This was an assignment I had to do for my cultural anthropology course. I thought it would be a good share for others to know what was life like for this woman during the 1930s or pre-World War II era onward in Penang, Malaysia.
Interviewee’s Basic Information
Name: C. M.
Age: 77
Gender: Female
Nationality: Malaysian
Relationship to Interviewer:
Interviewing Medium:
Date and Time Interview was Conducted: October 19, 2011 at 9.00pm.
The interview was conducted using a Chinese native dialect, “Hokkien”, as preferred by the interviewee. The dialect is commonly used by people of the Chinese descent in the country, Malaysia. The interviewee’s response was slightly altered to fit in to the proper English language.
1.1. What is one of your best memories from childhood?
I was the fifth child among eleven of my siblings. We were not as privileged as the kids from the city where they can enjoy material wealth. We do not celebrate birthdays and receive presents. We need to save every penny that we can earn. But on my 6th birthday around the 1940s, one of my sisters fall ill so my dad had to bring her to the hospital in the city. I was asked to follow together since it was my birthday and I always wanted to see the city. We have Curry Noodles and a cup of barley drink, a delicacy we do not usually have in normal times. I was really happy and contented then.
1.2. What is one of your most difficult memories from childhood?
It was definitely during the World War II when the Japanese invades Malaya. I could remember clearly that it happened one or two years after my 6th birthday. Sirens would start alarming so loudly that everyone in my village would start running in fear. I was very young back then. The siren scares me a lot as it signifies danger. There was once when the alarm starts alarming in the middle of the night, and my mum anxiously rushed all of us from our bedroom and start running to somewhere near to the forest. We hide under a really big drain. I remember seeing planes on the sky dropping bombs from far, and I thought that the plane was defecating!
My older sisters were asked by my dad to pose as a man by wearing his clothes and to cut her hair short. My dad perceived Japanese armies as ruthless and a threat to women. I did not understand back then, until I found out that many Chinese women were brutally raped and killed by the Japanese armies. Life was really difficult during the war era.
1.2.1. Can you tell me more about the life in social back then?
The Japanese kills every Chinese in sight. But my family was very lucky that we live in a village where most Malays live. And my dad had connection to the political office in the city, so he was later hired as a clerk due to his educational background and willingness to learn the Japanese language.
I remember walking along the streets once together with my uncle, and I noticed the armies were guarding everywhere. It seems that they were on the lookout for “betrayers” or “spies”. Due to that, everyone starts suspecting one another, which results in less social gathering in the restaurants etc. We either go straight to work, to the market or back home immediately. And there were many public punishments and even killing to insert fear in us citizens to prevent any secret society from forming and opposing their dictatorship.
1.3. Is there any big political or economic event that touched your life and that you remember? How did it affect you?
When our country gains its independence on the 1960s, the economy develops slowly, free from the control of the colonists. I could get government loan in sending my children for public high school. Through the boarding school they attended before that, they learned excellent English language from the British teachers. Therefore, I have to send them to a good public high school located in the city rather than the school in the village for the sake of their future. It was the best decision I have ever made.
My first son finishes high school at 1971. Before that, the place we lived in was covered with paddy field, orchard, poultry and etc. I can still remember that our old house was demolished by the government to make way for the building of Science Park to cater for all the multinational company. They chose Penang (a state the interviewee lives) to invest in because of the abundance of space, cheap labor, and majority of the English speaking people as it was once part on the British colony. These economical changes gave an opportunity for my first son to land his first job in an electronic factory, and finally becoming a successful entrepreneur. If not for the economical changes, most of us would still be farmers or government workers.
1.4. Did being a woman affect your life as you became an adult? How? What is one of the important ways that you have noticed that life is different between when you were younger and now?
Being a woman back then does affect my life in many ways, like I was arranged to married your grandfather whom I only know for a few days. Probably due to the lack of compatibility and interest, he left me after my seventh child was born. If I have the right to who I want to marry back then, my life would probably be better and happier. My children could have had a better life.
We have less privilege in education compared to the boys and therefore fewer opportunities in getting a better job when we get older. I had to work seven days a week in a college canteen to support my children. But then again, there were not many women involved in business or any professional careers back in the 1950s. I knew my children needed the best education to lead a good life in the future, so I have to send them to a boarding school with all the savings I have like in trading my wedding jewelries, through my job as a cook, and some side incomes from my small farm at home. I have 4 daughters and 3 sons, and regardless of genders like the olden days, I tried my very best to send all of them to school.
The new generations probably learned from their parents and grandparents that life would be difficult without education. Therefore it seems that going to school and college became sort of an obligation now. In the olden days, you can be successful and have a bright future just by finishing high school. Right now, I heard of people earning their doctorates and PhDs and still jobless!
1.5. What are several values that you feel are really important in life?
Being hardworking would reap success. There is no such thing as a free meal in this world. What we Chinese do best is to endure. We keep our heads above the water. And live life for a purpose, which is to do good. One would have no regrets when they got older and reminisce about the life they have lived. Was it a worthy one or a waste? One should decide for themselves.
