Sunday, August 31, 2008

Merdeka, Baby!

I'm not a really patriotic person. I find a lot of flaws in Malaysia, particullarly about our political leaders. Ever since I've got to know more and more about Malaysian politics and reading about news of political parties going at each other like small children, it felt as if Malaysia has less and less hope for a bright, better future. However, I do also believe that with every bad thing, there is a good thing. And if I want Malaysia a better country, I'd have to start by thinking it has a chance for betterment. So, I took this opportunity to find the things we should be happy about for being Malaysians.


shermankuek.net

1. Despite the fact that we have close to a third world mentality, we are actually doing pretty good for a 45 year old country (Yes, I said 45 years. I'm talking about MALAYSIA not MALAYA). At least we aren't in poverty, heavily infested with HIV and AIDS or have Ah Guas left, right, front and center.


2. We are most probably the only country that ends almost every sentence with 'lah' when we speak, no matter the language is English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil. Even our Prime Minister is now called Pak Lah!



3. Although we have food stalls and restorans open for 24 hours, rate of obesity in Malaysia is quite small.



4. We have holidays for New Year, holidays for Chinese New Year, holidays for Hari Raya, holidays for Deepavali and Wesak, holidays for Christmas, day off for some big shot's birthday, day off for Independence Day, and probably a whole lot more day offs. Don't you love being Malaysian now? =P


5. We always have fireworks available for the afformentioned holidays above.


6. Although we pretty much fail in participating for international challenges in sports, we totally rock in Badminton and Squash!


Taken from usatoday.com & mesra.net


7. We almost always have weird happenings to entertain us. Even political people are interested in each other's sex lifes (if you know what I mean).


8. Sure, there are racial as well as political issues in Malaysia, but what country doesn't? Even tribes in Rwanda had fought agaisnt each other!


9. We have talents like Pop Shuvit, great strong voices like Jac (I don't think anyone in Malaysia topped her yet), sweet faces of Siti Nurhaliza, pretty faces of Amber Chia, good skills of Michelle Yeoh and not forgetting the ever famous historical Princess Hang Li Po. (If you guys would like to add more people to the list, please feel free to tell me and I'll add them right here).


10. We have Kenny Sia. Check out his funny post about What Makes A Malaysian A Malaysian.


Happy Birthday, Malaysia.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Avril Lavigne's Concert On a Friday

I'm back! While most of Malaysia's youth especially the ones in KL were at Stadium Merdeka rocking to the sound of Avril's music, I, unfortunately, was stuck at work talking to this kid who doesn't respond to my questions.


"Do you understand?"
-Silence-
"[Name of student], you understand me or not? Yes or no?"
-Silence-


What's up with this kid anyway? The only time she respond to me is when I start raising my voice to the borderline of scolding her. Oh well, at least this gives me a whole new challenge to communication.





I wonder if Avril's concert will be a huge success? I mean an international superstar right here in Malaysia! And she didn't quit coming to Malaysia even if some people wanted to bann her. Oh, I'm so envious of the people who went! But even if I was free from work, I'd most probably not have gone anyway. For one, I cannot afford a ticket that costs RM300++ and if I buy the one that cost about RM100+, it's a waste of money. It's because you'd be pretty far from the stage and all you'll see is a miniscule Avril singing on the far away stage. You'll also have all the big, tall people squeezing together to get a better look, leaving you smelling the wonderful smell of armpits and sweating bodies squashed together. Mmm... lovely.


If I want to buy a ticket, I'd buy the one that gives me access to look at the star face to face backstage or the one that sets you to the front. Now that's a well worth ticket. Expensive (for me) though. If she's still producing good music, doesn't land up like Britney and comes to Malaysia again, I'm definitely going to buy the ticket.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Trojans Riding Me

I'm gonna give blogging a break for a short while. Why? Because I have not a good computer. Why? Because it freezes easily. Why? Because it's infested and I can't cure it. Why? Because of this.


