Santa Time

'tis the season to be jolly! Santa's coming to town in only a few more days!

Everyone's expecting it. Brightly decorated trees. Christmas dinners. Carols to sing. Laughter and joy among family and friends. Santa going round town and spreading more cheer. Praise to the Lord. Mistletoe. (LOL) It's the best day anyone can have. Here in Malaysia, the season is celebrated with every one despite the differences we have. Isn't it beautiful to share in the happiness that Xmas brings?

Me, I'm pretty sure me and my family - despite the fact we're not Christians - are going to have a nice, peaceful Xmas celebration of our own. That would be very nice.

Maybe you guys should share your Christmas cheer too! Post them here on this note or share them with your friends on your profile. Spread the joy of the season to everyone! Give your thanks to the Lord above - 'cos Santa Claus is coming soon!

Cheers, and Merry Xmas in advance! (Hopefully I can put up a nice post for the day itself!)

Mere Words?

Another incident to share, I have.

The LaSallian Friends in Touch were emphasizing on a youth project that aims to have a memorandum signed by several thousand youth (online) sent to the Ministry of Education in order to make certain important changes in the current education system as well as other matters pertaining to the youth. (Check it out here) Knowing the significance of this action, I decided to sign it as well and play my part for the greater good of the younger generation.

So after I did so, I decided to flip through the list of those who already signed their names. When I checked it there were about 200 plus names including mine, and some names reminded me of some of you readers. I wonder if those really are your names. I'm guessing it's a yes from all of you. So anyway, as I was flipping through the list I couldn't help but notice one person - who I shall name A - had attached a comment along these lines: "B, please see me in my office."

I was surprised. What could possibly lead to that being posted on the memorandum? I could only tell that A must be some person of authority and had noticed some comment that seemed to offend A. So I scrolled through the list till finally I found the cause: seems that B was criticizing A for putting a lot of strain onto B's class with loads and loads of assignments to do. There I found out A is a lecturer. And I almost laughed at the whole situation.

Moral of the story? Watch your words on the Net, because you'll never know when you'd have to eat them. After all, we live in a borderless world - and sooner or later someone is going to find out about what you say or do in the World Wide Web. For Heaven's sake, can't you just keep it to yourself or open some private log or something so you can rant all you want? Why go public?

Sigh. People are really an amusing bunch.

Cheers!

A Retrospective

Life is but too short for us to enjoy, for who knows of when our end may come? We must always do what we can to make every day a memorable one, full of joy and laughter and fond memories that never shall be erased from our minds, even in death.
~ Dr. Lionel R. Phantis, historian

Indeed, his words are true.

2010 has been somewhat of a different year. I've seen how every day had something to offer - be it a fleeting moment of joy or a long period of sorrow. I've seen friends and family bend and break, hold on and pull through. I've faced many events - some undoubtedly memorable, others full of misery and despair. I can say 2010 is a prelude of sorts to newer things. Things that may just alter our lives. And what we faced throughout this year is to help us prepare.

Or so I say. Perhaps all of it is true. Hopefully, it isn't. Anyway, let's not digress. This is, after all, a retrospective of the year that is about to end.

The year started off simply enough. Post-SPM I took a quick vacation and had a great outing with some friends before departing for the INTI Youth Empowerment held in their Nilai campus. Pretty much a shorter version of the Prefectorial LTC, but still it was a great event. Had loads of fun, met new friends and such. The empowerment came and went, unfortunately, but soon enough I'll recover it as it was when I was there. I still miss those times.

Then it was off to work. Had a quick tenure at Parkson (if a month is considered quick) at its DIY department, and made more friends. I have to say working there was fun, since I met a lot of good people there who had wit and character. I do miss my time there. Hopefully circumstances would allow me to go back and help.

Soon after I came over to Jusco and worked for two months for Hush Puppies Shoes, though I'd say working there can't compare to Parkson. Sure, I made more friends (jokingly said I'd be famous among them one day XD) and had loads of fun chatting with them, for some reason part of me still lingers in memories of Parkson. Still, Life goes on, and I can't complain about my time here in JJ.

While I worked I also managed to attend two interviews for the Star's EduFund - one at SEGi, the other at KTAR. I had high hopes I'd get to one of these places but unfortunately, both didn't offer a full scholarship. Heart-wrenching at first, but I guess we move on. If ever I did get a scholarship, I wonder how I might be like now. And truthfully, the thought of going to Form Six was... disheartening. But I got used to that fact. Saves a whole lot of money, after all. And money is a luxury I don't have at the moment.

Before long, Form Six Orientation came. By then, I'd had some good money in my pocket, some pretty good results for the SPM and a longing to see old friends again. The Orientation kicked off and I got to know some nice people in the early stages, as well as meet old friends and acquaintances. People like Eva, Jean, Melwin and Wai Keong come to mind. And all those funny games we played, in spite of the fact they were... umm, rather lame?

It was hard to choose between Biology and Computing. But I guess Puan Leela's threats did get me to deciding! XD Jokes aside, I followed my heart to go into Computing, as it's quite an interest of mine, and the next thing I knew they whisked me away to LSS3. Bam, just like that. I didn't think much about my stay there, but as far as things go, anything goes.

