Independence

This is especially for those who are independent and a little detached; 

Have you ever wished that you were less independent so that it gave others and yourself a chance to do things together, so that you won't be easily forgotten by anyone? 

A tribute to Cory Monteith

Alright, he'd passed away for a week now and I figured maybe I should write a tribute for an actor I actually fangirl-ed about. Here's to a little closure.  

I'm not going to lie but I was never a hardcore Glee or Cory Monteith fan. BUT, he was my favourite character in Glee. When I first started watching Glee, I didn't like the girls so much because they're just so different than what we are here on the other corner of the world. Finn Hudson's always been down-to-earth. He made dumb mistakes but we know that we all do! He's open to his vulnerability, he knows that his life is a mess but makes active decisions to change it all around. Finn is a mere reflection of himself in real life. That's why I love Finn, he's real.

What saddens me the most is Monchele. A romance between Cory Monteith and Lea Michele. 

(Not sure if it's just a coincidence but Cory's last on screen credit shows Lea sitting all alone) 

Let's face it, not every Hollywood couple are loyal to each other; many have broken up, many others have affairs and perhaps cheat on their partner. If you notice entertainment news like E! would address them as "long-time couple" even though they've (only) dated for a year. In Marie Claire interview, Lea honestly told that there is no one else who knows her more than Cory. He's been the net underneath her that would catch her if she falls, and that allows her to jump higher and go farther. He makes her feel like she can do anything in the world. Now, that's real love. It's a perfect mirror for you to reflect if you know what true love is.

Maybe many of you may say he brought it onto himself, but I don't blame him really. He came from a broken family, his father and him reunited 17 years after his parents divorced. Since 13, he started taking drugs and been battling demons for nearly 2 decades. He checked himself in to rehab but it just didn't work. He worked hard and always appeared healthy and cheerful on screen. Didn't he try hard enough? Let's face it, this is life. Things won't always go our way.

He was a high school dropout, drug addict, worked as a cab driver, stole money to get drugs until one day, someone said to him "maybe you should become an actor!", and boom! His life changed. He made a name for himself, did charity work and gave inspiring quotes to save people's lives.

Now, isn't that something?

Have some respect, because I know I do.

RIP Cory Monteith. You've been an awesome person. I hope you look down on Lea.

innocence

Decided to edit my blog layout and such. If you notice, I actually changed the body font to a more childlike one. Well, teenagers can retain that childlike innocence too, right?

And the theme colours suit my new header; Marilyn Monroe's inspiring quote. :)

I don't geddit

Right now I'm feeling a little perplexed thinking about how some human beings behave. Maybe there isn't a manual on how each and everyone of us should respect each other, but shouldn't it be instilled in us since we attended school?

There are so many incidents where I'd been mistreated by people who are older than me, specifically in their 30s or 40s. Usually elderly who are > 50 would be so very friendly to me.

I'm just gonna briefly described what had happened to me in the past, without disclosing where and who (not that I know their names anyway), because if you were in my shoes, I bet you would feel the same.

Incident 1 

This actually happened back when I was 16, my parents were overseas so I had to go to school on my own by cab. In the morning when I was outside of my apartment waiting for a cab, this school bus stopped at the taxi stand. I went further down and a cab stopped for me. Out of nowhere this lady gave me a killer stare as if I killed her father. She was real pissed off and whenever she sees me now, she would go further up (near the one-way entrance) just to approach a cab. What should I do back then, tell the cab driver I don't want to take the cab anymore knowing I was close to being late to school?!

Incident 2 

This happened at a mamak stall. This man came after me and we were both buying food. There's this glass panel where it slides and my hand was on the other side, he pushed the glass all the way where it almost hit my hand. Thank God I saw it coming and moved my hand (it could've been injured). Not only did he tell the waiter to give him rice first when he came after me, he HAD to do this. Now whenever he sees me, he looks at me with "that look" as if I was the one at fault.

