musings of a dreamer

RIP

2012-01-16T20:11:00.000+08:00

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent - Marilyn Vos Savant

Woke up after 5 hours of sleep ( which is a lot comparatively ) , got to the lab, set up the experiment, risked frostbite and oxygen-displacement-induced suffocation and 6 hours later came the dreaded call to collect the remains of the sample. " Operation terminated " callously marked the cause of demise. It's been a week of sleepless nights, late dates, bonding and tough love, but as with all passionate affairs, this ended with a fizzle and black ash.

It's been a good run sweetheart, but some things just aren't meant to be. If fate allows, you'll bring me more joy, but Monday's simply not your day.

Gah, did I just write an obituary for my lab sample ? I need to get out more ... but I'm hitting "Enter" either way. Thank you for reading. Here goes !

*click

Succinct

2012-01-15T15:42:00.000+08:00

I'm nowhere near to being a religious nut and I have an intolerance for fanatics, but I think this just sums it all. :) No wonder the video's gone viral.

iBilik - Sublets Master !

2012-01-15T15:37:00.000+08:00

Dragon dances, cherry blossoms and an over indulgence in snacks and goodies marks the end of a year in the chinese calender and the festive welcoming of a brand new year. It also marks the busiest time of the year as people journey back to their home towns to visit and spend quality time catching up with friends and family. The smell of cookies in the air, the crackle of firewords and the excited chatter or kin fill the air with a sense of celebration and jovialty.

This year’s been a pretty hectic one for me and it is with a pretty heavy heart that I have to stay back in my lab and put in extra hours to catch up with work. The good news is that my mum’s coming up and spending a glorious week with me here. It’s going to be so much fun driving her around the city, partaking of the many wonders and delicacies that KL has to offer.

I’ve been looking around for a room for the both of us to lodge in during her short stay here. Thankfully, someone told me about iBilik, which is a wonderful online service to help in locating rooms for rent and places to stay either for a short term or long term basis. The site’s really easy to navigate around and I’m pretty thankful that it’s helped me narrow down available places to lodge in and various other sublets available around the city. Travelling around the city is going to be so much more convenient now that we’ve found an easy place that’s a stone’s throw away from the major attractions.

Life hasn’t been all work and no play. For the first time in a long while, a close friend of mine’s coming here to visit from Shanghai, so we’ve got a whole host of activities and fun planned out. It’s a good thing that I stumbled upon this website since it’s helped heaps in smoothing out our travel plans as we plan to visit other states as well. Searching for hotels during this peak season was no mean feat so it’s been a blessing and a great help. Suffice to say, I’ll be welcoming the dragon year playing tourist around the major attractions of the city, indulging in way too much good food and warm times. For the first time since I was a little kid, I’m terribly looking forward to this season of fun and festivities.

A day

2012-01-06T16:49:00.000+08:00

Research is horribly repetitive, and when it's not, you hit brick wall after brick wall so you spend time doing more repetitive work in order to scale those walls. That is, unless you hit an epiphany ( " oh hey ! I could just devise a machine and fly over those walls ! " ) but most of the time you'll either be digging under, or climbing brick by painful brick all the way to the top and then vertigo hits. But I digress.

I'm here because of today's sleep-inducing mind boggling reading.

For example, the grand canonical free energy is :

and seeing that the mean number of free particles satisfies :

the fractional occupation being :

and the characteristic scale of pressure is :

*Mental brakes screeching* Excuse me, but what LANGUAGE is this ?? Google translate doesn't seem to be able to help. Aide-moi, mon dieu !!

genius language credit

Spine

2012-01-02T15:13:00.000+08:00

So the 'old' year faded out and the new year dropped in and decided to stay for some time, so I guess it's that time again for people to start scrambling around for resolutions and wondrous sounding, positive looking promises they make to the person in the mirror.

This year I'm not going to grow a backbone. No. I'm going to use mine because today my life begins, thank you very much.

*flying kisses mwah !

In the blink of an eye

2011-12-30T00:08:00.000+08:00

It's the eve of the eve of New Year's eve. If I could clip off the wings of time to slow it down, I might not know what to do with all that excess time on my hands so mayhaps I should really leave things as they are and strive for a better year ahead.

Lots have happened in the past year, sometimes it's hard to believe it's only been a year, because sometimes it feels as if a whole decade has passed, the way I feel.

Some time back someone told me that he wished he could be 23 again. 23 again. I guess I really am at the cusp of adulthood. Maybe I really can reach out, stretch a little and aim for the stars. Most of all, I need to stop planning, and start living.

I hope you all find your new year resolutions and keep to them this coming year. I'm not sure how many people still read this, so this account's for myself. One day in 2012, I might stumble upon this post, and draw some strength from the positive energy I feel today.

More coming, but here's a future toast to the future ! To brighter things , to a better year !

It's me who is my enemy,

Me who beat me up,

Me who makes the monsters,

Me who strips my confidence

- Paula Cole

*clinks glass

The junk of the past

2011-12-16T12:20:00.000+08:00

It's ridiculous how some people can gossip about other people behind their backs, effectively defaming someone's character and then a couple of months later you see them all buddied up and chummy together. It does give one the chills looking at displays such as these.

Yes, forgiveness is something that religion teaches, but carrying out an act to seek for deliberate forgiveness is a waste of time and just downright ridiculous.

Congratulations. I'm sure you'll head very far in the corporate world. You've got all it takes. Just don't blame anyone when you find yourself alone and miserable at the top. You reap what you sow.

I no longer want any part of your nonsense. Over, done with, next !

And no, I'm not talking about my personal relationship. There are lots of other things to worry about in life than boy-girl relationships. Just thought the lyrics of this song apt.

Latest Myvi Cars for Sale

2011-11-13T00:10:00.000+08:00

In the blink of an eye, the year is drawing to a close very very soon. It’s scary sometimes the way time seems to slip through one’s fingers. The year 2011 has brought with it lots of new and interesting discoveries and revelations. This might come a little premature, but summing it up, we’ve certainly been privy to a lot of advancements and milestones in technology. New products have been launched, the most interesting of late being the iPhone 4S.

Back here in Malaysia, the Myvi released a new, revamped version of its very popular predecessor. It’s a really cute and mighty car, if one may describe a car as ‘cute’. Over the years since it was first released, the Myvi gained popularity amongst young professionals and students alike. It is really the perfect first car if you’re looking for something that is easy to maintain and easy enough to handle for new drivers. The new Myvi model has now been given not only a body lift but also a 1.5 DVVT engine that purrs of better performance.

Over the past years, the Myvi has successfully established itself as a car that is not only easy on the eyes but also easy on the wallet as well owing to its impeccable fuel economy. To make things easier, if you’re on the lookout for a car, the internet is a great place to start, and with sites like http://www.carsifu.my/cars/perodua/myvi you get to narrow down on your choices and view all the available options from which to choose from. The site is easy to navigate around and is pretty user friendly even for someone who might not be very well versed in the language of cars. It truly is wonderful how we’re living in an era where we’re afforded the convenience of shopping, comparing prices and specs right from the comfort of our homes. Saves a lot of time, effort and gives you a much better deal in the long run, don’t you think ?

Subtraction

2011-11-07T13:39:00.000+08:00

She was 15, and had no idea how to subtract 145 from 2001.

Every time I spend time with these kids, I'm humbled. Humbled by how eager they are to learn, how patient they are with me when I muck up simple questions. Most times I come back in a concoction of small joys, humility, and a little pinch of guilt.

" WIll you be able to handle subtractions in your next test now ? "

*bright smile, gleeful nod

Perhaps these are my little rewards. I'm humbled that I have the opportunity to witness the disbelieving joy these children display when they 'get' simple concepts that I've taken so callously in the past. I may have sat her through hundreds of questions on subtraction, but these little experiences taught me how to subtract the negatives in life which in turn subtracts the power that negative thoughts could potentially have on me.

" For I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord. " Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future " - Jeremiah 29:11

Pic credits

Solitary

2011-11-05T22:27:00.000+08:00

There are some days that I don't really like human company all that much.
It's not the humans that are the problem.
Those are the days when comfort comes in the form of paper, ink, flipping pages, tea and good music. Those are the days like these.

Pic credit

Hello, old friend

2011-10-30T22:12:00.000+08:00

Was in the mood to read something highly intellectual the other day, ( and no, dear journals, I don't mean y-o-u ) I mean really, like Noddy in Toy Land, or Peter Rabbit ... What, are you challenging the intellect of a 5 year old now ? And of course no relaxation is complete sans the right soundtrack

Sometimes you stumble on an old long forgotten song, and you smile, the way you do when you unexpectedly meet an old chum and the years seem to melt away as you rekindle the sweet, sweet past.

I'm gonna be somebody,

One of these days I'm gonna break these chains,

I'm gonna be somebody someday,

You can bet your hard earned dollar I will ...

Yee-haw !

Last one

2011-10-17T15:26:00.000+08:00

I'm not a give-upper
But today I'm really really tired
of being 'strong'
of labels and expectations
and of feeling lonely in a crowd

Of hypocrites and rainbows

2011-09-29T14:48:00.001+08:00

I don't want to make this space of mine a section to rant and grumble, but it's been a tough few weeks and just when I'm about to burst at the seams, I see the faint beginnings of a rainbow.

Maybe this is a lesson for me to learn. A sort of 'toughening' to go through. And a reminder to be grateful regardless of the circumstances and know that He is God. I'm grateful for angels who'll stand by me and am deeply touched by their relentless support.

Thank the Lord for gem friends and sisters :)

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out - Walter Winchell

Are you looking for a room for rent ?

2011-09-29T12:12:00.000+08:00

If anything, the past week has taught me an invaluable lesson and it’s definitely one that’ll remain imprinted in my memory for years to come. I’d just terminated my rental contract, and was in the middle of transitioning from one place to the other when lo and behold, disaster struck. The new place is currently under renovation and will not be ready for at least another month. Right now, bunking and having ‘extended sleepovers’ with friends remains the only available option.

Living out of boxes and suitcases really isn’t all that fun so I sit here wishing that I had planned way ahead in advance of my move. Sites like http://www.ibilik.my are awesome for seeking out short term or temporary rooms for rent. The available rooms are categorized according to areas and postcode zones so it’s pretty easy for you to narrow down your selections to a relevant few. Easy site navigation lets you achieve your target in no time at all so your accommodation worries can be settled as soon as possible.

In fact, if you’re planning to go on vacation, you could go on iBilik and seek out potential rooms for rent. There are options for short term rentals in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, so you can smooth out the wrinkles in your vacation plans. This is also an awesome site to head to if you’re looking for a room when you’re relocating from one part of the city to another. Both tenants and prospective landlords now have a better way of advertising room vacancies and best of all, you get the flexibility to do all these without having to go to the actual site itself when you’re narrowing down possible options. Believe you me, the hassle of being stuck in a bottomless pit of desperation due to accommodation mix-ups will definitely dampen your mood and fresh enthusiasm.