From strangers, the lot of us in LSS3 soon got to know one another better. Time has its ways, after all. Especially if you mix a bunch of young guys and girls, fresh from the (so-called) horrors of the SPM and the long honeymoon period that followed it. Everyone connects. Everyone has something to say. And to laugh about. Talk of dinosaurs and cats, teachers and lessons and the like. Girl talk, guy jokes and more.

The Heritage Walk too opened up new bridges. And so did many other things, as well as through other friends you meet or already know. Pretty soon, everyone was getting comfortable with the new environment and warming up to each other. Classes began; the learning process soon followed. Enthusiasm starts high, but pretty soon diminishes once it becomes a daily routine. But still, new friends keep coming in. And it's great to have so many awesome pals around.

But alas, friends came and went. People like Wai Keong got an early chance to leave Form Six and head off to pursue their dreams. Others went through most of it, but ultimately end up leaving because they couldn't take it. Or others migrated to other classes to do something they want to do. LSS3's community soon dropped (and briefly rose) till it now stands at 24. Oh wait, make that 23. Life went on soon after, and classes got on track.

The decision to return to my old coat-of-arms - the Prefects - was probably the best decision I'd made. Sure, it's fun to be a Prefect, but it's way more awesome when you have the right people in it. The same goes for the cocuricullar activities - Wushu felt real fun (it's been too long since I last practised it!) to re-do; Chess, despite the strain of me being Secretary, was still loads of fun nevertheless; Computer Club... well, that's much to be desired. XD

Oh, and let's not forget the Sixth Form Council. Hell, I never did think I'd be part of it, let alone be its Vice President! (I still do wish I'd did more to help out XP) With RJ, Tihn Chern, Ashiran, Mabel, Eva, Cindy, Heng Jian, and Habibi along for the ride, we probably can go the distance - where even our predecessors never did think of going!

And let's not forget after-school fun: whether it's simply hanging out inside or outside school. It all depends on where you go, what you do, and who you're with. From birthday bashes to official meetings, to simple outings and sharing sessions - yeah, lots of things to do after school. Apart from homework. I mean, we're still youngsters trying to have fun in an otherwise boring life. We can't just simply stagnate in silence and solitude.

Sixth Form Night came and went like a fable of sorts. Lots of things to see and gawp about, like during the catwalk. The performances helped rock the night, and soon enough everyone had much of it burned into their memories. Nothing much new, but I believed we had ourselves an exceptional time - after all the hard work and the planning! Even when shit hit the fan a couple of times, we held on and we gave our all. And everything went accordingly, as we hoped. I'm glad of that.

As the first half of the year went by, everything changed. School became a norm, and despite the fact after-school outings were still common place, it became part and parcel of school life. As did studies. Obviously. And classrooms became littered with students following the lessons being conducted, or in other cases lessons being diverted away from its original purpose. It all depends on the teachers. Some we hate, others we love, others we love to hate or vice versa. And it started to become somewhat like Form 5 again. The stress began to push us downwards. But I guess that didn't deter us.

Even in all the fun that's to be had, there's always a fair share of regrets. Hurting friends; hurting loved ones; doing the wrong thing(s); getting screwed up by the Big Kahuna (need I say more?)... one can never have the patience to last. Soon enough, everything starts falling apart. Discontentment, hate, obsession, pride, self-destruction - all this has happened. It's sad to see how we can easily fall apart with only one wrong word. But we can't linger in our regrets. Life must go on. Remember them and speak no more of it. Let bygones be bygones.

I see lots with my eyes, and hear lots with my ears. There are always those that are thoughtful or meaningful in some way. Of two people falling in love. Of great friendships forged through circumstance. Of great times filled with nothing but happiness and contentment. Yes, every young man and woman would go through these.

But for every action there is always a reaction. Of friends secretly wanting to be with someone. Of unsaid emotions. Of pain and sorrow within, unseen without. Of gossip that can threaten one's place in the community. Of resentment and detestment. Of shattered friendships that could have been salvaged. Disheartening indeed. I had my fair share of problems, I can tell you that. Sometimes I do wish I could right those wrongs, but I guess that's how Life goes.

It's just sad to see how people change because of these events. Friends become enemies, lovers become estranged, teachers look down on us students, etcetera. So little is needed to alter the human mind, when so much is needed to build it up to the right level. Such is our weakness that we forego the good in favor of the bad. But that is not mine to reason why.

In the end, Life throws at us some pretty tough obstacles. Sometimes, even those that can very well change our lives entirely. But we need to face them with guts. You can't hide from your problems forever. Just accept them, face them, and get them over with whatever way you can.

As the year came to its close, I began to see things differently and I wished I could have seen it that way long before. Still it takes time before a man can get to a certain level, and I'm still working on it. It all begins with faith in yourself and in God. And then you need to be more positive even against all odds. Life is but a test. An obstacle course. A puzzle. I intend to make the most out of whatever time I have left. Do things I've not done. And hopefully do things not just for the benefit of myself, but more for the people around me.