Incident 3 

This is the mother of all racist issues. Happened in Malacca where this man just screamed at my friend saying chinese are blablabla (you can figure it out). I'm not gonna tell the whole incident here because it's just SO racist and humiliating and undeniably a total disgrace to Malaysians. There were Caucasians around too.

My ultimate question is, WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHTS TO MISTREAT YOUNGSTERS?

Don't you have better things to do than to mistreat someone who is noticeably 20-30 years younger than you? Don't you feel ashamed?

I'm not gonna lie but I treat people with due respect. After witnessing or experiencing all this, how do I respect this kind of human beings again?

Don't get me wrong, I don't give a damn whether you received education or not for being rude, I don't give two hoots if you hate me either, but I've had enough.

School of Scaring

So, for the past 3 weeks I've been involved in volunteering events whereby I attended my very first wish arranged by Make-A-Wish Malaysia and followed by second and third! The first one was at Hilton, second was held in Kidzania and the third was a party organised by yours truly at Jungle Gym!

It really made my purpose in life clear; to help the less fortunate and give back to the society because I've always been lucky. I have everything I need and it's about time to help those in need when I'm able to. I've also helped out at MAWM office to input data into the database and make the office a better place. Something simple yet fulfilling. :) I can proudly say I've been productive during the hols when my degree starts in two months time.

The first wish was fun and something I've never done before; becoming a temporary clown to make kids happy. Haha! It was a rush wish so we did not manage to hire a clown to entertain them, therefore, we became clowns to keep the kids occupied and make the experience memorable. I hope it was a great one for them! Buffet was yummy too!

Ding and I as clowns! You'll only see this once right here. 

The variety of food at the buffet at Vasco's, Hilton KL. (Sorry for the bad quality because I was avoiding getting caught by the staff for taking photos outside / people who crowd to see a "clown" taking food lol) 

The second wish took place at Kidzania. Went around Kidzania from 4-9 p.m and I have to say, it's a paradise for kids! I would die to go there if it were built when I was younger! Here are some photos : 

The music parade we created for her as a surprise! The theater trainers at Kidzania together with the kids at the theater training performed around on the 1st floor and eventually everyone joined. :D 

Here comes the third wish!
Katrina's classes were cancelled due to haze and she came over to help out for the wish preparation and joined us. We decorated the party room in Jungle Gym and sneaked into the playroom later on. It was very fun considering we had never been to a playroom when we were young. Lol.

       Us in the playroom full of...balls. 

        A group photo with the wish child's family and sponsors from Rotary Club, Bangsar (because looking at the camera is too mainstream). 

Last but not least, on Saturday we were inviited to a movie screening by Student Engagement Centre (SEC) and it was Monsters University! Beyond awesome. It brings back childhood memories and thanks TalkFilm, SEC and TGV (along with other partners and staff behind this event) for making it happen! Great choice of movie and amazing hospitality. We were provided with a popcorn set (regular popcorn and large drink) on each seat itself in the theater, we didn't even have to redeem it ourselves! How convenient. (Okay, we were also encourage to take more free popcorn. LOL).

-Sorry la no photos for this one because it was dark and I was enjoyin' mai popcorn. 

ANDDDD I've got these from London. Love love love! 

Till I have something new to update, baaaiii!

HAPPY JULY.

Here's my face to (hopefully) brighten up your day? Haha. Oh, I hand-knitted the beanie myself. :) 

I'm afraid of 13/72 common fears

Since my lovely wife tagged me, I'm gonna do this survey. Also, I'm bored of waiting for YouTube videos to stream. I'm addicted to a new Taiwanese drama called Sweet Sweet Bodyguard to an extent where I would watch all behind the scene videos, you have to watch this drama! It's by far one of my favourite series. If you don't really know me, I'm not so much of a japanese/korean fanatic because I feel troubled not understanding the languages :( Besides a few songs which I really like and I actually bothered to find out the lyrics and its translation. Taiwanese dramas are addictive because I understand mandarin and it's also a good way for me to maintain my mandarin! 

Okay, here goes : 

If you get more than 30, I strongly recommend some counseling.

If you get more than 20, you’re paranoid.

