February 25, 2009

A is not what matters the most, M matters more.

I've totally changed my studying method to see if it would work better on me. What I'm currently practising is to take a nap after lectures, and start revising till midnight. It has been effective so far, I guess part of its effectiveness is also due to consistent study since I've midterm everyweek, I became good friends with my dear books. It's not as pathetic as it may sound, and I'm not really suffering from the tension and peer pressure. Peer pressure is not a big deal to me at all, what matters more is when my mom and friends start to worry about my health condition, I promise that I will maintain a well-balanced life with fun-filled days and work-out days. I always feel lucky to have parents giving me the biggest freedom and flexibility on my academic performance. They will worry if I stayed up late mugging for exams and asked me to sleep.
They never force me to be on the cream of crops, despite they used to be top scorers in school.They always tell me 'it's ok, as long as you pass.'

Even my sis says ' Go have fun with friends besides studying.'

I didn't know I was such a dead mugger who knew nothing better than studying.

Also,I didn't understand why wouldn't they force me to excel like other kids do?

Today,I got the answer for myself. Because they love me more than my sheets and sheets of results.They won't remember how many A's I scored in previous exams, but they remember how I strived hard and squeezed every bit of myself to accomplish it.

A is not what matters the most to them, M is what matters. Mun and me.

Some friends say, I live my life for my parents and based on their expectations. In other words, they think I'm lifeless and do best as a studying machine.The fact is, they impose no rules on me and thus where comes the expectation? I'm the one restricting myself to go over boundaries and keep myself to my own sets of principals and obligations. I'm the one who chose to sleep less to mug, so don't put the blame on my parents. If they were to be so selfish, I won't end up coming to Vancouver ,to be honest.

In a nutshell, I believe no one can force you to study hard if you didn't intend to.
Obviously,everyone feels the pressure ,the important thing is to make things work out the way you want them to be. If you just aim for a pass, then it's enough to get a 51%. I won't look down upon you because I think your interesting life experiences will make a 150%. Also, I understand everyone gains happiness through different sources, you don't need a 100% on Sciences to make you happy.

I sometimes will lower down my expectations if I think I'm weak at that subject too, and work according to my ability. I never force myself to hit 99% when I know that I can barely hit 80%. I don't have a mega brain for everything.It's not that I don't try to make miracles to happen, but I certainly don't want to sacrifice all my time to make it happen.

I need a life.

Just like last term, when I got 97% for Chemistry in midterm, I started looking at the 3% loss and thought ' awh, 3 more marks to a perfect score.' I hate it when I say that,because we will never be satisfied with what we have if we think that way. That's why I'm much more flexible and let go my marks this term. Also, I think I should start creating more crazy experiences as a 20-year-old.Since I'll start to age soon,it's necessary to live my life youthfully now.Of course, failing would be the last option,as I'm keeping a balance between fun and work.

I'm that kind of person who will be satisfied scoring a 70-80%, even a passing mark makes me feel happy once in a while.I'm even more excited when my dad and mom smile on my results. What I need are not materials and golds, but it's very important to give me that little push to keep running and continue on my endeavours.

Once in a while, mom will say ' Nevermind, just keep on working until you get it.'

The last time when I mentally broke down, dad said ' Don't have to be sad at all, you are good enough.'

Even Atlee gg said 'You can do it.'

What they're educating me is not the marks-based system, but it's the love-based system. This is how a family's bond is covalently strong.

F=Father
A=And
M=Mother
I=I
L=Love
Y=You

I know some people may not agree with my studying method. Well, it's ok. Do what you think is the best for you, as I think I've established my own module and survival skills. At least I'm now a better player of my life.

February 21, 2009

Life shuffle

I'm thinking about a question for the past few weeks.

What would life be if I get to shuffle life with other people? Will I be more inspired or become more confused and lose my identity when I get back to my core?