It surely took quite a while to adjust to this New Life I found. Old habits die hard, after all. But having met so many friends who would ultimately become like siblings of mine, it's not hard to do so. There's always someone I can turn to for advice, no matter how simple it may be. And I'm glad I have so many to call friends.

Soon enough, work piled on us and put us off from having a nice holiday season. We part ways till January next month and everything will return to the routine we know of. For now, we work and we play and anticipate the harsh season that awaits us next year. Me, I'm doing all I can while working in Jusco again to earn some cash for the family's sake. But December is ending soon, and I fear what awaits us in Upper Six. Apart from more shelling from Mr K himself. Sigh.

It's hard to believe Orientation is so far behind us now. We've all gone through thick and thin. We've had fun. We've had bad times. The same goes for me. And now we're on the verge of completing our studies in SMI and leave the comforts of home to head to the University of our choice. And it's hard to believe we'll be parting ways again very soon. But let's not consider that thought for now.

Well, that's quite a retrospective. Hopefully, you guys didn't get lost or whatever in between paragraphs. I don't really write these kinda things as nice as how Nick did his. XD Still, if you managed to read through that's just how the year seemed to be in my opinion. For now, I'll leave you to contemplate on how your year went.

Until next time, adieu and good night.

Perchance Some Randomness

Before I go on, here's something worth checking out:

http://voicesofstudents.wordpress.com/

Maybe it's just life,
& we can never figure out how things are.
Maybe we're all just pawns in a game?

Yes, Life is so strange,
Or is it?
Unless there's some better explanation
Why Life seems so... random?
Indeed, 'tis something to ponder about.
Nobody can tell till someone considers the possibilities.

How peculiar Fate can be unto us!
Oh, we mortals can ne'er comprehend!
What true purpose we have here on Earth,
Despite the fact we have our religions to guide us
You can never tell what God has in mind.

Only in Death can we finally know,
Until then we can only wonder in puzzlement.

Gee, that was quite a random modern poem.
Uh... yeah. Randomness indeed.
Especially in Life, where anything is just possible.
Sigh.
So much for that.
?

Reminiscence

Everyone seems to be doing something that relates how their year went by. Why all the long talk? Rick's one was... exceptionally long. Nick already has Part II out. M&M did a very brief but meaningful one. Who's next?

Hmmm, maybe I will. But I doubt it'll be out really soon. I may not write it extremely long like Rick. I may not divide it into separate chapters like Nick. Nor will I simply write it quick and clean like M&M. I might just do it... some other way. Or a combo. Hmmm.

Perhaps.

For now, I'll be busy with other things. When I do have the time, then perhaps I will.

Cheers!

Random Thoughts

We people are so hard to fathom.

JCard Day just passed recently, and the crowd was HUGE, as if the entire city of Ipoh came and went on that one day. Cashiers worked non-stop to handle customers that wanted to pay for their goods. Promoters skedaddled here and there to serve the masses. At each department, wares were scattered all over the place. Everyone was edging here and there to squeeze in and look around. And walk. Walk. Walk. And buy.

Sigh.

I guess it goes to show how much people love to shop.

But doesn't this show how much we waste our money? Well, maybe not in some cases. Everyone is buying something at a reasonable price. With discounts up to 70 percent, who can resist? Especially clothing. Oh my, the throngs of people was quite a sight.

Yeah. Shopping. And JCard Day. Plus, it's the holiday season. And what a marvelous mess.

Cheers for now.

Quick Updates

Christmas!

Though I may not celebrate it, it's still great to share the fun an the holiday mood with the rest. And then some. Now I don't want any presents from Santa! I just want to have a blast and relish the Xmas moods Malaysia is gonna put on.

Apart from that, I'm also expecting a brand new year - full of life and opportunities! Can't wait.

Cheers for now. =)

Waste Not, Want Not

A recent Oprah episode on reducing waste I glimpsed recently had her challenge two families to stay off computers, video games and food outside for 1 week. Believe me, both families were pretty stuck in a rut. Sneakily using the computer when no one's watching and a whole bunch of problems in the first few days! But soon enough they were getting pretty used to the whole idea. The dad said a friend of his asked whether he caught the game (possibly rugby) recently, but he didn't have the nerve to tell him he didn't. Instead he was spending time reading to his children before bedtime. At least he did something.

And yes, no surprise, both families succeeded in completing the challenge.

Now before I go on, don't say that I'm onto her like the millions of people that catch her show almost everyday without fail! It's just pure coincidence that this episode was on while my mum and grandma were watching the telly.

According to Oprah, the whole point of the episode was to raise awareness on how much people waste on things they think they need but ultimately prove pointless. Hey, she didn't say computers are pointless as I do believe she uses one too. But it does highlight how much waste we end up disposing of at the end of the day. To prove her point she had a short clip showing a group of people who spent their time LOOKING for fresh food in a local neighborhood's dumpsters. Can you imagine that? And they found some! Not one, but SOME! Good grief, that's proof enough!

