tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44670888470929386332024-03-13T20:50:59.217+08:00薇薇的旮旯薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.comBlogger699125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-11321115214902679102014-01-06T22:00:00.002+08:002014-01-06T22:00:45.512+08:00Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCYMffcHrFE/Usq0Pde5lLI/AAAAAAAALXY/BBzMxVznnBU/s1600/walter+mitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCYMffcHrFE/Usq0Pde5lLI/AAAAAAAALXY/BBzMxVznnBU/s1600/walter+mitty.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downloaded from <a href="http://www.entertainmentwallpaper.com/newdownload/1920x1080/10042110/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Watch it! Watch it!<br />
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This might be the first Ben Stiller film I watched and strongly recommended it. I'm not saying it because Ben Stiller is not good, he's good, but not as good as most of my favourite actors like Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio. He has a few memorable movies too, Meet the Fockers and Night at the Museum. But The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, has just topped all his other movies.<br />
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Walter Mitty is a professional day-dreamer. He zones out in between conversations, when he's walking, when he's drinking coffee, when he's... Basically every single normal activity, he just zones out. But sadly, in his real life, he's never been anywhere or done anything worthy to mention.One day, some critical situation happens at work, and Mitty decided to go full length to fix it. And all of the sudden, the daydreams stop. <br />
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Stop dreaming, start living!<br />
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I felt the hidden message of the movie is a little close to Yes Man. Start living and try new things. However, the difference between the two movies are Yes Man is extremely funny and you can't stop laughing; While for Walter Mitty, it's humorous at the same time very inspirational.<br />
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If you think this is not your type of movie, please still consider to watch it, the scenery in the movie worth everything. If you're having a down time of your life, watch it! If you need something motivation, watch it!<br />
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Still think you don't get my message?<br />
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Watch it :) 薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-75979956331931264992014-01-02T21:20:00.001+08:002014-01-02T21:21:11.452+08:00My Year 2013The fire-alarm-alike alarm clock is ringing like nobody business this morning. As much as I hate this alarm, I am glad that I've remembered to turn them on the night before. Else, I'll probably end up taking another day leave, which, I have none left.<br />
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Just like every year.</div>
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It's officially first working day of 2014. A new year is a wonderful year, we can start off new, set up new goals and work hard. I never forget to play hard too. </div>
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But before I start with my new goals, let's review what have I done in year 2013. I love this, always :)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ol>
<li>On January 2013, I got married to my Man in traditional Chinese ceremony. The long winding 2 days ceremony and dinners have really worn us down, and I was really glad they're all over. Our wedding trilogy came to an end in 13th January.<br /> </li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/056_zpsa16918ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 056_zpsa16918ca.jpg" border="0" height="212" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/056_zpsa16918ca.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>We've bought the first house of our own in Singapore on January too. And man, we're glad we got it before all the new restrictions and additional charges incurred on PR. This finally ended our house hunting episodes, and furniture and appliances hunting episodes came into picture.</li>
<li>As Malaysia government refused to announce the long awaited General Election, we finally booked a ticket to Amsterdam on March for our honeymoon. This started our jounrey of a week in Amsterdam, Bruges and Brussels. Europe was experiencing a prolonged winter and I've missed the chance to see tulips :(</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo29-3-1345434pm_zps51f12a4c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo29-3-1345434pm_zps51f12a4c.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo29-3-1345434pm_zps51f12a4c.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>Watched 吕思清 Butterfly Lover Violin Concerto live with old friends from JSCO. It's really good! I've always listened to his Butterfly Lover on CD, in fact it's the only version I listen to.</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo20-4-13102358pm_zps9135f323.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo20-4-13102358pm_zps9135f323.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo20-4-13102358pm_zps9135f323.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>The government has finally announced a date for election, we're back to beloved Penang to vote, for the first time of my life. And heart broken on the same night, because of all the dirty tricks the government had played. It breaks our hearts, so much.</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo4-5-13110640pm_zps9dad9bd0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo4-5-13110640pm_zps9dad9bd0.jpg" border="0" height="240" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo4-5-13110640pm_zps9dad9bd0.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>We had our first family trip of the year in East Coast Malaysia. My 2nd aunt joined us as usual, and my aunt from US came back too! This is the first time I went Kelantan and Sungai Lembing in Pahang. And it's my first time experiencing making my own batik too! I love Kelantan food so much, I ought to go again! :)</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo1-6-13113619am_zpsf3aa41ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo1-6-13113619am_zpsf3aa41ac.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo1-6-13113619am_zpsf3aa41ac.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo3-6-1375959am_zps35186b1c.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo3-6-1375959am_zps35186b1c.png" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo3-6-1375959am_zps35186b1c.png" width="230" /></a>
<li>Then, we started our renovations! All the headaches started here.</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo18-7-1320527pm_zpsb04d0add.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo18-7-1320527pm_zpsb04d0add.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo18-7-1320527pm_zpsb04d0add.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>I managed to grab the chance to tour Mongolia, even a short trip before I turned 30. The never ending steppe and grasslands amused me. I may not have a chance to go there anymore, so this might be one of the memory to keep. I strike off one item from my bucket list ^^</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo10-7-1363200pm_zps12edf2cb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo10-7-1363200pm_zps12edf2cb.jpg" border="0" height="240" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo10-7-1363200pm_zps12edf2cb.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>I did a stop over in Seoul too! </li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo7-7-13110826am_zps92fa35b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo7-7-13110826am_zps92fa35b5.jpg" border="0" height="240" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo7-7-13110826am_zps92fa35b5.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>My best friend got married!<br /> </li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo27-7-13110740pm_zps9f92db5d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo27-7-13110740pm_zps9f92db5d.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo27-7-13110740pm_zps9f92db5d.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>We've finally moved in to new house in August. But we spent more than a month to really settle most of the things. Now, it's a home sweet home.</li>