This restless feeling

2011-08-22T21:22:00.000+08:00

I've spent the past few days, weeks in fact trying to shake off this restless recklessness within me. And then I read the papers, and there's nothing but unrest , disruption of peace, stifled freedom.

For now I thank the Lord for the people in my life.

The people who have cast little beams in my grey-blue skies.

And this song.

Greater things are yet to come

Greater things are yet to be done

In pursuit of

2011-08-01T13:48:00.000+08:00

Happiness

The word sits lightly on one's tongue, and leaves a smile with the final syllable. Yet it's something so elusive, often hard to attain and so fleeting when it deigns to delight one with its presence. Still we all strive to capture it, probably package it in see through bottles with pretty polka-dotted ribbons, at least my version looks like that ...

I've come to realize that really, happiness is all around us. It just depends on knowing where to look and what to see .. My little bottles are filled with :

Music. Country, rock n roll, gospel. Sing me a tune and I'll tap my feet.
Stories. Fiction, non-fiction. I'm a collector
Food. Gastronomic ecstasy
Awesome company. Late nights laughing till bellies ache
Love. Caring. Sharing
Stumbling upon Gratitude in the randomest things ...
And this song :

Well loved

2011-07-21T12:13:00.001+08:00

This is probably one of my favourite poems by E.E Cummings. Gone are the days when people were so vocal. Now this would be termed goosebump inducing , or too outspoken. I've learnt from having lost loved ones that love has to be expressed . It's not a secret to be kept only to be poured out when all is lost. But c'est la vie. *sigh*

i carry your heart with me
i carry it in my heart

i am never without it
anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling

i fear no fate
for you are my fate, my sweet
i want no world
for beautiful you are my world, my true

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
here is the root of the root
and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart
i carry it in my heart

Who am I

2011-07-14T02:09:00.000+08:00

Soul searching can be pretty illuminating. The search for who you are, what makes you you, the path to defining your passions, interests and the things that ignite the flame right inside you could get so treacherous. It's a perpetual cycle. One slips, one falls, but at the end of the day, you need to remember to pick yourself up, because you're stronger than you think.

My views on religion have always been pretty flexible. With all the horrid things that have been happening around the world, it's easy to blame other people. Before you know it, you're pointing fingers, discriminating, stereotyping.

I believe in the practice of religion, not the preaching of it.
I believe that religion is not a set of rules, or a ruler by which one measures others,
I believe religion is a wonderful relationship between man and a greater being,
I believe that every religion is wonderful in its own way, in teaching a greater good,
I believe that the practitioners of all religions are humans, and in so being are flawed,
I don't believe the teacher should be faulted for the misdemeanor of his students.

But after all , who am I ?

The folly

2011-07-12T13:42:00.000+08:00

The folly of being young :
You think you possess superhuman powers

Be in two places at the same time !
Make a difference !
Change the world !

And then you realize you need sleep, down time, and it all comes crashing down again

Ah, the joy of being young and silly

My wishes

2011-07-03T19:20:00.000+08:00

I hope we learn
that life is to be lived with laughter as a steady companion,
faith as a pillar of support and
joy as an ever present sun

I hope we grow
closer despite the seas between us

I hope we become
better with age,
and stronger with life's strives

I hope we respect
that differences are what made you you and
me me
and those are what we fell for in the first place

I hope we keep
the unity to scale the rocky mountains of life together

I hope we love
like little children -
unconditionally and unselfishly

I hope we never forget
that every second, every thought and
the tiniest actions count

I hope we aren't afraid
to face challenges head on and
be each other's lights in times of darkness.

Happy 5th, love ! We're a pre-schooler !!

xoxo
Jo

Where is the Love

2011-07-01T13:45:00.000+08:00

Learn to forgive what others have done to you
But forget not what others have done for you

People killing , people dying,
Children hurting you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek ?
Father Father Father
Send some guidance from above
Coz people got me got me questioning
Where is the love ?

Letter to self

2011-06-30T19:51:00.000+08:00

Somewhere out there, there's a child hungry and helpless
Somewhere out there, a baby's cries are drowned out by the heavy pelt of bullets
Somewhere out there, famine and tyranny reign the days and haunt the nights
Somewhere out there, a mother worries for her son in the line of duty
Somewhere out there, families struggle to pick up the remnants of life after devastating disasters

And here you are,
Self absorbed in your own selfish interests
Narrow sighted
Angry at insignificant smites
Giving power to the work of the devil
Letting immaturity strike a nerve

A child of God is way way better than that
It ends today
It ends this instant

And here's that slap of awakening :

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them " If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her " - John 8:7

Redirecting gazes

2011-06-28T09:54:00.000+08:00

The whole of last week was rocky and made me question way too many things. I admit I was discouraged, looking at how people who are supposedly Christians behave. But then I realized how terribly wrong I was to think that way.

The thing is , humans are flawed, I should know, for I'm one too. Only God is perfect. I need to remind myself that no matter how much someone has hurt me or caused me black, un-Christianly thoughts, I need to remember that through it all, the only constant remains to be the Holy One. Only He is blameless, flawless and the embodiment of perfection. And it was wrong of me to lose faith in Him simply because I made the folly of allowing the shadow of men to shade the greater light of heavenly grace.

I love this song. Especially this verse :

For every time I pray,
The mountains are removed,
The paths are made straight,
And nations turn to you.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yoursBut when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” - Mark 11:22-25

Burnt out

2011-06-22T00:49:00.001+08:00

I woke up today totally exhausted, which isn't the norm for me because 5 hours of sleep usually fuels me enough to pull through the day. And then it hit me that I've been going on for the past few weeks without a day of rest. Life's taken on a mundane cycle of reading ( for work, oh how I wish it was for pleasure ) , lab work, cooking , grocery shopping, writing, and more reading and writing after dinner right up till early dawn.

My only reprieve comes in the form of the 20 laps I push myself to swim in the pool. It's therapeutic, the calm, the silent lapping of water, the total silence when you're submerged in depths of nothing but water. It's that only time of day when I concentrate purely on breathing, two strokes , one breath, two strokes , one breath and nothing else. True liberation.

Right now I have lots of reading clamoring for attention , some stuff to write and life to sort out. I really don't know the point of writing this, maybe I need a whine. Too many things have disappointed me. Too many people have had their masks ripped off. I'm confused. The sad fact remains that the night's still young but I'm totally burnt out. Emotionally, physically.

The easiest thing to be in the world is you.

The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to.

Don't let them put you in that position

- Leo Buscaglia

The word papa

2011-06-19T02:47:00.000+08:00

A father
loves in ways that words alone cannot describe

A father
sorts things out when tides come crashing into plans and schedules

A father
gets sidelined at times because he's a quiet source of strength

A father
stays strong when our will to push on grows weak

A father
worries but maintains a calm demeanor for his children

A father
takes pride at the tiniest achievements

A father
navigates, leads, nurtures and guides

Shrewd businessman he may be ,
but he sacrifices for family without looking at expected returns

This is for my daddy, grandpa and everyone else ;
single mothers, guardians and caretakers who fit the description of a father ...

Happy Father's Day

You're MUCH loved !

Pic credits

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman, he turns her back again - Enid Bagnold

When words don't suffice

2011-06-17T11:23:00.001+08:00

I'm grateful to be part of an exciting generation

I'm thankful for winning family, and awesome friends,

But there's a little part that's made up of the roar of silence,

Distance,

Technology breaks it, but the truth is digital closeness doesn't come near the real thing.

Absence is to love as wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small and kindles the great. - Roger de Bussy-Rabutin

Inspirational billionaire

2011-06-14T12:40:00.000+08:00

When I grow up,
I'd like to be just like Bill Gates
*ignores fact that I've already 'grown up'
Not in terms of financial gains, now that would come in handy ..
but to never forget how important it is to remember others even though you may have reached the very pinnacle of life
and to remember the satisfaction to be gained when hard work , sweat and passion fuels the little dreams to transform into the huge realities of life.

Do read this .

Here's a teaser :

Love his nonchalance ..

Pic credits

All great people come from humble beginnings ..... =p

Fairy Tale

2011-06-11T23:57:00.000+08:00

He sent me this

So yea, I'm that easily moved
Ah well
=)

The Dark

2011-06-09T21:55:00.000+08:00

Almost a week ago I woke up in the middle of the night when I heard a loud thud followed by footsteps on my ceiling. This was rapidly followed by the unmistakable sound of someone trying to get into the house through the roof. Alone and afraid, all I had in the form of a weapon was a pair of scissors which I clutched in one hand whilst I prayed for help to arrive fast. It's been 6 days since and my life has taken on a new pattern. I struggle to fall asleep at night, and work harder to stay awake during the day. I'm truly exhausted, but restless. I now sleep with a knife under the bed , perfume sprays in lieu of pepper sprays and a thought out plan for combatting midnight villains. It's ridiculous really, but it sucks to not feel safe in one's own home.

Recurring nightmares

Half asleep, heart racing , I see phantom faces laced with malicious intent

Reality and imagination blur into a miasma of unease

The tiniest sound makes me jump

Relaxation eludes me as I struggle to fall back to sleep

The dark taunts and jeers as I battle for composure and fight for rest

The dark claims that little shred of security even as it shrouds me in exhaustion.

Tonight I need to believe that my Papa in heaven will grant me peace

Surely He who calms the storms and quietens the winds possesses the power to still my fears ..

For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever

Psalms 37 : 28

Shades

2011-06-09T10:05:00.003+08:00

You know that whole left cheek right cheek thing in the Bible ?
Easier said than done.
There's really a big difference between being nice and being a ratty used doormat.

At the end of the day
The world doesn't revolve around black and white rationalizations
We're all made from shades of grey ..

Pride and Practicality

2011-06-06T15:27:00.000+08:00

This article is sad only because it's so true

What I really don't get is this :

If you're marrying someone for money, stature or property,
How different are you from the women you scorn for standing on street corners soliciting business ?

All I know is I have two hands,
two feet
and the last time I checked my brain's still fully functioning.
Why then would I need someone to feed me, clothe me and provide a roof over my head when I can very well work for what I want ?
But then again, perhaps that's just me ..

Women who are overly dependent and duct tape clingy irritate me
I only wish they knew how far back they're setting the rights that women throughout the ages have been fighting so hard for.
Whilst we may not need those rights, or have taken them for granted,
there are people in other parts of the world who would so love to have that little inch of freedom to escape from prostitution, adolescent marriage and domestic violence.
But like I said, perhaps that's just me ..

