Back in Memory

With the spewing of tweets about the recent Swimming Gala held in CiLC, my mind couldn't help but wander back to 19, Jalan Setiabakti 1, Damansara Heights.

Dating spot with the fish satay uncle.

Reader, school is a milestone in my life I will definitely never ever forget. Embedded in just these two words, 'Sri Cempaka', brings back memories of hopes and dreams, laughter and tears, problems and answers. It reminds me of why as you get older, you begin to yearn for those days full of carefree laughs and unexpected surprises.

 The place where I extort homework from people almost every morning.

High school marks the beginning of many ‘first time’ deals. Whether it may be the first time you put on braces, or perhaps the first time you ever got held back during lunch for Chem extra classes with Mr. Wong. School marks the first of many more firsts. For me, Cempaka marked many different things which subsequently resulted in the person I am proud to be right now.

Here, I discovered family and friendship. Friends make us laugh, help us enjoy human experiences and bring us solace and comfort in time of need.

 5ScOne with Mrs. Gale

Friends can be faithfully dependable, during those times in life when it appears there is no one that can be counted upon. Friends are priceless in a world where it often seems virtually everything has a cost attached to it.

Our batch may be small, with just over the 100 of us - but it is this lot that taught me tolerance, love, kindness and respect. In short, they brought out the best in me.

And unfortunately, also the worst -.- (we be cool yo)

It's funny how things that happen in our past shape the people that we ultimately become. There are so many things that happen that we never even think twice about until all of a sudden, out of no where it hits like a ton of bricks. Events that happened as far back as years and years ago can impact so much of our lives.

 (Made that placard 4 years ago and I saw it again during my last visit to school!)

These early memories spur me on sometimes, when I look back and lament about how carefree life was when I was still in the early stages of the education system. Stress drags down spirits, but these memories of early school life help me regain my footing, refreshes my soul with confidence, and I can start afresh again.

 Sports Day '07

Three years later, I've come to realise that Cempaka prepared me for life, to stick out and not dog the footsteps of others.

High school. Truly is one of the most baffling points in adolescence - when you're starting high school you're happy, then you can't wait for it to be over; then when its over you miss everything about it.

Sigh :)

pics off fb 

The world needs a new kind of army - an army of the kind

Last night, skinny and I watched The Blind Side (coincidentally, so did many other people haha. Liy's take on it here)

"Honey, you are changing that boy's life"

"No.... He is changing mine."

Based on true events, Hancock captured kindness and magnanimity sincerely within the contrasting characters of Micheal Oher, a plus size Forrest Gump and Leigh Anne, a spiffy housewife of conventional upbringing, so perfectly - we can even begin forgive the familiar and stereotypical plot (getting the better of racial complexities etc.).

A no frills film with plenty to offer, it is worthy of your must-watch list :)

P.s. If the film succeeded in setting the fashion amongst its audience to be more kind to the people around them, its work here is done :)

"It was completely white: white with white patterns decorating white. Small white flowers with leaves encircled the outer edges of the upper surface, and three white pillars on top of the cake held aloft another white cake that was a smaller replica of the one below."

Set 6 years after Rwanda's genocide of 1994, this fairly brief (finished it in 2 hours) novel tells us about the real meaning of reconciliation — about how, in the aftermath of tragedy, life goes on and people still manage to find reasons to celebrate.

Recommended!

Rat race

In the last package Mummy sent me, she had the pinkest of courtesy to include a book knowing very well that at that time my examinations were about to draw to an end. 

Around the same time, the movie was released and I am the kind who watches the movie first then only will I indulge in the book because only now I can put faces to the characters haha. Blame the hypoimaginative brain please.

Some said that the movie was mediocre with the book being better (yeah, typical comment -the book is MEMANG always better ok) and some said that it drove them to tears. 