<li>We celebrated our first anniversary on 18th November. What?! It's already a year!</li>
<li>I ran the fifth half marathon of my life.</li>
<li>We had the first X'mas party at our own place with friends.</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo25-12-13110807am_zps457ff06f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo25-12-13110807am_zps457ff06f.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo25-12-13110807am_zps457ff06f.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>Went on to our second family trip of the year to Bangkok after X'mas. It's the first time I went to sunflower farm in Lop Buri, we're so glad that we're lucky enough to catch the breath taking view of endless sunflowers which are almost 5 feet tall. It's the first time I went to Ayutthaya too! And we had 5 days, 2 meals everyday of Tom Yam. Fantastic!</li>
<a href="http://s170.photobucket.com/user/khooweiwei/media/Photo27-12-13125134pm_zpsa278bc10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Photo27-12-13125134pm_zpsa278bc10.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/khooweiwei/Photo27-12-13125134pm_zpsa278bc10.jpg" width="240" /></a>
</ol>
</div>
<br />
I said I wasn't ready for 2014! But now, I'm all in! Buck up, and get ready for more fun to come! <br />
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^^薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-42027119753219802102013-12-18T23:30:00.000+08:002013-12-18T23:30:37.219+08:00Review: The Valley of AmazementIt's a bad idea to visit a bookshop at promotion period, you'll get more than what you want.<br />
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I've read quite some Amy Tan's books in the past and it seems like she has stopped writing for a while, and I've completely forgotten about her. Until I saw her new release in Kinokuniya.<br />
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First and foremost, this is an R-rated book, only for adults, really.<br />
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Violet grew up in a courtesan house, which was owned by her mother. She grew up living with the most popular courtesans in Shanghai, observing them playing the courting games with suitors. Violet grew up with knowledge that she's an American but not knowing her father was a Chinese. By learning the truth, Violet started her adventure to learn about her past. To learn the history of her family and to understand how she had developed the angers in her.<br />
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It's cleverly written in such a way, both mother and daughter, Violet and Lulu found their way to discover their past. And how they finally understood each other and forgive. The fates of two different generations inter-wined, and it's not surprising towards the end, how much the daughter was a mirror of the mother.<br />
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There are some touching moments that gets you teary. It's not enough for me to cry like a river, like when I read Jodi Picoult. When it comes to emotions, Jodi still captured them more precisely. Subtle words, but powerful expressions.<br />
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Having said that, the story is still catching enough to get me going throughout the 500++ pages. It's not as good as whatever Jodi's titles I've read, but it's not something I will put down without knowing the end. 薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-21540023512437384352013-12-17T23:47:00.001+08:002013-12-17T23:47:49.521+08:00Review: The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and DisappearedFirst of all, let me admit that I have habit of impulse buying when it comes to interesting book titles.<br />
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I read a guide on how to write descriptions on five senses before I read this adventurous book. It makes me more critical than ever. And as a noob, I can tell you straight this book doesn't hit "show but not tell" rule. The author tell you right in your face like I do.<br />
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But this sounds like someone familiar, ah, 卫斯理! I've read 卫斯理 since primary under my sister's influence. But before I started, I remember her commenting about his series of sci-fi, he's not good in his writing style, never even try to copy that, but imagination can go wild! That is what keeps readers coming back for more.<br />
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So that's what happened to Jonas Jonasson too, not very good in writing style, but way better than 卫斯理, even comparing two different genres. I do not know how does the original looks like, maybe it wasn't that bad. I can't discredit everything from Jonas Jonasson, it may just be the fault of the translator. I will never find this out until I learn Swedish. (I wonder if I would)<br />
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The title has said it all, this 100 year old man climbed out from his window from a Home on his 100th birthday and wind up with a series of unexpected adventures with idiotic gangsters, professional thief & con man, hotdog stand owner, angry red headed woman, lonely inspector and an elephant. The author had put intervals of the current and the past of the old man to explain the old man's exotic characters.<br />
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The humour was brilliant when the author carefully placed the old man in all the important events in the history in the past 100 years and how he made the important decision that changed our world to where we are today.<br />
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This is a book to pick up purely for entertainment, to pass time. If you were to learn English writing, please pick up the books beside this on the book shelf, chances are they're better.<br />
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However, I think this could make very interesting comedy on screen. And I can picture Tom Hanks to be the best person for it :)<br />
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<i>(When I was googling it as I wrote, I found out it has already been made into a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2113681/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt" target="_blank">movie</a>! Maybe I should look for it!)</i>薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-89284428228828679172013-10-23T23:56:00.000+08:002013-10-23T23:57:52.369+08:00Ah Ma's Fried EggThere were always a pile of stools at the corner of the dining room, to cater for the 10 noisy chatter grandchildren in the house. Especially during the weekends.<br />
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The radio at the corner was playing my grandmother's
favourite radio station. She's always on Chinese station listened to the
old tunes while cooking in the kitchen.<br />
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My uncle came into the dining room so frequently as if he's restless waiting for the food in the making. Most of the time, just to open the fridge, checked out if there's food, then closed again. A habit he never got off until today.<br />
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My grandfather, always occupied a corner of the long dining table with a deck of cards, playing to himself. Sometimes, my cousin, his favourite grandson kept him company. They played something I never thought I would understand. Not because it's complicated, it simply seems lull to me.<br />
