Step into the daylight and let it go.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

#3.32 A Blessed Journey

"This life could be better, could be worse. But it's definitely sweeter than fiction. =) "



In the blink of an eye, one semester had ended in the UK. Thanks to my smurfies family, I have had the best time of my life.  We visited many places and did a lot of things together that I would never regret in years to come. This 4-month journey had been a blessed one even though the coming exams were going to be really hard especially Molecular Therapeutics!!

A lot of times I really doubted if I deserved such a good life, wondering if one day all of these could end. To make things worse, I would also keep worrying about the future every now and then. However, at the end of the day I had to keep reminding myself to appreciate and give thanks to everything in this life - both good and bad. So, I reckoned I still did not have enough faith that I thought I had.

First trip in the UK: Leceister 
Hello Birmingham!! =P
In London for the very first time!!
To be honest, there were still a lot of stuff that I really wanted to do with my life. In fact, there were just so many dream places that I wanted to visit, so many concerts I longed to attend, so many nice food that I wished to try, and lots of moments that I hoped to share with my loved ones. Every day (almost) when I wake up, I'm really thankful that I'm still alive and kicking, that I could still realise my dream, that I could do things that I love, and that I could still spend time with the ones I love. And for all of these, I'm and will forever and always be eternally grateful.

I guessed some might say that I did not have big dreams but it's alright. I was never the one that wanted all that fame, success and recognitions from people I didn't care about. I just did not want to see myself in regret the moment I left this world, that I had spent another day worrying and being sad and angry while what I should have done was to sit back, relaxed and enjoy the view, that I had left something undone or some words unsaid, that I had pushed back things that I really wanted to do, thinking that I would eventually get to get them done  but never really had the chance to do so.

The prettiest ghost. >.<
Super fun night: Halloween party at Coco Tang.
Sheffield day. Seeing Alpacas for the first time!! 
Coventry!! Riding a school bus. =)

Coventry: The last trip before study break began.

It had really been a wonderful life so far. The only thing that I would complain was that time did pass by a little bit too quickly for me. Before I realised it, another day had come and gone away. It certainly made everything seem like a dream. But for what it's worth,  it was a sweet and perfect one indeed. =)





Sweeter Than Fiction - Taylor Swift

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Second

“他在我身边的时候 我觉得什么都不怕 但是如果他不在我身边 就算拥有一切也不会开心。”




有些事要流过泪 才看得到
不求完美爱得更远 要过得更好。




说少了你 生活淡得没有味道。

Monday, July 22, 2013

#3.31 God of the Small Things

“得到的 都比失去的还贵重。”



The untimely demise of a recent family friend in a car crash reminds me again on how short life is and can be. I mean he had got everything - money, fame, family and all - yet he couldn't live long enough to enjoy it all. It gets me thinking that maybe we should start to appreciate everything that we have instead of whining over things we lack so that we will have no regrets when the time comes.

To be honest, I have everything that I have always dreamed of in my life. I'm happy and I feel blessed every day. I mean not every second of every day, but yes, every single fucking day. Everything is a little too perfect now by my standards. About that, I'm not sure whether my standards are low, I'm really optimistic, or things are just going great.

My siblings. =P
How old do they think they are? >.<
4th of July trip with fam. =)

Come to think of it, I do not have a billionaire family but I have a warm one. I do not have the model height or face but I am me. I do not have an angelic voice but I listen and sing to the songs that I love. I am not even close to being over-achieving or all-rounded but I reckon I could still graduate with decent grades. I have not many but enough bestest friends that I can call up any seconds I feel like it and no one makes me feel loved like you do.  However, this does not mean that I don't have my fair share of problems and sadness but I prefer not to dwell on them and I try my best not to let them restrain me from enjoying my life as much as I can. And for all of these, I could thank no one but God.


Smurfies!!
Brighter than any stars. 
High School buddies. =) 

There are just too many memories of every little precious moment that I hug dearly. The evening my family sit around the dining room table laughing for reasons that I have long forgotten. The apologising letter I have never got tired of reading. The last supper in Semenyih cooking Mee Sedaap without pots and gas. The smile and love on my parents' faces. The after-dinner stroll in a nearby park. Or the heart-to-heart talks until morning. These are the little things that I would not have missed for the world.

