Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

If I had my life to live over again, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dance; I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies.

Nadine Stair, 85 years old
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Best Line from Rocky Balboa

This kid's gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid's gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew." And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilege.

Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed.

You stopped being you.

You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you're no good.

And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow.

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows.

It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit.

It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth.

But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you!

More here.

I love reading horoscopes

Well, it's never entirely true or false, it sits on the fence; trying to warn you and it makes you feel good about yourself. Like a fairytale; except they left out the word: reality harshness.

Life is like fairytale (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel all mashed up into one) You will have more than one encounter of the fire dragon, evil stepmother, poisonous apples and definitely more than one Prince Charming trying to sweep you off your feet, you either fall into his arms, or fall flat on the floor; in great hope that you don't get a concussion.
****

Speaking of which, I'm back from the Land of Morning Calm- no, I did not come in contact with the H1NI, and no, I'm still in one piece (last time I checked, no nuclear radiation as yet). Morning Calm, named after the Chosun dynasty (the last ruling dynasty). If you say Chosun (in canto), it means Good Morning too.

Oh, other than that, I was in the midst of a strike (riot), 14,000 crowd in a room, hot and spicy street food, finally get my hands on those infamous BB (Blemish Balm) cream, had a load of Kimchi, cute Korean securities (just probably well dressed men), and sunset cruise, oh, 1 meter away from Jang Nara. What else? Hmm, I can't say it was what I imagined. Korean dramas, are well, drama afterall; but it's beautiful; summer is fine, I enjoyed shopping, eating ice cream in the hot sun, enjoying fabulous views from the top of the world and subway rides- and meeting new friends. ;)

If I didn't know any better, I would call S. Korea, the Land of Bridges. In Seoul itself, there are 18 bridges, and it was built in 20 years. Before that, it was literally nothing because of the war. Now, I guess they can't stop building bridges- and funny fact is that the border between S. Korea and North is about few hundred meters, before it was around 4 kilometers. Now, young soldiers could care less about what both leaders think of each others- they do bond- by throwing Choco pies at each other.

The most polite strike ever, with a group of Ajumma throwing rice bowls at the police in front of the KB star building.

Shopping at Myeondong.

One for the album.



New friends from Austria (left) at Namsan Tower, Korean (Marketing) students that helped us with the directions. :)

Street food. Dubboki!

Golden in colour: Building 63 (Yuk-Sam), and HanGang [sunset] Cruise.

Just because of this scene from Seducing Mr. Perfect. But the night cruise doesn't exist; the last cruise is at 7:30pm. Our new friends just didn't believe how well versed I am about the Korean wave. Even the tourist guide was telling me it was unbelievable how big the impact was. Government campaigns would fail, but not the drama power.

60 floors and 3 basements. 63 building is the tallest national art gallery in the world. It has restaurants, Seaworld, Imax theater.



Jang Nara, Me in a fabulous "guess how much" dress. xD

I have a total of 1,500 pictures or more; and I don't know where to start. Next time, 7 days 5 nights is for shopping only trip. I'll have it on my flickr later on.

Places to go: Eh, flight is tonight?

pic credit: dallas news

[I've been waiting so long to say this] In less than 48 hours , I'll be striking off another one on my Places to go list- this remains special to me as I have waited 12 years for this trip.

Somehow, I'm always patiently waiting, and the best has yet to come; which I think is good; because the best has yet to come.

It's a different feeling this time, maybe it hasn't sunken in yet; all these mixed feelings I have; I'm always expecting, oh boy do I have high expectations or what, but this time maybe I've decided to not expect too much this time around, because disappointments are caused by your own unrealistic expectations.

In whatever you do, there's always ups and downs, but more of those if you keep having unrealistic expectations; and I'm always the victim of it and it does anything but good for yourself; affects you in whatever you do; your self esteem, confidence, relationship- the whole nine yards.

Dale Carnegie said, "It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about."

Wait wait wait, I'm still on the same topic. I don't want to bore you out; oh wait, I just did.

Funny part is, my dad called, and asked me, "Eh, is the flight tonight?". I bet there will be more things to laugh about along the trip.

Oh, and I'm typing this with "hot from the oven" deep purple metallic painted nails. Hmm...

every man dies, not every man really lives

and they complain life is short. well, if you ain't living it, it will be. and if you don't say YES! today, you won't be making the mistakes, and you won't grow, only wither and die. And to keep it real short, count the Saturdays left in your life. Well, not much.

I personally believe [making a pageant speech because I can make fun of it that way] that if you know 5 years down the road that you wouldn't go anywhere if you keep to what you're doing now, change, evolve, do the whole metamorphosis, and do something different today.