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I remember there's always a piece of salted fish in the upper deck of the cabinet in dining room. Had my grandmother hid that away on purpose? I've never asked. But I always tried to reach the top with help of stool and stole a few bites.<br />
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As dinner time approached, the dining and kitchen got more crowded. The aunts and my mom helped my Ah Ma out in the kitchen. While us, the chatty little ones chased and teased each other in the crowded dining room. We always ended up shouting. <br />
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We're a bunch of easily pleased grandchildren back then. A plate of fried eggs will do. But only Ah Ma's fried egg. It's the best fried egg I've ever tried in my 30 years. None of my mom or aunts managed to duplicate it. But Ah Ma said, it's simply oil, egg and salt, and fried them in wok. She never saw why was it so difficult for them.<br />
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I don't understand that either. The golden fried egg, with just so enough oil and salt to keep it fragrant and delicious. <br />
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Simple dish is always the most difficult to cook.<br />
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So many years have passed, and we're all grown up, we still talked about the fried egg.<br />
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My grandmother is old now, she no longer can make us the fried egg. But I think, that plate of fried egg is always the best collective memory we have all had.<br />
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Reimagining the layout of the house, the kitchen, the dining room, and the plate of fried eggs for each of us, had made me feel blessed for a wonderful childhood.<br />
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A childhood that filled with a plate of fried eggs :)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-56831806305033859662013-09-29T23:29:00.000+08:002013-09-29T23:29:56.616+08:00An Average Person<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9At_e7Q3-4/Ukg9DVF1JsI/AAAAAAAALVg/02MMTZa7BkM/s1600/2012-11-13-chrisg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9At_e7Q3-4/Ukg9DVF1JsI/AAAAAAAALVg/02MMTZa7BkM/s640/2012-11-13-chrisg.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://maxcdn.zenpencils.com/comics/2012-11-13-chrisg.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A friend had recently posted this on Facebook. Many responded on the post because it was a true reflection on the life of 95% of the populations (or maybe more?!). But did we do anything about it? Most of us don't. Sadly.<br />
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My company tirelessly conducts a survey every year, to understand the satisfactory level of employees to the company. The questions every year were mostly repeated. And one of them, always made me puzzle on is "Does working in XXX help you to achieve your career goal?"<br />
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I remember in a forum few years ago, one respectful manager had given some talk on this particular question. He's one of the better ones in our department, I respect him but he left the company, again, sadly.<br />
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He said he discussed this question with his engineers every year during the performance review meeting. Nobody had really given him a good answer because most of them have no goals in mind. If one has no goals, no matter what company you work in, it will not help you. Because to do that, you have to have at least a goal to start with.<br />
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This forum had struck me. The speech he gave was powerful enough to stay with me for a few years. I was new back then, and I am glad I heard it when I was still new. I said to myself, I must have a goal.<br />
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Over the years my goals changed a few times. But never mind that, as the life changed course, we steer towards the change. Nothing went to waste because I believe everything happened for a reason. And be always prepared to receive the luck because you never know when it will happen!<br />
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This comic comes in a right time when I needed the most. I'm currently working towards my new goal (which was left around for some time). I am a lazy person, so it serves me well as a good reminder.<br />
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How about you?薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-39948155844238915432013-07-06T14:41:00.001+08:002013-07-06T14:47:01.042+08:00报应两年前,我一个人在美国公干的时候,在<a href="http://photocautious.blogspot.sg/2011/05/blog-post_15.html" target="_blank">部落里</a>这样写过。<br />
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“<i>我习惯孤单上路。有时候,这是一种选择。可是路程的尽头,我知道,总有人在等我 :)</i>”<br />
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今晚,我即将启程到我梦寐以求,神秘浩瀚的蒙古国。我依然孤单上路,在那里有朋友接待。不过,这一次回程,没有人在等我。我家的男人到青海去做义工。原本我想随行,但是义工毕竟是工作多于玩耍。主办当局也不想带个没有经验的人,所以我就这样被踢出局了。<br />
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这次回家,家里将会是空空的。我只好等男人回家。<br />
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这叫报应。 薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-47938176974253624222013-06-11T23:05:00.002+08:002013-06-11T23:05:43.464+08:006 yearsSimply want to write something down, it's the 6th year of my working life, in the same company. It's weird because my company had just held a celebration, company wide for those who have hit milestone 5 years and above. I was in part of it. But one week later, it's my 6th.<br />
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I'm not going to say it's been a journey with ups and downs anymore, since nobody's journey is without. My 5th going to 6th has taken its toll on me. There was one particular issue that has taken and eaten into me, quite badly compared to whatever I've faced before. I ended up emotionally disturbed, easily got mad and fell sick too. My neighbor was the victim.<br />
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Of course after that I told myself to let go. I think I did pretty well, at least I thought.<br />
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It's my 6th year today, and I decided to change the habit a little. I hit the gym during lunch hour. Everybody asked me why? I have almost never missed lunch for the past 6 years, because I'm always hungry.<br />
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Well, I have tonnes of reasons... I have fats to shed off, It's my 6th year anniversary I can chose to do whatever I want to, I feel like having a change, I am not very hungry... But one reason that I didn't mention publicly was, I want to be alone.<br />
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Simply, alone.<br />
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It felt pretty good after that. And I'm actually considering changing my habits into lunch time exercise. It's refreshing after the afternoon shower. With that I can have more time for myself in the evening.<br />
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Not a bad idea! *wink*<br />
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People said you should not settle for good. Great is not good enough, go for the best. It's tough. I would say my work place is not the best. But really, I really love the people I work with. We fight along issues together, we laugh, we share personal problems, we talk crap etc. We're one big family that spend 8 hours together everyday. We're not always happy of course, but we fight, then we forgive. We cried (well... I cried), then we forget.<br />