Click to read


Can you count the number of Trojans that planted its fat butt into my computer system? I'm trying to get it out and purge it out of my computer but it keeps breeding like rabbits! Argh! Curse you Trojans!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Please Leave A Message

Mobile Phones. Ever remember when and how you learnt how to use them? The first time you figured out how to call a person, the first time you knew how to save a contact, the first time you learnt how to send a text message and last but not least, the first time learning how to leave a voice message? I couldn't remember how I had manage to gain knowledge of using the phone, but I do remember very well my first time encountering leaving a voice message. And it isn't a memory I'm very proud of.

I couldn't remember exactly what age I was but I was very young; about the range of 5 to 9 years. My family were out doing I don't know what. They left me at home alone most probably because I told them I'll stay at home and take care of the house (at that age I felt really good being independent). I am, afterall, a "big girl". I always loved being praised as "big girl". I have no idea why.


Anyway, back to being home alone. It got to a point where my single-story house felt too lonely and too empty. So I decided to call my father to see when he'll be back. The phone rang and rang and rang and no one answered. And finally, a nice lady voice operator took up the phone! Below is a result of what happened.



Phone: [Ring...Ring...Ring...] This is the voice mail box of 012xxxxxxx. Please leave a message after the tone. Beep!


Young Me: Huh? Wait! I don't know how to leave a voice message...


Phone: [No reply]


Young Me: Can you tell me how?


Phone: [No reply]


Young Me: [Thinking] This mobile phone lady isn't friendy at all. [sigh] [put down phone]


I am not sure whether the young me told the voice mail box lady if I'm lonely or not. I really hope not. Later in the day when my parents came back, my father was very amused. He came to me with an amused smile and said, "What do you mean you don't know how to leave a voice message? Just talk like that lah."


I didn't understand what he meant at that time. Now, I do. Very, very crystal clear. Oh, how embarrassing!

Emoticon from Emoodicon

Thursday, August 21, 2008

You Don't Mess With The Zohan

During sometime late last week or beginning of this week, I've watched...


You Don't Mess With The Zohan


I thought that since it's an Adam Sandler's movie, I'd be laughing the tears out of me. However, I was quite disappointed that it did not meet up to standards with previous Adam Sandler movies. If you have nothing to do and you are looking for cheap laughs as well as short entertainment, this is the movie for you. But I suggest that you just buy a DVD instead of watching it in the cinema.


This movie is about an Isreali counterterrorist who faked his own death and went to New York to fulfill his dream of becoming a hair stylist. Sooner or later, his identity was found out by one of his enemies, who is also living in New York. There are a few jokes here and there, crude humour and a cat (miaow)! Adam Sandler's imitation of the Isreali accent and his comical act was a couple of things that kept me impressed. The rest, I thought it was just lame. For the guys, I guess maybe you can feast your eyes on pretty ladies?

Dalia
Emmanuelle Chriqui who plays Dalia, Zohan's love interest


If you like Mariah Carey, you would be pleased to see her making a brief appearance towards the end of the movie as... guess who? Surprise, surprise. Herself!


Could not find a freaking shot of her in the movie


I'm not saying it's all bad. If you are a die hard fan of Adam Sandler, you might like this movie. As for me, I would say the movie's just okay. Oh, and if you do buy the DVD (especially if it's pirated), be warned that Adam Sandler likes being erm... sexy in this movie. ;)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Blog War


I thought I had a lot to say about this "Blog War" but it turns out there's nothing much to say. Really. I just think that this whole fiasco is silly. Just like how our government like to turn one simple sentence into a court case.


I mean, what's the point of this fight when one ends up depressed and the other becomes angry? I think both of you are right in your own ways. Each got a point but the main thing is, each don't seem to want to listen to each other. It's a one sided thing. Or like a pin with two sharp points. Why would you want to play with a pin with two sharp points anyway?


The solution is already found. So why stretch the problem further? Let it be. Maybe they deserve it, who knows? If you have something to say to the other party, tell the other party straight. Why go through a medium? Why through a blog or a person? I've already seen enough of it in my family I don't think I want to take over the role as a middle person. Also, if you want to say something, choose your words with respect and sensitivity. Once you hurt the other person, your other words will be pointless. Why? Because the other person will be fuming in anger and nothing gets into his/her head. It's a waste of breath, time and energy.


