Of seeing personalities

You can see a person's personality from the way he or she behaves in real life as well as in the virtual world. 

In the first three days of 2012, with all the news and views going around, you can tell so much from the way people react.

Those they adore, they now abhor.

Those they would defend, they now easily condemn.

In my world, a friend is a friend is a friend.  I won't understand everything about my friend and I don't need to analyse and dissect every word, deed or action.

Just as I would want them to accept all I do without judgement, the same I must do for them.

However, it is nice, though, to know who will stand up for a friend.  

Of hate and hurting; hope and healing

It always takes me by surprise when people hate because someone wants them to hate.  Maybe it's just me but I won't hate or ignore someone just because somebody says I should do so.  Even when I was young, I used to be firm about how I felt towards anyone.  I did not allow my parents or my siblings to infiltrate my mind.  I made and still make my own choices.  Well, I have a brain and I can choose to decide on my own.  I'm not someone's dog.  It's akin to being a dog.  The owner says "attack" and the dog attacks.  The owner says "heel" and the dog heels.

This is why I don't understand why people choose to hate and hurt for the most trivial of reasons or simply because of gossip.

Hearts can heal and humans can hope.  Isn't that easier?  I guess not.  It is just tougher for a person when their self-esteem depends on approval from other members of the family.  Maybe it's the inability to make a stand.  I get that.

I hear that it's a matter of "blood being thicker than water".  That is laughable.  If this is true then my husband will rank way below the thousands of relatives I have.  There's a fine line for first place between my husband and my child.  Parents and siblings take second place.  Then relatives take third place followed by the good friends in fourth and acquaintances in fifth and so forth.  Where does blood come into the picture?

In the end, I suspect that the one they hurt is really their own self.  They may think that their silence is elegant or that their family camaraderie is impressive but it's probably just a facade for an inability to live and to love graciously.

With this, I'm going to put it behind me.  I've done my part.  I stepped outside of my comfort zone to be friends with some unfriendly people.  Now I'm done.

As Oscar Wilde says, "Life is too important to be taken seriously."  So no regrets, just lessons learnt.

You can call it the universe, God, co-incidence or whatever suits you but I think I just had a nice cleansing of, probable and possible, toxic people in my corner of the world.

(pics from all over Facebook)

What is your inside?

Last Friday, I was in a taxi on my way to Bangsar.  As is usual, the taxi driver looked at me through the rear-view mirror and asked, "What are you, ah?"

I smiled and said, "I'm Malaysian."

There is a red light so he stopped and turned around to look at me again.  He said, "I mean, what is your inside?"

I smiled again and said, "My inside is also Malaysian".

I understand what he wants to know.  He thinks I don't.  Exasperated by my answers, he narrows down the options for me, "Chinese?  Sabahan?  Eurasian?"

I responded firmly, "I was born in Malaysia and so I am Malaysian." 

Before he could react, I asked him, "What is YOUR inside?"  

Confidently he declared, "I'm Chinese; born in Malaysia."  So I said to him, "You are Malaysian and your inside is Malaysian".  He smiled and is amused.  I am, too.

We had a lovely chat all the way to Bangsar.  He thanked me for being so friendly and I thanked him back for sharing his thoughts.

(pics from WWW)

Home - Seri Sentosa (Peaceful and Tranquil)

14 years ago, I moved in to Taman Seri Sentosa.  It seems like a million years ago.  It didn't feel like home then, and every day as I drove home from work, I wondered when I would feel like I was going home.

Eventually I got used to the area and made new friends.  In retrospect, it is hard to remember the exact moment that this place became "home".

I have lived in the following areas: Tiong Nam (KL), Setapak Gardens, Masjid India (KL), Damansara Utama, Kepong and Section 14 (PJ).  

In conclusion, this quote rings true that "A small house can hold as much happiness as a big one".

Of Ambiga Sreenevasan, Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice and Others

In the year 2009, a Malaysian was honoured to be one of the eight recipients for the 2009 Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage Awards.

Excerpt from Facebook

In the ceremony, the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton commented, "... Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation. She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honor to recognize her and invite her to the podium."

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan (born 1956) is a Malaysian lawyer who served as the Malaysian Bar chairlady from 2007 to 2009.

In March 2009, she became one of the eight recipients for the 2009 Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage Awards. In the ceremony, the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented, “… Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation. She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honor to recognize her and invite her to the podium.”