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My boss is not a perfect boss too. But she's so understanding sometimes it caught me by surprise! I can tell her honestly how I feel about my job without worrying that she'll penalize me. Obviously we had disagreements too, but she tolerated my temper. That makes me learn how to control mine, so that I won't hurt her. It's not fair I keep giving out my temper.<br />
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My lab, laughed at how silly I was when I joined. Now, I've changed over the years. But still, we laugh together everyday.<br />
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There's so much to think every time I hit the anniversary. 11th June.<br />
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So much to think.薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-1959774440724309682013-05-08T21:19:00.002+08:002013-05-08T21:19:25.574+08:00What Can We Do?I've given a lot of thoughts ever since "the day will be long remembered". I think I have to make some note here because I need a reminder to myself.<br />
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Before the election, a lot of us were saying if we can achieve the true democracy, a two party system, we can plan to go home for good. We, as in some Malaysians who currently reside in Singapore.<br />
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We are a group of fortunate people who enjoy the best of both worlds. I do not and will not deny this fact. We work in Singapore, earning the stronger currency. At the same time we are not very far from home, with the grown of budget airlines, we get to go home more often than the Malaysians in other countries.<br />
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But come to think of it. How selfish are we? We are only planning to go home when things are better? And what are we doing to make it better? Click some 'like' and 'share' in Facebook? Are these actions sufficient to justify the fact that we simply move back to enjoy the fruits from the trees which were not even planted by us?<br />
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Every single action, no matter how small it is, plays a part in contributing in a larger outcome. For example, first you have to start with register as a voter. Then, make an effort to cast your vote. If every eligible citizen plays the role, we are one step closer to democracy.<br />
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The reason why we never achieved a true democracy, is the people. People who do not think that it matters whoever is the government. People who do not think that one vote in their hand will affect anything. People who do not believe that change can happen as long as we put effort in it. People who do not care, but continue to complain. And mind you, these people can be anybody. From old aunties uncles to executives in big companies. Senses and awareness are not proportionate to your education level. Never.<br />
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However, things have really changed. Myself as an example. My political awareness had slowly increased since 308. And exponentially increased when the parliament wasn't dismissed in 2013 until April. I believe there are many whom are like me. Thanks to the social media and independent media.<br />
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But we had fallen into some of our own delusions that democracy can be created overnight. Hence, after the defeat, we mourned, we grieved, we felt despair. We were blurred by the things being shared in social media and confused between truth and rumours.<br />
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But come to think about it, whose fault is it, of the defeat? Us. Because we took too long to come to the realization that we can change. Because we were so blind by our own delusion, we have forgotten about precautions to take against the tricks. Because we were so confident, we forgot there were still groups of people that have different level of awareness from us.<br />
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Maybe it's purposely planned this way, by The Authority Up There. So that we have time to reflect ourselves. If The Authority thinks that we're mature enough after 21days, The Authority may give the fairness back to us. If we're not, if we're still stupid, The Authority may give us another 5 years.<br />
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So no matter it's a 21 days or 5 years of wait, the Rakyat have to work together to boost the awareness level, nation wide. If you do not know how to spread to others, at least read more and analyze more on your own. Self awareness and self help is a great help too.<br />
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I apologize that my awareness came really late, I'm almost 30 years old this year. That to me, is really late. I have to call myself stupid. But it's better late than never.<br />
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Let's work hard together, for democracy!薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-89482883602929907952013-05-07T21:58:00.002+08:002013-05-07T21:58:26.887+08:00Of My Skin ColourI do not know about you, but I have had several occasions where I had to explain to the foreigners about myself. Because, there are always some confusions.<div>
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Foreigner:"Hi, where are you from?"</div>
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Me:"Hi, I'm Malaysian."</div>
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Foreigner:"I thought you're Chinese."</div>
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Me:"I'm a Malaysian Chinese."</div>
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Foreigner:"..." (blank face)</div>
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Me:"Malaysia is a multiracial country. We have Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazan, and many other ethnics. But we are all Malaysians, we can all speak Malay and English. And on top of that, we speak our mother tongue."</div>
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Foreigner:"Whoa! That are a lot of languages to learn!"</div>
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That's a typical conversation when I encounter foreigners who know little about Malaysia. </div>
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I was born in Malaysia, I grew up in Malaysia, I was educated in Malaysia. I am a Malaysian. </div>
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I do not introduce myself as Chinese when I meet foreigner, because I'm not from China.</div>
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So, please allow me to introduce myself again.</div>
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<i>Hi, I'm a Malaysian. </i></div>
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<i>Aku anak Malaysia.</i></div>
薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-63383723097498078302013-05-06T21:23:00.004+08:002013-05-06T21:23:28.347+08:00We are proud to be MalaysiansTears shed, heart broken. But we are Malaysians, we are strong, we are resilience, we will stand up! We are even nearer to the road of true democracy.<br />
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We have achieved a lot we could never have done before 505. We have the highest turn out rate ever in General Election in Malaysia history. We have the highest political awareness ever! (including myself) We have proved we are one united nation, all the different races come together to share the same vision for our beloved country. We have proved that we can face the defeat, maturely.<br />
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We will show them, the-forever-racist-comments that they made will not affect us. We will show them we learned our lessons from this defeat. We will show them who we are in five years to come.<br />
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There are a lot people to thank in this PRU13.<br />