 

I absolutely adore Rachel McAdams (ever since Mean Girls *insert ew here*) and that is a perfectly good reason for one to watch the show already. Then the casting crew had to throw in the amazingly delectable Eric Bana to portray Clare's counterpart, the time traveler himself - Henry DeTamble.

Mmmhmm. Its just like toast overladen with strawberry jam. You think "oh this isn't going to be comfortable". But then it goes into your mouth and it tastes wonderful anyway.

The story got to me in a different way though. I was moved by the determination of one woman to make a life for two people entirely on her own. The book pictured her with moments of weakness in places but the movie conveyed it quite differently. 

Again, its about faith. Believing in things you can't possibly comprehend in the current state of time. Waiting for Henry's periodic visits - days, months, even years. 

This is definitely one of your 'aaaaahhhhhhhhh....' stories. Both the book and the movie amazingly did not manage to disappoint me.

My recent tweet read: Now man rush to grow up then long for childhood later on. 

Ironic. Just remember that time travel is not another fish in the sea for the average you and me unless you are some distant relative of Henry's la -.- . 

So I think that its about time we ran a different race. :)

Images copyright New Line Cinema

Bellyaches

Hello all,

Clearly, it has been quite some time since I shared any of my thoughts with you. As I am writing this, my left elbow is permanently tucked under my left costal arch to mute the numbing pain I have been unfortunately forced to live with the past few days.

ANYWAYS.

With the conclusion of the very brief winter holidays, I'm sure everyone is more than overjoyed to return to their routine-driven lives (glamorous, no?), including me. But seriously! I'm pretty happy to have a GOOD reason to wake up in the morning now and not sleep after 7 am. -.- I'm glad to get rid of the structure-less daily routine, finally. Got irritating after a while.

ANYWAYS.

The second semester schedule is pretty awesome in the sense that there are not many classes with the important ones being only Physiology and Biochemistry and possibly Microbiology but I don't want to think about that yet as I only have two concluding papers come June/July and Microb isn't one of them. So, I'm not going to worry too much about it.

Hurm, the unhurried life is definitely appealing to me but it just gives me more room for seeds of sin to sprout in my head with the first sproutling being Big Bang Theory season 3. Durf. So, I decided to take some time to sit and think what the holidays brought me. My first conclusion, honestly, embarassingly is that I complain alot. As much as I want to think that complaining is something that only other are guilty of, the truth is that we are all complainers. It is likely that some of us are simply not aware of it.

We complain about everything, big or small whether it is about our hamsters or how our backs are aching, or how we hate going for lectures. And, most of all, we complain not just once, but twice, thrice, and all the time.

It is unfortunate that we live in a world ripe for reason to complain about almost everything. We pay too much for rent. We can't do the things we want to do when we want to do them. We meet people we don't like. We think about people we don't like, even if we will never meet them. We may have to deal with living in a place we don't want to live in (hint: Russia). We are stuck in a day-to-day life that seems to be, not in service for ourselves, but for instead for the Man (but we shouldn't feel 'stuck' in service for the Man. But we are after all human, weakest of the living. Sometimes, these feelings come and it is a must to swat it immediately).

When will we learn that we can't get everything at once?

It is true as the old saying goes, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'. However, it stands to reason that, once you grease the wheel, it should stop squeaking altogether.

Some people complain for the sake of complaining and there are those who complain, but then take the necessary action to change whatever it is that they are complaining about. Anthony D'Angelo said it best : 'If you have time to whine and complain about something, then you have the time to do something about it'

Therefore, there is hope for those who ceaselessly complain i.e ME. All that is required is some action, proper attitude and guidance. I simply hope that my overall perspective on myself and the world around me can be changed when I adopt the willingness to view matters in a different light. Aigh. Tall order, tall order.

My complain face

I was too busy complaining about the cold I didn't realise I was sitting on bird shit. -.- 

Your complain face. 