I asked a Burmese why women, after centuries of following their men, now walk ahead. He said there are many unexploded land mines since the war. - Robert Mueller

Remember

2011-06-05T10:53:00.012+08:00

I wanted so badly to say yes.
Come home.
Come home and dispel this vague non-existence
But I'm not that kinda girl.

Remember
Remember strength
Remember resilience
Remember that something worth having never comes easy.

Pic credit

Letter to you

2011-06-03T23:31:00.000+08:00

Dear you,

It's been a while since I've heard from you. Remember those thrice a week phone calls ? Not a day passes when I wish I could pick up the phone and tell you the latest happenings in my life.

Life's been kind. In case you're wondering, I now cook. I still have a penchant for nasi lemak, and food I really shouldn't be risking my stomach with, but what's life if you don't choose to dance on the risky side once in a while eh. The other day I walked around the supermarket, and wanted so terribly to make that soup of yours. Now why didn't you make me learn how to ? :p

I'm grateful that when God was looking for someone to teach a little girl lessons in life from tying shoelaces to learning how to laugh and love, he gave me you.

" When people leave, they're still around. You see them in twinkling stars. You feel them in the cool breeze. If they're in your heart, they're never far, just a heartbeat away "

I miss you grandpa.

I hope you're looking down now. I hope you're proud.

Hugs and kisses,

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal

Wonky

2011-05-31T00:54:00.000+08:00

It's a sad realization that one person alone could make my emotions all wonky tonky....

Pic

Grim

2011-05-24T10:40:00.000+08:00

Some time back, I read Dominique Lapierre's City of Joy. I remember crying at parts, cringing at most , and generally felt uneasy reading the memoir of a foreigner in his adopted city. But like one does with seashells picked up from the shore, I was fascinated and mulled over some of what I read and tucked the rest at the back of my memory.

This report and this story brings it all back. There really are no words to describe how grim and evil the world can get. Whilst I may never understand the fear of living with abusive men, or of getting blasts and blows instead of hugs and kisses, I can only hope to remember how privileged I am to have an education and the ability to stand on my own two feet and fight back. And owning the precious knowledge that when all else fails, someone has got my back.

Oh, and by the way, it is the chromosome from men that determines the sex of a baby. When will they EVER get that ??!! Numbskulls.

If you don't change your mindset, it doesn't matter how advanced your technology progresses, or how rich your economy gets ... a barbarian will always be a barbarian. And turning a blind eye and a hardened heart makes us as privy of the crime as the perpetrators themselves.

Pic credits

I love this saying :

" Your life may be the only Bible some people read"

Great way to put being an exemplary child of God in context eh :)

Lethargy

2011-05-22T12:51:00.000+08:00

Pic credits

I know I have lots to be thankful for, but here's a confession :
Sometimes I'm just so tired of feelings
and the energy to nurture hopes and dreams just seeps out ...

I don't want to be a woman who needs a man.

I'll be a woman a man needs

Thank you

2011-05-18T23:33:00.001+08:00

So this post is purely for me. I'm not boasting or showing off. It's something I'm writing so that when the times get tough and the road ahead gets uncertain and challenging, I'll look back and remember what spurred me on to start this journey.

I got my full scholarship to do my PhD !!

It's amazing because I've dreamt of attending this university since I was 16, but things didn't work out that way, and for a while I walked around aimless, desolate and bitter. Early this year, I decided to take up an off chance opportunity on a fluke , and spent some time agonizing over whether it was the right decision. There were lots of times when I felt like giving up, but I just couldn't bear to throw the towel in just yet. And looking back now, God has always had a plan for me. =)

I thank the Lord for continually being my strength,

I'm grateful that He sent me awesome parents,

Supportive friends,

The little things that count

And for never forsaking me even when things were low and I was confused and hurt.

Weave in faith, and God will find the thread - Anon

Pic credits

Yours, mine, ours

2011-05-17T18:20:00.001+08:00

Watch this. A grim reminder of how small changes could bring about big impacts.

I am reminded,
Not to turn away when I see someone being pushed aside,
Not to discriminate and judge through coloured lenses,
Not to whine when things don't go 'my way',
Not to take my freedom for granted,
Nor waste a grain of rice, because children are dying of hunger,
I hope you won't either,
Because this responsibility is yours, mine and ours to carry.

Enough is enough

2011-05-16T18:01:00.001+08:00

Sometimes it doesn't matter whether you're good enough
Sometimes enough just never is enough

Tell me your story

2011-05-11T09:45:00.000+08:00

I have this peculiar habit of people watching ( in France it's considered a legit pastime, so perhaps I'm in the wrong country eh, but I digress ) . When I'm stuck in the commuter for long journeys, my mind wanders, and I make up stories. After all, everyone has one to tell.

I see one in your eyes,
Little girl with the red shoes,
I hope you keep that bright sense of wonderment,
Even when you grow grey and old.

I see one in your heart,
Doting mother,
Rambunctious boys in tow,
You wonder if into dashing gentlemen they're grow.

I see one in your gnarled fingers,
Gentleman, bent and frail,
The years you've toiled,
Contentment now nestles in your chest.

I see one in your set jaws and unseeing eyes,

Young career woman,

Time is ticking and racing off,

But so is the yarn of life

Pic credit

A man's face is his autobiography; a woman's , her work of fiction. - Oscar Wilde

Coupon Chief

2011-05-11T09:34:00.000+08:00

Just thought I'd share this with you guys. I was chatting with my cousin who’s studying in the US recently, and he happened to mention this really awesome site, Coupon Chief. Intrigued, I hopped over to the site just to have a look. Now, if you know me well, you’d know that I tend to be a little bit of a scrooge when it comes to spending. Being a student myself, and having to self support my studies, every cent counts. Looking over the site, Coupon Chief has the largest online coupons and store discounts for apparels, electronices, travels, entertainment, car rentals and much more ! How not to go absolutely over the moon for this ?

The site hosts coupons for 1000s of retail brands , all of which are valid and rated by the community. If that’s not good enough, you get a 2% rebate of your expenditure paid into your Paypal account. The site has established a reputation as one of the fastest growing online coupon sites, with over 250k visitors per month and 50k coupons for 15000 stores. If you’re looking for cash back on top of discounts, Coupon Chief is definitely worth a shot. Charity is dear to me, and I adore the Coupons-4-Causes program that they have. Donate to your favorite cause every time you shop ? Sounds fantastic to me. Do visit their site if you’re interested in saving on huge discounts, getting attractive rebates and contributing to charity all at once.

The most demanding job

2011-05-09T14:50:00.001+08:00

All our lives, we work so hard to secure the best jobs. We toil, we cry, we suffer and we get stressed out just to stay on top of the game. On observation , I found the recipe of skills needed for the most demanding job one could ever hold :

A generous dollop of Patience

For whines, ceaseless complaints and disobedient rebellion

A bucketful of Generosity

For the times when there's not enough dessert to go around the table and 2 greedy mouths to feed.

Doses of Depthless love

For loving the unlovable, the difficult and the obstinate

A reservoir of Energy

For cleaning up the messes that 2 year olds find funny
and know-it-all 20 year olds have a knack of getting into.

Eternal ounces of Selflessness

For being friend, comforter, ally and partner-in-crime

Infectious sense of Fun

For the times when life is taken too seriously

The healing touch

For cuts, scrapes, disappointments and broken hearts

Thank you dearest mummy for holding the toughest job

for being my safety net, my crying shoulder and backbone of support

and excelling at it in ways that no one else can !

I love you !!!

xoxo
Jo

Maybe

2011-05-04T23:13:00.000+08:00

Tonight will be for the ethereal and intangible,
Tonight I give free reign to my imagination,
Hopes and dreams take form here in this bubble of make believe,

Maybe,
Just maybe,
I could put a name to contain this emotional outpouring of feelings,
And anxiety would poof into nothingness.

Maybe,
Just maybe,
When thunders roar,
Mythical gods in shining armor are slaying battles to preserve peace.

Maybe,
Just maybe,
If I close my eyes now,
I'll feel the whisper of you close to me.

Maybe ,
Just maybe,
Wishes could have power,
and the bubble of wishes would spill forth into magical reality.

London

2011-05-02T00:58:00.001+08:00

Looking through my pictures the other day I realized I haven't blogged about London. Shocking, because there were so many things about London that left a permanent mark on my memory. So this post is for posterity.. for the days when I need that little lift of spirits, days when I need that little reminding of what was and could have been ...

Best musical ever ! Period

What would London be without the sight of red double decker buses

I love this shot ..

Anyone who knows me knows I go gaga over books. These were from the infamous Any Amount of Books at Charing Cross Road. Books going for a song ... *drool

Needless to say, some came home with me ... *eyes downcast in appropriate repentance

Colourful buildings dotting the Camden Lock Market. I love all everything's so lovely and pastel despite the grey, overcast skies

The inside of Cyberdog looked very much like a neo-modern pub. Neon lights and neon coloured drinks. Very futuristic

Scooter seats !

Bits and knick knacks. Love the hot air balloons

Oil paintings. Oh, how I wish I could have brought them back with me .... *drool

The archways to the Horse Tunnel Market.

A pretty mosaic bench. I could look at this for hours and hours and not grow tired of the splash of vivid colour on this one.

The beginnings of autumn. Pretty ain't it ?

And the obligatory red-phone-booth shot ....

Just the other day someone told me about this website that offers booklet printing. If only I'd known earlier, I might have just gone and ordered some to put the intangible into tangible remembrance. It would have been amazing having glossy print outs of custom made booklets. I like the way this website offers you the flexibility to custom design your booklets to reflect the theme and setting of a particular event or occasion. Really worth looking into if you ask me ....

For now, here's hoping that you've enjoyed looking at these amateur-ish recordings of dreams, passions, hopes and fleeting glimpses of the past.

Toodle loos !!!

Let Me

2011-04-25T14:34:00.001+08:00

Let me not have the pettiness of a spoilt child
Let me instead keep the amazed wonder that children have for all things

Let me not harbour ill thoughts about others
Let me instead keep them in prayer and kind thought

Let me not focus on the unseen distance
Let me instead notice the unnoticed

Let me not pick on the speck in others' eyes
Let me instead remove the log in mine

Let me not dwell on the harsh realities of the world
Let me instead rejoice in the promise that a new day brings

Let me not forget to remember
Let me instead keep all memories good and bad in the reservoir of secrets .......