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Thank you to all the PACABA! You have done a great job, helping to educate the voters, especially the first timers like me. Specially to my friend, Ching Siang, who flew home from Abu Dhabi, not just to cast his vote, but to be a PACA himself. To spread more awareness, to help junior to raise fund for air ticket to fly home, to give hope.<br />
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Thank you to all the Malaysians who have voted. Thank you to all the Malaysians who have tried their very best to spread awareness.<br />
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Thank you to Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Karpal Singh, and all the other opposition leaders! You have given us hope and strength to fight. You have united the people. You have given us a vision.<br />
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Thank you to all the Penangites! I'm proud to be one! We have shown them money can't buy our votes (I was worried but results proved that I was thinking too much). We have shown them who we want for our state government again and again! We have shown them Penang boleh! Penang has given me hope!<br />
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Last but not least, thank you to our PM! Because of you we are even more determined to stay strong and united. Because of you, Chinese society learned that PAS is peaceful and nothing to be afraid of, the thoughts and fear about PAS in the past was so idiotic. True racial harmony is looking good and bright in Malaysia!<br />
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I've seen a lot of kindness in this PRU13. People helping each other at the polling center. People handing out donations to the party in need. Police at the polling center helping out in taking care of young children when the parents were voting in the classroom. People clearing out their own rubbish after ceramah. People leaving ceramah quietly and orderly.<br />
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I am moved. Truly.<br />
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I think it's time to stop mourning. Yes, we are defeated this time. But like my sister said, Lim Kit Siang can fight for this for 47 years, went into jail for two times, who are we to give up hope? <br />
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Never give up. Stay strong. Stay mature and peaceful. Stop posting insensitive comments on social media. Do not go on street and riot.<br />
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And also, do not forget today. Remember this very heart-aching feeling you are having, right here right now. Remember how you were defeated, so that you can stand up from where you fall.<br />
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Remember, do not lose hope, continue to believe because<br />
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<i>Quote from Star Wars</i><br />
<i>Luke: "I can't believe it."</i><br />
<i>Yoda: "That is why you fail."</i><br />
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Malaysia boleh!薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-1932071347824866302013-04-22T21:48:00.000+08:002013-04-22T21:49:32.641+08:00最屏息静气的音乐昨晚刚刚观赏吕思清梁祝小提琴协奏曲,那个让我屏息静气的时刻,我想记录下来。并且把所有曾经让我如此如醉的现场音乐会在此做个简单的纪录。<br />
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排名分先后 :)<br />
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排名第七、Joshua Bell<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1R61Pn9jk/UXU62LzkXhI/AAAAAAAAG2c/jn88L_OwcpQ/s1600/joshua_bell_1299768c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1R61Pn9jk/UXU62LzkXhI/AAAAAAAAG2c/jn88L_OwcpQ/s320/joshua_bell_1299768c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
室友是Joshua Bell的小粉丝,再加上Joshua Bell是少数音乐家里长相英俊的小提琴家,我也很想看看他,所以我们出席了在Esplanade的音乐会。他的小提琴技术好是没话说,可是他就是少了一点点。少了让我全神贯注的那一点。听完他的音乐会,我会说真的好听,但就是没有让我忘记呼吸的感觉。<br />
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排名第六、殷承宗<br />
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曾经看过殷承宗黄河钢琴协奏曲两次。第一次在北京,第二次在Esplanade。在北京的那次,我还是个穷学生,买了最便宜的票价,坐在音乐厅的最远方。第二次,我刚刚工作,我决定重本一次,就坐在他面前。第二次,我真的可以感觉到黄河的澎湃。我没有听过好多版本,不过,我可以肯定当晚就是我最喜欢的版本。<br />
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排名第五、吕思清<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlal7AjNdgk/UXU7JYzZ8iI/AAAAAAAAG2s/fIF363dYBEo/s1600/U1043P622T1D41759F19DT20090526133832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlal7AjNdgk/UXU7JYzZ8iI/AAAAAAAAG2s/fIF363dYBEo/s320/U1043P622T1D41759F19DT20090526133832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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我也看过吕思清两次,第一次是2011年,在Esplanade,由广州交响乐伴奏。却让人失望,大提琴配的不好,低音也不够爆炸力。结果看完以后,回家猛听CD。这一次,由SCO伴奏,比上回好听多了。吕思清的小提琴还是那么清脆。他一开始拉,我就屏息静气。担心一呼气就破坏了日出那一刻。我看见他满意的微笑,我可以肯定,他对当晚的状态也很满意的。<br />
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排名第四、吴彤<br />
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第一次接触吴彤,是马友友的丝绸之路音乐会。音乐会刚刚开始,就被踏地笙吸引着,之后是笛子。然后,忘了是哪一首歌,他唱歌了。我记得我和姐姐傻了一下,一直在想,是播的,还是唱的?我们回家开始疯狂搜索他的资料,然后猛下载。他是个天才!年少时反叛,家长越是要他好好学古典音乐,他越是不肯,还成立了一个叫轮回的摇滚乐队,在中国曾经红过。真没想到那很优美的歌声,曾经是摇滚乐的主唱。<br />
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排名第三、冯少先<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucHEL_lHhk0/UXU8AlglPzI/AAAAAAAAG3A/3JlePDI1Oe4/s1600/2011812115527345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucHEL_lHhk0/UXU8AlglPzI/AAAAAAAAG3A/3JlePDI1Oe4/s320/2011812115527345.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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我看冯少先好多次,其一原因是我们曾经很荣幸地为他伴奏,其二就是我曾经随老师到哈尔滨探望他。当然,也看过他的音乐会好多次。所以在这里列下的音乐家里,我看冯少先最多。我对冯少先最深刻的印象,就是渔歌和黑土歌。自从听了他的渔歌之后,没有任何一个版本可以媲美。黑土歌,黑土歌……我完全无法形容……第一次听冯少先讲黑土歌的故事就深深地被感动。<br />
第一次见冯少先的时候,我常常陶醉在他的音乐里而忘了是该轮到自己了。结果常常挨骂。尽管如此,我还是常常对着他发呆。<br />
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排名第二、马友友<br />
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马友友是个很快乐的音乐家。我只看过一次马友友的音乐会,就是丝绸之路。整场音乐会,他在音乐里找到的快乐,洋溢了整个音乐厅。你可以看到他对演奏的满足感,你可以感受到从台上流出来的喜悦。<br />
我不喜欢巴哈的音乐,只有马友友玩的巴哈我才愿意听。<br />
多希望他再来……<br />
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排名第一、冯少先与冯满天<br />
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没有一次经验可以和2005年哈尔滨冯少先的音乐学院里的即兴表演来得更精彩。有什么比两位音乐家对着你演奏及歌唱还要动人?对,除了两位老师,我就是那位小小的观众。从旁人的角度,老师说我的眼神发光发亮,久久不能释怀。短短的一首歌,我的眼神已经充满了仰慕。是的,冯满天的歌声真的超动人。我觉得当时的我只差点没晕去……<br />
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<br />薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-65256786963861818782013-03-18T21:26:00.000+08:002013-03-18T21:26:23.595+08:00Sick, for the longest timeI fell sick after CNY holiday.<br />
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It all started with a weekend with fever. On Friday, I thought I felt feverish, no fever yet but I thought I'll be fine so I continued to stay at work until 4pm. When I finally got home, I was having fever already. Continuing that weekend, I had runny nose and cough.<br />
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I thought with enough rest I'll be all fine. But no, on the next Wednesday, my voice decided to went out totally with sore throat. I was given two days MC but it wasn't sufficient to bring back my voice. I went to work on Friday, without voice.<br />
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Then, it went on to another weekend, I was still pretty much hoarse voice. I forgot when was the second time I went to see the doctor, but second time I was given a stronger medicine. It got improved, but not a lot.<br />
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You can imagine during these times, I was eating and drinking almost everything that people can suggest to me, that is good for the throat. Honey lemon, vitamin C, herbal tea, the egg with rock sugar tea etc. Plus, avoiding everything "dangerous" too, like coffee and tea.<br />
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It didn't work very well. I improved, but not a lot. So I went for the third consultant, by this time I was given a referral letter to specialist. My appointment was last Saturday. After a scan, (that costs me a bomb!), the specialist told me it's acid reflux!<br />
