she's perfect, so flawless, i'm not impressed

The main subject for today is going to be the search for imperfection;which is a synonym for happiness which is also widely misrepresent with perfection. Tonight, I stand united with those in agreement of Mayerism, the song "Comfortable" as suggested in the title plays an crucial role in my hypothesis in this post.

We strive for everything perfect. Must be without any flaw. "Practice makes perfect" "Perfect score" "Picture-Perfect" "Perfect timing" are some examples of the word "Perfect" is being used in our daily lives. Have we not learned that perfection has brought us nothing but misery which is the total opposite of happiness that we think perfection may bring us to?

And that is why I believe that imperfections are what brings individuals together that they'll complement each other and make up for what they lack in, and likewise. Otherwise, the line "You complete me" would be totally irrelevant. Because of imperfections, also, we learn alot about acceptance and forgiveness. If one has not yet achieved the ultimate happiness and contentment, at least they will have a peace of mind. Ohmmm....

It's not the "How", it's the "Why"

I stepped into the business quadrant exactly a year ago and constantly finding there's so much to learn because when you learn so much, you just realize that there's so much more that you do not know.

The only thing lacking with a lot of people is that they focus on the "how" hence the thinking-too-much syndrome and not "why" the reason they're doing for in the first place.

Many people worry about the ending, when they should be starting. If the Wright brothers worried about landing, they wouldn't think of flying and we wouldn't have airplanes today.

For starters, I would recommend this, Vision Board. There are many things I've achieved with the Vision Board. I have a little scrap book that I pasted pictures on. You wouldn't believe how many things I've achieved or experienced because of it. If you didn't know me, you would just pass me off as lucky. But little did anybody know, my little success comes a lot from my strong belief on the Vision Board.

There are four types of believers:

I want to believe...
I like to believe...
I hope to believe...

and

I believe...

Which one do you want to be? Success begins with a choice to believe.

Change begins with choice

Your choice. Like success or knowledge which only comes to those who seek.

Funny, how the other day I was with my dad and he asked me a rather amusing question. "How do you know so many things?" Without thinking, I answered, "Knowledge didn't fall from the sky for me, I seek it, and that's how I learn".

I don't understand a lot of things, I only seek.

and why do people change? you might wonder. Like how we garner knowledge, we make a choice. Most people are too scared, even I get the anxiety to change but it's the only permanent thing. Like how I saw a quote posted by my friend, Jamie who posted on Facebook, "What's the biggest room?" "Room for improvement!" Aye to that!

I get agitated when I don't agree with other people's thinking simply because I have different values and principles. So, morale of the story is, "Don't get angry when someone has a different perspective, because not everybody adopts the same values or principles as you"

Take the simple approach, and stop analyzing too much. You would age more gracefully, that's for sure.

when one wonders what they'll be...

My dad asked me, "Do you think you have what it takes to be successful?" Funny. Silence.

I pondered and thought over it.

Maybe I didn't sound as confident or look the part, but my answer would be "I think I do" "Why not me?" If anyone has passion, determination, willingness to learn, burning desire to change, I cannot see why anyone cannot be successful.

Timing will only be crucial if all the above are present.
Opportunity will knock once or twice to see if one answers it.

2010. My year. Could be yours too. Shall we tango?

in times like these

In times like these, I can't help but feel like a hypocrite because of the peace we promoted to our international friends how we're able to stay together despite our cultural and religion differences.

Kerana nila setitik, rosak susu sebelanga.

But nevertheless, everybody is trying their best to put up a brave front whether it's truly genuine or not. That's another story. Let's focus on what's important; fighting for justice, united when everybody looks down on us.

That goes with the saying, "What does not kill us, only makes us stronger."


***

The soil says "Don't bring me your need, bring me your seed"

I went to my garden this morning and found that the sunflower seeds that I sowed is growing.

I had an appointment today and was stood up because I didn't sow enough. Nature has once again taught me a lesson. The seasons of life; spring, summer, fall and winter. Sow enough, and you will harvest.

The soil says "Don't bring me your need. Bring me your seed"



Harvest does not come to those who wish, harvest comes to those who sow and put action into what they desire. The winter is cold and dreadful, but Spring will soon be there. The night is dark, but the day will come after. The storm shall struck but the calm skies will follow.

Use the miracles of the sunshine, rain and soil, and continue to sow(action) in the summer, and then when summer comes, you will harvest.

Today, I'm thankful for a wonderful lesson from the Mother Nature and our dear late Jim Rohn.