Favourite Bible passage .. Matthew 6 : 1-24

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner,

I believe in kissing, kissing a lot,

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong,

I believe that happiest girls are the prettiest girls,

I believe that tomorrow is another day and

I believe in miracles

-Audrey Hepburn

pic credits

Platonic

2011-04-23T15:57:00.000+08:00

Now, this is going to come out sounding really weird, but right now I'm really just looking for a platonic relationship. Someone to just be there. No intentions, no expectations. Just someone who's there. Damn, maybe I need a shrink.

I can't be the source of happiness all the time. I'm trying, I really am. It just gets really tiring.

Eggs over easy

2011-04-20T16:01:00.000+08:00

Sometimes when things boil over, taking a back seat and listening to something with a really good tune and rocket lyrics makes it all better again ..

I know I've been neglecting this space for a while now, and most of you probably think I've dropped off the blogosphere, but bear with me, and I'll try to get back asap :)

I Vow

2011-04-18T14:09:00.000+08:00

If I ever end up tying the knot, this would be in the vows :

" Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend - Camus "

Pic credit

Missing that one person

2011-04-16T20:31:00.002+08:00

I've been missing someone pretty badly the past few weeks.
It is indeed possible to feel totally alone in a crowd of friendly faces.

Oh, if only I had the power to fast forward time ....
When did I ever become so needy ??

Barbaric

2011-04-15T11:48:00.001+08:00

Only 14, Bangledashi girl charged with adultery was lashed to death

Whilst I sit at my desk reading the morning's news, it's so easy to forget that in other parts of the world, people are going through strifes and tribulations that I cannot even begin to imagine. I admit to being spoilt terribly by peace in my home, and to have led a life filled with the love of people to whom I'm precious.

This particular article makes my heart bleed so. There is no word to express the anger and indignation that's bubbling through the surface right now. Casting religion aside, what animal would ever touch a child ??? What more whip her to death ? It goes against every single grain of humanity. In cases like these, what happens to the guilty male ? He just runs off and escapes ? So somehow, he spreads wings and outruns an ENTIRE village of strong, healthy men.

The entire thing is so convoluted it makes one sick. Men preying on children. A whole committee of mush-brains meting out sadistic sentences. Helpless families at the mercy of laws that do not exist. Children who have no voices. The saddest part of it all is that Hena is only one of the many out there. There are many others who live lives haunted by the dark shadow of trauma, or who never live to tell their tale. Women who are so battered and bruised under the dominion of barbaric men, that they walk around as empty shells.

Somewhere out there, a nameless face in the crowd longs for justice.

Somewhere out there, a young girl thirsts for the chance at an education.

Somewhere out there, an orphaned child wonders what it feels like to be tucked in at night.

Somewhere out there, a child's protest is silenced by the stroke of a belt dealt by his intoxicated father.

And all I manage to do is sit here, in my sheltered, cloistered life feeling half empty. Makes one ponder about priorities doesn't it ?

Imprinting memories

2011-04-13T12:46:00.000+08:00

If I could revisit that place of spell-binding enchantment, I would photograph again every little detail and store them in the secret vault of memories ...

The pretty colours of joy

The melancholic shades of the past

Hues of emotion

The delicious flavour of excitement

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page - St. Augustine

Waiting on fairy tales

2011-04-12T14:59:00.001+08:00

I'm the girl

Who smiles when she's unsure

Laughs when she's afraid

Who waits on fairytales

but slays her own dragons

Perhaps one day I'll find my own

pic credits

I miss ..

2011-04-05T12:51:00.000+08:00

The crispy pages of a well read book,
The thrill of flipping pages after pages chasing after intriguing plots ...
The time to do nothing but indulge in fantasy lands and imaginary worlds ...
The hunt for a sneaky culprit nestled within the pages of a mystery novel ..
The strive and frustration of heros and heroines ...
The anticipation of opening a new book and
The sad farewell to well acquainted characters ...

Reading , oh joy !

SAT Fever

2011-03-15T16:23:00.000+08:00

Pic Credits

Doing research as a day job at a University definitely has its perks and set backs. It's been great being able to be a part of a dynamic research team, and as frustrating as 'directionless' results may be at times, it is undeniable that the work itself is rewarding.

Exams are around the corner for the undergrads and foundation students here. All this brings me back to the sweet sweet days of having to prepare for my pre-U exams. Looking back now, it all seems really bittersweet. The combination of late night ups, punctuated with the collective groans and moans of having to battle stacks of notes brings a smile now when I glance back at the past. How I wish I had ACT Tutoring to lighten the burden. Personalized tutoring does sound interesting !

Pic Credits

It is undeniable that education plays an important part in our lives. Without a solid foundation, one may dream the dream, but lack the wings to fly...

The Shape I'm In

2011-03-04T01:09:00.000+08:00

It's amazing how much wallowing in self-pity can get addictive.
And then life hits you on the head,
And you wake up to see that the world really isn't as bad as your diva-ways and over-reactive imagination tells you.

Speaking of which.
I've recently rekindled with an old flame.
How could I ever have forgotten my love for all things country ....

I'm going to stop dwelling in the past, or fretting about the future. It's all about learning to live in the present now. Thanking God for the things I have, not focusing on the things I don't. As much as I wish I could change the past at times, you can't deny that it's the past that shapes the present and the present determines the future.

Somewhere

2011-02-18T15:12:00.000+08:00

" So, are you contented ? "
"Yes, yes I am "

White lies come so easily with adequate practice.

Maybe I'm too quiet.

Adapt. Adapt. Adapt they say. At times I just want to be me.

Accepted because I'm me.

Maslow figured out that everyone needs to belong.

I'm sure that somewhere out there, I'll find a place to be content.

Mind Blowing !

2011-02-03T21:43:00.002+08:00

This is definitely THE group to look out for ! They're really unique and it's been on replay on my playlist for some time now ..... Hope you'll like it as much as I do.... there's really no better way to usher in the New Year than with tunes as unique as these. No, actually, it's a much musical tong-tong-chiang ! in my opinion :p

Happy Rabbit New Year !!

2011-02-03T10:25:00.000+08:00

So it's been a while since I last updated this place. This can mostly be attributed to a serious pandemic of the lazy-bones but hopefully with the unveiling of the new lunar year, things will change. *crosses fingers*

I cannot for the life of me figure out what to write as my first ever post for the new year, so instead, here's wishing you all a wonderful year ahead. May prosperity, health and joy be ever present in your lives and let Fun be a trustworthy sidekick !!

Hugs and kisses all around. See y'all soon :)

Pic credits

Strength

2010-12-14T00:54:00.000+08:00

I am strong
I am strong
I am strong

Who am I kidding ?

Au revoir...

The Good Die Young

2010-12-02T09:58:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine passed away last night. If anything it's proof of the fragility of life and the difference that a second could make.

It's so often that we read about yet another accident. Yet another young life. We mourn, oh yes we do. We mourn for a life cut short, for aspirations lost and potential buried. But then household chores beckon, life calls, and then we forget. All because those facts, figures, names and places mean nothing. Abstract. But no, these alphabets strung together to create a name on print and paper lived. That faceless name laughed with friends and family, he had dreams, he had goals. But life spins its cruel web and blows out the flame.

Two years ago today I lost a brother. At times like these there are no comforting words, no justification. There are only prayers for strength, and making a conscious effort to ensure that every second in one's life is used to the fullest, lived to the highest and filled with as much joy as possible before the fickle candle of life gets snuffed out.

For him and for you I dedicate this poem :

Until We Meet Again

Anon

Each morning when we awake

we know that you are gone.

And no one knows the heartache

As we try to carry on.

Our hearts still ache with sadness

and many tears still flow.

What it meant to lose you,

No one will ever know.

Our thoughts are always with you,

your place no one can fill.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we love you still.

There will always be a heartache,

and often a silent tear,

But always a precious memory

Of the days when you were here.

If tears could make a staircase,

And heartaches make a lane,

We'd walk the path to heaven

And bring you home again.

We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you will remain,

To walk with us throughout our lives

Until we meet again.

Our family chain is broken now,

And nothing will be the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

Venezia

2010-11-19T01:42:00.000+08:00

I'm sure a lot of you are sick of me going on and on about Venice now but I promise this is the last post on it ... These are some of my favourite pictures

*sigh*

*sigh sigh*

*sigh sigh sigh *

I have an obsession for doors ... as you will all soon discover ...

Gondolier !

Gondola !! Both equally pleasing to the eye I might add ....

Cartier ! And I had just come out of a church nearby thus the quick-fix scarf ....

Golden lights .... so warm and fuzzily romantic

I love statues ! Whee ! kiss kiss !

Fragile

2010-11-19T00:39:00.000+08:00

Pic credit

The little island of Murano is one of intrigue, mystery and subtle wonder. I mentioned going to Venice in the last post. What I left out was that I also had to chance to take a water taxi over to the island of Murano where I was simply spellbound !! I mean, just look at it ! It's vibrant and sassy and colourful and everything about it screams life and joy.

Murano island is also infamous for its glass. In fact, it's world renowned as a glass paradise. From fragile, intricate trinkets and knick knacks to bold, brazenly attractive ornamental pieces, the glass blowers and craftsmen have it all ! Being typically female, it was the glass jewelry that ultimately caught my eye. It fills you with wonder just looking at the designs that these skilled designers come up with. To say the least, I felt like a little kid in Wonderland. And psst, I got more than a few Murano pendants back as souvenirs. As much as I left little pieces of my heart there, I cherished the opportunity to bring home a little trinket encapsulated with wondrous memories.

Oh yes I definitely fell in love with Murano and the Venetian Lagoon.

Pic credit

Stay tuned for more :)

shrugs

2010-11-16T23:50:00.000+08:00

I want too many things in life. Way way too many things. It's time to
Stop.
Breathe.
Pray.

Sneak peek at Venice ... where I left little bits of my heart in quaint trattorias and narrow alleys ..

Le Affair

2010-11-12T23:44:00.001+08:00

I've been shamelessly stalking,
Skulking and lurking in the shadows,
Plagued with sleepless nights,

Eyes sparkling,

Fingers itching,

All senses on alert,

Is this what they call *gasp* love ?

Oh, what is it about books that makes my heart race so ?

I guess the thing I miss most is
The euphoria of being surrounded by books, books and more books,
The wild, rampant desire to just possess and possess,
And the unspoken understanding of being in the midst of kindred spirits,
All feeding on the same lust for paper and ink

Oh, my big bad wolf,
I wish and wish that I could huff and puff my way there,
Little piggy or not,
I'm signed, sealed, and delivered
to my fate of being love-bound, smitten and irrevocably obsessed with you ....

I am against using emoticons but this is a HUGE exception
MUMMY I WANNA GO ! ( ohmigosh-i-hope-no-prospective-employer-reads-this!!!!)
T.T .... T.T ..... T.T !!!!!!!!!!!