1.6. Do you think that these things are changing?
It definitely is changing from what I am seeing. There were certain traditions set by my grandparents and the generation before them as a guideline to ensure we act and behave with high morality and ethics as humans. Life is easier for the youngsters nowadays. Other than not appreciating traditional customs and values, they do not have to work at young age to fend for themselves like what I have to do. Then have an opportunity to attend school but there were news of kids dropping out of school or skipping classes and involve themselves in crimes at young age.
I realized they do not have much respect for the elderly and their parents as compared to my days as a teen. I do not like the fact that kids nowadays take things for granted. The same thing goes for marriage. They take marriage or relationships lightly that causes pre-marital pregnancies and abortions. It is deem as a huge shame to the family if such thing happens in the olden days.
1.7. How do you see your role in your family?
I am happy right now with the state of my children’s well being. That was the only role I could think of: to ensure the best for my children. Now that my children have their own children, my role as a grandmother is to teach them to be individuals with high morality through the traditional customs I was brought up with. And of course, as a source of support and wisdom being the oldest in the family.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Quote on Life: The Chain Reaction
"sometimes, that one small mistake which you think is unimportant and wouldn't affect anything, might turned out to be a chain of disastrous reaction." - Vinny S. Tan
in short,
work hard enough and do your best you can in every chance that you would look back in life, and smile. especially at this age of 20s, the prime of your life. like the summer of the year. if not now, when? your life is your monument, your personal sculpture of glory.
in short,
work hard enough and do your best you can in every chance that you would look back in life, and smile. especially at this age of 20s, the prime of your life. like the summer of the year. if not now, when? your life is your monument, your personal sculpture of glory.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Stop Lynas
Facebook is always the place to go for me to get all the source of famous news that make headlines especially Malaysian news.
First, there was this Auntie Tunda Kereta who made a comment in the debate of CM Lim G.E. about Penang not having cars at 10.30pm? This was probably deemed as "ridiculous" by fellow Penangites as shown by all the self-made hilarious memes of "What Jessie Ooi think of Penang".
It doesn't matter much. The joke will go off sooner or later.
What I see in Facebook nowadays is the sharing of the Lynas news by Malaysians near and far, even Malaysians abroad. I googled "Lynas", schemed through wikipedia article, and...I was surprised that this could happen in our country. I mean I have been writing research papers about such activities such as minings, nuclear weapon testings in other countries, the potential radioactive waste element it will bring, and the impact of the wastes on the people. It causes MUTATION. Are you freakin kidding me Malaysians? Aren't we on the way to be a global pioneer?
In anthropology class, I often come across the victims of such exploitation and they were native americans, tribes, and generally people who live in outskirts and do not know much about their rights and the effect of radioactivity. It wasn't their fault that they didn't know they've been put into such situation. After the mining or what nots has been done, this group of villages then encounter all sorts of cancer, deformed babies, hairloss, and even their source of food and income such as plantation and water were destroyed. It hurts my heart to read about a baby who was born with one eye or a jello head with a long boneless neck. Then, their homes were declared as the land of the dead or they just have to move some place else with some compensation money.
I'm surprised that my country, and advanced country or so named the 5th of 6th Asian tiger would allow such risk. I'm in no position to say who is right or wrong, but I REALLY hope that when I come back to Malaysia this end of December, I will not be seeing headlines of people falling sick in Kuantan, while the mining company reap their profits away.
First, there was this Auntie Tunda Kereta who made a comment in the debate of CM Lim G.E. about Penang not having cars at 10.30pm? This was probably deemed as "ridiculous" by fellow Penangites as shown by all the self-made hilarious memes of "What Jessie Ooi think of Penang".
It doesn't matter much. The joke will go off sooner or later.
What I see in Facebook nowadays is the sharing of the Lynas news by Malaysians near and far, even Malaysians abroad. I googled "Lynas", schemed through wikipedia article, and...I was surprised that this could happen in our country. I mean I have been writing research papers about such activities such as minings, nuclear weapon testings in other countries, the potential radioactive waste element it will bring, and the impact of the wastes on the people. It causes MUTATION. Are you freakin kidding me Malaysians? Aren't we on the way to be a global pioneer?
In anthropology class, I often come across the victims of such exploitation and they were native americans, tribes, and generally people who live in outskirts and do not know much about their rights and the effect of radioactivity. It wasn't their fault that they didn't know they've been put into such situation. After the mining or what nots has been done, this group of villages then encounter all sorts of cancer, deformed babies, hairloss, and even their source of food and income such as plantation and water were destroyed. It hurts my heart to read about a baby who was born with one eye or a jello head with a long boneless neck. Then, their homes were declared as the land of the dead or they just have to move some place else with some compensation money.
I'm surprised that my country, and advanced country or so named the 5th of 6th Asian tiger would allow such risk. I'm in no position to say who is right or wrong, but I REALLY hope that when I come back to Malaysia this end of December, I will not be seeing headlines of people falling sick in Kuantan, while the mining company reap their profits away.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Week 8
House Cook: Kiddo! You looked stressed.
Me: Uhhhh..yeah..I am..well its almost the end of the term...trying to survive =D
I slept in my study room, hurled up in this really uncomfortable blue wooden couch, to the thought of waking up early later for org chem studies. Ended up oversleeping, got late for an appointment with a lecturer, and just ran out of the door without thinking much. I didn't even took a shower. It was convenient during the winter where nobody knows what you were wearing underneath your oversized hoodie. I was wearing my MBS Blood Donation tee that I usually wore to sleep. And my hair make me looked like a forest fire victim.