HAHA. sorry? :)

I just wish for constancy in my current way of life. One minute I want to do good and the next minute, I fall into sin. Boohoo. So weak so weak. Remind me to remind myself please.

Well I guess this is where I leave you this time around. Shall go back to devouring the sinful chocolate cake on my table and also continue to harp on the issue of 'Should I go for P.E tomorrow?'.

Glad to be back! I apologise for the emo post few days back. No more, I promise, no more. :)

Bye!

Forgotten

Last night - being lame, sleeping at 5 am, getting lost in my endless duvet whilst exchanging bits of our lives, curling over ourselves in hilarity and imaginary caramel puddings - were once again on the agenda. Doors were opened as stories and secrets spewed over comforting cups of Milo. Bombshells were dropped, and it surprises me that after 2 years, I still have not the slightest clue about the people I surround myself with.

This morning was the earliest that I've woken up (with the exception of exam days) without even the slightest bit grogginess and lethargy. After washing up, the morning brightened significantly as brunch plans were made and duties assigned. Soon enough, pots and pats cling-ed ans clang-ed; onions chopped; ginger ground; filling the room with excited chatter and peppy smiles.

An hour later, the three of us with the addition of Muruga and Chia Zhen were seated in a circle, exchanging buffoonaries with the occasional wisecracks from Muruga and Sharon tickling us pink before our satisfying spread - Nasi Lemak with coconut rice made fragrant by Soo, belacan chicken, fried egg and my bitingly spicy sambal tumis.

Last on the menu: extremely satiated bellies and spirits :)

We later went to the library in the COLD(especially cold today)to return our old books and borrow new books for the coming semester. New subjects: Microbiology and Fizikultura(i.e Physical Education, urgh). After sorting our library matters and escaping the overzealous, big, MUSCULAR dog which was determined to turn us into miserable chew toys, we parted ways and bid goodbye to the brief togetherness we were allowed. Till next time :)

In the end, I figured that I haven't lost my smile at all. It's right there under my nose. I just momentarily forgot it was there :)

Another one turns TWO-uh-Oh

Dearest Ms. Mummy Ong,

On this special day, I wish you an extra share of what makes you happiest along with all the great things in life.  May the years continue to be good to you. Happy Birthday!

I love my fellow Humpie belly belly mach!

P.s Cant wait for the 1st!

2009

What a way to spend the first few minutes of 2010. Regret and disappointment will never escape me I guess. :) Just have to look for ways to deal with it. Great.

***

With that aside, I had a blast ushering in the new year (albeit across 5 time zones) with my LOVELIES! Theres nothing that I want more than to be back home with you guys. The past year has been a testament of happiness and trials and all sorts of other rubbish whatnots and I couldn't have done it without you guys. Honest. 

Ok, enough sappy sappy :) HAPPY NEW YEAR

Honest Lies

It has come to my understanding that lying is fairly inevitable.

What TV does to one

Three days into the holidays and I am already bored out of my mind. In reality, I should have my nose buried in my Anatomy and Histology textbooks as final examinations are just about coming into view. I SHOULD be eating otic ganglia, sleeping macula densa and breathing neurovascular complex.

However in truth, I shamefully admit that I have done absolutely NOTHING but wake up at ridiculous hours, upsetting my morning routine which consequently upsets my entire day which results in a day in which I have accomplished nothing.

So, in that 'nothing' I have managed to finish all 5 seasons of How I Met Your Mother (well up till the latest episode la), watched a couple of worthless movies (but 500 Days of Summer was enjoyable) and overloaded my gastric system with gobs of junk (future cellulite and spare tyres).

We all follow shows and there will be a point where you (well at least me) start questioning ourselves - what if life were a sitcom? or a drama? (whichever suits your fancy)

I think that it will be LEGEND - wait for it
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
DARY!!!


Ok, no. -.-

Earlier today, during one of our online meet-ups, Yeng started matching our real-life friends to characters on How I Met Your Mother and its funny how in every group of people, there is a Ted Moseby, Barney Stinson etc.