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So! No wonder I've not been recovering because I was treating the wrong symptoms. Why was it wrong? I wasn't supposed to take Vitamin C, lemon, and tomato, because all these food cause acid reflux. And i wasn't supposed to take water before sleep. Because, it causes acid reflux too!<br />
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I guessed it did start with throat inflammation. But as I kept doing the wrong steps, it slowly causes acid reflux and worsen the throat condition.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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This is the first time I learn that what happened in my stomach could cause me a loss of voice. That's why I am sharing it here. You may have already know about it, but I didn't, at least before the visit to specialist.<br />
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So now, I'm doing everything I can. Take ginger tea, take honey (no more lemon!), sleep early, no eating or drinking 3 hours before sleep, sleep elevated, take medicine accordingly, and massage my 照海穴as per instructed by my sister.<br />
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The heartburn is reduced now. So I believe my voice will get better in no time! IT HAS TO BE! I'm going for a trip next Monday!<br />
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Believe, and it will happen :)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-32844880690575940782013-03-11T23:48:00.001+08:002013-03-11T23:48:07.429+08:00Trying to Cultivate a Good HabitI've been trying to cultivate good habits in myself, well, for a lot of things. Unfortunately I'm never persistent enough to cultivate them as a long term habit. Now, I'm trying even harder.<div>
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Before my Chinese New Year home trip, I bought a book by Deepak Chopra at the airport, titled "<a href="http://www.mentorschannel.com/bestsellers/DC_GYLL/processes.asp" target="_blank">Grow Younger Live Longer</a>". Ya, who doesn't wanna look younger? I want, I admit! I'm stepping into 30 this year, and I'm not going to deny it, 30 sounds kinda scary to me.</div>
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But reading this book is not about just how you look, is how your body feels. How to cultivate good habits in your life, some very simple habits, may just take 15 minutes of your daily life. It says, it takes 10 weeks of practice to have a habit cultivated! I'm in two weeks now. Eight more weeks to go!</div>
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What have I been trying:</div>
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1. Wake up earlier to practice sun salutations and short meditation. Before this, I wake up at 7.45am-ish, rushed to brush my teeth and shower. Change in a hurry and go to work. Results, sometimes I doze off in my shuttle bus, which results in even more tiredness at work in the morning. Now, I wake up earlier, 7.15am-ish for sun salutation and short meditation. If I'm early enough, I even get to eat a bowl of cereal before going to work. I'm more refreshed, I read on the train (when it's not too crowded) and I don't doze off in the bus anymore. In fact, I practice breathing on shuttle bus to office. Some day I wake up before the alarm. But confession here, I missed the routine for two Sundays! Once was when I was in KL with the Man. Second time was yesterday, I was wide awake up too engrossed with researching Amsterdam for my coming trip.</div>
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2. Yogurt facial. The books recommends go natural and organic for everything. As much as I like to follow this, I have to find a balance of what I can afford to go organic. Facial with yogurt, honey, and lemon is an easy way out for me. I've been doing this, alternate or once in 3 days. Face is less oily recently. But as indicated by the sharing on FB, about yogurt reducing blackheads, I have to tell you, it's not true. I still got blackheads when I peel with the Biore blackheads peeler.</div>
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3. Stretch before sleep and do massage on the reflection points that my sister taught me. Especially 三阴交for my period problem. It works for me, for two months now. Period comes more on time, and no more cramps. </div>
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4. Eat more vegetables. Confession I have made on my photoblog, I didn't have enough intake on fibers. The book promotes take in all the six taste: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. I have to admit I don't follow all of them, but I commit to eat more vegetables!</div>
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<li>Sweet: Favor whole grains, breads, fruits, starchy vegetables, low-fat organic diary; Reduce: refined sugar, animal fat</li>
<li>Sour: Favor citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes; Reduce: pickled and fermented food, alcohol</li>
<li>Salty: Reduce highly salted food like chips, pretzels, processed tomato juice</li>
<li>Pungent: Favor all spicy food in small amount-ginger, pepper, onions, peppermint, cinnamon</li>
<li>Bitter: Favor all green and yellow vegetables</li>
<li>Astringent: Favor: beans, peas, lentils, apples, berries, figs, green tea; Reduce: excessive coffee</li>
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These are what I commit to myself to cultivate in myself. Please remind me if you found I'm not doing any of them.</div>
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薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-27043265653163689392013-02-08T00:52:00.000+08:002013-02-08T00:52:11.798+08:00Something About Getting Married<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've wanted to write something about getting married for some time, but I hadn't got a chance. I was either too busy, or getting myself too addicted to novels that I didn't even switch on my laptop for days.</div>
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After three wedding dinners (with the same person, pheww!~), I've learned a lot. </div>
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Yes, yes, we knew all along getting married is not just a matter of two persons. There are just so many external factors to take care of. First of all, of course the parents, whether or not we met their expectations and at the same time satisfied ourselves. Then, how do/should we treat our friends and relatives who helped out, who flew all the way, even half the globe just to see you on your big day. Also, guests that attended the dinner. Did they enjoy the food and the live performance? Did they enjoy having the gathering with long lost friends and relatives? Bumping into some familiar faces and picked up from the last time they met? </div>
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All these factors have affected us in chosing whether or not to follow the local Chinese customary wedding, venue for wedding dinner, song list of live band (you can't have the band to sing Jay Chou when 80% of your guests are your parents' friends), table arrangements etc. </div>
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I would say our wedding dinners were not perfect, all three of them. I don't believe in perfect wedding even though we've worked hard in planning for almost a year. I don't know about all of you out there but my wedding ceremony and dinner were both a little chaos. We're all new in this wedding thingy, things got complicated when we did not know what's next. When you finally have experience, you don't need them anymore. That's the tricky part of getting married =p</div>
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Only on the morning I got married, I realized my house was not big enough to house all the important friends and relatives, all at once. And we have problems walking around, and I'm glad I wasn't wearing a ball gown. During dinners, more things can get wrong. The projector, the speaker, the slanted screen, the lights, the decoration etc. But we couldn't care less. I don't think majority of the guests would notice that anyway.</div>