Maybe when future comes they'll both realise their own mistakes. But, considering how stubborn they both are, I don't see that coming anytime soon.

Skin Change

New layout! Yay! I feel so happy that I have my Photoshop to play with and holidays are here. I miss miss miss miss miss making my own layouts so I removed the cute little flash minions and brought in something more... me (although it's a bit too purple-ish). Hmmm =3 *bask in her newly made layout's glow*


I know I'll soon get bored of this. Bleh. Anyways, nothing much to update here except that it's term break! I would post up the many pictures of Melacca Trip, Theme Days and random pictures of school, but since everyone seems to be doing it I see no point. It's going to be the same pictures, the same quotes and the same captions.


And I'm hungry. Mmm... *goes searching for food*

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Is Money Everything?


Don't you guys love to have this much money to spend? XD


Is money really everything? Think about it. Without money, you have no way of survival, especially when prices of products and services nowadays are getting higher and higher. Living expenses get higher, the poor get poorer, the rich get more worried and those who can afford it are able to get into universities for a good education to ensure in the future that they have a good job. Those who can't, drop out of school and start working their way up the corporate ladder. For some people, especially capitalists, money is power. With money, you get to control the politicians (for spreading their messages and vote posters through the media, they need lots of money which comes from sponsors). Once you get to control the politicians, you get to control the government. And with the power to control the government, you get to control the society. So in that way, money is power. So really, in this aspect, money is everything.

Or is it? One thing people seem to ignore is the fact that to get money, you need to sacrifice your time. You need to work, you need to spend less time away from the social world. So great, you are earning money! But for what? Most people would say for future use, for the family, for luxury. But then the question comes again; how long will you work? Will you slog and slog to have your family live a better life? Yes? Will they be happy? Are you happy? With the time spent working and slogging, what are your family and friends doing during that time period? They can't just freeze in time for you while you go and earn the money to bring luxury into their lives. With that long time spent working, do you think your family knows you well? Do you think they love you? Oh, they definitely love your money and know your money well. Very well. What about yourself?

I know of a man who had worked so hard, night and day, for the sake of his family. So that his children will have good education, so that his wife enjoy life like a tai tai, so that his home is as comfortable and as luxurius as it can be. In the end he got really sick, unable to keep track of his health, and realised then that it was too late to bring back lost time. A question he asked before was, "I worked so hard, but for what?" Really. What for? For the sake of his family so that they don't have to suffer like poor people? Is that all they get? Is that it? The time he could have spent with his family, the memories he could have made, the things he could have thought his children... all went away with the time he spent slogging to earn that great income that'll bring luxury. And I could tell you, that high aim of earning money, at the end of the day would mean nothing if you did not balance out your life.

Afterall, the main reason why we earn money for is for survival. Am I right? And if you say that there is a big difference between the life of the poor and the life of the rich, I say you are mistaken.



Poor little poor people.



Take an example of a poor man. He has a job that earns him an income just enough to put food on the table and support his family of four. Sometimes, he would have to eat instant noodles so his family has things to eat. But after work, he comes back, he spends time with his wife and kids, he talks with them, watches the TV... is this man suffering? Eating instant noodles instead of better food other families with more money get to enjoy? Is this man sad? Most probably, this man is happy that he had earned the money himself and managed to put food on the table for his family. Even if he had to wash dishes to do it, or mop floors, or sell used cans and bottles. At the end of the day he would beam and say something like, "I washed this much plates and earned this much money and that's how I got the food on the table." To top it off, he has the time to spend with his family. So watch his kids fight, to help his wife with house chores, to relax in front of the TV and maybe wrestle for the one and only remote in the house.