Life, with all its sorrow and limitations, is still a blessing. And I do not want to realise that only when I am dead. And yes, I have totally no idea how long this perfect life of mine will last. But I do know that I am going to cherish it until then. =)



Clarity ft. Foxes - Zedd

Sunday, July 14, 2013

# Don't Stop Believing

Today is indeed a sad day for all Glee fans across the world. I have to admit that I have stopped watching Glee regularly after the original Glee casts graduated, selecting only a few new episodes every now and then, especially those that feature the returning of the original casts.

What I love about Glee is no doubt the hope and positive outlook it offers in every episode. It shows that everyone is beautiful, losers can be successful one day, faith is essential in going through hard times,  true friends are the ones who matter and there will always be someone who love you for who you are. And most importantly, the most crucial and simple lesson is don't stop believing.

Finn started singing with Don't Stop Believing and ended it with the same song. Listening to it and all the other songs definitely bring back all the nostalgic memories.

The first song that kickstarts Glee in the first episode.


The same song 4 years later during Rachel's audition while thinking of all her old friends. 


R.I.P Cory and Finn. 




Looking at Rachel, I wonder whether this is what Smurf Village going to feel like after 4 years time. 

Monday, July 8, 2013

#3.30 An Imperfect Getaway

"It was never easy or smooth to travel with a big family, or at least with my family." 



We had to travel for a long period, 4 hours give or take, from home through the barren desert and endless stretches of sand before we finally reached Las Vegas. I liked to imagine it as a gigantic ocean made up of sand stretching as far as the eyes could see. There was pretty much nothing to see along the dusty road with the exception of distant freight trains gliding along its railway in the opposite direction every once in a while. Blended perfectly into the mountainous background, I had to admit that it was a pretty cool scene.

As expected, we were greeted warmly with temperature that soared over a hundred degrees by the Sin City. It was unbearably boiling hot under the sun and we could literally feel our skin burning even with layers of protective sunscreen slopped all over our bodies. Fortunately, the city was famous for its hotels and casinos rather than outdoor activities. In fact, it was no doubt an understatement to say that there were plenty of things to do and see in every hotel.


The gondola rides inside Venetian hotel.
One of the tree ladies in Venetian Hotel.
Like Mother, Like Son?
Gorgeous was the word.
The beautifully painted captivating sky ceiling.

At night, we visited the renowned Bellagio Hotel after watching a few free shows around the city. The weather was still hot but at least it was bearable. It was summer after all. Thus, I guessed I should stop complaining about the hot and humid weather in Malaysia. Or not. After that, we went to another prominent attraction - Fremont Street Experience. It was a street that was brought to life at night by its buzzing activities offering free concerts, rock bands, and goods with rock-bottom prices. The highlight of the night was no other than the free laser light show featuring Bon Jovi's songs which screamed nothing but awesome. 

Breathtaking, fascinating and glamorous all rolled into one.

Mi Familia. =)
The enchanting conservatory inside Bellagio.
The tantalizing chocolate fountain in Bellagio.

The next day, we visited one of the seven wonders of the world - the grand canyon. "Grand" was certainly not the word to describe it. In fact, neither words nor pictures could do it any justice. Some of us especially Mummy were actually too scared to go right to the edge to take any photo at several locations without the railings as one slip would mean a permanent goodbye to this beautiful world. It was no exaggeration that we could feel our legs shaking while taking all the photos but it was definitely all worth it in the end.

The great grand canyon.
My legs totally felt like jelly.

The only location Mummy dared to take photos. 
The spectacular view from the top.

After long showers, we got down to the hotel restaurant to enjoy the buffet dinner. Honestly, it was nothing compared to Malaysian food, but still the wide variety of western and mexican delicacies did leave a good and deep impression. Feeling refreshed, we took a leisurely stroll outside the hotel. Before long, our excitation turned into fear when we came to the realisation that we're surrounded by not one but a gaze of raccoons and there were a lot more hiding in the bushes. Colours could be seen draining from our faces. The funny part was that we literally ran for our lives. 

The next morning, we woke up before the first ray of sunlight piercing through the curtains of the hotel windows. After freshening up, we took photos as we sauntered down the Colorado river. It was definitely a relief to not have any raccoons loitering around in the day and the view was definitely breathtaking if not splendid.

The view of Colorado river from the hotel window.

It was never easy or smooth to travel with a big family, or at least with my family. You could bet your bottom dollar that arguments, disagreements and complaints would absolutely happen along the trip. See, we're never the exemplary family with billionaire parents, ticked-all-the-"perfect"-boxes siblings, or TV-interviewable over-achieving children. In fact, I had never wanted or wished a family that felt it could be nothing but perfect at all times. We're happy, and that's all I have ever wanted and it was all that mattered in the end.