If you get 11-20, you are normal.

If you get 10 or less, you’re fearless.

People who don’t have any are full of crap.

Tag 10 of your friends and find out whether or not they suffer paranoia.

I fear ...

[ ] black people

[ ] the dark

[ ] staying single forever

[x] being a parent

[ ] being myself in front of others

[ ] open spaces

[ ] closed spaces

[x] heights

[ ] dogs

[ ] birds

[ ] fish

[ ] spiders

[ ] flowers or other plants

total so far: 2

[ ] being touched

[ ] fire

[x] deep water

[ ] snakes

[ ] silk

[ ] the ocean

[x] failure

[ ] success

[ ] thunder/lightning

[ ] frogs/toads

[ ] my boyfriends/girlfriends dad

[ ] my boyfriends/girlfriends mom

[ ] rats

[x] jumping from high places

[ ] snow

total so far: 5

[ ] rain

[ ] wind

[ ] crossing hanging bridges

[x] death

[ ] heaven

[x] being robbed/mugged

[ ] falling

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] clowns * :(  I'm really scared of clowns* 

[ ] dolls

[ ] large crowds of people

[ ] men

[ ] women

[x] having great responsibilities

[ ] doctors

[ ] tornadoes

total so far: 9

[ ] hurricanes

[x] incurable diseases

[ ] sharks

[ ] Friday the 13th

[ ] ghosts

[ ] poverty

[ ] Halloween

[ ] school

[ ] trains 

[ ] odd numbers 

[ ] even numbers

[ ] being alone

[x] becoming blind

[x] becoming deaf

[ ] growing old

total so far: 12

[ ] creepy noises in the night

[x]not accomplishing my dreams/goals

[ ] needles

[ ] blood

total: 13

Now re-post with:

“I'm afraid of __ out of 72 common fears"



Okay I'm not gonna tag people because I'm not used to. LOL. Anyone is welcome to copy this :) 

FriEND.

Quiet afternoon?

It somehow doesn't feel like Wednesday, oh well. It feels like I've time travelled and it's still Monday. 

Was browsing through Tumblr dashboard and I'm still amazed how well the posts express my feelings. 

One of the things that I strongly believe is that you choose your own path. True that your broken family, your ex, your pet that passed away, your abusive parents etc may have affected you but can you blame it on those incidents forever if you don't lead a successful life? Or even worse, doing drugs? You're on your own, those who lead a decent life may not have a perfect life. There's surely imperfection but they choose to make it all better by choosing the right path. 

Breathe this in. And make the right choice. 

25 facts about myself

1. I pay great attention to details. 

   I guess it's both a blessing and a curse; I can get really fussy if things are not done my way. 

2. I'm a heavy sleeper outside but light sleeper at home. 

   This is kinda weird but I get woken up easily when my family member(s) make noise after they woke up. 

3. I'm ignorant to guys who mess with me. 

    Especially those who do the kitty cat calls. 

4. I can't tolerate smokers. 

    Whatever it is, I do not think smoking is the only way to release stress. 

5. I don't respect people who don't appreciate their own lives. 

6. I prefer the traditional way of writing notes than jotting it with my phone. 

   Writing helps me remember better. 

7. I'm a Pisces and proud of it :) 

8. I'm very defensive when anyone insults my boyfriend / family. 

9. I love friends who are faithful and non-melodramatic. 

   Uh please, keep the drama to yourself. 

10. I prefer college / uni (even though it hasn't commenced) compared to high school. 

      Does that explain how much I disliked high school? 

11. I love purple.  

       But it's unlikely for me to get a purple phone/ other gadgets. 

12. I LOVEEEE caramel. 

13. You'll most likely see me ordering exotic drinks. 

      Once my dad asked me why would I want to drink milo ais at a nice restaurant when I could make my own at home. *okay* 

14. I don't empty my cup. I would normally leave a bit of my drink unfinished. 

15. My father is my idol. 

16. I enjoy spending time alone. 

17. I'm actually a bit shy to start a conversation, but I would gladly reply anyone who talks to me. 

18. I love romantic movies or novels. 

19. I get really upset seeing old folks work / taking public transport. 

    To a point where I hope I had enough cash to donate to them so they don't have to work anymore, because to me, I think old folks should be treated well by their own children and enjoy the last part of their journey. 