This world is too big for just one creature to walk and experience everything, it would be much more interesting by exchanging and experiencing different lifestyles at different period of time.

Weird thought I know. But if there was a chance as such,I would try.

Anyway, I shall come back with another long post about my recent trips and doings.
Stay tuned.

RE: Two of you

Dear Eileen,

I'm so glad that you dedicated a blogpost for me and winney@ 'iron man'. Like you said, things went on a tremendous change after secondary school. The biggest change was not being able to see you guys everyday, chit-chatting everytime we met each other in school. At that time, we would find time for each other even though we weren't in the same class, there would be a way for the 3 of us to stick together and started all the self-highness.

Luckily, I don't have to lose the two of you to realize how much you all meant to me, but I'm more and more appreciating you two as my true friends as I grow older. I realized the youthful times and memory lane we had once walked together were solidly unbeatable.

I still remember .....

We used to sit in class and listen to Winney's cold jokes.

The way Eileen taught first aid and Winney training the marching team.

The day we won the singing competition.
Since then, the song '围巾' has also become one of our classics.

We had terrible sun burnt after standing under the sun for 8 hours on every sports day, and then started laughing at each other the next day.

We used to have this mini gathering at my house every Friday before/after chinese class.

We named each other rice tong, water tong and iron tong.

Val's 'masterpiece' about Cik-Tan was published on 学海.

eL said ' Cannot ! How can you beat me and took over my first place.'
That was how we got motivation from each other in my opinion. Yes??

Win said ' Cannot, I must beat you in Chinese.'
And you succeeded.My chinese is nothing better than you, seriously, you even write chinese novels.

eL said 'she's a dead reader, always dead reading sejarah!'
You know what, I'm losing my memorizing skills nowadays. Maybe can't swallow a book now.

Win saying ' Mun ah mun,don't read so fast can annot?'
I learnt to stop and be patient since then.

Win joked ' Play me Lee Hom's song, I don't want to hear any mistakes .'
=P Hahaha, don't be too strict to me please. I'm not very skillful yet.

You girls had blue black on hands by my pinches.
I didn't realize I've that power, I've stopped all the pinching and hitting from that day onwards.

We ended up getting married to each other and having this complicated 'affair'.
Why must I be the wife and you two be the husband? =P Let's shuffle next time.



eL and I held each other's hand and completed the marathon together.
I love that certificate we got, it just reminds me of our determination.

You two teased on my mini fingernails, and told me
' munx2, stop cutting your fingernails please, it's already mini enough'

I laughed when eL knocked the plant and tiang on the way to class.
Bwahahahahaha.

eL did Jap language revision with me in class and shouted ' 5 o'clock is go go go !'

Win makes me feel special by letting me to become her first novel reader.

Win took up the challenge and ate that syrup beehun.

Win promised to play me 'qing tian' on guitar.

You two named me '蚂蚁' , '呆mun仔' and '美禄王'.

Those were the days, still vividly in my mind despite of its age.

刘伟泥说:

'mun mun 是个不多话的女生,如果你不认识她,极有可能认为她是自闭,其实不是.人真的不可以貌相,看她弱不禁风的样子,还真被她骗了.她有个绝世武工—捏人超痛,所向无敌.所以没那个本事,别找她单挑.我记得她在中一&中二的时候,一直不多言.随着地球的公转自转,她已经练得一口好口才.至少说话没比蚂蚁小声,还有能力反驳.(孺子可教也!)'

'加油喔,MunX2~蚂蚁的力量是无可限量滴~~~=D'

'是我们的蚊子+蚂蚁,McD代言人pui mun'

'我会赶快学好《晴天》,等你回来弹给你听的。^.^'

丁艾棱说:
'I'm serious, this girl here can never sit down nicely on her arse and relax...Relax girl...Breath, in, out, in, out...Anyways, Pui Mun's a really smart yet humble person. She strives harder than anyone i know when she breaks down...I've known you for almost 4 years, and i'm really glad and thankful to have you as one of my bestest friend! Bottomline, gettin to know her's exactly like putting a million red m&ms into your mouth...She's soo schweeeet!!!! Simple, but elegant = Chong Pui Mun. Loveya lotssss!!!!'