In the picture, she stands between two women who will go down in US history.  I think Ambiga will also make it in the annals of Malaysian history.

For this reason, it is amazing that others recognize her good work and contribution to society (see here), while in Malaysia, there are some who think otherwise. (see here).

(pics from here)

You can call me, Datin!

Hah!!!  No matter how many times I think I won't be surprised, I surprise myself when I am.

No, Stephen hasn't received any Datukship for me to inherit the Datin title.  Stay with me here.

For some time now, I have observed that people love it when you call them "Datuk" or "Datin".  It has become an invisible but immediate elevation of their self-esteem.  I wonder if it's because they had a low self-esteem to start with. 

Anyway, this reminds me of two stories:-

Recently, I heard that a non-Malaysian couple had dinner with a Malaysian couple.  After introductions, the nice non-Malaysian lady leaned to the Malaysian lady and said, "No need to call me Mrs Doe, I'm Jane to everyone". To this, the Malaysian lady sweetly replied, "and you can call me, Datin".  Go figure that out!

Another story, which I also heard, is about a Malaysian Delegation that went to Peru in 1996.  There was an announcement, upon their arrival at the airport.  On the PA system, they were paging for a Mr Tan!  "Mr Tan, please go to information counter.   Mr Tan!  Mr Tan!"  No one responded because the Mr Tan, they were referring to, was a Tan Sri so and so.  Go figure, again!

If you are my friend, you'll be the same friend to me, with or without your Tan Sri/Puan Sri/Datuk/Datin title.  So if you are one of those people who insist on being known by your title, I have this to say to you

(all pics from photobucket)

Of Facebook, Farmville and Friends

Recently, there was a rumour that Facebook was going to end on March 15.  Many thought it was real.  While some heralded it as the best news ever, others moaned and groaned.  Just as quickly as the news spread, it was quashed.

FACEBOOK

I know that many see Facebook as something evil, which eats away at proper socialising and swallows up the precious minutes from the 24 hours that we all get.  I see it as a great platform with which we can keep in touch with people, albeit in a virtual world.  Before Facebook, I lost touch with my family members.  The only time I met up with them was at a wedding or funeral.  On Facebook, I can see what each one is doing, where they are going, what they are up to and more.  I can "poke" them, comment on their status, send flowers or hugs, share pictures and the list goes on.  I've found relatives that I never knew I had before.  There's something to be said about being connected but having control over the distance.  The choice of being active or passive is in one's hands.

FARMVILLE

I play two games on Facebook.  One is Scrabble and the other is Farmville.  Yes, Farmville is a love it or hate it application.  I didn't know it would be so interesting until  I helped my son with his farm.  Then Stephen created one for me.  With that, I was hooked.  For the younger generation, I'd recommend it, instead of those games where you shoot and kill to gain points.  In Farmville, I notice that everyone helps each other happily and willingly.  I don't know of any other game where your competitors are so kind and helpful.  This refreshes my faith in humanity.  Again, for the younger generation, you will hone your skills for time management and business sense.  You have to plan and organise your farm for optimum performance.  In addition to all these advantages, you'll make friends with people who have the qualities that really count in life.

OLD FRIENDS

The friends that I had long forgotten and almost given up on of ever finding again have reappeared in my life.  The girls that I studied with and who were an integral part of my growing years are now back. Playing catch up with them is really wonderful.  

Then there are the students who are now married and who have kids of their own, I feel like a grandmother already.  When I am sad, I only have to say so on Facebook and I am immediately comforted by words or virtual gifts.  Who needs real stuff when the spirit in which the virtual gift is given is what makes it so valuable and counts so much.

NEW FRIENDS

Then there are the new friends.  They say "Make new friends, think of the old.  New is silver and old is gold". It's not true.  I have some new friends who I would classify as "gold".  Without Facebook, I wouldn't have had the possibility of ever knowing them.

So yeah, I love Facebook, Farmville and my friends.  

Life is so good and I am content. 

A hair wash, massage and blowdry

I don't know about other hair salons but the one I regularly go to, gives about 20 minutes of massage, in between washing your hair.  I just came back from visiting my favourite salon and timed each session.

15 minutes shampoo and head massage with light scratching

25 minutes massage (neck, back and upper arms)

10 minutes shampoo and head massage again

5 minutes hair rinsing and conditioning

10 minutes blowdry (my hair is medium length)

Cost:  RM21.00 (includes some extra conditioning stuff)

That's dirt cheap, if you ask me.  However, I always tip the girl who attends to me.