How fun.
Nevertheless, Will Smith's quote on skills versus talent always ring in my head. Otherwise, just typed in "Will Smith Inspiration" in Youtube.
"Skills will only be obtained through hours and hours of beaten of all your crap." - Will Smith
I visited the Career Fair yesterday to enquire more about a biotechnological company that I am really fond of. Had a talk with a representative and I am so glad to have that conversation. Yes the world need more scientist. Above that, the world need more scientist with business and entrepreneurship skills. In short, it is always good to be all-rounded.
Now I'm thinking of a taking a business-related minor. I took Economics and Business Communication in Taylors in my Freshman year but though I find Economics rather depressing, but the Business Communication course really opens up my prospect towards doing business in an international level, other than scaring the crap outta me whenever I need to deliver a 30 minutes speech. It was not just as simple as trading between different countries using the means of money, but there are things that we need to consider, such as the business culture of different countries. For example, it is respectable to give gifts to an Indonesian business partner, or to shook hands with people in a company based on seniority and hierarchy in Korea and Japan. And funny how I learned that it is normal to expect Malaysian business people to arrive a little later than usual as it symbolizes how "important" you are, than some European countries such as Denmark who view coming 10 minutes earlier to a meeting as a good business impression.
Other than that, my lab group members and I have been conducting an experiment on Duckweed plants to investigate the quality of light towards the growth of the plant for almost about 1 month now. It was a fun yet nerve-wrecking experience at times. Such as when the results doesn't come out as what we predicted. I always hated lab work since last term, because my group depended heavily upon me at some point and our main goal was always to "finish fast" so we can all go back and rest. This term, I felt blessed to have such motivated and passionate biology group members. It makes me love lab work again. One of my lab member, Arthur, is probably as old as my dad but his determination to graduate from Medical school can really be felt. Although he already earned a PhD in Economics and has worked in Taiwan or Hong Kong, he doesn't mind coming to school again and study together with us 20 year olds. I would probably be affected by the notion that I am 3 decades older than my classmates. Also, the presence of Natalie, Stephanie and Colin who make all 7 weeks of lab a really fun-learning experience. Couldn't be more thankful for that.
Laila (the macho girl below) came across the world at the same time as me, just that her stop is at Manitoba, Canada. We both decided to bend the typical mentality of Malaysian students who like to go to Universities where they could meet other Malaysians. We totally blow our comfort zone off. I have to admit that it was hard especially for the 1st week as I was totally vulnerable, not knowing what to do or who to go to. There was once when I walked into a class where I was the only Asian girl and that somehow creates an uneasy feeling inside of me. But it was good in a way that it propel us further to cross that line of insecurity that we never thought we could do.
Cheers to "The Awesomists" and Week 8, TO YO FACE.
Me: Uhhhh..yeah..I am..well its almost the end of the term...trying to survive =D
I slept in my study room, hurled up in this really uncomfortable blue wooden couch, to the thought of waking up early later for org chem studies. Ended up oversleeping, got late for an appointment with a lecturer, and just ran out of the door without thinking much. I didn't even took a shower. It was convenient during the winter where nobody knows what you were wearing underneath your oversized hoodie. I was wearing my MBS Blood Donation tee that I usually wore to sleep. And my hair make me looked like a forest fire victim.
How fun.
Nevertheless, Will Smith's quote on skills versus talent always ring in my head. Otherwise, just typed in "Will Smith Inspiration" in Youtube.
"Skills will only be obtained through hours and hours of beaten of all your crap." - Will Smith
I visited the Career Fair yesterday to enquire more about a biotechnological company that I am really fond of. Had a talk with a representative and I am so glad to have that conversation. Yes the world need more scientist. Above that, the world need more scientist with business and entrepreneurship skills. In short, it is always good to be all-rounded.
Now I'm thinking of a taking a business-related minor. I took Economics and Business Communication in Taylors in my Freshman year but though I find Economics rather depressing, but the Business Communication course really opens up my prospect towards doing business in an international level, other than scaring the crap outta me whenever I need to deliver a 30 minutes speech. It was not just as simple as trading between different countries using the means of money, but there are things that we need to consider, such as the business culture of different countries. For example, it is respectable to give gifts to an Indonesian business partner, or to shook hands with people in a company based on seniority and hierarchy in Korea and Japan. And funny how I learned that it is normal to expect Malaysian business people to arrive a little later than usual as it symbolizes how "important" you are, than some European countries such as Denmark who view coming 10 minutes earlier to a meeting as a good business impression.
Other than that, my lab group members and I have been conducting an experiment on Duckweed plants to investigate the quality of light towards the growth of the plant for almost about 1 month now. It was a fun yet nerve-wrecking experience at times. Such as when the results doesn't come out as what we predicted. I always hated lab work since last term, because my group depended heavily upon me at some point and our main goal was always to "finish fast" so we can all go back and rest. This term, I felt blessed to have such motivated and passionate biology group members. It makes me love lab work again. One of my lab member, Arthur, is probably as old as my dad but his determination to graduate from Medical school can really be felt. Although he already earned a PhD in Economics and has worked in Taiwan or Hong Kong, he doesn't mind coming to school again and study together with us 20 year olds. I would probably be affected by the notion that I am 3 decades older than my classmates. Also, the presence of Natalie, Stephanie and Colin who make all 7 weeks of lab a really fun-learning experience. Couldn't be more thankful for that.