Do you guys still remember all these? Very randomly posted, but they weigh a lot to me.

Trust me, I really took your word for it.

Two of you have always been protecting me and boosting up my confidence. Thank you for telling me how you feel for me, if not I wouldn't have known what kind of friend I am.It has been 6 months not seeing you guys, life is tough but I know all of us are tough cookies, we hardly get defeated easily, not even by chance. Thanks for believing in our friendship, it definitely means more than what it takes. Both of you entered my life and eventually blent into it, just like a harmonious melody which never fails to touch my heart. I'm not sure how much I can do for you, but I will keep on working on it and stay at where I am, just when you need a listener.

Don't overrate me when both of you have given me so many important knowledge.You all showered me with a lot of values and lessons in life. Thank you for staying by my side and continue to be my friend.

My biggest gain in Sri Aman was getting to know three wonderful people in my life.
This year is also our 8th year 'anniversary' and it's my luck to know the three of you. You don't need to give me anything and feel guilty for not being a good friend.I would be glad to bless for your healthy and joyous life. Really, giving me a winney the pooh plush toy will not be any greater than you sharing with me your life story. I'm that simple, so don't have to make things more complexed.


Don't forget the fact that your happiness also stimulates my happiness, because sharing is caring.=)



A huge thank you to Winney Liew, Deng Eileen and Valerie Tan.

February 19, 2009

晴天

I went to Stanley Park for an evening walk today. It came into my mind spontaneously since I felt the necessity to go to a quiet place for tranquilization during this break. I've had enough noises from lectures, shopping malls, public transits and even just plain passersby.

Yes, I spent the day myself .Stanley Park is the best hangout place with incredibly amazing view that I don't even mind if they charged an entrance fee. But they did not do so which is really a privilege to the citizens I feel.


It's just the right place with city view and greenery being blent together nicely.
When you look to the left, grasses and trees are what you see and once you get bored of it, you can always entertain yourself by looking to the right which offers you a wide array of downtown view.The beauty on both sides never fail to light up your day.

This morning, I woke up in a not-so-good mood which wasn't a good sign to me at all. I was trying to get rid of the messy feeling in me by occupying myself with some other activities, rather than staying in my room and had another non-productive day. It was just another oh-all-me-and-myself day- bus pass,camera, ipod and that made up my day.



I walked through the entire park leisurely, and I found out that I missed out a lot of parts on my previous visit. A lot of simple yet interesting scenes caught my eye, regardless of the old couples who were holding hands for an evening walk, middle-aged man busy capturing every bit of the park, young and energetic teenagers who were cycling around the cycling path, or tourists who were fascinated by the view, just like me. The park is such a generous giver, benefiting everyone in the park. As long as you're willing to drop by, you will earn something.



It's always a pleasure to take a break before resuming to the busy student's life, Stanley Park is an ideal place for people like me who enjoy a slow walk once in a blue moon, besides for those who jog and cycle. I've always wanted to cycle here because of the good weather, it's difficult to sweat even if you cycle for hours, which is what I like.Of course, that's gonna be in my 'to-do list in Vancouver'.




I'm glad I made my trip to the park today, to abandon all of my frustration.I'm glad I did not rely on someone and vent anger on them. Also, I've discovered something about myself today.It took me 20 months to come to this stage, to stop crying for the same person, having good sleep and happier life. Although deep down inside, I can always trace his existence, the feeling still remains, at least I can now smile to myself with all the good memories we once shared.

Finally, finally I persevered.
'这一次,我好像真的做到了.'




I went back with a smile on my face, 18.2.09 is a significant day to be remembered.