Now let's just look at ourselves: do we waste more than we realize? Sometimes, we buy loads of stuff that we think is important - but in the end, we throw most of it or give them away. Food especially, like when you cook up a storm and much of the food isn't finished, what'd you do? You take them all up, put it in a bag and dump it in the bin! That's it! Problem solved. In a sense. But we're really doing the wrong thing. Heck, come to think of it, feeding stray animals and the birds can be even considered wasting food! (Does it? This is kinda debatable, since we're feeding nature in a sense. Any remarks?)

Then Oprah showed another clip about a woman (forgot her name, sorry XD) who, after watching another of Oprah's shows (does she do several?) was inspired to cut down on her consumption of stuff. She lives a rather fabulous life: making a six-figure pay, going out every day to shop and spending her money on anything her money can buy. But then after watching that particular show, she was inspired to make a change to her lifestyle and be more careful on what she spends. By planning ahead, checking prices and stuff, she now saves so much more than she used to. And by the looks of it she's enjoying her new lifestyle. Less time shopping, less time on TV, less spent on too much food, etcetera.

I could hardly believe my ears. And eyes too. But there it all was.

You don't need to go such great lengths! It all starts with simple actions, like closing the tap when it's not in use, turning off the lights when no one's around - pretty much what we normally do to conserve. It's easy. If you want to go ahead and start cutting down on a large-scale, then by all means do it. That's your choice. It's up to us on how we wanna cut down on waste.

Cheers!

Another Little Reminder

When I had breakfast with my mom and grandma at the hawker centre behind the Town Hall, one of the many drinks waiters from one particular stall came to our table to clean up. Mind you, we'd already ordered our drinks from another stall - so when the waiter asked if we wanted anything, our answer would definitely be 'No'.

As I expected, her trip to clean our table and remove the empty glasses on it were immediately abandoned. The glasses remained, and the table was still (a little) dirty. "Sour grapes," as my mom put it. I almost laughed at the thought of it.

C'mon, can't you just do a little clean-up? Just because we're not ordering from you doesn't mean we don't like your food or anything. I swear, you can never ever find customer service in any hawker centre. The phrase is totally non-existent, really. Well, unless you're a foreign traveller, because the thing about us Malaysians is that we do things better to international guests than to their own people. So much for unity and harmony as one.

Moral of the story? Don't be bitter over even the triflest of matters. It's not going to help you at all. As with the case above, we're definitely going to remember that stall for the rest of our lives!

Cheers!

The Oprah Factor

Oprah Winfrey is a good example of charisma. She's the talk of practically the entire world, and her show is seen by millions of viewers worldwide. Her following is indeed phenomenal and probably larger than the community of Michael Jackson fans that span the globe. Her show covers all kinds of topics: family, friendship, nature, beauty, celebrities - the like. Many viewers were inspired to do things they never thought of doing, just because they saw it on her show. Not only that, her generosity knows no bounds as she presents fantastic gifts to her live audience: cars, vacations and so much more. And now that she's heading to the Land Down Under, the locals are hit by 'Oprah fever'!

It's no surprise Time magazine listed her as one of the most influential people in the world. Being a TV talk show host AND a philantropist at the same time isn't easy, as far as I can tell. Indeed, she's doing things people wouldn't dream of doing, especially in this selfish world we live in. Sure, the issues she touches upon are relevant like what most talk shows would mention, but she goes the distance. And people who see her show are always inspired by her findings, highlights and stuff. Not even the President could do that kind of thing!

And when it comes to giving... boy does she give! Initiatives like rewarding her audience and the magnificent Big Give specials are truly inspirational as they touch the lives of those who need help. I don't know if it's really her idea or the producer's, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. (After all, prejudice is a bad thing!) We need to have more people like her. When the rich get richer and the poor continue to suffer, someone (or some people) need to make a stand for them.

I don't idolize Oprah, but merely state that her kind of character is what we need. You don't exactly have to give cars away to the needy, but if you can just make an effort to do more than just donate for a cause, you're already on the right track.

Cheers!

Christmas Cheer!

Christmas time is coming soon. In about, what, 3 weeks? Man, time flies so fast. Already places are decorating their interiors with Christmas decor and Christmas songs are chiming all day long in places like Jusco. Yes, everyone's expecting that wonderful day.

Well, there's not much that needs to be said about Christmas. It's when Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and have fun giving lovely presents to family, friends and loved ones. Even in spite of the economic downturn, people are coming up with novel ways of giving gifts that are both meaningful and easy on the wallet. Even Santa would approve of such presents!

Speaking of giving gifts, how else do you celebrate Christmas? To me, even though I'm not a Christian, Christmas isn't just about presents and all, but it mostly focuses on having a great time with the people closest to you - whether it's at the dinner table or around the fireplace. (Well, if your house has a fireplace) After all, the spirit of Christmas lies in bonding with those people and sharing laughs all day long. Sure, it's always a kick to get some neat presents but do remember that giving is better than receiving.