Laila (the macho girl below) came across the world at the same time as me, just that her stop is at Manitoba, Canada. We both decided to bend the typical mentality of Malaysian students who like to go to Universities where they could meet other Malaysians. We totally blow our comfort zone off. I have to admit that it was hard especially for the 1st week as I was totally vulnerable, not knowing what to do or who to go to. There was once when I walked into a class where I was the only Asian girl and that somehow creates an uneasy feeling inside of me. But it was good in a way that it propel us further to cross that line of insecurity that we never thought we could do.
Cheers to "The Awesomists" and Week 8, TO YO FACE.
Monday, February 13, 2012
k-pop and dream high
I was supposed to finish writing a paper. Like yesterday.
But it's the weekend. I just spent 2 weeks squeezing every brain cells and ounce of energy outta me in incorporating organic chemistry and biology into my life. But I know this is the price I'm willing to pay in order to achieve greater things. No complains. And I received a request from Chris to write a blog post. So I was thinking, do people actually read my blog? How lovely.
So yesterday, I accidentally came across a Korean drama trailer entitled "Dream High" that comes with a few songs that gave me a hint of...bibimbap, Law of Motion...and Classical Music in Renaissance Period. I used to dislike songs which I do not understand the language. But funny how some Korean songs which I still do not know the title and who sang it until this day would invoke such fond memories.
I used to study Physics, Music and Business Communication every weekend or some weekdays or on chemistry date with my korean dude in this Korean restaurant called B-station in Taylor's Lakeside during the Winter Term last year. 1) Because I have nothing else to do other than studying. 2) I like their Korean food especially bibimbap and that hot soup which I dont remember the name. 3) The owner of that restaurant was too kind to always serve me with free drinks, since I was a regular.
Whenever I came in, they will automatically turn on all these annoyingly loud and piercing Korean music. At first I would shut my ears off with my earphones listening to my old boring orchestral music, but then after awhile, I could actually memorize the tunes, melody, rhythm and heck, even some lyrics.
Watching "Dream High" trailer reminds me of my sophomore year in Taylor's, like how I got used to being courageously alone (try saying that in sarcasm) sitting in that Korean restaurant, sipping green tea and listening to Korean songs that I eventually came to enjoy. You know how some things, like VERY simple things could remind you of a memory? When I studied psychology, things such as the smell of a particular perfume could invoke your memory of something associated with it, such as your previous girlfriend, that bridge that you're afraid of because you fell down from it during your childhood years, a green bangle that gave you a sense of insecurity because your kindergarten mate stole it from you and threaten you to keep quiet about it. Things like that. The little things that gave big impact.
Okay back to that Korean Drama. It certainly doesn't have the best story line ever. I've watched better ones. One thing that caught most of my attention other than the songs was the overloading hotness one drama could get. Taecyon, Kim Soo Hyun and Wooyoung. Seriously?! There goes 10hours of my time on youtube. Nevertheless I finally found out what those songs were. At least some of it. 1) MBLAQ - Stay 2) 2PM - I'll Be Back 3) Girls Generation - Genie. I'm pretty sure there was more but I guess I shall wait for those songs to be played in random occasion, and shipped me back to those old days.
To end this blogpost, I still think that it was the hardest decision ever made for womankind to chose between this 2 ridiculously hot looking dudes. SERIOUSLY? It's like they've been photoshopped.
When I typed their name in the Google search engine, I tried to find the most descent photo of them. For Kpop stars, you probably wouldn't get the attention of million fans without showing off that crazy amount of make-up and shiny toned 8 packs.
I guess I shall work on my paper now. With a silly grin on my face. ;)
But it's the weekend. I just spent 2 weeks squeezing every brain cells and ounce of energy outta me in incorporating organic chemistry and biology into my life. But I know this is the price I'm willing to pay in order to achieve greater things. No complains. And I received a request from Chris to write a blog post. So I was thinking, do people actually read my blog? How lovely.
So yesterday, I accidentally came across a Korean drama trailer entitled "Dream High" that comes with a few songs that gave me a hint of...bibimbap, Law of Motion...and Classical Music in Renaissance Period. I used to dislike songs which I do not understand the language. But funny how some Korean songs which I still do not know the title and who sang it until this day would invoke such fond memories.I used to study Physics, Music and Business Communication every weekend or some weekdays or on chemistry date with my korean dude in this Korean restaurant called B-station in Taylor's Lakeside during the Winter Term last year. 1) Because I have nothing else to do other than studying. 2) I like their Korean food especially bibimbap and that hot soup which I dont remember the name. 3) The owner of that restaurant was too kind to always serve me with free drinks, since I was a regular.
Whenever I came in, they will automatically turn on all these annoyingly loud and piercing Korean music. At first I would shut my ears off with my earphones listening to my old boring orchestral music, but then after awhile, I could actually memorize the tunes, melody, rhythm and heck, even some lyrics.
