or something. Luckily I watched the trailer first before we went to buy the tickets.







Synopsis:  The 3D epic underwater adventure Sanctum, from three-time Academy Award®-winning executive producer JAMES CAMERON (Avatar, Titanic), follows a team of underwater cave divers on a treacherous expedition to the largest, most beautiful and least accessible cave system on Earth. When a tropical storm forces them deep into the caverns, they must fight raging water, deadly terrain and creeping panic as they search for an unknown escape route to the sea. Master diver Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh) has explored the South Pacific's Esa'ala caves for months. But when his exit is cut off in a flash flood, Frank's key team-including 17-year-old son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) and financier Carl Hurley (Ioan Gruffudd) -is forced to radically alter plans. With dwindling supplies, the crew-including Carl's girlfriend, Victoria (Alice Parkinson), and Crazy George (Dan Wyllie) -must navigate an underwater labyrinth to make it out. Soon, they are confronted with the unavoidable question: Can they survive, or will they be trapped forever?

(Source: Golden Screen Cinemas)




So basically, the movie is about an expedition in a really huge cave which consists of an underground labyrinth that eventually leads to the ocean. But when the storm came on one fine day, it made matters worse. It shut their only way out. Water came flooding into the cavern and to survive, they have to follow the river which flows into the ocean. And during that entire route to survival, tension built up and lives were taken by the raging water. Would there be any survivors? 




Go watch it, dude. ;P




The 2 hours spent were totally worth it. Like my mum said, it had been exciting from the beginning till the end. Thank God it's not another Avatar movie. ;P 


But really, I seldom rate a movie as good unless it really takes my breath away. And this, it did. Full of suspense and at some point, I just wanted it to end quickly because I wanted them to survive the whole treacherous adventure.


James Cameron is awesome!




So is Sanctum! 




=)

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Please sign the petition people! Support GA to the max! =D

because imaginations complement reality

So that day, I sat staring at a wedding photo and I started wondering. Wondering about all the possibilities which could happen, or not. But I definitely hope it will. Wondering what if I were the bride and...the groom. =]

It's actually a wonder to me, really. I never had thoughts about all these before. Not before, us. Hmm, of course I think too much. It's not a maybe, it's a definitely statement. In fact, I think wayy too much sometimes. Or maybe all the times. ;P

I bet it would be great. =)

stereotypical creatures

Right, be prepared.

The thing is, just because I'm now studying at Taylor's University which also happens to be one of the most expensive universities in Malaysia now, doesn't mean that I am a wealthy and spoilt little brat or princess.

Sometimes I'm so sick of dealing with people's remarks of, "Taylor's? Oh, rich girl." Dude, get over it okay? Well to be perfectly honest, I never even thought of even enrolling and studying at Taylor's. To be exact, I did not even want to! You know why? Because of the difference in family background or status if that's what you want to call it. Yeah, insecurity. Insecure of being left out, insecure of being the outcast or the odd one in the course, insecure of meeting people who really are from that kinda wealthy family and can spend money like nobody's business.

There's something in this world called scholarship. And I'm not bragging about it that I've managed to get a scholarship to study at Taylor's but all I'm saying is that I'm funded, thank God, which also means my family can't afford to let me study in such institutions which make it seem like money is the solution to everything. Like, really every single thing on earth! Even your education.

Sometimes it crossed my mind with the what-ifs. What if I had not come to Taylor's? What if I had enrolled in another institution which will definitely be cheaper? Because I am not the girl who has everything and anything. Not that I need to be one anyway. I am happy with how I am right now and praise God for that. Because sometimes, I just want to prove people wrong and show them what I am capable of even if I am not from a rich family.

Conclusion is what the introduction was.

Just because I'm studying at Taylor's, that doesn't mean that I am a rich girl. Please, stop it.

If you want to joke, fine. Once a while is acceptable. But not every single time you see me and just incessantly thinks of me that way. If the roles are reversed, would you be happy for people to think of you that way and to speak of you like that? No right? But if you really are, then I have nothing to say to that.

Yes, I was ranting. I am ranting. And enough of ranting already. Thanks. Jeez!

just a speck of dust on the earth

Can the younger generation be any worse? Hmm, I bet it can, and it definitely will if this sort of mentality continues on. Such corrupted mindset. Not that I'm not a teenager or what, I admit that I am one and I am proud to be one because I do not commit such unscrupulous acts with zero compassion and sympathy at all.


Are they even proud of what they did? Proud enough to record it and worse still uploading it to Youtube for the world to admire your guts for it?


Just yesterday, I watched a video about a guy, probably a teenage guy as well, abusing and finally killing a kitten. Seriously, after watching this, it's not much difference between these people. Picking on defenseless lives? Shame on you, really.


Do not do onto people what you would not want them to do onto you. Give it a serious thought before you even think of committing such merciless and cold acts. 