It might be an imperfect getaway, but it was definitely perfect by my standards. =)





True Love ft. Lily Allen - P!nk

Saturday, June 15, 2013

#3.29 The Smurf Trips

"Waking up early in the morning with too much free time on my hands, I browsed through my draft list and realised that there was one unfinished post eons ago, so I decided to finish it and added new happenings to it. "



After discussing among ourselves, we unanimously came to the decision that we would visit Sekinchan, SinChie's hometown. It was a town that I had never heard of considering my bad geology. So, I just followed blindly as I usually would since everyone else was going. It was the first time that all 14 of us from the Smurf Village (in case you're wondering where it is, it is magically hidden remember?) to go out on a trip together.

Inside the Train. ^^

For accommodation, we stayed in a big house (excuse me for the bad description) where the paddy fields were just a stone's throw away. For dinner, SinChie bought lots (no exaggeration mind you) of noodles and beehoon besides setting up our own BBQ. We had the shock of our lives and almost fainted when we first saw the noodles that piled up like a mountain. However, it's not her fault either (This must be highlighted so that she would not be pissed) but I figured it would be something that we would laugh out loud in 10 or 20 years to come, if we still see one another of course.

The next morning, we woke up very early (at least it was early in my own definition) to avoid being roasted under the scorching hot sun while taking photos in the paddy fields. However, it was drizzling so we had to wait for a while before we proceeded to the paddy fields. It was quite embarrasing to admit that I had never stepped into a paddy field before despite being born and raised in AS. To be frank, I did not expect much initially but the spectacular scenery of the paddy fields literally took our breaths away. I tried to picture the way paddy fields look like in AS but to no avail. However, I did wonder if they would be as beautiful as those found in Sekinchan. 


Inside the paddy field. ;)

Stephanie looked so happy. LOL!
With my beloved smurf family~

We had a whale of a time taking photos with the paddy fields in two different spots which were both equally charming and captivating. Sadly, we did not make it to the bridge in time as the weather was getting way too hot for anyone to bear. Unbelievable but true, I did make a mental note to work in a fully air-conditioned workplace in the future or else I would definitely die from the heat wave.

The height difference. =D
With Strawberry and Fake Hebe.

Shortest coconut tree ever seen.
**************************************************************************************************************



Fast-forward 1.5 years later, we finally had the opportunity to go on a second trip together although this time Hongjian was not able to come with us due to his family matter. The destination this time was none other than Genting Highland. Actually, we had made lots of plans to visit Genting together since Ethan and Vivian had never set foot in it but all of them had failed miserably. After finishing our medical checkups in Gleneagle, we decided to park the cars in KLCC and had lunch there but decided against it since the parking fees appeared to be way too expensive. 

After parking the cars in a car park near Pavilion, we walked back to KLCC using the pedestrian walkway before reaching KL central to take a bus all the way up to Genting. It was the longest distance I had ever walked in months but thank God we made it anyhow. After checking in and having the funny toilet incident, we went down to have our steamboat dinner. 


In the cable car~

My favourite Teppanyaki~

After walking around and taking photos, we decided to visit the Snow World. We could hardly contain our excitement before going in and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. The downside was that there was significantly less snow everywhere compared to the last time we visited. The funny thing was that I kept asking Carmen whether she had visited Genting before when the fact was that she and Phey were the ones who accompanied me to Genting during A-level.

All of the smurfies in Snow World. =)
Happy moments~
Inside the snowhouse~

In front of Snow World~
My smurf family ~

So far, we have successfully gone on 2 trips together (technically only one in which all members are present). I fervently hope that there would be more trips in the future with my smurf family before we say our final goodbyes 2 years later. Another good thing about writing a blog: you will realise how lucky you are to have such a wonderful family that you have always taken granted for. =)



Next To Me - Emeli Sande

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

#3.28 Almost Home

"The time has finally come to leave my smurfies family (temporarily) and fly back to my family. Home is where the family is. If that's so, I guess that means that I'm always home. "



After surviving the 5-day BTN camp and rested for a day, we went to Time Square and Sungei Wang and I managed to grab a few items that my family had requested me to buy. It was also the last day that I spent with my remaining Smurf family before I left Semenyih. To our surprise, there was now a Tiny Taipei in Times Square. It even had my favourite food: pork sausages but to my disappointment it did not taste as good as I had imagined it would be. However, it was still a relatively exciting concept in the otherwise dull shopping complex.