Watching "Dream High" trailer reminds me of my sophomore year in Taylor's, like how I got used to being courageously alone (try saying that in sarcasm) sitting in that Korean restaurant, sipping green tea and listening to Korean songs that I eventually came to enjoy. You know how some things, like VERY simple things could remind you of a memory? When I studied psychology, things such as the smell of a particular perfume could invoke your memory of something associated with it, such as your previous girlfriend, that bridge that you're afraid of because you fell down from it during your childhood years, a green bangle that gave you a sense of insecurity because your kindergarten mate stole it from you and threaten you to keep quiet about it. Things like that. The little things that gave big impact.
Okay back to that Korean Drama. It certainly doesn't have the best story line ever. I've watched better ones. One thing that caught most of my attention other than the songs was the overloading hotness one drama could get. Taecyon, Kim Soo Hyun and Wooyoung. Seriously?! There goes 10hours of my time on youtube. Nevertheless I finally found out what those songs were. At least some of it. 1) MBLAQ - Stay 2) 2PM - I'll Be Back 3) Girls Generation - Genie. I'm pretty sure there was more but I guess I shall wait for those songs to be played in random occasion, and shipped me back to those old days. To end this blogpost, I still think that it was the hardest decision ever made for womankind to chose between this 2 ridiculously hot looking dudes. SERIOUSLY? It's like they've been photoshopped.
When I typed their name in the Google search engine, I tried to find the most descent photo of them. For Kpop stars, you probably wouldn't get the attention of million fans without showing off that crazy amount of make-up and shiny toned 8 packs.
I guess I shall work on my paper now. With a silly grin on my face. ;)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Woohoooo!
Things accomplished today:-
Officially a Chemistry Minor.
Planned my degree completion - Graduating on Fall 2013
provided that I don't have to retake any courses or got hit by any unforeseen circumstances.
upside: i'm taking 3 years of college when students usually take 4 years.
downside: not going back home for 2 consecutive summers.
I am allowed to skip Speech course.
Took business communication class in Taylor's, which was initially not exempted here in OSU, but after one visit to the Advisor's office and a phone call to the College of Communication, I got exempted! Which means a faster pace towards completion, and saves some tuition fee.
Currently in Junior level.
Officially a Chemistry Minor.
Planned my degree completion - Graduating on Fall 2013
provided that I don't have to retake any courses or got hit by any unforeseen circumstances.
upside: i'm taking 3 years of college when students usually take 4 years.
downside: not going back home for 2 consecutive summers.
I am allowed to skip Speech course.
Took business communication class in Taylor's, which was initially not exempted here in OSU, but after one visit to the Advisor's office and a phone call to the College of Communication, I got exempted! Which means a faster pace towards completion, and saves some tuition fee.
Currently in Junior level.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
New Year
December 31st, 2011 - Vancouver BC.
I get to spend my new years eve of 2012 with cousins and friends from Seattle this year. Truly a change from most of how my near years eve is spent - watching fireworks from my house or a winter trip with family.
We took probably a 2hours drive from East Seattle in Austin's car, together with Jenn, Hando and Eddie. Meet up with my cousin Ken and Judy for all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant for lunch. Gathered at the hotel room for games, movies and naps. And got ready for the club scene at 8pm!
It was my first club scene. I didn't feel comfortable to the thought of it at first, and just tag along as everyone is going.
Walked from the hotel with my heels and red dress to the subway. My heels were killing me after just a 10minutes walk. And walking on the street wearing make-ups and dress makes me feel like I was parading in some circus walk. Nevertheless, we reached the Vancouver's Science museum. Somehow the party was situated in a museum. Go figure.
Upon entering, I have to show my passport for age restrictions, tickets, some airport-security check in case we bring weapons in (?). The music was pounding loud that I could feel it occupying every space of my body. Here goes, no turning back. My cous got me a drink with the least amount of alcohol as I'm such a newbie. Everyone started dancing to the beat. I stand aside and watch. Wrong move for a girl unaccompanied. I came across several dudes who wants to know my name, dance with him, likes my dress etc. It was an oddly-interesting experience. While dancing in the middle of the dancefloor with my group, I was pulled from one place to another direction several times. Apparently someone was playing "tricks" behind my back.
About the advice of taking your drinks together with you at all times to avoid drink spiking, I totally understand why this happens in club now. At first I thought, "why not just finish your drink first before leaving to some place else?" It's an alcohol drink. You probably couldn't finish it in one gulp since it might be hard liquor etc. So you sipped it. And then Beyonce's Single Ladies song is played. You couldn't resist not dancing to the song. So you put your USD10 drink on the table first, while you go dancing. There some sicko who has been spying on you spiked your drinks and GAMEOVER.
So the countdown to 2012 starts in the dancefloor with balloons coming down from the ceiling. I was excited and happy at the same time. The combination of both the best feeling ever. Glad to get out of my comfort zone and experience something different this year. Even though we went home at 2am and got a headache the next day.
I get to spend my new years eve of 2012 with cousins and friends from Seattle this year. Truly a change from most of how my near years eve is spent - watching fireworks from my house or a winter trip with family.
We took probably a 2hours drive from East Seattle in Austin's car, together with Jenn, Hando and Eddie. Meet up with my cousin Ken and Judy for all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant for lunch. Gathered at the hotel room for games, movies and naps. And got ready for the club scene at 8pm!
It was my first club scene. I didn't feel comfortable to the thought of it at first, and just tag along as everyone is going.