Maybe do a little something to spread some Christmas cheer somewhere else in the world, perhaps? Contribute a donation to a charity fund and change someone's life. Or adopt a child and make his or her life a better one. Or even give away your old clothes to a nearby orphanage or shelter. The little things count. In fact, I'm confident even Christ Himself would approve of your act of kindness. Asides, we're all human, and that means we need to play our part. Love and harmony is what the world needs the most.

Give a little more than you used to, and you'd be surprised at how fulfilling it can be. Maybe your Christmas might just be a little brighter than the usual.

Cheers!

Waiting For The End?

My grandmother suddenly fell very ill recently, and the incident left me... feeling afraid. Too afraid.

She's close to her eighties now, and even though she isn't the same after the stroke that nearly cost her life about two years ago, I'm glad we still have her around. Despite the difficulty in communicating with her she's still part of my family, and I still love her to the core. Sure, I make mistakes with her too, but nevertheless I keep telling myself to do better next time around. And I make sure she's alright all the time.

But after this, I don't know what to expect next. She's old. Her time is almost up. But it's hard to accept that fact. It's as if I want her to remain for a longer time, even though it's not possible. When God has set your date of passing, then it's already been set. Nothing else can change it.

But if she does leave this mortal plane... damn it, I don't know how I'll react. It may just rend my soul in half for some time. The scars are definitely gonna linger. I really don't know. All I know I need to be prepared, and watch over her more closely.

God help me.

Family Comes First

When I typed this post I had just come back from helping my mum out with some work. Mind you, the notes I publish are all scheduled posts. So the original post which I typed was done at about 11.43 pm on Friday, the 26th of November 2010 AD. Yes, you read right. And believe me, as tired as I may be now, I can't say that I'm glad I helped her out.

Most times, kids would usually gripe when their parents ask them for their help with something, be it a chore or something involving their work. I admit I did complain before, but now I see the big picture: when we help our parents we shouldn't see it as something that hinders us or is an annoyance. Instead we should be happy to help them, because we're technically repaying a bit of the deeds they've done for us as a child growing up. We always end up taking our parents for granted, and we never really show them gratitude for taking care of us since our birth. It's high time we changed that.

Why should we be complaining anyway? When we're young, it's normal to do it because we don't know about the burdens we carry. But as we age and we learn and mature, we should recognize that our parents did all their best to give us what we have today. Let's not take into account those who were abused by their parents. I will address that in a later post. The fact is, our parents worked so hard to do all they can to give us a good life, good education, and loads more. Now that we're older, we should do all we can to repay their kindness and their care for us. Be it treating them more nicely, buying lunch and dinner everyday, or maybe taking them somewhere for some quality family time, we need to show them our thanks for their love and affection, and all the sacrifices they've made for us.

Family comes first. It's good that we have Father's and Mother's Day celebrations. But we need to make every day Family Day. Think about it.

Cheers!

A Little Reminder

A recent event that happened to me showed how important it is to LISTEN and not to HEAR.

Me and my family were having breakfast at a nearby restaurant. As my mum went to order our food, I ordered two cups of hot Milo for our drinks. The funny thing is, when we were finished with our food, our drinks still hadn't arrived. So my mum called a waiter and asked about the matter, and the waiter asked another waiter to take our order. We gave the same order, and asked them why hadn't our drinks arrived yet. The waiter didn't give an answer as she walked off to take it to the counter.

Shortly after, our drinks came. But that wasn't the end of it. As we got up to leave, the waiter who took our second order came up to us and unapologetically told us we had made two separate orders - the first that didn't come through, and the second that finally did. And we already asked why it took so long to prepare two cups of Milo. So we walked out, feeling disgusted. As I took my grandma along the second waiter was busy telling the man sitting behind us about the fiasco and how it was our fault. Hell, we were pissed. But we didn't show it.

Moral of the story? LISTEN carefully, and then do what you have to do. They took our order, sure, but they didn't follow through when they were supposed to. And when they made the mistake, they pinned the blame on us.

People sure are funny in a stupid way sometimes.

Cheers.

You Are Awesome

I'm sure all of you remember the fictional character Hugh Newman. To him, every one is special. He does what he does just to see them smile. It's good to make others smile, because as we all know smiling helps alleviate our moods and make us feel bright, special and joyful. And remember he does this without any prejudice. He doesn't care what people think of them. He doesn't care if the world trods on their heads. He doesn't care if they don't like how the world behaves now. He just wants them to smile. And all that takes is a kind word and a smile from yourself. =)

It's always difficult to change our ways, especially when it comes to prejudice. We judge someone from what we've seen and heard from others, not what we've seen and heard from ourselves and the subject of prejudice. It's a bad habit that affects every one, and we need to put an end to it once and for all. Not only will it do them some justice, but in fact it helps you too! When you stop judging others, everyone you meet is awesome. Every single person, no matter their race, skin color, religion or principles, will be just like you. And as an added bonus, you'll have more friends too!

Now I have a little challenge for you. Remember when I told you about Dr. George Crane's Compliment Club? Just do it the same way they do it. Set all prejudices aside. Smile. Be genuinely friendly, polite and concerned for them. Ask them things like, "How was your day?" or "Are you OK?" At the end of the day, write down your feelings when you did so and how, as time goes by, your interactions with them changes too. Do this for at least 3 months and write your observations. Sure, it will be hard the first time around, but it becomes second nature as you keep it up.