Here's the verdict:

Ted Moseby - a professed romantic aspiring to get married and settle down. Yeng is romantic but I highly doubt he is looking for marriage at this point of time. Annoying, idealistic and mildly narcissistic. Sounds like the very kind of douche everyones either hates or loves. We chose to love him ;)

Next we have Robin. Robin is a no-nonsense news anchor with a strange obsession with guns.
And we have Sen. Okay, not right. Well maybe we can relate Sen to Robin Sparkles, the young Robin who was a teen pop star. Wheee thats right. But makes Sen most alike to Robin is the unspoken tension/connection/whatever between her and Ted which has been going on forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever... -.-

Then we have the couple. The lily and marshall. Self explanatory me thinks. Albeit Chengjin is hardly 6'4" and Sheng is not a kindergarten teacher.

And then we have the BARNEY. Barney is a confident womanizer in his early thirties who almost always stylishly wears a suit, likes girls with Daddy issues and is always willing to offer his opinion. Dakk is well, not far from Barney in the sense that juggling girls is what he does best. But with that aside, he is a great guy whom any girl will be lucky to have :)

The rest of us, well... didnt quite suit any of the other characters with the closest being Jas to Victoria the baker, me to Stella the dermatologist (which makes bi a karate instructor?!) and probably Sean Leslie to Ranjeet the driver.

Pointless, but it provided me with my daily dosage of amusement and it reminded me of how important it is to treasure the relations that I have with the people I care about.

With that, I shall hit the sack :)

Lets hope that tomorrow will be slightly more fruitful, shall we?

Forks.

Someone once told me :


Therefore, this coming winter holiday, I am choosing to heed that advise and therefore plan to:


We know that the French say it best, but why not we go to Paris and hear it for ourselves:



Or possibly to Italy for some vespa adventure:



Or maybe to Greece to hunt down Bjork for her autograph:





The list of possibilities is well spread out before my eyes and all that I am hoping to appear now, after much thought, is...... a decision.

Help me will you?

*credits to originauxmoose for the awesome posters :)

flickr photo: 100mm

100mm, originally uploaded by ludovic~.

SO CUTE OMG. wheee :)
speaking of which, when is my new lens coming? :(

A Thousand Splendid Suns indeed.

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs
And the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls



Mariam wished for so much in those final moments. Yet as she closed her eyes, it was not regret any longer but a sensation of abundant peace that washed over her. She thought of her entry into this world, the harami child of a lowly villager, an unintended thing, a pitiable, regrettable accident. A weed. And yet she was leaving the world as a woman who had loved and been loved back. She was leaving it as a friend, a companion, a guardian. A mother. A person of consequent at last. No. It was not so bad. This was a legitimate end to a life of illegitimate beginnings.

Mariam's finals thoughts were a few words from the Koran, which she muttered under her breath.

"He has created the heavens and the earth with the truth; He makes the night cover the day and makes the day overtake the night, and He has made the sun and the moon subservient; each one runs on an assigned term; now surely He is the mighty the great forgiver."

On Khvataet

NOTICE:
My cat came back!!!

Colar-less and skinnier though.
It seemed to me (on twitter) that mummy was so distressed the week Eddy went missing.
Edward has been with us since she (yes, its a SHE) the day we received her from her mummy's womb together with her equally adorable litter, 4 to be precise. At that moment in time, considering the fact that we already had 3 other cats, we decided to give away all the kittens to people who wanted them. After they grew dependent of their mummy, one by one the kittens were sent away to various loving homes. Well, all but one. And I can't be thankful enough for that. Till today, I can't imagine home without her trodding the pilllows, scratching the rattan settee, sleeping at the ODDEST places including my sister's baby stroller.
Eddy was a VERY crazy kitten! She is the kind of feline that would go on for hours trying to catch her own tail, running at full speed across the hall and crashing into the wall later on. That funny little furball also enjoys climbing to the very top of the staircase and tumble all the way down only to climb back up and repeat the whole process again and again and again.
Now, 5 years and 7 months later, Edward is showing signs of age. Somehow less crazy. Less furry and less cheerful.