Picture credit

Carpe Diem

2010-11-11T06:25:00.000+08:00

There's just something so poetically beautiful about the simplicity of this song.

Why must we all wait till someone tells us we're at the end of our time before we learn to just seize the dang day

I want this.
I want everlasting.
I want no more talk of the future and endless promises.
I want the present.

This One's for You

2010-10-21T05:50:00.000+08:00

This is a post for one of the bestest people I've ever known. Perhaps somewhere in the milky way you'll come across this, From Me to You ........................

It's been almost a month since you've left. I haven't talked to anyone about this because how exactly does one go about telling someone about this emptiness in one's heart ? It's not something you discuss over a cup of coffee. Or something to pick up the phone and bawl over. How can it hurt to think about you and hurt even more not to think about you ?

Days pass and I'm reminded of you. At times I smile, at times I laugh, at times a stray tear finds its way down my cheek. Thinking back, you've been able to do that all my life.

I'll miss :

listening to your stories. You peppered my childhood with tales of war, love, sacrifice, laughter.
the way you chuck me under the chin although I'm no longer 5
the way you taught me cursive writing
quiet afternoons reading with you
rainy days listening to you playing the piano
running to your room during thunderstorms
and every time someone bullied me
how you laugh at my bad Hokkien , 'ang moh kia' you called me
kissing you good night, me telling you to "Please shave ! "
chocolates for Christmas
dancing on your toes
pork bean soups
suppers with you

You were always the first person I saw when I came back from school. You tied my hair for me when grandma could no longer do it, and I'm sorry I sulked whenever you didn't do it right. You were babysitter, designated driver, personal cook, bodyguard, advisor, confidante and best friend. All that and you never forced me to finish my vegetables .....

I guess that's the reason why the word 'grand' is there in grandpa

" I want to see you graduate, be at your graduation. I really do "

" Christmas. I'll be back. Wait for me. I promise. "

I never told you this, but you're the apple of my eye too.

2010-10-10T05:43:00.001+08:00

I just wanna have some fun
Is that wrong ?

insert clever title

2010-09-07T00:19:00.000+08:00

Deja vu :
I see my dreams flying out the window.
How many times has this got to happen before I learn
STOP dreaming.
Reality sucks

I pray

2010-09-04T20:03:00.001+08:00

Today I pray not for myself. I'm dedicating this post to the people who need a little prayer now and then. A little boost in their day, a lift in their spirit and a spring in their steps.

Today I pray for people like Kristian Anderson and his family.

Today I pray for the earthquake victims in New Zealand.

Today I pray for peace

Today I pray for calm, strong hearts

Today I'll pray for you

Amen

Rachel's Birthday Video from Kristian Anderson on Vimeo.

Hell hath no fury

2010-08-30T23:31:00.000+08:00

At times I loathe being female. It's just such a tiring role to play. Being surrounded by females makes things much more worse.

I don't get a lot of things in this world. The way people clamour for fame and glory and go through all sorts of despicable ways to attain the duo.

If you want to use me, fine. That's your prerogative. But I reserve the right to detest you and group you all the way down down there together with the grub and the muck of the earth. Drop off the face of the earth and see if I care ?

The next time you try to study with a fever, headache and a blocked nose whilst insensitive bastardos pester you for things aimed at attaining their own goals , AND you manage to hold your composure steady - I applaud you and will duly nominate you for the Nobel Peace Prize or something. equally noble because it is just not humanly possible.

The world is going to the dogs. That's the sad fact. Nobody cares about anyone else anymore.

Screw tact ! It's the cold, bare truth from now on. If you don't make your own effort, don't expect others to clean up the mess you left behind. You and your trail of regrets shall haunt you forevermore....or at least until another idiot comes along to sweep it all up. Rest assured, that person won't be me. Capisce ?

Gene pool

2010-08-19T21:44:00.000+08:00

Conversations with the father unit ...

[9:37:51 PM] Billy Chia: macky has tat key

[9:38:06 PM] Billy Chia: macky is the pet name for josh pc

[9:38:23 PM] Billy Chia: nokky is my e61

[9:38:41 PM] Billy Chia: lappy is my toshiba

[9:39:33 PM] Billy Chia: ashpy is the "new" acer

[9:40:08 PM] Billy Chia: yrs lappygirl and nettygirl

[9:41:08 PM] Joanna: wat the ....

[9:41:11 PM] Joanna: lol !

Sigh, and they say it's high time I grew up !! ..... I have the coolest parents :P

When God speaks ...

2010-08-05T02:46:00.001+08:00

you step back at the astounding glory of the Lord

I admit to being a faithless Christian. Perhaps this is an awakening for me to take some Christian counseling degrees to reinforce my faith. I'm a scatterbrained child. I panic way too easily. I cry too easily, I get angry fast, I forget equally fast. I'm vulnerable to hurt, I care too much. I get down, I get emotional, I get morose. I've been annoying and irritating.

Was on my regular blog hops ... and suddenly heard this song. It's the ONE song that keeps playing out of the blue when I least expect to stumble upon it ... and every time, I break down ..

Oh ye of little faith !

Enough with that !

2010-08-04T03:16:00.000+08:00

They say growing up can be a pain.

Perhaps I'm still a child. Perhaps I'm silly enough that I'll be eaten up whole the moment I'm thrown into the shark pools of the world. Idealism does not a good match for realism make ...

It's a scary feeling , this. This never knowing who's true, what's real, whom to believe and to try to look through the masks that we all don. It's a huge blow in this dream I've weaved in my ignorance. To be lost for words and yet have so many things pooling around in an over-cluttered mind. I no longer know who you are .....

I pray for God's guidance, for wisdom and the strength to pull through the greatest odds. Things will work out, they always do ...

There will come a time when cotton candy transitions from being a kid's treat to cavity causing devil clouds... perhaps that's what growing up is all about.

No dancing shoes have touched these dusty floors ..

2010-08-03T03:45:00.002+08:00

This epitomizes in song what my heart would never admit ...

Are they laughing "at or with me"
Ah baby those are such great shoes
And I think that I'm so happy now
And I think this is a better you

Oooooooo ooooh
Are they laughing at or with me
Oooooooo ooooh
Why can't we just say what we mean

People are just trying to fit in
But is there something telling you
You can't trust anyone in this town
Ah baby those are such great shoes

Oooooooo ooooh
Are they laughing at or with me
Oooooooo ooooh
Why can't we just say what we mean

Don't put your money where your mouth is baby
We don't want to see you choke
Nobody's joking around here anymore
Nobody's broking any high scores
No dancing shoes have touched these dusty floors
For such a long long time
For such a long long time
For such a long time

Oooooooo ooooh
Are they laughing at or with me
Oooooooo ooooh
Why can't we just say what we mean

Tramlines Festival

2010-07-26T18:14:00.000+08:00

The last weeked, Sheffield hosted the Tramlines Festival, a celebration of music, art and the freedom of expression. Being a great fan of music, I just had to go and have a look at all these wonderful talent in town. How fortunate for me !

Unfortunately, most of the hip events had queues running to the end of the earth, so I gave up waiting for rock concerts and went instead to explore the wondrous food booths near the Eye of Sheffield. Oh food galore !! I shall take a back seat now and let the pictures do the talking ...

Exotic meats from around the world ... I tried the Kangaroo burger. The first and last time ... I kept thinking of baby kangaroos and adorable little creatures ..... urgh !!

A hog getting roasted. Couldn't bear to eat this either :( I should really just go vegan !

Yummy looking meringues ! Too bad I'm not a fan of the sweet stuff ... these looked real tempting

Olives ! Olives ! Olives ! Of all kinds ! Have I mentioned OLIVES?? haha .. delicioso !

This. Was. Fantastic ! Dutch Pancakes with Baileys and Cream. Oh gosh .. be still my heart

Tartiflette : A potato and bacon dish. Supposedly and Alpine favourite. Was so-so only though

The funkiest, gorgeous-est, yummiest milkshake shop ... MadCow Milkshake. They have over 185 different flavours. I had the Jamaican Ginger Cake. Oh boy .. it tasted like blended cake ... good stuff, good stuff ..

And to save the best for last ....

A really groovy, fantastic band from London. Their rendition of Marilyn Manson's Sweet Dreams was just feet-tapping, head-nodding, good !

Undisclosed desires

2010-07-15T03:56:00.001+08:00

At times I sit down and wonder what life would have been if I had chosen the road not taken rather than the path of least resistance. I wonder if life would have been any different if I hadn't stood by and allowed my childhood dreams to flit away on the wings of insecurity. Perhaps I would have loved a life flirting with risk and dating danger.

After all, Master Yoda says :

"Do or do not .. there is no try"

More than just a game for two

2010-07-13T02:40:00.004+08:00

Classes beckon,

Assignments scream,

Early days with sprinkles of,

Late nights fueled by caffeine laced diets,

But tummies, oh tummies have to be filled

and ears need as much pampering as the soul ...

When east and west meets adventurous taste buds .... you get "Kimchi Broccoli Salad"

( that's real kimchi !! ... from the awesome-st Asian grocer we accidentally stumbled upon, more on that later ... )

Coupled with oven baked fish fillet and a dollop of crumbly cheese ..

Fuss free dinners are yummy. There was ice cream too but as with all rules that govern the universe, ice cream and sweet treats wait for no (wo)man's camera ..

Ear candy is food for the soul, and Olivia Ong , a chinese Singaporean singer has been feeding me generous portions of feel goodness with her lilting voice ... very easy listening, not exactly bossa nova, but comforting nonetheless. Do have a listen. A few of my favourite renditions on time old classics ...

The Asymmetry of Interdependence

2010-07-11T18:24:00.000+08:00

It's the weekend yet again and I'm back for my now once a week posts. Friendships, bonds and interdependences are never fair, never symmetrical and I guess there comes a point where you just have to try to balance yourself upon the sharp ridges, concave dips and jagged terrains of relationships ....

Yesterday was a swell day. Left early in the morning ( or relatively early for a weekend...:P ) to go marketing for goodies to cook for dinner. It's been an almost weekly ritual now for a few friends and I to gather around for dinner every Saturday, good to give a twist to my almost staple diet of sandwiches and salads ...

Awesome roasted chicken

Shallots, soy sauce and iceberg lettuce .. ah, tastes like home

And I made bruschetta ! Sauteed chestnut mushrooms, peppers, and garlic toasted on crisp baguette liberally spread with herb butter topped with mozzarella .. see mum, I haven't blown up any kitchens yet :P

This on the other hand was just plain awful. Had to add lots of lemon juice in it ..

And that's a wrap folks !

I hope you guys had a good weekend !

Whitby part 2

2010-07-06T06:15:00.000+08:00

Continuing on from the last post .. the town of Whitby is full of quaint little shops that provide a delightful haven for tourists, hungry tummies, tired feet and a sight for sore eyes...