And really, there is nothing funny about bullying an old man even though he is just a beggar which in your case, do not regard him as anything or is just a waste of time and branding your 'peace' sign. There is nothing that is worth your 'peace' sign.

the painful story beneath the surface

As I was waiting for Sis Yem to pick me up, I witnessed this old lady cycling this particular bike, park it where it was as above, removed her outer wear and headed straight into CIMB. She looked so independent and strong and tough for someone her age. And capable of doing these still. But then, as I watched her clean up the place in the bank and picking up balls of thrown papers and chucking them into a plastic bag, I started having this feeling in me. It's not something that I can explain. I feel sad for her, I started wondering about the questions that probably I would never have the answers. Where are her children? Why was she doing this job? Why did she even have to do it? Why is she alone? Why is she not at home or at coffee shops sipping black coffee and catching up with other old folks or even at home or friend's house playing mahjong? 

Don't you feel sad for her? Maybe not. Maybe you have to witness it yourself to feel how I actually felt. Maybe it was heartache? Maybe it was empathy? Or perhaps sympathy? I want to help her so much. I am curious about the story behind all the strength she had portrayed. I want to know why there are so many old folks who still have to come out into the society and work so hard to support their family when I'm sure most of them have already had their children or perhaps even grandchildren. 

Maybe all I wanted was to help lift their burden.

Perhaps that's the reason why my eyes have gone damp at the sight of her doing all the hard work.

God bless her. =)

nothing felt better than returning to your waiting embrace

And for all the fun I had exploring the island, it finally came to the last day before heading home to KL.

We took the ferry across the sea over to the mainland. And for the journey back to the island, I was left alone for it. The ferry was, not bad I guess. But the journey was a blast! Yes, like the wind blasting on your face and making your hair fly all over the place. ;P

I saw jellyfishies in the water! First time ever! =D

That's how a Penang ferry looks like. Seems kinda rundown and not that classy right? Hmm, yeah, it crossed my mind too. ;P

While nearing the mainland. I guess these are fishing boats? Or maybe not. I would love to pay a visit to the fishing areas or the shoreline where the fishing boats are docked. =D Maybe become a fishergirl for a day! ;P

Look what has FICM done to me! *gasp*

Sometimes I wish KL still retains its historical buildings such as these. It would no doubt look beautiful in this concrete jungle.

Too bad I wasn't allowed to go in since it was guarded. And hence all I could do was just snap this Star Cruise from afar. But it still looked that massive!

Reminds me of Titanic now. ;D

Let's watch it again? Pretty pleaseeeee? =D

When I spotted this building from afar, I so wanted to take a picture of it. It made me feel like I was in London. ;P I have no idea why!

How come they have such beautiful buildings and KL doesn't have one??? =((

Mister, I know how to read this lo! ;P

Classic! Super classic! =D

Char Kuey Teow and Cendol again at the same shop! =D Because I was desperately craving for Char Kuey Teow that day and so I've gotten it!

That's the shop. And the stall at the right corner was the Char Kuey Teow's stall.

And this famous Cendol stall. See how packed it was?

I immediately fell in love with this building the first time I saw it. Ancient looking huh? ;D

At 1st Avenue. Wait, that's the name for it right? *scratches head*

And finally, it came the time to leave Penang. Strangely, I wasn't that sad or anything. Not even eager to get home yet.

And the Penang bridge! I've always wanted to take a closer snap at it. =D

And there were 2 accidents we saw on our journey home. I took a picture for the second accident and since we were on a double decker bus and coincidentally I was sitting at the front seat, a cop or whoever that was, manning the traffic was sorta glaring at me when I snapped the scene. And it was nearing night time already and the sky was turning dark and so my camera had the flash ON! *guilt creeping in*

There, the second accident. =(

We reached KL about 8+ and I tell you, when I saw KLCC from afar, I was never so glad to be back in KL again! And having a message from someone welcoming you home was the best feeling ever! <3

Oh, and the souvenirs! =)

4 days and 3 nights. That was more than I could ask for. Thank you so much! <3 

=)

the big blue sky and the green green grass

Third day was the touring-around-Penang day. Or so it was called. But it wasn't how as I had thought so anyway. It was good nonetheless. =)

Penang's Lobak! Yummy! It's tasty for sure. =D

When I said the tour was good, it was mostly because I finally made it to the beach. Batu Ferringhi! I love beaches! =D It's just too bad I don't get to swim in the water and perhaps pick up some sea shells. =) But I'll definitely do it some other time, maybe in other beaches? =D

;P

At long last I got to feel the salt water. It was nice. =)

Definitely was. =DD

<3 to you. =)

Merely admiring the beauty and grandeur in Rasa Sayang hotel's washroom. ;P

Then headed to the Tropical Spice Garden. 

I like the boat. It looks somewhat like a gondola. ;D

And the dam. Teluk Bahang I think the name is. I'm bad with new names. My apologies. ;P

And had our Asam Laksa in Balik Pulau if not mistaken. ;P This was scrumptious. *drooling* It was far from being purely sour as I thought it would be. Balanced, I would say. And the soup was superb! I crave for more. =D

And right after our Asam Laksa, we settled for durians just outside that shop. How awesome were we! HAHA

Awesome awesome awesome! ;D