If you think you've reached that point when everything has come round for the better, share it with your pals. Tell them it works. In fact, if it makes you happy, tell me about your progress. I will definitely share your happiness. But don't stop there! Even when you've fulfilled the criteria, why not make it a daily routine? You'll be brightening up the lives of the people around you, and you may just brighten up the lives of those who are in the category of "the Lost, the Least and the Lonely." You may just lift them out of their misery!

If you need a little bit of help, you can always ask your friends for some help. But don't ask them questions like, "Do I sound like a hypocrite?" or "Does he/she really deserve that kind of attention?" You're not making things any better for yourself. Yes, you read right: YOURSELF! If you let prejudice cloud your actions, you're not going anywhere. You'll be in the exact same spot you stood in many years ago. So shove them aside. As you continue giving genuine, unconditional compliments, all prejudice you had for them will be replaced by mutual understanding and respect. It's because you now know them personally.

In this modern world, much of our feelings for one another is left to rot in the sidelines. We can't let that continue to plague our minds. We need to be genuinely concerned for each other. We need to be there for one another. The old quote "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; cry, and you cry alone" cannot apply anymore. So let's all take a cue from Hugh Newman and Dr. Crane - tell people how awesome they really are. Make them feel awesome. You have that power - use it!

Cheers!

Oops

I have to confess I've been procrastinating a lot these holidays. And also made some bad mistakes earlier on that have ambushed me when I least expected it. Well, my bad. ><

I don't know why I did all this, and I wish I could undo them. But alas, once you've done it then "que sera, sera." It's either a good thing or otherwise. And in this case, it turned out the wrong way. Learning it the hard way always hurts.

Maybe I haven't been motivating myself enough? For some reason I can't get to pushing myself to start on my school work - and I feel like I have tonnes of it. Whether it might be because of my current situation (believe me I do have problems) or some other factor, I just feel drained whenever I think about my homework. And instead of doing them I'm avoiding them.

Some circumstances are hard to avoid. Others... not so. Even though there are assignments I'll have difficulty with, (PA comes to mind) those I can accomplish have to be done as soon as possible - or else!

Also, I do admit too that I need help for my Maths and Chemistry. Anyone willing to volunteer? I'd appreciate it deeply.

That's all for now, folks. Will be back soon, hopefully.

Cheers.

Need A Hug?

I remember the Buttercup family back in the LTC suggested to give free hugs once every two weeks. Personally I think it's a cute idea to life someone up and make them feel better again. But when I started reading Zig Ziglar's book, I found something very insightful.

It seems that research has shown the benefits of hugging are truly amazing! Hugging actually helps reduce blood pressure, increases oxygen in the blood, and do many other wonders to the body. It is also stated that our skin - the largest sensory receptor in the body - actually has a "skin hunger" that causes our skin to feel aching and uncomfortable. Why? It's because our skin is understimulated, meaning that it has a deficiency in terms of contact. People who face this are more likely to face difficulty in staying healthy. Therefore, to meet the demands of this "skin hunger" a minimum of four hugs a day are required! Talk about actions speaking louder than words!

We always know of the benefits of hugging to our mental and spiritual state. But now with these findings, hugging is actually a holistic approach to good health! So if you really need a hug, just ask for one! (But make sure you don't ask a complete stranger! XD)

Cheers!

Kris Allen's The Truth

Lyin' next to you
Wishing I could disappear...aay
Let you fall asleep
And vanish out into thin air..aay

It's the elephant in the room
And we pretend that we don't see it.
It's the avalanche that looms above our heads.
And we don't believe it.

Tryin' to be perfect
Tryin' not to let you down...ooww
Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now...yeah
while the floors underneath our feet are crumbling
The walls we built together tumblin'
I still stand here holdin' up the roof
Cause it's easier than telling the truth.

I still keep your photographs
I remember how we used to laugh
I can keep on losin' sleep
If you're okay with being torn in half.

It's the elephant in the room
And we pretend that we don't see it.
It's an avalanche that looms above our heads
But we don't believe it.

Tryin' to be perfect, tryin' not to let you down...oww
Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now...yeah
While the floors underneath our feet are crumblin'
The walls we built together tumblin'
I still stand here holdin' up the roof
Cause it's easier than telling the truth.

Stop ignoring that our hearts are mourning
http://www.elyricsworld.com/the_truth_lyrics_kris_allen.html
And let the rain come in.
Stop pretending that it's not ending
And let the end begin.

Oh yeah...

Tryin' to be perfect, tryin' not to let you down...yeah
Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now...yeah
While the floors underneath our feet are crumblin'
The walls we built together tumblin'
I still stand here holdin' up the roof
Cause it's easier than telling the truth.

It's easier than telling the truth...

Caring For You

With all the notes I've put up, it's my hope that you will do the things I've highlighted in them. Are you? I sure hope so. The reason I share these notes with you people is because I CARE for you people. The knowledge I've gained from the books I read can't just be kept to myself. Knowledge needs to be distributed - to be shared. If I leave it to stagnate in my head, what good is it but for me?