20. I think justice is of great importance. 

      I ponder very much about how unfair things can get. *sigh* 

21. I LOVE FOOD. 

      Well, who doesn't. 

22. I can actually eat a lot. More than you could imagine.

23. I fancy miniature or oversized stuff. 

24. I love collecting seashells. I have a whole Mason jar full of it. 

25. I'm a sucker for vintage and hipster items. 

Ohai

I'm writing this post at the gym because I need to kill time while working out(?) on the cycling machine. I would normally watch videos but today the WiFi connection isn't stable so yeah. Beside me there's this couple who can't leave each other and I'm kinda beside them so it's awkward (they're looking at me right now hoping I would leave), more of a reason I feel uncomfortable at the gym today. 

Anyway! Blogging is more fun than ranting about them. 

I was checking others' Instagram accounts out and found this awesome app - Moleskine! I mean, at one point of anyone's life you sure as heck want a Moleskine notebook, but it would soon fade away once you see the price tag. That feeling sucks right? To be restricted by budget. Anyhow, Moleskine is a free app for iPhone and iPad! What attracts me most is that there are many tools to doodle on your digital notebook and also highlighter! Which I've been dying to find an app for it! I have Evernote but it somehow didn't meet my needs so in glad that I found Moleskine! 

It looks like this : 

Under artist toolset are all the cool tools. 

Moving on, I've been addicted to Michelle Phan's YouTube videos. The first video I watched on her channel was Draw My Life and her drawing is fantastic! She is a very inspiring character and I look up to her. Despite all the low tides she had in life, look at her now! Being able to move to NYC and bought a house for her own mom. 

She also inspired me to be my own hero to make my life better. Not complaining there's imperfection in my life but we are obliged to make our own lives better, no? After all, it's yours so make the best out of it. 

Okay here's a few Fortune Cookies which I found quite accurate. (Yes, I believe in them sometimes.) 

Instead of hoping for conflicts to disappear, cope with it! Not only does it make you stronger, you're one step closer to embracing the real world, which is a lot different compared to fairytales. 

So... I've kinda started this plan where I will start saving for a vacation once a year (hopefully), using my own savings! The first trip was Penang recently and I will try my best to post it up here sometime soon. 

P/S: I'm loving the new Blogger update. :) 

Till then! 

Realisation

The older you are, the more you realise words can't express how you feel; 

Friends aren't necessarily faithful and you're the only person whom you can depend on; 

You start to miss the past but on the other hand, you persuade yourself to move on. 

"Give yourself ample of time", and time makes me realise these. 

Parents' month

Seeing so many posts on Mother's Day made me realise many things. Well, I believe if you really love your parents, you'll keep that in mind every single day, not only on Mother's Day. However, they do deserve special treatment once in a while because they deserve it that much.

I feel it's truly a privilege to have great grandma, grandma and mom around. I would like to wish everyone of them happy mother's day! Undeniably I seldom show love towards them, but I really do (so cliche). I tried my level best to show it today by washing the toilet (never realised it's such a filthy job but since it's mother's day I decided to do it), buying cakes with dad for grandma and also buying her favourite ice cream for her as dessert. :)

They taught my dad and I well.

My grandma has been my second mother and babysitter since birth. Most of the time it's her who takes care of me, up until now. I really thank her for everything. She has her ways of teaching us into the right path (just look at my dad and I). When I was younger, she accompanied me while I did my homework and we would hit the sack together. She was strict but it got better when I grew up. Now that when I look back, I see the effort she's put in. She's never forced me to do my work, I had my own schedule and everything. Now that I'm getting respectable results, getting into a medical school, I seriously can't do it without them.