Now take another example of a rich man. He has a great BMW car, a big bangalow, good food on the table. He has a high income of more than 4k. But then, when he gets his pay at the end of the month, he has to worry about paying electricity bills, car installments, debt of the bangalow, installment for his shiny Rolex watch, money for healthy food, money for this, money for that, in the end he is just left with a quater of his salary. In the end, he still just manage to get food on the table and survive on a daily basis. Then back he goes again, to work for MORE money that will bring him a MORE comfortable lifestyle and MORE time gets sacrificed.

The rich and poor are exactly the same. The difference is just that the rich eat more luxurious food.

Money... money you can earn anytime. As long as you have able hands, able legs, as long as you know how to wash dishes, clean the floor, as long as you have the will, you still are able to earn the money to survive.


But the time with something non-materialistic, like your family, that is lost can never be regained again. This is because time will not wait for you. Once it's gone, it's gone. I'm not saying that you have to drop work and stay at home forever and ever bonded with your family, holding them tight til the end of your life. What I am saying is, to be obsessed over money and to think money is everything, your priorities might be mixed up. True, money can get you many things. And if you are rich enough, it can buy you power. True, once you are sick you can go get the best hospital in the world but that would only buy you maybe 1 to 5 years more of your life. However, money like all the other materials, is just a form of object. It comes and it goes. You can get money whenever and where ever. Money cannot ultimately guarantee you lifelong happiness. And eventually, it runs out.

To me, money is a necessity. But it is not everything.

What about you?

Friday, August 8, 2008

I Got Tagged! (=

Rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.

Starting time: 12.10 a.m.

Name: Joanna Liew
Sisters: 1
Brothers: 1
Shoe size: 4-ish =P
Height: 150+cm... I think?
Where do you live:In my lovely, lovely house...
Favourite drinks: Tani
Favourite breakfast: Don't really eat breakfast. Hmm...
Have you ever been on a plane: Yup! It was scary >.< And then it was fuuunnn!!! ^^
Swam in the ocean: I didn't really swim, it was more like... moving around.
Fallen asleep in school: A few times.
Broken someone's heart: Yes... I think.
Fell off your chair: Maybe.
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: Hmm... all night?
Saved e-mails: Yup.
What is your room like: If there wasn't anyone to clean it up, it would be like a bomb site.
What's right beside you: A stool with 3 books about the Malaysian Judisciary System on top. Malaysian Studies people will know why...
What is the last thing you ate: Food from Mizi. Yum! ^^
Ever had chicken pox: Yeah. It was fun to poke at the boils...
Sore throat: Of course lah!
Stitches: None... yet.
Broken nose: Ooo thank my blessings, no.
Do you believe in love at first sight: No.
Like picnics: Anything with food, I love <3
Who was the last person you danced with: Eng Yew (it wasn't successful. Hahaha!)
Last made you smile: This survey.
You last yelled at: Gee, I don't know. You mean angry yell or excited yell?

Today did you:

Talk to someone you like: Yes. I do that everyday. 'Cause I like the people around me XD.
Kissed anyone: Define kiss...
Get sick: I am right now.
Talked to an ex: Yup.
Miss someone: Yup.
Best feeling in the world: Happy sense of accomplishment and love.
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: YESH! My Kuma, My Soft Teddy, and My STITCH!!!
Who do you really hate: Um, hateful people?
What time is it now: 12.22 a.m.

Randoms :
Q: Is there a person who is on your mind right now: More than one.
Q: Do you have any siblings: As stated above.
Q: Do you want children: I don't know... >.<
Q: Do you smile often: Yeah. I grin while I'm alone too. My sister finds that creepy.
Q: Do you like your hand-writing: It's alright.
Q: Are your toenails painted: Nope.
Q: Whose bed other than yours would you rather sleep in: You know the answer ;) But I so love my bed, I'm never cheating on it! Ever!
Q: What colour shirt are you wearing: Green and brown.
Q: What were you doing at 7:00pm yesterday: Eating.
Q: I can't wait till: I finish this incredibily long and foolish survey so that I can sleep.
Q: When did you cry last: I've forgotten.
Q: Are you a friendly person: Yes, so says I.
Q: Do you have any pets: No. *cries*