I dislike selfish people, I tell you that. (Well, if you're selfish by nature please do change yourself!) You may have the brains to solve complex problems, or the strength to do things others can't, but if you don't use it for the benefit of others what is it all worth but to yourself? In this world, selfish people are actually the ones who are getting left behind. They think it's all about them, that the Universe revolves around them. They even think they have the answers to everything. Poppycock, I say. You may have the answers, but not ALL of them! Beat that! XD

I admit I know quite a bit on motivation - mostly from what I read and what I face in Life. But when it comes to motivation, you're not just going to motivate yourself. To me, motivating yourself means motivating the people around you in the process. When you are doing something good for someone, many would make the choice to imprint it into their lives. And when they do it to others, the process repeats itself. Like I said before, we absorb both the good and the bad - but it's imperative that you absorb all the good stuff only.

Genuine care for each other is rare nowadays. Finding Good Samaritans who practise this is truly a rare chance, because the Good Samaritan principle is being exploited for all the wrong reasons. When you help someone, do you expect anything in return? The sad fact is, most of us do. The one thing about giving is that we give without wanting anything in return. Eventually, your good deeds will be rewarded - and the rewards are always worth more than gold! (They may even be worth their weight in gold!) You don't have to ask for anything. It will come to you, depending on the weight of your actions. Karma, I'd say.

Yes, I care for every one of you. I show that I care. I tell everybody I know I care - like what I'm doing now. I do admit I seek attention sometimes, but regardless of that what I feel for you people is sincere concern for your wellbeing - be it from the aspect of health, education, emotions, religion, etcetera. Me, I'd categorize myself as a "public lifter" because I lift people up with their knowledge. RJ is likened to be like this, too. But do note that there are also those who work "behind the scenes" - they care for you, but you don't know that they do. Mostly these kind of people are introverts; they lend a shoulder when you need it, they listen and don't say a lot, and they are always there for you in any kind of situation. For us public lifters, when we're there it means we will be showing our concern for you. For these people behind the scenes, just by being there they care for you. And I'm trying to be just like that.

It doesn't really matter if I tell you I care, really. Even when you're not aware of it, at least I care for you. And that will suffice. I make it a point to be concerned for every one I know. Of course there are times when I can't let myself be a 'kaypo' for certain reasons, but when you need a shoulder all you have to do is ask. And you'll definitely get it. =)

Cheers!

Got Problems? Face Them!

Now there never is a day when you don't face any kind of problem(s) at all. be it a small one or a critical situation, there's at least one problem to be faced every day, every night. The point is not about the problem(s) itself but about how you handle them. Now ask yourself: "What real difference does this make in my life tonight, or even in the morning?" Often times, we find that the problem at hand isn't much to be worried about.

The fact is, we can control our thoughts, actions and emotions - and also our own lives. Everything is in our grasp. But it's a matter of how you tackle the problems you have in order to steer yourself in the right direction. So stop griping about the problem(s) you have - instead, look at them as opportunities to grow or mature. The greater the challenge, the greater the need for you to solve it.

One example is the man who invented "Famous Amos" - Mr. Wally Amos. He didn't exactly have a good life - he lost his company, went bankrupt and was practically in debt. But he didn't give in. He started a new cookie company and made it big again. But his enemies weren't happy about it, and they filed a lawsuit against him. Once more he lost everything. But he didn't give up. He rose up again, and is still fighting the good fight with the same zest and zeal he always carried from the start. In fact, he's back in the cookie business again under the name "Uncle No-Name", and even wrote a book about his life entitled "The Man With No-Name". Not only does it show that problems can be handled the right way, but it also shows that even when we're down, we should always pick ourselves up again and again, never to back down in the face of adversity.

It all starts in you. As Orrison Swett Marden says, "Success is not measure by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds." Even when the odds are stacked against you and when people jeer at you, calling you to call it quits, don't ever give up! Don't ever lose faith! Listen to the voice in your heart cheering you on. Don't limit yourself and live in a 'box'. You need to get out there and face the challenges ahead like a man! (Figuratively speaking) When there's a will there's always a way.

"Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them," as J. Philip Everson states. The valleys are likened to be challenges or obstacles we face in Life. If we want to develop our full potential, we require these obstacles to run through. Failure and losses are an acceptable learning experiences to help improve our performance. Take Roger Bannister, who ran the 4-minute mile in 1954. He didn't listen to them. He just told himself "I can do this!" and he ran and conquered the unconquerable. Now many doctors would tell athletes NOT to do what Roger did. They say it's physically impossible. But if he could do it, why not them? In fact, even a fifty-year old man could do it!

It's been proven that individuals grow stronger physically, mentally and spiritually when they are 'tested' with resistance or opposition. It doesn't matter if you don't succeed on the first try - the first try is just like a starting point, a means to test yourself first before starting it. Failue is critical to success, just like when Thomas Alva Edison created the lightbulb. He proudly says, "I have not failed; I have only found a thousand ways that did not work." Always step back up to the plate even after you strike out. Learn from your mistakes. Ask yourself: "Will you let your failures work for you or against you?" Think about it.