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My favorite moment of my entire wedding(s) was after the wedding dinner. My cousins and aunts stayed back. We were trying to arrange logistics but we all got distracted and started to sing, dance, drink and take photos, while the curious waiters and waitresses cleaned up the place. Just the thought of it made me smile to myself. This was really the best part of my wedding =) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trust me when I tell you most couples don't get their
dream wedding. There were tonnes of factors that hindered you from
getting one. Monetary is always one of the biggest factor unless you're freaking rich.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it's up to the couple whether or not they're bitter about the unperfectness of the wedding. Some people get down to the tiniest detail of the wedding ceremony, but I personally don't think it's worth the effort because most guests don't remember a single detail from your wedding. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't believe in being the prince and princess on the wedding either. Yes, you might be the main actor and actress of the day but doesn't mean all you do is just about you. Having your guests leaving the dinner happily is important too. </div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, no matter how things turned out, I guess all the couples feel the same after everthing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Relief.</div>
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<br /></div>
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=) </div>
薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-78271184232069396732012-12-31T16:35:00.000+08:002012-12-31T16:35:03.892+08:00My Year 2012Since the world didn't end on 21.12.12 as predicted, I am still given a chance to sit down and list down my yet another interesting year.<br />
<br />
Well, let me think what I have done, it didn't feel much this year...<br />
<ol>
<li>Started my year 2012 counting down in Shanghai with my family. </li>
<li>Went to KL twice for just weekends. Once with Yee Hau just for weekend getaway, another time was to send En off to University.</li>
<li>Ran half marathon in midnight and in the rain for the first time of my life.</li>
<li>Flew to HK just to meet up with Hui Nee, since I haven't got a chance to meet her up for the entire year.</li>
<li>En visited me at Singapore for the first time (by himself) before entering university. </li>
<li>Went to Universal Studio Singapore for the first time with En even though I stay there and going there can be so convenient.</li>
<li>Attended 3 best friends' wedding in a year, to be exact, in 3 months. </li>
<li>Learned simple make up for the first time of my life. DIY through Youtube. Don't you just love internet! </li>
<li>Had our own DIY prewedding shots in Penang with an entourage of 7 people. It was fun and tiring! Luckily we only have to do this once in a life time.</li>
<li>Planned and finally done with our own wedding in Singapore. </li>
<li>Got married.</li>
<li>Invited and seated at media seats for the first time of my life in Singapore National Chinese Music Competition 2012. </li>
<li>Preparing for 2nd and 3rd episodes of our wedding.</li>
<li>Had a great time with my cousins at Penang, and finally went to some famous cafes in Georgetown, like a tourist!</li>
</ol>
I'll leave the reflections for myself.<br />
<br />
Happy new year everybody and have a great & wonderful year ahead!<br />
<br />
And to my friend, Cindy, Happy Birthday!!! *hugs*<br />
<ol>
</ol>
薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-19715803243047361492012-12-11T23:39:00.000+08:002012-12-11T23:39:27.256+08:002012全国华乐比赛获奖者音乐会与颁奖典礼期待中的获奖者音乐会,终于在星期天晚上过了。期待的原因有几个,第一、我很想知道自己对合奏小组排名的名次和评判的一不一样;第二、获奖者音乐会是双人票,我可以和佳慧一同出席;第三、我也真的很久没有观赏音乐会,华乐的更不用说。<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPx10e4Mdh8/UMdI2JUIZkI/AAAAAAAADfA/XyFcL5rYbpM/s1600/2012-12-09+19.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPx10e4Mdh8/UMdI2JUIZkI/AAAAAAAADfA/XyFcL5rYbpM/s200/2012-12-09+19.55.25.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
没想到,omy让我们坐媒体席位。本小姐第一次有机会坐在媒体席,有点小高兴。又痛恨没得照相,要不然一定把单眼带来。<br />
<br />
音乐会由公开组的得奖者开始表演。笛子独奏冠军,林明慧《鹰之恋》、二胡独奏冠军,周俊如《秋韵》、中阮独奏冠军,谢伟建《满江红》,独奏皆由新加坡华乐团伴奏。我对《鹰之恋》和《秋韵》都不熟悉。可我偏爱《鹰之恋》的旋律,带点新疆音乐的感觉。而《秋韵》,可以说是非常典型的二胡独奏曲。周俊如的技巧确实没话说,但是本人有点小小的意见,就是音乐感情不够投入。《满江红》是我很喜欢的曲子,我本人的小小见解,就是中阮的音量厚度不在,没有岳飞的气势。因此,让我选择的话,我比较喜欢笛子独奏的演绎。<br />
<br />
如我之前所预料,精英丝竹乐团获得了合奏公开组的冠军。他们演了《音诗——大漠遐想》,演绎的很好。音诗里有一大段的音乐,像是在冥想之中。让我联想到《沙地尔传奇》也有一段类似的冥想,让人不知不觉中沉醉在自己的世界里。<br />
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中场休息以后,是颁奖仪式。少年组、青年组和公开组的得奖者分别上台领奖。少年组的最可爱,最年轻的才8岁,而且还得了冠军。现代城市的小孩至小有很多不同的见识,机会自然而然的也比较多。想当年我八岁的时候,在学校玩泥沙吧~<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2ZLJKKkdVg/UMdJSKQY6jI/AAAAAAAADfI/9SitnhxeJ1c/s1600/2012-12-09+21.52.32+HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2ZLJKKkdVg/UMdJSKQY6jI/AAAAAAAADfI/9SitnhxeJ1c/s320/2012-12-09+21.52.32+HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
公开组由李显龙总理颁奖。第一次看见总理本人,还是那句老话,总理好高哦!我心里在想,公开组奖项赢得多值得啊。以后的日子,你可以炫耀说,奖项是总理颁发的呢!多骄傲!<br />
<br />
颁奖后,是少年及青年组的表演。可能小孩子不管做些什么都比较可爱吧,我觉得下半场的节目更精彩。陈欣宇就是那八岁弹琵琶的小女孩,表演了《天山之春》。她的演绎一点都不象八岁的小孩,技巧成熟,感情也投入。音乐透出了自然的欢愉。接着是李文玓唢呐独奏《正月十五闹雪灯》、高程锦扬琴独奏《落花·夜》、郭威胜古筝独奏《溟山》。对于唢呐和古筝,我没有很大的认识。扬琴呢,我会的曲子吧,都很落伍了⋯⋯《春到清江》、《节日的天山》⋯⋯都是过去式的独奏曲。《落花·夜》让我感觉象钢琴曲,象日剧里的插曲。高程锦的技巧让我想躲起来,别告诉别人我以前弹扬琴。<br />
<br />
压轴曲目,是敲击小组的《Strange Loops》。我对于华乐的看法一直是很传统的,我总喜欢听见很经典很传统的华乐曲目。因此,对于整首曲子我都在期待敲击的传统拍子,但是,没有。当然我不排除这种新派的曲子变化比较多。那些期待,仅仅是我个人比较刻板的喜好。<br />
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谢谢omy让我们有机会回味我们中学被华乐包围的回忆! 薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-81630132790182383482012-12-04T23:52:00.001+08:002012-12-04T23:56:30.908+08:00新加坡全国华乐比赛2012上个周末,拖着刚刚从Standard Chartered Marathon回来而疲惫不堪的躯体,我开始有点后悔参与这个活动。但是,是我自己题上自己的名字,怎么可以放飞机。所以,我还是把自己从床上拉起来,到Tanjong Pagar的Singapore Conference Hall去观赏新加坡全国华乐比赛,合奏小组的初赛。<br />
<br />
当天参与的合奏小组总共有三组:精英丝竹乐团、吉丰华乐团、大巴窑西民众俱乐部精英华乐团。<br />
<br />
精英丝竹华乐团呈献了两首歌,西湖梦寻的第二乐章《鱼乐》和一首西乐改编的曲子Typewritter,都是比较轻快的歌曲。一直以来,我都对轻快的歌曲比较有好感。这两首曲子很快就感染了我。再加上,Typewritter之时,敲击小组的其一成员带着她的不知名的敲打乐器,当起了主角。她活跃的台风让我情不自禁地想起了冯少先。(啊!冯少先,真让人怀念!)<br />
<br />
吉丰华乐团呈献《抒情曲》。歌曲中有一段高胡和大提琴的对唱。我一直以来都很喜欢大提琴,可惜的是歌曲里的大提琴的声音不够圆滑敦厚。唢呐短短的独奏,也玩得不够自信。多可惜,整首曲子只有短短的那一段,应该抬起头自信快乐的吹奏。我对这首曲子一点都不认识,不过由于我个人对低音的偏好,如果低音部分(大提琴、倍大提琴、中阮、大阮、笙)玩得更有厚度会更好一点。拉弦和吹管组的音准也应该加紧注意。<br />
<br />
大巴窑西民众俱乐部精英华乐团呈献了《乡音寄怀》。扬琴乐手最引我注意,不仅仅因为自己当年也是弹扬琴的,她是三队里最年轻的乐手吧。这首曲子是很典型的华乐,让人怀念的典型华乐。那种敲打乐器在后面“庆庆锵锵”的典型,让人怀念的吵闹。或许是因为队伍里的成员年龄参差不齐,他们个人对曲子的了解和诠释有点不一,我有时候不小心就分散了我的注意力。<br />
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我个人喜好,我最喜欢精英丝竹华乐团的表演。我不知道最终的成绩是什么,这纯粹是个人意见。 <br />
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大学第二年以后,我再也没有亲身接触华乐。(大概有六七年了!)偶尔应朋友的约,听听音乐会还是有的。但是家里那台扬琴早已被遗忘在一个角落。中学时期,那些玩音乐的日子就随着扬琴,尘封在回忆里。<br />
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有机会看见热爱华乐的朋友在台上表演,还是让我回味无穷。自己心里太清楚,要维持一个业余的乐队实在是太难。津贴的问题往往是最头疼的问题,再加上成员们各自都有工作,要拥有多少的热忱和纪律才能把乐队维持下去,可想而知。这些业余的乐团,都值得大家给予更大的鼓励。与此同时,这些乐团也应该多多为自己打广告,招招生。<br />
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听完了初赛,说真的也没有后悔拖着疲惫的身躯而来。毕竟,能够借着表演回忆回忆还是很好的。<br />
<br />
十二月九日晚上八点,将会是获奖者音乐会(所有组别-独奏、合奏、打击乐)及颁奖典礼。这是一个售票的音乐会, 票价十元,可在sistic预购。从今天到九日的比赛,是免费入门的。有兴趣者可<a href="http://www.nac.gov.sg/art-forms/music/festival-and-events/national-chinese-music-competition" target="_blank">查询此网页</a>。<br />
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谢谢omy的邀请,我才能知道这两年一次的全国赛正进行中!期待这个周末的表演 :)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-80147686026137263242012-11-24T10:21:00.000+08:002012-11-24T10:21:05.727+08:00Married!Despite of all the uncertainties in myself, we've walked the red carpet, and signed the life long contract.<br />
<br />
Yes, signed, and no turning back.<br />
<br />
The entire process of getting married was pretty tiring and at the same time exciting. I've got to finally understood what all my married friends gone through. And the feelings they described, not all the same, but yes, now I know how they must have felt at that moment!<br />