Most times when the place is crowded, the massage may only take 20 minutes.  Today, I guess I got an extra 5 minutes because it wasn't full.

I've had my hair washed in many places, including in Singapore.  I have tried all the different salons in Toa Payoh.  Including the ones that I've been to here in Kuala Lumpur, none give this extra service. 

Of course, the girls are not experts but they know enough to help you feel relaxed and I believe this is good for the blood circulation.  It's a quick fix for a hard day at work or home.  

I feel rejuvenated now.  *big smile of satisfaction*

If only they had a manicure and pedicure on the side.  Well, can't have everything, I say!

So if you are interested, let me know and we can make a date.  They are closed over the Chinese New Year holidays and reopen on 6 February 2011.  P.S.  wear a loose teeshirt for better service!  LOL!

(all pics from photobucket)

Happy Federal Territory Day

Happy Birthday, Kuala Lumpur!
A Federal Territory since 1974.

pic credit

Yup, it's a holiday for all those in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.  What a nice breather before the Chinese New Year Holidays!

How am I spending my day off, you ask?  Hmmmm, I'm working at home!  Catching up on housework and emails.

I'm looking at the Chinese New Year decorations put up, all the cookies (calories!) and feeling quite satisfied with my preparations for the Lunar New Year.

Of Comfort and Being Comfortable

What does comfort mean to you?  For some, it's having an eight bedroom mansion and a huge yard.  For another, it's a posh penthouse with marble flooring and a spectacular view of the city.  Yet, for many it is just  having a bed to rest their tired body after a hard day's work.  

Lately I've come to realise what comfort really means to me.  Of course, it's having a roof over my head and a nice bed to sleep on but it's so much more.  

For me, it's being with Stephen and Jared.  They are my comfort.  

Stephen and I always have fun together.  He's a barrel of laughs and jokes. However, the bonus for us is when Jared joins us.  We slept late on Thursday night.  So we spent Friday morning sleeping in till almost lunch time.  Then we went for an early Chilli Pan Mee.  We are crazy for it now.  It's our second time there but it won't be the last.

From there we went to Empire in Subang Jaya for a giant cookie, a cookie monster cupcake and coffee.  

We were missing someone!

And, of course, my two heroes had to test the World's Tallest Indoor Tube Slide

(pic from here)

 Missed Jared zooming out.

But I caught Stephen!

More photos taken with my Blackberry.

Empire Subang prepares for the Rabbit year

When we got home, we were all tired and we each found our chair to lepak the evening away.  Watching Jared on my left with his laptop and chatting with his girlfriend and then looking across on my right and seeing Stephen in the single Lazy Boy Chair, reclined and nodding off, half listening to the TV, Jared and to me, I can see he's so comfortable.  He's in his comfort zone.  

Here's an older picture of him, on the double chair, with his titbits.

Sitting between them is my definition of comfort and being comfortable.  Nothing else comes close.

Of breasts and necks!

As women age, the parts that seem to noticeably show signs of wear and tear are the breasts and/or neck!  This is based on my observation of other women and my personal opinion.

Hence, not being well endowed is an advantage, as one grows older.  Since gravity and fatty tissues combine, it's impossible to prevent sagging.  Unless, of course, you get a boob job done!  

If your neck begins to show the creases of time, some delay could be derived from applying creams or lotions but, ultimately, you can't hide those lines.  

However, if you have a short neck, then you could consider yourself lucky!  Hah!  It would be impossible to see the lines, if any. 

I’m not opposed to postponing the aging process by natural means.  Nevertheless, I do not consider it the most important activity in my life.

I believe in aging gracefully.  My stretch marks and wrinkles bear tribute to the life I have led.

Many are going to nod their heads when they see this last one!  Yup, I know!

(all pics from photobucket)

"X" marks the spot

I was on my way out this morning and saw this in the sky.  It caught my attention. When I reached the gate where my parents live, I jumped out of the car to take these 3 pictures.  My parents thought my pants was on fire!!!

My mom was sure that it was a natural phenomenon.  My dad said it was contrails.  Wikipedia says that Contrails (short for "condensation trails") or vapour trails are artificial clouds that are the visible trails of condensed water vapour made by the exhaust of aircraft engines.

Fortunately, I had my camera in my bag.  If you look carefully, you can see what looks like an inverted rainbow

They say "X" marks the spot.  Okay, we got that.  So what's the spot about?