Merry Christmas in advance and have a great year end! :)

He was the best killer until he met her, an assassin too

Can we be perceived as weak when we strip the layers and layers of our already fragile heart? Are we wrong if we put in too much of effort just because it's a game and we're supposed to play to win? Is it true that we can only be all or nothing at all?

Well, these thoughts are not bothering me at all. A reflection of heart; if it's close enough, then I would have figured it out by then. I guess what's best in life (most, if not all) is that you jump, then fall, then learn how to deal with it.

This was told by a wise man, "It's not the problem, it's how you handle it, is really the issue.

For now, I have more things to focus on. This month. Let's make it.

20 going on 21.

I'm not really too excited about this one. It's just like Christmas, or New Year and should be celebrated that way, once a year. There shouldn't be any "commercial tag" on it. The golden key, the big cash reward, hotel celebration, oh no, embarrassing huge birthday cake in the shape of "21". I'm not even joking. Really, it could've been "MTV's Sweet Sixteen" style, same tackiness and drama but maybe less bling.

I don't think I grew up in a typical Asian (Chinese) family, although I remembered my mum saying something about hand-me-down golden key when I asked for jewelery for my 21st a couple of years ago when I saw my cousins getting a new one from their grandmother. That's just as Asian as we can get.





What do I wish for this birthday?

It's ironic because we all used to get so excited about growing up to be adults but the like the saying goes, "the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side". When you finally get here, it's a different perspective all together.

I'm at this major point in my life. Make it or break it kind of situation. I chose a different path and unlike the other decisions I've made, this one takes the Oscar's Breakthrough Role Award.

It's rather tricky because when you try to take the road less traveled, you're unlikely to be 100% supported. There will be mockers, believers, the perplexed etc etc. It's like when Cameron Diaz decided to take a challenging role in Sister's Keepers, some applauded her, some mocked and said she's just trying to score an award.

So here am I, well, not exactly like Cameron Diaz, but you do get the drift.

Liyana asked me on Twitter today, what I wanted this year for my big day. If you asked me a couple of years ago, I would have wanted so many [material] things. The list is never ending but it has dawned upon me that what I really wanted in this lifetime is to be happy with what I have now at the same time in pursuit for better things.

"Happy" cannot be measured but I know I'm getting there if I don't give up. As long as I do the things that fills me with abundance of joy, you will just keep going, right? At this point of my life, I'm having flashbacks of the incidences; the characters I meet, loved ones that have left, moments of motivation and inspirations, friendships, experiences, worldly opportunities.

I thank each and everyone and everything that has come my way. Though may not be sweet, but it has made me to be who I am today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Now, I'm looking forward to Sunday. =)

I believe

I believe every person has within themselves inexhaustible reserves of potential they have never even come close to realizing.

I believe each person has far more intelligence than they have ever used.

I believe each person is more creative than he or she has ever imagined.

I believe the greatest achievements of your life lie ahead of you.

I believe the happiest moments of your life are yet to come.

I believe the greatest successes you will ever attain are still waiting for you on the road ahead.

And, I believe through learning and application of what you learn, you can solve any problem, overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal that you can set for yourself.

—Brian Tracy

always looking forward

In my line of work, you either go move up, or you move down; there's nothing in between. It's not something very hard to do, but you need a lot of discipline and consistency. You need to be a VERY good emotions manager because it affects everything. When you're physically tired, you may still be able to stay strong because you're mentally fit. If you're weak, then it's goodbye to both.

Many people choose to stay mediocre most of their life (I hate to use the word "fail" because I don't think it's fate, it's something they chose). Choice, on the other hand is a good word. If you settle for 2nd best, then you'll be okay with not having anything like "everybody" else. You compare to those who are not any better than you so you won't feel so bad.

That's what they call a crowd mentality. That's 97%.

A clear cut of abuse: the definition of "contentment" and the term "forgetting your roots". They are also the mockers, the one that silently rooting for you to fail.

Funny how they portray the "outcast" in the movies who are usually the minority and later on become the hero at the end. That's 3% for you. Maybe not all, but heard of, "What does not kill you can only make you stronger"?

Life is a constant challenge, you have to do your own filter, basically design the way you want it to be. I think the main issue is that people let "fate" take control; let people decide how you should lead your life, starting from childhood. It's not that your parents are sadists or anything but it was how they probably being led in their life.

Go to school, get good grades, get a degree, get a good job, start a family, have kids, work till you're 65, retire and wait for your time.

When we start "giving up" or follow the crowd; it's where you would never have live your dream. I'm not saying , don't get a job. Yes, job opportunities are good for some because if everybody decides to be their own boss, then well, who's supposed to work?