<br />
The most common question I got when I got back to work after married, was "How do you feel being married?" Unfortunately, I can't put the emotion in words. Yes, we're happily married, but things don't really change a lot since we've been staying together for years.<br />
<br />
How do I feel being married? I felt loved. I felt loved not just from the one I signed the contract with, but from families and friends. My friends complained about me not giving the speech on that night, but I guess I could not. If I did, I might be crying. So, let's just leave the talking to the Man.<br />
<br />
The wedding dinner, was the one we've always wanted. Mostly casual, our guests were roaming around, talking to friends from other tables, exchanging their own seats to catch up with old friends. It's a wedding dinner + gathering of friends to us. We were busy roaming around too, trying to talk to as much friends as possible, but even with this setting, we still didn't manage to entertain all guests. Really sorry to the guests we've missed.<br />
<br />
While we're enjoying the day, we've put stresses on our friends. Poor friends, we're truly sorry. They're the ones who took care of the decoration, the reception tables, the flow of the ROM and dinner, dinner for the live band, the alcohol, the videos etc. This group of friends took off our all stresses so that we didn't have to run around the hotel like mad.<br />
<br />
We're really glad our guests left mostly at 10pm onwards. Ever since we're preparing for the wedding dinner, the bridal shop, the photographer, the hotel, the live band etc. were telling us buffet dinner mostly ended at 9-9.30pm. Especially it was a Sunday evening, the dinner will end even earlier. But we guessed the guests enjoyed the night as much as we did, the dinner ended unexpectedly late. We're very happy with that. <br />
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With all the blessings from everybody, we're finally becoming Mr & Mrs. Our promise to all of you, we will live happily together, we will not disappoint you :)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-9897144597887492342012-11-12T18:36:00.002+08:002012-11-12T18:38:56.695+08:00How did it happen?So, at one time you're still thinking, "It's still some time away... Don't worry...". Another minute, you realized it's less than a week from now!<br />
<br />
You panic, you freaked out, you tried to squeeze fun time+quiet time+preparation time+working time+relaxing time+friends time+pak tor time+daydreaming time.... in less than a few days.<br />
<br />
That, really made me crazy!<br />
<br />
My friends made getting married seem so easy. And I on the other hand, made it sounds like a scary thing in my life. I didn't feel much when I was preparing in the past few months. One day, I woke up from my sleep, realized, I'm going to sign the most important signature in my life, not long from now.<br />
<br />
That, was the point I freaked out.<br />
<br />
But, believe it or not, an afternoon by myself, I calm myself down a bit. So, some alone time did quite a good job I guess :) 薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-79962149099061973932012-11-06T21:59:00.002+08:002012-11-06T21:59:12.020+08:00It's the Perfect Time to Freak Out!It is!<br />
<br />
Looking at the calendar, it is!薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-40035659733247603632012-10-28T01:15:00.000+08:002012-10-28T01:15:01.250+08:00JGLA man that proves that you do not need the sexy good look and nicely built body to win over hearts.<br />
<br />
All you need is a cute smile.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6AnXSBZ5x0A/UIwWM6VGPCI/AAAAAAAADeo/n5Wikz2cqio/s1600/500-days-of-summer-damien-guy-jgl-joseph-gordon-levitt-Favim.com-87917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6AnXSBZ5x0A/UIwWM6VGPCI/AAAAAAAADeo/n5Wikz2cqio/s400/500-days-of-summer-damien-guy-jgl-joseph-gordon-levitt-Favim.com-87917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copied from <a href="http://favim.com/image/87917/" target="_blank">this link</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Liked him since "500 days of Summer" and been watching all the movies he acted in after that =)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-20061567721584905262012-10-28T01:01:00.000+08:002012-10-28T01:01:20.206+08:00语不惊人死不休我有个年龄相差相当远的表弟,今年才6岁。每次见他,都让我们哭笑不得。从小,他就是家族里,唯一一个还称得上“儿童”的成员(直到妹妹出世)。从他学牙牙语至今,他就发挥他充满喜剧的天份。<br />
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今晚刚刚和他们一家吃晚餐,这小子的喜剧功力一点都不退!<br />
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<i>我在地铁站会他们。一见面,他很热情,兼很骄傲地告诉我:“I got bird bird in my pocket”。汗颜,竟被6岁小孩骚扰!然后,他从他裤袋里很吃力地掏出一只蓝色的鸟。我和他爸爸(既是我舅舅)连招呼都来不及打就笑到不行了~~~</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>小孩子转变话题总在眨眼间。还没有笑完,他又开始说话。</i><br />
<br />
<i>我牵着他走出地铁站。他一副很无奈的样子告诉我:“我都不知道你在这里!我以为你在槟城。”我答:“我在这里做工啊!”他:“为什么你住在火车站里?”⋯⋯(我来车站接你,不是住在这里啦!)</i><br />
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<i>晚餐吃得七七八八的时候,桌上还有两个小笼包。我问他要不要,他说不要。我把小笼包放在勺子里,叫他喂爸爸。正当爸爸张开嘴巴的那一刻。他说:“Papa so greedy, stomach so fat still want to eat”。舅舅的嘴巴张着,吃也不是,不吃也不是⋯⋯</i><br />
<br />
妹妹比较慢热,话没有哥哥多。但是两人一唱一和,我们今晚是看了一部喜剧回来。每次见他们就特别搞笑。要是时间停留在这里,他们可以永远这么可爱就好了~ (不过这样,我的舅舅舅母就会累到不行。哈哈哈!)薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-90313883636501935272012-10-09T22:31:00.002+08:002012-10-09T22:31:46.510+08:00不是吧~又生日了?<br />
<br />
去年生日好像才刚刚过,可现在又是一年⋯⋯<br />
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今年是我最后一年庆祝二十几岁的生日,说穿了,今年“小妹”二十九。真无奈,青春往哪里跑?都在一年又一年的生日蛋糕里给挥霍掉了。 最后一个二十几岁,是不是应该疯狂两下?<br />
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可是,什么叫疯狂?把酒当歌,喝成个醉人才是疯狂?到酒吧和一群陌生人狂欢?抑或是看一场又一场的电影,哭完又笑、笑完再哭,搞到自己人不像人鬼不像鬼?还是,喝咖啡喝通宵?还是,即兴买张机票到天涯海角?(这个像是我会干的事)<br />
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二十九岁和二十岁有什么分别?说真的,我还比较现在的我呢。现在的我,有经济能力。我可以去玩,我可以买东西。我竟然还比二十岁的我还放肆。还有朋友称赞我,是个fun的人。 我觉得自己比二十岁的时候有自信。唯一差的,可能是体力和精神。三张靠近了,真的不得不承认体力上是比较吃亏的。而且,鱼尾纹悄悄的报道了。唯有安慰自己,因为天天哈哈大笑,鱼尾纹才提前报道。<br />
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想想,这样的二十九岁还不差。 <br />
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希望我一直fun下去~薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4467088847092938633.post-38651907964161827372012-09-10T21:50:00.002+08:002012-09-10T21:55:08.852+08:00吾家有弟初成长The memories of my little brother crying so hard when I left home for Singapore are still so vivid. That was 9 years ago.<br />
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And now, he's the one who left home for university. And lucky enough for him, Selangor is not too far from all of us, we have all came to send him off. Making sure everything is alright before leaving him completely alone in a new place, for the first time in his life.<br />
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I'm sure he will be enjoying his uni life soon, making new friends, blending into the environment, making full use of the facilities in the uni etc. And of course, missing all the home cooked food and the warmth at home like we used to be. But I can't help to worry.<br />
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The last thing that came into my mind before I slept last night after coming back was, will he be lonely on the first day? The first thing that came into my mind this morning was, will he be waking up on time for orientation?<br />
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There had been hiccups, but I'm sure things will be fine. Most importantly we will support him and make sure he won't give up easily!<br />
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I wanted so much to hug him before I left, but I didn't because I was so afraid I will cry before I realize. When I left, I cried quietly when nobody noticed. The home will be so much different without him. I know it sounded crazy but I miss him the moment I left KL. <br />
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But I know, he's going to have the best 3 years!薇薇http://www.blogger.com/profile/10852153531793856518noreply@blogger.com0