I guess that even cats don't get to escape the grasp of age.

Happy that you're back! Whee!

Compassion

Dear Friends,

Reciprocated dispute between governing bodies always results in the misery of faultless citizens.



Are they deserving of such misfortune?
Please vote to criminalise war online.
www.criminalisewar.org

Bad Habits

Readers,

Evana's 10 exemplary (NOT!) habitudes:

1. I wake up in the middle of the night to make my bed, only to find myself crawl back under the warm duvet to enjoy the sensation of a freshly made bed.
2. I curse inwardly at smelly metro people. And also at people who are exceptionally grumpy, insensitive and tactless.
3. I like the idea of healthy food. But eating them makes me irk. Very hypocritical.
   
4. I eat wholegrain bread with thai chilli sauce and mayonnaise. Defeats the purpose of a healthy wholegrain bread.
   
5. My laundry sees daylight only after a month in confinement.
   
6. I stalk. Argh. Must stop. No, it's more like an admiration? Yes, most definitely. Come on. Me? Stalk? Pft.
   
7. I can't sleep in an empty bed. You give me ONE pillow and a bed and my eyelids will refuse to close.
8. I study with the iPod in my ear on max.
   
9. When the call of the bed is stronger than the call of the shower in the morning, I skip the conditioner.
   
10. I dog my emotions too much. I always find myself (reckon friends too) at the very extreme ends of the spectrum. I rarely hover in the middle. Quote: "Evana, you are a very weird person. You are hyper and emo rolled into one."

First we make our habits, then our habits make us.

Yikes :S

What was he thinking?

I was a quick wet boy, diving too deep for coins

All of your street light eyes wide on my plastic toys

Then when the cops closed the fair, I cut my long baby hair

Stole me a dog-eared map and called for you everywhere

Have I found you

Flightless bird, jealous, weeping or lost you, american mouth

Big pill looming

Now I'm a fat house cat

Nursing my sore blunt tongue

Watching the warm poison rats curl through the wide fence cracks

Pissing on magazine photos

Those fishing lures thrown in the cold

Have I found you

Flightless bird, grounded, bleeding or lost you, american mouth

Big pill stuck going down

-Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine

I am currently entertaining my infatuation for Iron and Wine.
It would be my pleasure, to have the significance of the extremely bizarre and eccentric choice of words made understood to me.
One day..

Dreamy music for dreamy days :)

Moy Kot Ne Khavatayet

NOTICE:
EDWARD THE CAT IS MISSING.
booohoooooo..... :'(


Dear person-who-is-holding-my-cat-hostage, please be aware that you are a very very bad person.
BOO YOU

Rid myself of it, I have.

It is over.

Finally.

It took me 3 weeks to finish this. Schedule did not really permit me to sit down and actually READ.

All that after stealing reading time in the metro, in lectures, in between classes and before going to bed every night.

"The secret is how to die.

Since the beginning of time, the secret had always been how to die.

The thirty-four-year-old initiate gazed down at the human skull cradled in his palms. The skull was hollow, like a bowl, filled with bloodred wine.

Drink it, he told himself. You have nothing to fear."

Family. We were a highly unique gang of characters, schlepping through life sharing vanilla cupcakes and common colds, borrowing money and never returning them, annoying one another by squeezing the toothpaste tube from the middle, stealing food and never admitting to it, hiding the tv remote, locking each other in the bathroom and killing the lights, kicking each other-inflicting pain only to kiss it to reduce the agony at the same instant, all the while trying to figure out the yarn that knits us together as one.

When all thats left is a picture to keep these memories alive, always remember that friends are God's apologies for relations :)