February 09, 2009

Free hugs, anyone?



'Sometimes, a hug is all that we need. Free Hugs is the real life controversial story of Juan Mann, a man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger put a smile on their face.

In this age of social-disconnection most all of us lack that simple human touch from another, the effects of the Free Hugs Campaign are now felt around the globe.

As this simple gesture of kindness and hope spread across the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs Campaign BANNED. What we then witnessed was the true spirit of humanity as people came together in what can only be described as something awe inspiring.

In the spirit of the Free Hugs Campaign please pass this video to a friend and HUG a stranger! After all, you CAN make a difference.'

I feel relieved with the existence of these loving souls in this world.

I never had the habit of hugging someone since young.Only till 2 years back, when friends started to leave one by one and they hugged me. At that moment, I really felt the warmth in them which was beyond description. A hug that can support you and gives you what's more than words can mean, yet it's magical enough to light up the rest of your day. A hug may not make a significant contribution to the world economically and scientifically, but its social impact is always overwhelming. Living in this jungle of concreted buildings, I'm losing my human touch and part of humanity, that I begin to qualm to myself ' how much more pure innocence and sympathy am I left with?' Why do we become so skeptical and yet saying how open-minded and caring we've turned to?

Since then,I've learnt to hug, to share my body warmth with another person.I learnt to hug my good friends and my pet just like how I would pat myself and say ' Yea. You're not alone, it's time to move on.'

=) Since Friendship week (14th-21th Feb) is coming,go make a small contribution and spread the contagious 'disease' around. Show them how vital they are and how much they mean to you.

So free hugs, anyone?

February 08, 2009

I want a break.

It may sound ridiculous to crave for a break when Sem 2 has just started for 5 weeks.But this is what I'm so desperate of, despite this reading break is meant for self-revision *cough cough* which I'll spend most of the time sleeping most probably.

This term is unbelievably hectic that I actually spend every Sunday staying in hostel to finish off my never-ending assignments, readings and quizzes. I automatically shut my playing mood after a Saturday outing, despite it's the only day that I can fully slack.

Anyway, today's post is just gonna be a random share of thoughts.I used to be very competitive and took every single mark I lost seriously, sat in pain and regretted for the following days.Today, I no longer am.It doesn't matter to me how excel the others perform as long as I achieve my target.I set high goals on myself and strive hard to reach them,but I chose to ignore the full mark or top scorer people bleed to reach.Of course, I'll be happy for them, but that doesn't push me to an extent to compare my grades relatively to theirs.Even if I get an A, I'll be satisfied with my own effort and that's it! After all, only my accomplishment will make myself to the future, not theirs.

If giving them direct compliments will make them feel better, I need not hesitate to do so.Seriously, it's not that you're not good or so, it's just my personal dislike to make my life more difficult and compare myself to you. We can just go on separately and gain knowledge through the learning process. Also, I'm not the best, not that bright for you to compare, so don't choose me as your competitive rival.

I really wonder,since when did I become so ignorant?

Enough said. I bet most of my buddies are also having sluggish-but-busy life as me.

=P So new year is coming to an end. I had a short web-camming session with my dear friends last week.



My dear friends who will lure me on my favourite cookies and red packets.
My dear friends who will ask me to introduce them leng cai when I go back.
My dear friends who will choose me as their listener.
My dear friends who will e-mail me to reveal their true feelings.

I think, for now, you girls mean the most to me. So wait for my return and don't be surprised by my increased lameness.

February 04, 2009

A post for eL and Win

The rules:
A) Put your music player on Shuffle mode.
B) For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
C) You must write the song’s name.

All right, so here goes nothing.