My dad is the only idol I can think of if anyone were to ask me. I've never felt so in debt with someone besides him. He could've bought a super car with the money he's investing in my education. Instead of keeping the money all to himself and enjoying high society life, he saves up so that I don't have to apply PTPTN and I know my life will definitely be better without worrying how to settle the loan once I start working. He travels so much just to earn more for my education. He hopes to send me to the best medical school in KL and worries most of the time when I'm not home, but he doesn't annoy me with endless calls or whatnot. He knows me so well that he'd know when I lied that I'm full just because the dessert was too bitter and I didn't want to finish it. Although you may not be with me all the time but I know you're secretly supporting me. You treat me like a princess and I promise you'll always be my king. 

Thank you for building the path to my future.
Thank you for remembering me everytime you're overseas and always buy my favourite Doraemon merchandise, accessories or clothes.
Thank you for forgiving me when I underachieved. No matter where I graduate, I promise to be the best surgeon, an ethical and passionate one. 
Thank you for everything.

Movie review - Oblivion

So, Katrina won 2 complimentary GSC movie tickets where we could choose ANY movie we wanted to watch at the cinema. We chose Oblivion because of Tom Cruise and there wasn't any other movie which intrigued us, here goes!

WARNING : SPOILERS.
Hahaha.

Oblivion was mind-blowing really. According to IMDb it's the best Tom Cruise film since Mission Impossible 3 (2006) which earned $47millions; Oblivion took $71.9 million over its opening weekend.



I'll sum the whole movie up in a word : futuristic.

The movie takes place in 2077 and 60 years ago, which was 2017, human won the war with aliens (a.k.a scavs). Now, 60 years later, these scavs are planning for revenge, where Sally (Melissa Teo) communicates with the effective team, Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) and Victoria/Vika (Andrea Riseborough) on a project to evacuate essential elements; especially water to Tet, where they claim to be a place to sustain human lives. They're in the final weeks and they can return to Titan (where the human beings live because the Earth and moon were destroyed during the war) afterwards.

Victoria.

However, little did Jack know that he is one of the clones made to carry out this project; there are 1000 of them because Jack Harper was the best pilot. The main clone in the movie is known as Tech-49.

Part of Jack's memories haunts him; there's constantly a beautiful girl in his mind. Soon he learns that she's Julia (Olga Kurylenko) as he goes to a wreckage to save survivals from a spaceship - Odyssey. She remains as the only survival as the others were killed by drones. Vika is upset seeing Julia again. Jack is captured by scavs, and the leader Malcolm (Morgan Freeman) requests Jack to reprogram a drone to deliver a nuclear bomb to destroy Tet.

The truth reveals when Jack and Julia went to the observation deck of the partially destroyed Empire State Building. Julia showed Jack the engagement ring he gave to her and they embrace. It infuriates Vika and she decides to report that Jack and her are no longer an effective team. Sally activates a drone to kill Vika and commands Jack and Julia to be an effective team since then and return to Tet, but they flee instead.


Julia and Jack


Pursued by the drones, they were forced to enter radiation zone where they eventually crashed. Jack Harper met Tech-52 and takes his spaceship to return to his "tower" which is completed with clone of Vika.



The Tower where they live in.

Jack reprograms a furious drone and on his way to Tet with Malcolm, not Julia. Unfortunately, the drone is destroyed in chaos; Malcolm and Jack decide to send the bomb to Tet themselves.

Obviously, they were destroyed along with Tet tower.

3 years later, Tech-52 goes back to where Julia stays, as he says "He is me, I am him". Julia and Jack have a child dated back in 2017 but the hibernation in pod inhibited pregnancy so she gave birth as she returned Earth.

It's long and complicated storyline but it was worth the while. Many people dislike it because they don't understand, can't blame them. I was blur at first but that was what kept me awake in the theater to keep watching it. :)


I'll rate this movie 7/10 because it's the first movie I had the urge to write a review on and the story kept me awake the whole time (Well, I feel sleepy watching most of the movies in the theater). Although the plot is twisted and hard to understand, but the details of those futuristic vehicles deserve appreciation. :)