What do you when you always have bad hair day after using your old brand for quite some time? You change to a new one. You change until you get the right shampoo for your hair, and that's what we need.

If you can change your hair, you would change your shampoo until you get the right one.



more : flickr@theuptownlife

Question is, What would it take for you to change your life?

Would you change your shampoo? ;) and What would you do differently?

Places to go: Boston

Have ever feel attached to something, some place that you have never set foot on? Like you can feel it in your fingers, and toes curls up, well, almost as orgasmic as Bubbly can ever make you feel.

List of the places that make me feel that way:


Japan (Was there 2004!)

As opposed to Japan-is-kawaii-overrated, it is not. Immerse yourself in modern meets traditional culture. Use the first four days to do all the obligatory temple visiting, dance and plays and tea ceremony, then the rest of it (as below):-

Go to Fujinomiya and check out Mount Fuji- plan a summer climbing trip, cycle around town, take silly photos with purikura-style, go for "real" kaiten sushi, and chef [hand] made sushi, go to Kyoto for Geisha hunting, drink cold ice blended Starbucks during winter, jaywalking and get reprimanded by the police, go to Tokyo "Asakusa" temple during New Year, go for delicious authentic Unagi, Osechi on the first 3 days of New Year, wear kimono, Skinny Dipping ala Onsen!




Coffee in a bowl at Joe's Garage, Arrowtown, New Zealand (Also 2004, where they shot the scene where Princess Arwen saves Frodo from the evil dudes)

Bungee Jumping, Kawarau river - The 1st Bungee Jumping site in the world, 43 meters.



Horseback riding in Sydney Australia, Melbourne, St. Kilda' flea market, and Victoria Market(awesome plums!), and wine tasting in wineries.


Short interruption! You've got to listen to this!

David Choi (Super talented) and Paul Dateh.

What's next?
(I can feel it in my bones! ) ;p

Catch Shin Seung Hun live! (can't wait!)

by Augustana

I know what you did last weekend

Caught oogling at soon-to-be-mine Mazda RX-8! ;o

Stares will follow when I go Zoom-zoom.
What a beauty!

the great analogy of a dog walker

I brought the dog for a walk tonight; like every other evening for about 3 months now. I never owned a dog or a cat but somehow I get to enjoy these domestic pets' company. Well my point is, having read Marley & Me late last year got me thinking on how to create my version of it; oh well, I have the leash in my hand, so I was thinking I just need a story. Haha.

And today, I may not be as good as Grogan, nor Daisy the dog could ever replace Marley as the world worst' best dog (could've been his twin), I found it.

Found what, exactly?

Well, there are two routes, to go either by:-

i) Road Plan A- by the basketball court, the playground and to the house
ii) Road Plan B- by the canal, houses, grass area, house


Today, there were some change of plans because Daisy decided to take the lead (like she always does) So we went Plan A+Plan B. And as we approach our destination- which was like probably few hundred meters away- house in sight, not quite there yet. And then I realized what was happening.

In life, we have our goals, a destination we want to arrive at and you can probably see it, but you have a problem, a leash and your dog.

You try to run to your destination, but the dog wants to stop and sniff the grass and you stop.

And in life, you face challenges, things weren't always smooth, you are pulled back sometimes.

And then you try to run, while the dog is catching up. And when you're tired and slowed down, the dog takes the lead.

The dog now is your team/organization, you as the leader pull them together and trying to move forward, but your dog pulls back at times. But when you're tired, your dog runs forward while you try to catch up.

Imagine your team as a group like in the picture. What if one stop? Obviously you won't be able balance let alone move forward.

But sometimes when the dog stops to sniff- you might just learn to stop and smell the rose too. So, that ladies and gentlemen is my interpretation as a dog walker. It probably doesn't make any sense now, but if you look closer, then you'll see it.

Why Shakespeare doesn't just say, "Damn girl, you're pretty!" but wrote a poem's first line that went, "How shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" Well, that's another long story.
***

Edit: My Dog is a Buddhist by Om Gal.

we can make our own honey

first lady of brushfire records- zee avi.

listen to kantoi at 5:28. ;)

just perfect for a post-friday lunch.

15 facts

Because I can.

01. A girl should be seen and not heard.

An elderly told me that. Well, I'm one of the boys during childhood. Pokemon, Digimon battle, Starcraft- which I love! Very close to tomboy, or they like to say androgynous because it sounds sophisticated whatsoever. To act like a girl; I feel weak that way.

02. The rooftop room/attic.

I have a brief moment with my father's father; my grandfather. And we would all sleep in his wooden rooftop room/attic. You have to use a ladder to get to the room, so it was exciting. I wished I had learn violin from him.