Walked from the hotel with my heels and red dress to the subway. My heels were killing me after just a 10minutes walk. And walking on the street wearing make-ups and dress makes me feel like I was parading in some circus walk. Nevertheless, we reached the Vancouver's Science museum. Somehow the party was situated in a museum. Go figure.
Upon entering, I have to show my passport for age restrictions, tickets, some airport-security check in case we bring weapons in (?). The music was pounding loud that I could feel it occupying every space of my body. Here goes, no turning back. My cous got me a drink with the least amount of alcohol as I'm such a newbie. Everyone started dancing to the beat. I stand aside and watch. Wrong move for a girl unaccompanied. I came across several dudes who wants to know my name, dance with him, likes my dress etc. It was an oddly-interesting experience. While dancing in the middle of the dancefloor with my group, I was pulled from one place to another direction several times. Apparently someone was playing "tricks" behind my back.
About the advice of taking your drinks together with you at all times to avoid drink spiking, I totally understand why this happens in club now. At first I thought, "why not just finish your drink first before leaving to some place else?" It's an alcohol drink. You probably couldn't finish it in one gulp since it might be hard liquor etc. So you sipped it. And then Beyonce's Single Ladies song is played. You couldn't resist not dancing to the song. So you put your USD10 drink on the table first, while you go dancing. There some sicko who has been spying on you spiked your drinks and GAMEOVER.
So the countdown to 2012 starts in the dancefloor with balloons coming down from the ceiling. I was excited and happy at the same time. The combination of both the best feeling ever. Glad to get out of my comfort zone and experience something different this year. Even though we went home at 2am and got a headache the next day.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Humility and Empathy
My mum lights me up like the reflection of an angel.
I skyped with mum for 3 hours, talking about how I was doing here and majority of our conversation was about how person X is such a terrible person who is pompous, intimidating and who treats me badly. NO ONE is allowed to treat me that way. Unless you’re my parents.
Instead of agreeing on how terrible X is, she told me to pity X. There is a reason why X behaves in such way. I should help X and lead X to the correct way. It is my responsibility as X is my friend/relative/fill in blanks. I should help X in every way that I can afford to. I will not regret for helping X. It might gain me trust and probably a positive response from X. If I treat X badly as a means of defense because of what X did, I might regret my action in later years.
As much as I hate to follow what my mum said, it enlightens me a little. If you can’t stop the flow of the strong current of water, just float with its direction.
Another hilarious way of how my dad puts it:-
If you’re with a rich guy, talk like a rich guy
If you’re with a beggar, talk like a beggar.
If you’re with a hantu, talk like a hantu.
Humility and empathy are the values that may win hearts.
Love you both. You don’t know how proud I am to have you both. And I can easily see the secret of how you both are successful in the things you do.
I skyped with mum for 3 hours, talking about how I was doing here and majority of our conversation was about how person X is such a terrible person who is pompous, intimidating and who treats me badly. NO ONE is allowed to treat me that way. Unless you’re my parents.
Instead of agreeing on how terrible X is, she told me to pity X. There is a reason why X behaves in such way. I should help X and lead X to the correct way. It is my responsibility as X is my friend/relative/fill in blanks. I should help X in every way that I can afford to. I will not regret for helping X. It might gain me trust and probably a positive response from X. If I treat X badly as a means of defense because of what X did, I might regret my action in later years.
As much as I hate to follow what my mum said, it enlightens me a little. If you can’t stop the flow of the strong current of water, just float with its direction.
Another hilarious way of how my dad puts it:-
If you’re with a rich guy, talk like a rich guy
If you’re with a beggar, talk like a beggar.
If you’re with a hantu, talk like a hantu.
Humility and empathy are the values that may win hearts.
Love you both. You don’t know how proud I am to have you both. And I can easily see the secret of how you both are successful in the things you do.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
"The Empress"
So I am spending my break now in San Jose, California with lots of dining out with my aunt, places to stroll like Macy’s, Targets, looking at the diverse amount of people having their happy night hours at Saratoga, pot luck gatherings, and nightly MOVIES.
My roommate has been tempting me in watching Korean dramas and all sorts of blockbusters that cracks her up giggling every once in awhile that pulled me out of my intense dive into the books. It must have been something interesting.
dramahulu[dot]com
so I checked the website out after finishing the final exams. and ended up watching Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
…wth?
I always heard of people talking about downloading this file and that video from the net, but i have doubts. more like paranoia. like will it carry virus and shut my laptop off in one blink? I still need it for 3 more years of studies! And I’m NOT getting a MAC regardless of how half the people in the universe owns one. Sorry Steve Jobs. You still inspire me though. I secretly recite your quotes from your Stanford speech. And my dad is crazy about you.
I came across this Korean Drama entitled “The Empress”. The title gave me a WOTish aura and I immediately read its synopsis. It's about a story of a girl struggling through an unfortunate life contributed by some richass heartless business men that leads her to prostitution to pay off her mother’s hospital debt. She vows to be the top of the Elite’s group in Korea for domination through political connection and thus slaps her revenge back to those money-eyed mid-age men who thinks they could control lives by the dollar they own.
Okay maybe my description is a little biased. Here is the official synopsis.