I have a fascination for all the names of the places here in England. Whitby I realized, doesn't deviate from what appears to be a tradition of naming establishments after animals ... .

The Magpie's Kitchen ... a heaven for people like my mum because this place has floors and floors of tableware and kitchen accessories ...

The Dolphin

The Black Horse

We had lunch at The Magpie, an eatery that came highly recommended but unfortunately our box of the infamous Whitby fish and chips was slightly overrated ... at least the cod was very fresh though ... or maybe it's just the fact that fish and chips just isn't my chosen bite ... hmm

Candy shops provide an endless source of temptation for sweet tooths and overgrown children like yours truly ..

Hehe ... this was a shop selling hand made soaps that looked good enough to eat don't you think ?

The shops here have got jolly good names too ...

The Jolly Sailors

The Moon and Sixpence

And ... this one here's Naughty but Nice ...

Now, we come to the part of Whitby that I personally loved best ....

I <3 independent bookshops .... and nice ladies who allow me to take photos in them ..

This was literature-ly my stairway to heaven ...

I only had time to take these snapshots because my friend pulled me away from the shop.. but looking at this photo now ... I spot Middlesex and Pigtopia !! Arrgh ... and these books were going for 60% off the RRP .

and more ...

Needless to say, my souvenirs from Whitby were ...

I'm incorrigible I know .. *inserts appropriately repentant doe-eyed expression ... *

Whitby

2010-07-04T16:22:00.000+08:00

The eager call of seagulls heralded our arrival to this picturesque little town by the sea. Whitby is located near the Yorkshire coast, nearby Ravenscar, Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington.

One of the must sees here would be the Whitby Abbey. Located on top of a hill, the abbey looms up magnificent , and it doesn't take much imagination for you to see this splendid structure resplendent in its former glory.

The Abbey's first Abbess was Lady Hilda, and is thus also known as St Hilda's Abbey. It fell to Viking attack in 1078, and although it was later reformed by a soldier monk, Reginfrith, the buiilding fell to ruins after an attack by King Henry VII in the year 1540. Today, the abbey remains a prominent landmark for the town of Whitby and has become a major tourist attraction.

Look at the blue blue sky !

I think there was a stable nearby, so there were lots of these horses grazing in fields. There was this particular little pony which was really friendly and inquisitive. Ah, I wish I had a lump of sugar or an apple :(

At the entrance of the Abbey's souvenir shop. There was a stained glass bookmark in there that I fell deeply in love with, but alas, it was way too expensive for a student. There were lots of Celtic crosses, little figurines, and even quills on sale there ! I could have spent all day browsing that place...

I think this was St Mary's Church ... what drew my attention was the graveyard, at the top of a hill overlooking the sea ... this place had a very gothic feel about it. I could just imagine turbulent waves crashing in, and a dark, gloomy sky with streaks of lightning illuminating random headstones ...

The view on the other side of the church ... breathtaking huh ?

Whitby is also famous for its 199 steps, a flight of stairs leading up to St Mary's Church. I'm sorry there are no better pictures of this beautiful *torturous* place because I was so afraid of heights that I practically held my breath and counted step by painful step down with my eyes focused on the ground and nowhere else. As you can see from the picture, the view was actually magnificent so I kinda missed a lot. I was coerced into taking this picture by some friends, so I have to thank them for this slice of memory since I honestly can't remember much from this .... :(

The view from the top of the steps ...

Solid ground at last !! Narrow alleys, and quaint little shops dot the town of Whitby. There was lots to see here ... but probably that will come in the next post since I think you guys have had too much of looking at photos of me for one day :)

48th

2010-07-03T04:44:00.000+08:00

One day years ago, the path of two wanderers in a vast world collided and we were birthed. It's been 4 years of laughs, tears, tempers and joy. 4 years of ups and downs. 4 years on a rollercoaster ride of discoveries and all things glittery and sparkly.

At the age of 4, a child finally learns how to express him/herself eloquently. Tempers fly, tantrums storm, but laughter is pure, unfiltered, and joy is so very real. Character development becomes evident. A parent starts discovering things about the energetic, bustling toddler.

This particular 4 year old is :

open to cuts, grazes and the healing power of love

adventurous, yet trusting

trying, testing, at times hard to handle

exuberant, playful, inquisitive

yours, mine, ours

Time has spread its wings and taken off. We're now 4 years old.

Here's hoping we continue to grow, regardless of distance, continents and a couple of big blue seas in between.

Happy 48th Bay Bee.

xoxo,
Jo

Reality Bites

2010-07-02T02:35:00.002+08:00

" I had dreams, aspirations, childlike wonder - ..... "

" .... and then reality strolled along and took the seat next to me " said she.

Life is a fragile, mystical thread that twists and turns on its own path along the tapestry of destiny.

Dear Lord,

I hereby submit each and every second of my life unto Thy hands,

Thank you for the beauty that surrounds me,

Thank you for every breath that I draw,

Thank you for the lessons, the scrapes, the joy and the tears,

Thank you for the comforting knowledge that there is a reason for everything,

Thank you for my fantastic support team of lending hands, listening ears and shoulders to lean on,

Amen,

Pre-birthday a.k.a excuse for cake

2010-06-27T19:33:00.000+08:00

Hiya !

Today I officially turn 22. One of the plus points of celebrating in the UK is that I get to remain 21 for an additional 7 hours !! *oh-gawd-I-can't-believe-I'm-so-old-already !!*

I wish I could come up with something funny or witty to post about this belated coming of age 'event', but words just seem to elude me today.

A huge thank you to all of you who've made my day wonderful. Here are some pictures of a pre-birthday do that I had. Friends, black forest cake and a night of laughs are the best gifts a girl could ever wish for !

I was in the mood for some cooking so ... Spinach and ricotta tortellini, basil tomato salad sprinkled with bits of blue cheese and artichoke hearts ... and urm ..that little shriveled up piece of meat is cod btw ( I'm a novice cook... sorry mum! ). I did a cost estimate at the end of the day ... and guess how much all these came up to ? £1.20 tops !!

There you have it. Frozen black forest cake. Anything to satisfy my craving for cream, cake and chocolateee..

And since a lot of you asked for this .. urm. ... concrete evidence of imminent murder ... *cough* You know I really meant "Obligatory Cake and Birthday Person Picture " right ... ?

Alrightie ! My assignments want to spend some lovely birthday one-on-one time with me so you really can't say no to stacks of paper screaming for your attention ...

Toodles !

xoxo,
Jo

Sheffield

2010-06-21T02:36:00.000+08:00

"I want the pink one !! " followed by an excited little giggle.

Captivated, I turned around and my breath caught at the sight before me. Blue skies, red brick buildings, adorable little girls, and a splashy jumble of BALLOONS !

The city is full of little surprises that come at you when you least expect them to. I remember it was an exceptionally tiring day of lectures and info overload, so I decided to walk through the city center just to get my mind off school. I love the way the city center is always bustling with people, young, old, busy, relaxed. People from all walks of life.

The sky has been sunny this weekend, and as I walked along to the gentle caress of the breeze running its fingers silkily through my hair, Sheffield soaked itself bit by bit into my every pore.

The pubs here have cute names !

This one is the Frog and Parrot ... why those two animals I wonder ...

The perennial red phone booths make for really sexy photo props ...

Pigeons here are really used to humans and they don't flit away when you go near ... I like this shot of a live pigeon stomping on a stone sculpture of a bird.

" Hah ! I'm alive ! I flutter, I poo, what can you do o' ginormous bird creature ?? "

I also made a new friend ! Since he didn't have a name plaque anywhere in sight, I took the liberty of naming him myself ! Say hello to Ryder the Wooden Horse and this is me ... hoping not to break him.

How can an entry be complete without a picture of yours truly 'reading' =p But oh, it was awesome weather to be out reading today.

I just want to snuggle in with all these impressions, happy laughter and colours. This weekend has been wonderful in the way of discoveries and sometimes I guess all it takes is looking in the right places. =)

And before I forget .. Happy Father's Day ! I hope it isn't too late to wish you daddies out there !

Update Numero Uno

2010-06-17T05:02:00.000+08:00

First off, I've taken the last post off because I think I need to learn how to keep my thoughts to myself at times but I deeply value the comments and thoughts that you left for me. :)

The sun is starting to peek out from under its slumberous state here in Sheffield. I guess this year Mr Solar decided to sleep in a little, and feeling in a generous mood, I say the guy deserves a break after a few billion years of being at it. Breaks aside, the sky is finally BLUE again ! Just the way we were thought way back in Kindergarten !

Strictly for illustration purposes, the sky turned from this :

(There's just something so ... mysteriously romantic about the grey, overcast sky though ... like an eccentric, moody artist given to spurts of genius and sexily frustrated tantrums .. wokay, I'm not making much sense am I? ... moving on ! )

to THIS :

* the person behind the lens duly apologizes for injustice done to the breathtaking awesomeness of this particular setting and solemnly promises to learn how to take better photos in the future *

Soo.. what this means is that now there will be more chances to frolic in the sun, snap more pictures to keep you guys updated and start honing my 'photo taking' skills. :)

Oh yes ... if I ever need proof that I'm my mother's daughter ... I cooked Fusili Aglio Olio with Cumberland Sausages and juicy Cherry Tomatoes the other day !!The last time I checked I still have all 10 fingers, and 10 toes, I didn't set off any fire alarms, and it's actually edible! All those years of ~~stealing-food-in-the-kitchen~~, watching mum cook paid off ! At least dying-from-starvation can be taken off the list for now.

Settled

2010-06-13T17:02:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

So sorry for the lack of updates lately. Things have been chaotic the past week, but hopefully things start looking up this week on. I'm already in Sheffield, and boy is it a beautiful city ! I'm living smack in the middle of the city centre, so its a very advantageous place to be because shops are a stone's throw away, and by shops, I mean BOOKstores mainly, although there are lots of boutiques and eateries scattered everywhere, most of these are things I can hardly afford on a student's budget :)

I wish I took more pictures, but the weather has been horrid the past week, rainy, cloudy, moody, COLD, so I have a very limited number of pictures for you guys.

This is so mummy doesn't think I've been starving. I made this the second night I arrived : Broccoli and mushrooms in Bovril. Simple, hot, satisfying !

Last night's dinner (or rather the first time *in my life* I cooked! I know, I'm a sad specimen of a female ) Feeling rather 'adventurous', I grilled sausages, fried an egg with lotsa onions and herbs, and my 'main' dish was brussel sprouts and onions in a ratatouille based sauce. Nothing like home but still absolute yums !