03. I'm an old soul or trapped in a younger body.

Maybe I feel more comfortable with elderly, because they don't judge you and you get to talk to them about serious issues and hear their opinion at the same time. Put me in a room with a 60 year old than an empty vessel, anytime!

04. Competitive. Non obsessive type.

As an only child, I have no one to compare with except with my parents' expectations. I don't get obsessed over other people's results, I'm my worst competitor or judge. Sometimes, the pressure comes from myself. If I think I can do my best, I will, and when I face challenges, I will strive for greater results.

05. Worry cat/Want it all

I do worry too much at times. I was turning 20, and I had a panic attack of "What-have-I-achieved"? Now, I'm more realistic and taking it steady. I want a lot of things in life; very passion-driven, but I always feel I don't have enough time.

06. My pillar(s)

My parents. If I can't trust my parents, I shouldn't trust anyone else. My dad is my next best critic and supporter. He breaks me and makes me of who I am today. And my mum is the reason of my perfectionism at times- she is the Mary Poppins of my life.

07. Determination and Passion

I'm driven by these two. I wanted to learn piano, and my dad wasn't sure that I was serious, I had to practice at school and draw out a keyboard and play on a piece of paper. My dad try to teach me guitar, I found it hard. Once I went to college, I got hooked on Youtube and David Choi, "That Girl" wasn't easy to play. The first song I learned to play was Silent Night.

08. Japan has a special place in my heart

I don't know how, don't know why; but I was enthralled by Japan and its culture since I was a young girl. I finally went for a youth exchange, it was one of the best moments of my life. Having Mount Fuji view from your room, and have actually stood in front of the gentle giant; wow, that's truly unbelievable.

09. Magnet of talent- Aspires to be one.

I'm drawn naturally to talent(ed) people. Maybe it's a competitive nature, but I enjoy being around successful people- when I say successful, I don't mean grand parties or free flow champagne, 5 mansions, huge cars. All I need is passion and determination driven individuals, with a big heart.

10. Imagination overdrive

I love to read. I'm words driven. I paint pictures with my mind and my camera. I have a photographic memory for beautiful words and images. If I have to live with two things in my life, unlimited supply of books, and my dslr with unlimted supply of batteries.

11. World Citizen/Explorer- or trying to be.

True Malaysian- Chinese, Malay and Indian. But I believe my exposure to the world since I was 11 years old makes me a World Citizen at heart. My love for books, writings and photography just makes an smoother transition. I can paint how Santa Monica beach looks like without having to go there, but I know I want to be there. I can still paint a picture of my love for Prague- the little hidden wax museum, skeleton clock tower, quaint basement restaurants.

12. Language is music

Music in another language is not a barrier. From Hindustani to Korean, I swim with the melodies, and it's like a beautiful life soundtrack.

13. Saggitarian Dragon =extreme sports+ water

I'm a Saggi dragon girl with a natural love for bungee jumping, extreme boat rides, water sports, sea fishing.


14. Serendipity.

I like the word and the meaning. Fate/Destiny. Maybe it exist when you meet your match. The rest is your own doing. Other than that, I believe everything you do is a choice, if you choose to fate to be your master, then you'll have all the excuses in the world- and that's shouldn't be it.


On the last note,

15. I would never be this open to anyone in real life. ;)

You've got mail

I cannot believe I actually fell asleep watching "You've Got Mail", well I was 10 at that time, probably the whole email and cyber love hasn't really drum into me yet. After 10 years, I finally saw it again. It was like first love. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are deliciously great together; I mean their lines are so much deeper than "You complete me". Come on... and jumping on the couch ;p

Speaking of which, I did have my own version of "You've Got Mail". Too bad it wasn't Tom Hanks, or some Prince from Denmark, and I was more of a "We're right for each other, but we don't love each other" [Frank and Kathleen- YGM]. So, for me the sun itself sees not till heaven cleared. Shakespeare is genius, yo.

And somehow "Love Story" is playing in my head. How apt. Oh, Taylor's great. And so is Kate Winslet's singing. But Smiley has my vote for "The Climb" for 2009- that's just brilliant- it's like a flashback of Britney's "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman".

brilliant [s]miley.

Today...

I'm worth RM 90.90 a day on my job. Well, that's RM 9 per hour.
Hmm, it's like Baskin Robin's on the 31st of the month.

So do most people (fresh graduates).

Oh boy am I glad to worth RM 313.63 a day on my financial freedom plan.

You know what they say, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. So, if you want to retire early, well, you know what they say, DO SOMETHING.


And yet, you can have the best of both world Hannah Montana style ;)

Father of Personal Development and Business Philosopher, Jim Rohn said, keep your job that pay the bills, but invest in doing something to build a fortune.