Synopsis | Korean Drama The Empress
This drama shows a woman who rises to high authority takes revenge on the people who stepped on her life and caused her to step into prostitution.
Seo In Hwa (Jang Shin Young) is a college student studying painting at a prestigious university. She wants to live her life differently from her mother who ran a hostess bar, but she is trampled over by power and money. Because of this, Seo In Hwa becomes a hostess in a drinking establishment. She overcomes hardships to become the best in her field. She then seeks revenge on the men in power who destroyed her life and let her mother die.
Dramas with titles such as:-
Mischievous Kiss
Romantic Princess
It Started With A Kiss
…can get the hell outta my list. You get what I mean.
It was only a 15 episode drama. Wouldn’t take up much of your time. And worth the watch. I haven’t watched any Korean Dramas with a good plot for awhile. Most of them have the predictable storyline that involves the female lead being the damsel in distress AND a humorously insane dumb character. What a let down to the female population. If you think acting dumb is “cute” then you’re only attracting a dumb guy. May God bless you.
Anyway, other movies that I am planning to watch during this 1 month break would be One Day, Green Lantern, Captain America, Marginal Call, Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 – pm me if there’s any other interesting movies. Or Korean dramas minus the immature female lead. =D
My roommate has been tempting me in watching Korean dramas and all sorts of blockbusters that cracks her up giggling every once in awhile that pulled me out of my intense dive into the books. It must have been something interesting.
dramahulu[dot]com
so I checked the website out after finishing the final exams. and ended up watching Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
…wth?
I always heard of people talking about downloading this file and that video from the net, but i have doubts. more like paranoia. like will it carry virus and shut my laptop off in one blink? I still need it for 3 more years of studies! And I’m NOT getting a MAC regardless of how half the people in the universe owns one. Sorry Steve Jobs. You still inspire me though. I secretly recite your quotes from your Stanford speech. And my dad is crazy about you.
I came across this Korean Drama entitled “The Empress”. The title gave me a WOTish aura and I immediately read its synopsis. It's about a story of a girl struggling through an unfortunate life contributed by some richass heartless business men that leads her to prostitution to pay off her mother’s hospital debt. She vows to be the top of the Elite’s group in Korea for domination through political connection and thus slaps her revenge back to those money-eyed mid-age men who thinks they could control lives by the dollar they own.
Okay maybe my description is a little biased. Here is the official synopsis.
Synopsis | Korean Drama The Empress
This drama shows a woman who rises to high authority takes revenge on the people who stepped on her life and caused her to step into prostitution.
Seo In Hwa (Jang Shin Young) is a college student studying painting at a prestigious university. She wants to live her life differently from her mother who ran a hostess bar, but she is trampled over by power and money. Because of this, Seo In Hwa becomes a hostess in a drinking establishment. She overcomes hardships to become the best in her field. She then seeks revenge on the men in power who destroyed her life and let her mother die.
Dramas with titles such as:-
Mischievous Kiss
Romantic Princess
It Started With A Kiss
…can get the hell outta my list. You get what I mean.
It was only a 15 episode drama. Wouldn’t take up much of your time. And worth the watch. I haven’t watched any Korean Dramas with a good plot for awhile. Most of them have the predictable storyline that involves the female lead being the damsel in distress AND a humorously insane dumb character. What a let down to the female population. If you think acting dumb is “cute” then you’re only attracting a dumb guy. May God bless you.
Anyway, other movies that I am planning to watch during this 1 month break would be One Day, Green Lantern, Captain America, Marginal Call, Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 – pm me if there’s any other interesting movies. Or Korean dramas minus the immature female lead. =D
Sunday, December 11, 2011
End of First Term
Lophotrocophore in bilaterians, sodium amide reagent with tetrahydrofluorin in an alkyne reaction, food security in Uzbekistan, and writing a good anecdotal lead.
I finished my last paper on Thursday. And smiled widely while walking Kimberly home in my comfortable skechers boots. Finals week was finally over. White christmas tree and mocha peppermint of starbuck's christmas edition were pictured in my mind of how winter break is gonna be. Reached my studyroom and greet my always-loud HEYYY to Santi who's studying for her next History paper.
Okay what should I do next? Usually my cycle was fixed, with works lining up for me to attend. Shane texted me to meet in Thai Chilli to meet another Malaysian girl he met on campus. Great! There's 3 Malaysians now....out of 30,000 students on campus. Rested my mind awhile on the table while randomly exploring my marked 'favorite' websites on Google chrome, tweeted a bit, looked at the time again - 15 minutes to 6.00pm - I should leave now. Its better to be the one waiting than for others to await our arrival. It would prolly be deemed rude especially for non-close acquaintances. Wait, I forgot that Malaysian follows the "Malaysian time". True, they arrive 20mins later while my stomach growls in stubborness. I was glad though to meet this girl from KL Inti College.
Later at night, I bid Santi farewell and Rosemary went off to her boyfriend's house. It was time to pack again. Flashback to the time when I first arrived here 12 weeks ago, with the strange feel and insecure-reluctant-behavior, time has definitely scraped a person inside out but in turn, cover them with a new solid armor. I'm heading to Portland airport to reach San Jose California. Together with Miranda, we brave the negative-degrees cold weather and shared a fair amount of life experience while waiting for our flight in Portland airport. She was heading to LA, so we parted and went to different security boarding checks.