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
君の好きなとこ-平井堅

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Realize-Colbie Caillat

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
心跳-王力宏

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
搁浅-周杰倫

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Whatever it takes- Lifehouse

6. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
To be with you-David Archuleta

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Precious-伊藤由奈
8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
我很好-刘若英

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
很想和你在一起-洪卓立

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Big,big world-Emilia

11. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
花灑-古巨基

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

流沙-陶喆

13. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

When you tell me that you love me -Westlife

14. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
One love-嵐

15. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
我不想忘记你-郭静

16. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Fly Away-F.I.R

17. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Tattoo-Jordin Sparks

18. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Don't let go- David Archuleta

19. WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
僕のキモチ -WaT

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOURSELF?
Everything-王力宏

Some of it seem to be quite logical and reflect my feelings.I especially like # 6 and #9 because the song titles correspond to each other . The amazing thing is that part of the lyrics of some songs do match with the question precisely.

#5 ' I'll do whatever it takes, to turn this around'

#7: 'I promise you もう迷わない ;強くなる… あなたに証すよ'
(I promise you,I won't wander off anymore; I'll be strong and prove myself to you.')

#17 'No matter what you say about life, I learn everytime I bleed;
The truth is a stranger, soul is in danger
I gotta let my spirit be free'

This is really random but will spark up a little surprises after doing it.

February 01, 2009

The fifth year

I read through some posts I wrote a few years back and recollected some opinions I once had.I still agree with most of the points I've made, just that I've also slightly 'modified' my perceptions on certain things as time goes by.

4 years ago, I was utterly disappointed on some friends who stepped on my shoulder and betrayed our friendships for their desires.

Today, I feel there's no eternity in this world. I learnt to avoid saying 'forever' when I realised that's not an appropriate word that could be used to express my concern to them , what can I guarantee to them when I know I have no forever? Seriously, life's too short to stuff in all the revengeful things people have done to me. If they're happy with it and it's harmless to me, I'll just let it go and eventually erase it from my mind.People plant flowers to make friendships blossom, I leave scars for some friendships that are motive-based and shouldn't have begun at the first place.

'There's no eternity because I don't fantasize.'

3 years ago, I said, 'Things change, people change'. I felt sad over the ones I couldn't hold them close enough to myself.

Today, I still stick to the thought that things change, people change. It's a human cycle which will eventually happen to us that we need time to grapse the dilemma we've been put into. Everything happens for a reason, so I have to find a way to go over things when they start to collapse. It's hard to change a person, so I try to look it from another angle to comprehend all these things that happened to me. When a person wants to leave you, he/she leave, it's not a matter whether my effort to stop them is great enough or not, but it's the power to stop someone to stay by my side is lacking in me.It's the truth that pulls me back to the reality . If they are happy, then I will let go.

'When they want to leave, they will leave.'

2.5 years ago, I didn't understand the meaning of true love.

Today, this confusion still remains unresolved . However, it seems to not be a big deal to me anymore, because I believe there are people who are better off to stay alone and spread their love to the others. Except for having a good relationship, my life is almost perfect and happy with the bunch of agile souls surrounding me, from a lovely family, supportive friends, cute pet, good university right to doing the things I've always wanted to try, I can't think of any regrets I have in my life at this moment. I've been showered with lots of love and care from them already that I have the confidence to handle my life well.

' Treat myself better and enjoy life happily.'

1 year ago, my one big dream was to become a musician and live in a world of orchestra and piano.

Today, the musical dream continues but not the priority in my life. I still play piano and go for musical performances to free myself from the noisy and fast-paced world. I'm still proud with my passion and patience to continue with my interest. Also, it's a satisfaction to keep my piano skills as part of my pocessions. Life's good when you've found something you really love and could go on with it till the end of your life.I think , piano has come to that stage in my life, and I know my future career will be another one because my future career defines my interest. I don't dig a hole and force myself to fall into it to become one of those who can swim in the large pool of money in future if I have no love for the course, and therefore future job.

' Do what I love and what I'm capable of doing.'


This year,

Here I stand, being a 20-year-old.I'm waiting for more inspirations to come, meanwhile sustaining my past.