Where is the person you have feelings for right now?: His home.
Did the last person you held hands with mean anything to you now? : Yes.
Do you sleep with the TV on?: What a waste of electricity!
What are you doing right now? : Trying to finish up this incredibly long and foolish survey so that I can sleep.
Have you ever crawled through a window?: YEAH!!! Small is power ^^
Can you handle the truth? : Depends.
Are you closer to your mother or father?: That is a very sad question.
Who was the last person you cried in front of? : I guess a Goat...
How many people can you say you've really loved?: My family, my bestie, my ex-es, my current... Too lazy to count lar.
Do you eat healthy? : Hahahhaa!
Do you still have pictures of you & your ex?: Hmm... that's a very good question!
Have you ever cried because of something someone said to you? : Yes. Girls get sensitive, you know?

How often do you go to church?: Almost every Sunday.
If you're having a bad day, who are you most likely to go to?: God, bestie, boyfriend. My options are little. (=
Are you loud or quiet most of the time? : I don't know. What say you?
Are you confident? : Uuh... I don't know XD. 50%?

5 things I was doing 10 years ago..(1998)
*Can't remember
*Eating
*Sleeping
*Can't remember
*Don't care.

5 things on my to-do list today:
*Finish this incredibly long and foolish survey so that I can sleep.
*Sleep
*Sleep
*Sleep
*Strangle Sherina.

5 snacks I enjoy:
*Biscuits
*Milk
*Sweets
*Chocs
*Chips

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:
*Get my own place
*Get a PhD
*Vacation overseas (maybe migrate)
*Buy... loads of stuff ^^
*Save for the future.

5 of my bad habits:
*Procrastinator
*Wasting time
*I don't know
*I don't care
*This is going to be done soooonnn ^^

5 places I have lived in :
*House
*Room
*Seremban
*Puchong
*Malaysia

5 jobs I’ve had:
*I did this before
*I did this before
*I did this before
*I did this before
*I did this before

5 best friends name:
1.Finally
2.This
3.Is
4.Going
5.To End.

5 people I tag:
1.Anyone
2.Anyone
3.Anyone
4.Anyone
5.I'M FRREEEEEE!!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Contacts

Ever wished that you have contacts for a cheaper than usual deal? Planning on making T-Shirts or having your driver's license done? What better way to do this than to find good quality as well as cheap?

All you need to do is go here [CLICK!]. It's a good read too ^^ Recommend your friends!

Dance Vid

Here's the video, as promised =)




Saturday, August 2, 2008

Cowboys and Girls Are Busy

So, I was supposed to update this like waaaayy earlier, but stuff just kept coming up and thus, I spend less time on my blog. Anyway, since someone requested for an update on one particular subject, so here it is (=

[By the way, my internet has been cranky all day and even now at 1:10a.m it does not allow me to blog. It’s super freaking slow! I felt like beating the Mbps-es out of it! Argh!]

Hm. So on CIMP’s first assembly day, we were supposed to perform for the sake of entertainment. And as I said on last post, it’s a Jay Chou country cowboy song! Pictures are taken and videos too! I can’t say the dance was a success, but it isn’t really a failure either. Hey it made people cheer and made us dancers laugh so it shouldn’t be bad. In fact, it’s a great memory to remember! A performance dance that only took a week to practice with inexperienced people and still come out alright should be a cause for celebration. I can only currently afford to upload the pictures for now. The video might take some time. So stay tuned! ^^


From left: Kelvin, Melissa, Nadia, Mei (in front), Adeline, Me, Celine and Izzat.


The guys still looked happy even though all the girls are wishing they’re shot. Hm.

Here’s me and Adeline SS-ing with our suits XD


Full body view!


We look kinda like seafood (lala) but it’s okay. Look’s good, actually. Haha! During the dance, the huge cowboy hat kept falling down my forehead and covered like half of my head. Catherine came to me during lunch and was like, “Can you see when you dance arh?”

This is when I hate being small. Oh well, at least it has advantages as well ;)