Things I've seen, been through, knocked on, scared-the-crap-outta-me, grateful, and blessed - all in 12 weeks. 1 month ago, I turned 21, the significant 21. I'm a full-fledged adult. I can't help but still contain myself with the feeling of childishness which is practically immortalized within me. I had 2 major exams to prepare for upon my 21st birthday and nothing would matter to me most but to reach that mediocre standard - though the highlight was being given a Wong Fu Productions birthday card on the night of my 21st with streams of love from in-between worlds =)
Those late night walk to the Asian store for indomie with Momoko, sleeping in Jenny's couch while watching her battling Calculus and storming a wild halloween party, heart to heart talk with Santi and Rosemary, dreaded kitchen duty with Christine, Savannah, Alizabeth, speeding up bio lab work and to getthehellouttahere with Alex, Cassandra, Deborah, David and Stephanie - we shall take it to the next scale on Winter Term.
Approaching Junior year. I couldn't believe how fast this goes. I was still meddling around SS15 subang jaya at this time last year. Or making a hilarious video project and dressing myself up as a Malay girl for diversity purpose. And a certain amount of guy troubles which taught me to savor my time for only what is truthful.
Lying on this comfortable bed with 3 layers of blanket, a big OSU orange hoodie and zebra print winter trousers, not being careful anymore of exerting any sound while tip-toeing to bed in case Holly wakes up - typing this thoughts out in my blackberry - to remind the future me that whatever happens, have a great time with your life.
We're vulnerable creatures in this world and being alive is not certain. To fight for what you believe for until the extent that you're no longer afraid to die, is to live life to its highest potential. To compete madly if the pain is worth the fight and would bring you eternal happiness. To continue your crazy sleep pattern of 5am to 10am when its near to finals because being able to answer exam paper LIKE A BOSS feels epic.
Simple truth: do something epic everyday. Period.
I finished my last paper on Thursday. And smiled widely while walking Kimberly home in my comfortable skechers boots. Finals week was finally over. White christmas tree and mocha peppermint of starbuck's christmas edition were pictured in my mind of how winter break is gonna be. Reached my studyroom and greet my always-loud HEYYY to Santi who's studying for her next History paper.
Okay what should I do next? Usually my cycle was fixed, with works lining up for me to attend. Shane texted me to meet in Thai Chilli to meet another Malaysian girl he met on campus. Great! There's 3 Malaysians now....out of 30,000 students on campus. Rested my mind awhile on the table while randomly exploring my marked 'favorite' websites on Google chrome, tweeted a bit, looked at the time again - 15 minutes to 6.00pm - I should leave now. Its better to be the one waiting than for others to await our arrival. It would prolly be deemed rude especially for non-close acquaintances. Wait, I forgot that Malaysian follows the "Malaysian time". True, they arrive 20mins later while my stomach growls in stubborness. I was glad though to meet this girl from KL Inti College.
Later at night, I bid Santi farewell and Rosemary went off to her boyfriend's house. It was time to pack again. Flashback to the time when I first arrived here 12 weeks ago, with the strange feel and insecure-reluctant-behavior, time has definitely scraped a person inside out but in turn, cover them with a new solid armor. I'm heading to Portland airport to reach San Jose California. Together with Miranda, we brave the negative-degrees cold weather and shared a fair amount of life experience while waiting for our flight in Portland airport. She was heading to LA, so we parted and went to different security boarding checks.
Things I've seen, been through, knocked on, scared-the-crap-outta-me, grateful, and blessed - all in 12 weeks. 1 month ago, I turned 21, the significant 21. I'm a full-fledged adult. I can't help but still contain myself with the feeling of childishness which is practically immortalized within me. I had 2 major exams to prepare for upon my 21st birthday and nothing would matter to me most but to reach that mediocre standard - though the highlight was being given a Wong Fu Productions birthday card on the night of my 21st with streams of love from in-between worlds =)
Those late night walk to the Asian store for indomie with Momoko, sleeping in Jenny's couch while watching her battling Calculus and storming a wild halloween party, heart to heart talk with Santi and Rosemary, dreaded kitchen duty with Christine, Savannah, Alizabeth, speeding up bio lab work and to getthehellouttahere with Alex, Cassandra, Deborah, David and Stephanie - we shall take it to the next scale on Winter Term.
Approaching Junior year. I couldn't believe how fast this goes. I was still meddling around SS15 subang jaya at this time last year. Or making a hilarious video project and dressing myself up as a Malay girl for diversity purpose. And a certain amount of guy troubles which taught me to savor my time for only what is truthful.
Lying on this comfortable bed with 3 layers of blanket, a big OSU orange hoodie and zebra print winter trousers, not being careful anymore of exerting any sound while tip-toeing to bed in case Holly wakes up - typing this thoughts out in my blackberry - to remind the future me that whatever happens, have a great time with your life.
We're vulnerable creatures in this world and being alive is not certain. To fight for what you believe for until the extent that you're no longer afraid to die, is to live life to its highest potential. To compete madly if the pain is worth the fight and would bring you eternal happiness. To continue your crazy sleep pattern of 5am to 10am when its near to finals because being able to answer exam paper LIKE A BOSS feels epic.
Simple truth: do something epic everyday. Period.
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