Conclusion: problems are a fact of life. How you solve them is crucial in order to move on in Life. Even though the world might seem to be against you, always tell yourself not to give up or give in. Just do it!

Cheers!

Some Thing(s) To Smile About

I recently picked up a new book (well, actually my mom picked it off the shelf XD) to read. It's called "Something Else To Smile About" by Zig Ziglar, another famous motivator who wrote books like "See You At The Top", which has sold millions of copies worldwide. In this book, he offers some very short and simple but meaningful and inspirational thoughts about life in general and how we can make the most out of it whether in hard times or otherwise. I'm still reading it, but the first few pages I flipped through have generally been thought-provoking. Some of them I've learned through experience, some from John C. Maxwell, while others are new to me.

Let's start of with a little quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

If you learn only methods, you'll be tied to your methods, but if you learn principles you can devise your own methods.

Pretty neat, eh? It's a matter of what goes in our minds that counts. Speaking of which, what influences our thinking? Mostly this influence comes from the people we meet and what we see every day - be it on the telly, the computer or at the movies. If you've noticed, there are times when we absorb the positive traits of a person we meet, or do something that we've seen in the movies, all out of random spontaneity or after some time. We always take in the good, but be warned that we also end up taking in the bad stuff too.

Our performance now will determine our success and happiness in the future. So if you absorb lots of positive elements from your daily life you can be sure that you'll find yourself getting on the right track. When it comes to people involved in the dark side of life, they chose to take in only the bad stuff that will only ruin their lives. It's not unavoidable; all you have to do is watch what you feed into your mind. This food for thought affects our actions and our future as well, so it's best if you control what goes into your head.

Take some time off and think this through. Ask yourself, "What goes into my head? Are they beneficial? Or are they dragging me down? What can I do to avoid being dragged down? Can I change my thoughts in time?" If you can answer all of them then you're on the right track.

What Do I Like About You?

That's a good question. For my newest social experiment and affirmation instrument, I will list down all the nice stuff I see in you people - hence the title of the post.

So.... let's begin, shall we?

I like RJ's winning attitude and charisma as a leader and a friend. He's always on the get-go when it comes to things that involve his work and his pals. And he's always there when you need a friend to comfort you. Indeed, he's a trusty friend to have around.

I like Sandra's cheerful and lively nature with a charming smile. And the fact she's a caring and understanding sister with an awesome, vivacious, bubbly and fun-loving attitude to boot adds to her value as a great friend and sibling.

I like Mabel's eye for everything. Her insight can sometimes be full of truth and great meaning to it, in spite of the fact it's just mere observation. Maybe it's the experience she has with cameras that also shaped her views.

I like Kelly's desire for knowledge. Food for thought is indeed a good thing, and she may turn out to be an Einstein in all aspects. She easily broadens her horizons with every passing day as knowledge goes into her mind.

I like Eva's megawatt grin, and the fact she easily prove she's (no pun intended, sis) bigger than her body. She's got spunk and an attitude she's not afraid to use, and she can be full of fun (and perhaps cheeky) surprises too.

I like Ally's readiness to anything. She's brilliant, that I can say, and the fact she's always around to lend a helping hand when you need one. I appreciate all the help she's given while I was juggling with the Chess Club's stuff.

I like Christopher's heart. When it comes to dance, his heart is 110 percent in it - he gives his all to do his very best. Similarly, when it comes to his friends, he always has his heart in the right place to help them in any way possible.

I like Rick's resolve. Though I can tell he's having some hard times, he doesn't easily let his emotions out until one asks. But I firmly believe his determination and perseverance will return to him very soon and help push his worries away.

I like Jerry's carefree nature, and the fact he can be likened to a natural anti-depressant. Every time I see him, he always has that disarming smile of his that easily lifts my spirits and gets me back on track.

I like Jane's sense of comradeship - it's plain to see. No restrictions, no boundaries, no questions, no faking it; what she has is an honest-to-God friendship with all her friends, in spite of their differences in beliefs, cultures, etcetera.

I like Deborah's inner strength. There's something about her that makes her tick; maybe God's guiding light, maybe her willpower, or maybe some other factor that defines her. And not to mention her cute smile!

I like Sara's super-bubbly nature, and the times she's given me some great advice. She's almost like a mum to me, and I truly appreciate all the encouragement she's given in times when I was at my lowest.

I like Thomas' good-hearted nature. The reason why he won the INTI scholarship wasn't just because of his leadership talent and his oratory skills, but because people easily warm up to an awesome and bright dude like him.

I like Timothy's friendliness to his pals. That easily helps him build bridges with others and fit in with the crowd effortlessly. He's been a great friend since I've known him, and he continues to be like that at all times.

I like Venkeeran just because he's himself. I can never expect what he might say next because anything he says ultimately has us breaking out in laughter. But I guess that's why he's so sociable and so fun to hang out with.

Have I missed anyone? Well, I'll come out with another list soon enough, don't you worry. Cheers!