At the entrance of Tiny Taipei.
Tiny Taipei~
After wandering around the mall aimlessly for quite some time, ChongHorng and Carmen went on their little missions of going rounds and rounds of "stealing" free tidbit samples from a few stalls. Carmen became so good at it that she didn't even have to stop walking while grabbing the free food. In fact, she did not even have to glance in the tidbit's direction but she was still caught in action. Haha. At dinner time, we finally gave in to Phey who had intense cravings for Barbeque Plaza. 

BBQ Plaza.
Last dinner before leaving Semenyih.

The next day, I was forced to wake up early in the morning to rush to KLIA for my flight. I was seated beside a nice Chinese couple who were visiting the states for 10 days. The wife struck up a conversation and frankly it was a pleasant chat that made the 16 hour flight a little less boring. We somehow came to the agreement that Malaysia (minus the g********) is indeed the most beautiful country . They were in their 40s---I assumed---and yet they were too sweet for couples who had been married for so many years, not that there's anything wrong with that of course. Besides treating the wife with respect, patient and love, the husband also made it a point to take care of his wife first in terms of everything before himself. They were so cute that they even offered me their food but I was too full to accept it. 

Another lucky thing was that the entertainment system in the two connecting flights somehow contain different types of movies so I managed to catch up on a few movies (Hansel and Gretel, Warm Bodies and Jack the Giant Slayer) that I had always wanted to watch. And geez, I could still tell that the same actor acted in both WB and JTGS so I guessed my facial recognition skill wasn't half as bad as how my friends had described it.

Overall, besides the slight delay in Narita airport, countless air turbulence and a little trouble at the custom, the whole journey was smooth and pleasant and I really needed to thank God for that. However, there was one thing that will never ever change--- how much I loathed long-haul flights.




I guessed it was all worth it when I saw Dad's face at the airport as I knew I would be once again be reunited with my family. The unique smell of the air---a mix of spring and summer---reminded me that I'm finally home, not because of the location but because of my family. As they say, home is where the family is. =)





Live It Up (ft. Pitbull) - J. Lo

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

# Hearts



No words could ever express  how much I love the fact that I can just post any random thoughts, jokes, issues or problems 24/7 in this group chat and there will be someone who actually listens and replies. The best part: no judgement whatsoever.
 It's like there are 3 different MEs listening to all the crap in my head. 
I'm lucky I know. =)





Sunday, March 31, 2013

#3.27 花又恺好了

“新的世界才学会美丽。”



Last semester did not go as well as I had hoped it would be. For starters, I was sick for more than 3 times and don't even get me started on the coughs that lasted for more than 8 weeks . I kept looking forward to a day that I would eventually get better and that day finally came after a long, patiently wait. Frankly, I felt vulnerable, devastated and ended up worrying about all sort of wrong things.

However,  the good thing was that, it suddenly dawned on me that being healthy and alive are the greatest blessings that anyone can have. It hit me that I loved my life as much as I hated it. In fact, I loved it too much to give it away. I had a lot of bitches, bullies, and people who were just plain mean without any reasons in my life. I had wasted too much of my time looking at and worrying for all the wrong things for the wrong reasons. I had also wasted a lot of time on people who're totally not worth it and worrying about what they might think.

I should smack myself 123456789 times as I totally forgot that I had you, my family and close friends who actually care in this life. Those close to me knew that I don't tend to keep people around in my life as I hated to impose myself on others. I knew it was selfish at some point but at least I wouldn't get hurt by those who were not worth the time. People who eventually stayed even after that were those who I knew that would be there for me no matter what. Sometimes I was moved by how some friends refused to leave no matter how I pushed them away. It gave me the reassurance that they wanted me to in their lives.


My smurfies. Sometimes I'm shocked by how much I depend my everything on them. =)

My cook and my failed babysitter.


Gurls who never stop caring.
My high school cray-cray friends who never stop talking about dirty stuff. 


I had seen more than enough examples where people lost their friends, loved ones and family as they grew older especially when they stepped into the society. Some even told me that there was no such thing as true friendship in this world as haters and users would eventually reveal themselves as time passed by.

But I still prefer to believe otherwise. I just hope that my life would be different than the others and would turn out right in the end. No matter what is going to happen in the future, I still have now at least, and I would hate to see it all goes to waste. It might be best to let the future me to worry about the future.  =)




Almost Home - Mariah Carey