Sorry about the lousy picture quality, was too hungry to get the camera set up so I just snapped a picture and bon appetit-ed away ! = P

That's about it for today. It's a beautiful Sunday morning, I've just finished with my laundry so it's time to go explore ! See ya !

Pick me up

2010-05-28T02:25:00.000+08:00

Life , some say is a never ending journey , but in my 'young' years on this speck in the universe we call home, I've found that life should best be described as a never ending lesson. One wrought with challenging tasks, lots of homework and chores, unexpected surprises and the occasional reward for good behaviour.

They say you don't learn how to walk without stumbling, you never really learn how to ride a bike till you've scraped a knee or two (multiple times if your knees have a predilection for gravity) and in a way, you can't really live life to the fullest without realizing that you're dying a little every day (makes time all the more precious).

The past days have been emotional rollercoaster rides, akin to those little 'classroom challenges' that a creative teacher occasionally conjures to spice things up in an otherwise dreary routine. In the course of this exercise of faith , tenacity and sheer will, I admit to have been felled. God, do grant me the strength to pick myself up again, brush off the bruises and let these fading scars remain my medals for 'things-that-made-me-stronger-at-the-expense-of-sanity'.. Amen

Pet Peeves

2010-05-14T00:15:00.001+08:00

BIG RANT ALERT !

I'm not exactly the most patient person you'll find. I actually get irritated at the slightest things when I'm in one of my 'moods' and that's not something I'm proud of. Perhaps I should learn how to keep my annoyance and temper in check, but at times I just can't seem to get a hold on the eye rolling (it's a knee jerk reaction! ) . I've a few pet peeves, and I'm just going to talk about one today :

People who don't read !

I'm not saying this just because I'm a bookworm, and snuggling down with a good book's my idea of heaven. I'm saying this because I just can't stand the attitude of some people who think reading isn't 'cool' enough or they think picking up a book is God forbid, b-o-r-i-n-g ..... and worst of all, when they get dragged into a bookstore, they start to degenerate in age, and show pouty tantrums worse than that of a 3 year old. (believe you me, I've seen grown people lolling around crossed eyed in near boredom induced delirium in bookstores, yawning, making way too much noise, making a spectacle of themselves..)

I just don't understand the complacency that some people have, the acceptance to just go with the flow and not bother to lift a finger or open an eyelid and improve themselves. And worst yet, I can't stand all the name-calling that the 'cooler' kids in school inflict on their oft nerdier bookish counterparts.

Reading doesn't necessarily mean books, it could be the papers, magazines, even comic books ! There is no reading material that is lesser than another, because if someone actually sat there and penned down his or her thoughts, then I say they're worth a read. I think this boils down to mentality and upbringing. Parents should really take the time to sit down and read to their kids instead of relegating the job to the TV or game consoles ( Don't even get me started on this stupid pen-like technology that reads out to kids when you hover it over words ... ).

It saddens me that people in foreign countries are always, always having some reading material or other within their reach, and we just sit by complacently in our happy pool of ignorance and care naught for what's happening around us. And then we sit, and we lament our fates (oh, the cheek !) when things go awry. Education, especially self education is perhaps one of the most important factors that we need to hold dear to if we want to succeed in this dog eat dog world. Reading about successful people who have made their mark in this way will illuminate the fact that these are all voracious readers. It's due time the lot of us learn a lesson or two from them.

I'm not trying to lord it over other people, or be hoity-toity. I just wish for once, that more people would come to understand and experience the wonder of reading and all the joys that it could bring. Anyway, Mother's Day came and went by, and unlike last year, i missed writing a post about it. I did however, bake a cake for mama.

For those of you who've given me the honour of reading till this last sentence, thank you for bearing with my rants, and be rest assured there will be more coming up if things continue.

Gadget lust

2010-05-06T22:14:00.000+08:00

My knees are weak,
My heart dances a rapid tap dance of desire,
I breathe, but my breath catches,
Pulses flutter,
Nerves collide,
Oh, is this what ~~lust~~ love feels like?

I really really want an iPad !! Apple released it's long awaited Apple 'tablet' in January this year, and I've been lusting after it since I first laid eyes on the device. Now, I know a lot of people have been saying pretty mean things about the iPad, eg : an iPhone for old people (ageism I tell ya! =p) but I want an iPad just for its iBooks feature. Imagine bright, vivid pages that seem to sparkle alive on the iPad, and then there's the whole cool real time flipping motions that you can get through the iPad. Tap on the right and you turn a page, tap on the left and you go back to the previous page, or hold a finger on a corner and you really get to flip the page 'manually'.

If you haven't gotten a clear look of this app yet, click on the video below and let Steve Jobs walk you down the lane of seduction.

Now, if that isn't sexy, I don't know what is !

Stumped

2010-04-28T02:52:00.000+08:00

Question :

How does one write an average of 2750 words per day, keep up to date with the news, both local and international, run a valiant race with technology, settle travelling and immigration details (urgh!), squeeze in quality time with the family and canine furry siblings, live life a little and find some time in all that chaos for some peaceful reading whilst resisting the urge to keep one's eyelids open with a toothpick, yet stay sane once all the dust settles ? *note #12354 to self : quit whining*

Bleh .. as an aside, I've been just obsessed with Simon and Garfunkel these days. So many of these bring back feelings of nostalgia, so very reminiscent of my childhood ...

From The Graduate :

I used to sing Scarborough Fair ALL the time back when I was hardly two digits old .. nevermind the fact that I had no idea what I singing about back then ..

digressing, this version's just heart-stopping, tear jerkingly beautiful .......the man has got a voice !! hah, Justin Bieber, take that !! *ducks rotten tomatoes*

Okay, so maybe I have found the cure for this self-induced insanity ..... great company, sumptuous food, stellar ear food ..... yums.

Goodnight people ! ( oh hey, it should be morning ...hello panda eyes )

Hiya

2010-04-23T23:03:00.000+08:00

First off, I've been rubbish at updating my blog(s) lately, so sorry for that, I seem to have been consumed by the evil time monster yet again .. I haven't been dropping comments much in other blogs either, but I've been reading all of yours :) just that waiting 5 minutes for each page to load thanks to the fantasticness that is Streamyx becomes a little of a turn off after a while ... :(

So, just a quick post to share a few ads that really tickled me, and kept me up for the better part of a night that was supposed to be dedicated to some quiet reading .. kids are just so hard to resist , regardless of levels of sweetness, obnoxiousness and ingenuity.

Hehe, this is a scream !

Simply because this reminds me of my bro, when he was that age (and well, some things don't change :p ) hahaha.

I like this one best.

If we had commercials like this here, I wouldn't mind them so much. Although, commercials are the best times to get a snack, stretch, or in my case, a few pages read ... hmm... which one was your favorite ?

Have a good weekend y'all. And Happy World Book Day !!

Wordy Candy

2010-04-11T10:01:00.002+08:00

Ah, the intoxicating smell of leather bound tomes

laced with the tingling scent of mothballs,

pages so fragile they flutter by like the wings of a butterfly,

a wealth of fantasy,

knowledge and

heartfelt emotions

from cover to cover,

a voyage that starts with a single word,

ending with a dot encapsulating

secrets that never perish.

A few of you may already know this, but I've started a book blog, in order to separate all wordy degustations from my self-indulgent personal jottings. I've kept it all a little hush hush until now, but I think it's time the curtains were drawn. Guys, I'd like you to meet Wordy Candy.

If you have time to spare, or you're a bookworm (full-fledged, closet and baby worms included) , hop onto this journey of imagination and print with me. I would love to invite you to join me, as I venture into foreign lands, scrutinize philosophies, gush and go slack-jawed with awe at the eloquency of so many great authors out there and share thoughts where it concerns books and all thing wordy.

Mischief and a Weak Will

2010-04-08T21:07:00.000+08:00

They say a picture paints a thousand words...so here's two :

I know I look a little maniacal with my loot, but without further ado ..I'm cuddling :

The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb

Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel ( It was calling my name !! ... I.just.couldn't.say.no)

The Enchantress of Florence - Salman Rushdie

I am a book thong. In the crack of a book is where I belong ...

Whilst at the counter waiting for the cashier to ring up my ~~sinful indulgences~~ purchases, I caught sight of this sign, above a rack full of wispy, delicate looking ribbons adorned with beads on each end. Highly tempted to bring one home with me, imagine my glee when the very nice cashier said that upon signing up for a new membership, I'm thus entitled to a book thong ... wishes do come true !! (or maybe she saw me casting pitiful, longing puppy eyed looks at the rack and took pity ...... = p )

Book Lust (again!)

2010-04-06T12:09:00.001+08:00

I'm currently on a mission to read as many Man Booker prize winners as I can possibly get my hands on. Last year's winner, Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall has been taunting me for ages ! ... I.NEED.IT ....... *sulks, mopes, whines, remembers age and comports self with a little more decorum ...

Wally Lamb's The Hour I first Believed is another one of those books high on my To-Possess list. It's based on the fateful Columbine High School shooting in April 1999, the story's told from the perspective of two survivors. I've heard great things about Wally Lamb's I know This Much is True and I'm thinking this one should live up to it's predecessor's reputation.

Someone recommended Ken Follett to me a while back, and I've been looking at a few of his books, hoping for something that'll catch my eye. I picked up The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End sometime back in Popular and was forced to put it back looking at the price. New releases are a great tease !! Now I know that BookXcess is selling them for a steal, and my greedy heart is dancing a rapid tap dance of ill-concealed lust. Perhaps I shall lift my book-buying ban for a while. Just this once .... (something tells me this won't be the last time I'll say Just This Once ..)

Literary Delights

2010-04-02T22:42:00.001+08:00

Photo credit

Whilst some friends of mine are compiling shopping guides around UK ( read : 200 GBP for a handbag is cheap !! ) , I have very strong opinions about branded handbags, make up, shoes and other fluttery girly nonsense, but let's just keep that to myself shall we ? So, as I was saying, whilst the charming shopaholics are at their chosen pastime, I've been indulging in the poison of my choice, feeding my addiction for books, books and more books. I say poison because books here cost an arm, a leg and maybe throw in a few fingers to secure that good deal.

I've been looking at bookstores all over UK and Europe, all of them literary heavens and cultural melting pots, I can't wait to go delve my greedy paws in mountains of printed paper, nevermind the fact that I won't be able to afford anything, it never hurts to dream, doesn't it ? So I thought I'd share a little of what I found with you guys here. Perhaps if you have anything to add, recommend or like me, you have a hunger for zooming off to foreign imaginary lands, hop along on this virtual drool-journey.

Today, we're going to visit independant bookstores, jewels that are probably hidden in places you'll least expect to find a bookstore.

First up, is Daunt Books,
83, Marylebone High Street,
London W1U 4QW

Photo credit

Often regarded as a traveler's bookstore, Daunt Books has books separated according to countries, so you'll typically get travel guides, novels and memoirs all squished into the same section. Very useful for people who are reading according to countries .. I tend to do that, being obsessed with the Middle East some time back, I'm now progressing to India before I make a pit stop in US prior to zooming off somewhere else on my imaginary travels.

Photo credit

The store is spread out over three floors, with books nestled in every corner. Would you just look at the beautiful wood paneling, and the entire Edwardian setting the bookstore has ? I think I would love getting lost here....wouldn't you?

For our next stop, we'll hop over to Ireland, stopping by

Hodges Figgis

56-58 Dawson Street,

Dublin 2,

Ireland

Photo credit

Founded in 1768, the shop is the oldest yet in Ireland. In fact, if you're familiar with James Joyce's Ulysses, you'd probably have stumbled upon this book depository as the store gets referred to in his work, although the store has since been relocated from its original location.

The shop is spread across four floors and is reputed to house a staggering number of 1.5 million books, and is the largest bookstore in Ireland, specializing in Irish titles, academic titles, fiction and bargain books ( bargain books go for around €.3.99 and €4.99 , compare that dollar to dollar with the price that we pay here and you've got your answer for "Why Malaysians don't read " )

Fashioned in green and gold livery, the store exudes an aura of an era past, a whiff of whimsical days when women probably walked around under parasols and both Chivalry and Gallantry still breathed. Unfortunately, the store is no longer an independent bookstore, having been bought over by the HMV Group which also owns Waterstones, a famous book chain in the UK.

And with that last stop, let's wrap things up for the day. I'll continue posting interesting bookstores as I come across them but before we settle back on earth, here's a last thought. With all the books to be read and bought, possessed and digested .... Louis Vuitton who ??

Fatigued

2010-04-01T13:54:00.001+08:00

When it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really in fact, where we always intended to be - Julia Glass, Three Junes, pg 286

It's deja vu all over again, and I find myself yet again at the crossroads in life. People tell me my future is bright (is that a standard thing you tell anyone with an uncertain future, perhaps to imbue them with a hope that's fleeing and slipping.. ) but the thing is, all I see is uncertainty and bleakness.

It's so not me to be having consecutive down days. I usually bounce back hard and fast, but the problem is I don't know anymore where I'm heading and what I want. I know of people my age who are about to be mothers, and here I am, failing miserably at getting a grip on my own life. Am I pushing too hard, am I not trying hard enough, is enough ever enough ?

I've tried so hard to find beauty in the obscurest of things. And in many instances I do find beauty in places I least expect. Spurts of joy and laughter in every day, but at times I'm down and beat and I feel like giving up on this race, on hopes and dreams that suddenly feel like burdens and things-I-wanted-to-do-whilst-I-was-young.

I'm still on my break, till I fly off in June to finish up my degree. In this short period ( believe you me, 2 months is NOT long, it's really short when you have a gazillion things to do ) I actually drew up plans on things to do, in order to industrialize my time.

Work for money for UK ( because contrary to popular belief, I don't delight in spending Daddy and Mommy's hard earned money )
Read, read and read ( so far I've failed miserably at this, time seems to be outrunning me, laughing and teasing , always two steps out of my reach )
Learn a foreign language, preferably Italian or French ( I know, just humour me )
Brush up on Mandarin, notwithstanding the fact that it's non-existent
Knit, sew, stitch (don't ask ! )
Learn how to cook ( pivotal for survival )
Find some time for fun ( equally pivotal for survival ... )
Figure out what to do upon graduation , study/work/come back marry a prince and have a brood of Princelings .. = p ( all I seem to be doing is getting my hopes up high only to have them deflated again )

In the arrogance that youth gives, I thought I could do all that and more. I used to wake up early, go swimming, go for lab sessions and classes, come back and write reports, juggle assignments, study, solve a ton of math solutions, cook dinner (yes, I used to cook ... boiled cabbages anyone? *don't laugh!* ) catch a movie AND read a book before I sleep. Now I wake up, write, read a little, work work work and I'm already woozy by dinnertime, nevermind the things-I-wanted-to-do-whilst-I-was-young list that continually mocks me. Is this what getting old feels like ??

In me, one of those flaws had proven to be a chronic restlessness; an inability to appreciate, no matter how well things are going, those blessings that were right there in front of me. It's a flaw that is endemic to modern life, I think - Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope, pg 3.

I think I've just been diagnosed by the President. *sigh* For now I pray for patience, and understanding. Perhaps one day I will find my place in this big, magnificent world.

Single, Double, Triple

2010-03-28T17:14:00.005+08:00

What do you do when days go blue ? For me, I turn to the ever steady, ever comforting arms of music. Today, I decided to go bury my ears in a truckload of ABBA.

Maybe you should take a chance on them ...

Love the quirky dance.

Funniest. Song. Ever.... le sigh

Need I elucidate ? .... =)

Slipping through my fingers

2010-03-26T01:35:00.000+08:00

I have a question : Does anyone else out there find that time is just slipping away so quickly, so sneakily that you can never never catch up with it ? Oh , if only I could survive on 2 hours sleep (none at all would be better ... )

I had so many things lined up for this break of mine, but somehow things always turn out differently. Funny how you can plan all you want and the Big Guy up there goes ha ha ha. Not that I'm complaining because you have to do what you've gotta do, but I really miss quality time with my books, music and movies. :(

Insanity is us

2010-03-23T09:53:00.002+08:00

I think a lot of people would have read about the latest way to make a sale, or close a deal. You see, supermarkets tend to package stuff together when you get something. Buy one, free one. Isn't that what garners the most attention after all?

I wonder how many of you read the article in The Star, the one highlighting the desperate attempts of insurance agents, or companies to sell their premiums and hit quotas. Do go here for the complete article, but I just wanted to quote something that irked me so much when I read it.

Sources told the newspaper that the female agents were recruited among divorcees, single mothers or those helping their boyfriends repay debts.

It baffles me how women, or at least some of them, can be so idiotic when it comes to relationships. I really don't see why some of them would stoop so low and resort to these desperate measures just to get a little bit of money. Is your self worth, and dignity measured only by the number of premiums you sell? Worst of all, selling oneself to repay debts for boyfriends ?! I mean, ditch the guy, get a life, or just get a brain !

Irksome letters

2010-03-18T15:29:00.001+08:00

Distinction - the quality of being excellent , Cambridge Dictionary. It is sad to see that the day has come when getting a distinction no longer cuts it. We need to throw in the word SUPER for it to have more import, such is our self-esteem.

This is going to be a long ranty post so if you're not in the mood for verbal diarrhea then here's a friendly advice to stop reading after this sentence.

I've bitten my tongue and kept my silence for far too long on this subject. You see, when I first heard about the change in the grading system for the SPM examinations, I thought my friend was joking because the entire notion of the change was absurd. If you don't know what I'm referring to, go here.

I mean, seriously, Super Distinction? Do we need that? Do we need students to have Super Distinctions in Pendidikan Moral but zero civic consciousness? Do we need students with Super Distinctions in Science and Math but care naught for cutting down on greenhouse gases or to find out more about green technologies and energy conservation? One wonders if this preoccupation for keeping up the best of appearances, showing off the best, unblemished cert and diploma, if this obsession with being kiasu is only an Asian thing. I once read a report on how developing nations were blamed for causing the most pollution in their quest to join the big players, due to their lower standards of awareness and sadly, education and it is sad that I can't stand up and offer a defense, because how does one fight the truth?

We don't lack an excellent grading system, we lack a proper, holistic education. We need an education that encompasses an appreciation for World History, that the present generation will learn from the mistakes and be inspired by the triumphs of past generations , not a few chapters you memorize in your Sejarah textbooks. We need an education where children realize the importance of being Environmental Friendly, not merely taking part in campaigns to earn credits, all with the goal of obtaining a scholarship at the end of the day. We need an education where science and maths and art and literature all meld into a burning fireball of passion.

I know of parents who start off conversations with how well their children are doing in school, how many As they're getting and how many top schools are pining for their acceptance. To be proud of one's achievement is one thing, to motivate and encourage, a laudable course of action. Outright bragging on the other hand garners zero respect. After a while, all this marked lack of humility gets sickening.

There is this new product in the market, a magic pen-like device that is able to 'read' out books for little children. It is sad to note that some parents these days no longer have the time to sit down and read with their children, choosing instead to delegate the 'chore' to flat, emotionless robotic voices.

If I ever have a child, I would never want him or her to grow up thinking that an A- is lesser than an A and an A, lesser than an A+. Or for that matter that a B or even a C is a grade that's unworthy of praise and respect. I've seen people who start off with failing grades in English, who can hardly string together a coherent sentence in the language but with dedication and pure effort they finally grasp the language, and when they do speak in English, they speak it with a pride that none of us 'English educated' people will ever possess. It is them that I admire and take my hat off for, because at the end of the day what matters most is that you've given any task you pick up your utmost best, and you've garnered experiences and knowledge that will last you a lifetime.

Disclaimer : I'm not running down students with straight As, if they've worked hard for it, they deserve all due credit . It is just the misconception of 'success' that irks me so. Many of the world's greatest men got where they are today based on hard work, diligence and the right attitude, not a piece of paper.

musings of a dreamer

RIP

Succinct

iBilik - Sublets Master !

A day

Spine

In the blink of an eye

The junk of the past

Latest Myvi Cars for Sale

Subtraction

Solitary

Hello, old friend

Last one

Of hypocrites and rainbows

Are you looking for a room for rent ?

This restless feeling

In pursuit of

Well loved

Who am I

The folly

My wishes

Where is the Love

Letter to self

Redirecting gazes

Burnt out

The word papa

When words don't suffice

Inspirational billionaire

Fairy Tale

The Dark

Shades

Pride and Practicality

Remember

Letter to you

Wonky

Grim

Lethargy

Thank you

Yours, mine, ours

Enough is enough

Tell me your story

Coupon Chief

The most demanding job

Maybe

London

Let Me

Platonic

Eggs over easy

I Vow

Missing that one person

Barbaric

Imprinting memories

Waiting on fairy tales

I miss ..

SAT Fever

The Shape I'm In

Somewhere

Mind Blowing !

Happy Rabbit New Year !!

Strength

The Good Die Young

Until We Meet Again

Venezia

Fragile

*shrugs*

Le Affair

Carpe Diem

This One's for You

*insert clever title*

I pray

Hell hath no fury

Gene pool

When God speaks ...

Enough with that !

No dancing shoes have touched these dusty floors ..

Tramlines Festival

Undisclosed desires

More than just a game for two

The Asymmetry of Interdependence

Whitby part 2

shrugs

insert clever title