I'm talking to you. Yes, you. You, who has a dream, maybe a big one. Maybe you think you deserve a better life. I think you do, if you have a dream. You just need to not give up.


Life's a climb, but the view's great.

Questions I always ask myself

Do you have questions you ask yourself sometimes? I think everybody is their greatest critic. By that, people change, for the better or for worse. Like the blue skies, it's not unique or really important but it needs to be there.

I'm also not sure where I'm heading but I'm talking about questions, reflections, whatever you call it. It's part of the daily things you do subconsciously when you drift away in your dreams and doodling; when you wander off in thoughts- that's what I'm talking about.
My top 5 questions:

#1 Am I a giver or a taker?

Give freely, and be rewarded. Most of the people that say, "I'm not a good receiver" are simply those who are takers. By sacrificing yourself to help someone that you love- in which they can do by themselves are considered as taking.

#2 What kind of person who will deliver this?

If you're a messy person, ask yourself, what kind of person this is?
If you don't like your current self now, best thing is that you can change! Isn't that great?

#3 What is my dream? My purpose in life?

If you don't have a dream, you're working towards someone else's dreams. Please do not try to use your current circumstances as an excuse to not being to be able to achieve yours. It's simply not worth it.

#4 How many Saturdays do I have left?

Let's say we live till 75 years old. You're 20, and you have 55 years to go. We have 52 saturdays a year x 55 which equals 2860 Saturdays. Not much; so what are you going to make sure you enjoy and live to the fullest all the Saturdays of your life?

#5 What would my eulogy be like?

She did most things she wanted to do
She breathed life into others
She was not the most likeable, but she was a true friend
She died without regrets


:)

I used to think...

There was this confusion because when I moved out from my previous phase of life, it's this part of what we are taught to not "forget our roots" and personal development that says a lot about the power of association and we all know "the birds of the same feathers flock together".

And there I was in the situation where I'm glad I left some things in the past and has since then moved on, there's this guilt or I would refer it more of a confusion really.

I couldn't have said it better than this quote I found some time back, "Don't worry about the people from your past, there is a reason they didn't make it to your future".

The most permanent thing is this world is change. Change of decisions, change of philosophies; it's like changing of clothes, literally.

Just 20 years ago, South Korea literally didn't have any bridges, now they have around 18 of them. The girls on SATC and GG don't repeat their clothes so did my Chemistry teacher back in high school who doesn't wear the same outfit one month at least.

If all these changes could happen, it's the same for human beings and their fickle mindedness. You know when you see a friend that suddenly has a new interest and joins a different clique? I think it's not a real problem because she or he has simply changed his values, or philosophies that may not be the same as yours.

It's normal we feel envious or turn our backs and say, "She used to be nice..." I begin to come to terms that we cannot please everybody.

Not everybody, maybe no one would be happy that you will be somewhere, someone one day. Now I understand why is it so important for you to recognize your own ability and give yourself a pat on the back instead of waiting for someone to say, "Good Job" (although a sincere comment would be really nice).

Well, it's ONE life, our life. If we can sleep like a baby at night, not having evil thoughts or jealousy or hatred towards others and yourself, give yourself a good pat on the shoulders. I would even suggest for you to have your own gratitude list; thanking whatever that comes your way.

You are what you vibrate, you are what you magnify.

Tough like a passion fruit

There's an interesting history why Passion fruit is named that way. But in the picture above taken of the passion fruit from our garden proves to me that it's really something.

As you can see those little red and black blue spots are insects and worms mark. Life as we know it is full of it and there is always something we can all learn from nature; negative vibes and circumstances are inevitable, yes, we die in the end; like nature, everything competes to grow; who gets more sunshine or rain and good vitamins and survive the insects.

Like the passion fruit, at the end, we get to taste the sweetness of the fruit. And so is life, you've got to sacrifice, work, endure, have passion and determination, persistency even; at the end of the day we reap the harvest, we still die, but what's most important, we have lived the life from the path we have chosen.

People cannot argue with success

There has been an obvious absence (M.I.A) of photos in this blog, but I have words and thoughts as a consolation prize. I guess not many people read, but here's what I think in words, besides images.

Have you ever been in a conversation where you discuss about other people? Obviously.

Okay, gossip is not a nice term, but occasionally you do talk about things like what's this person doing, how's he making a lot of money, his great and glamorous life after college. Everyone gets the same certificate, but in reality, you get judged by your ability to bring in the dough.

What's the definition of success? To some, how much money is important, to some how many countries you traveled to, or maybe achieving an award or appearing in the newspaper. But you sure know from a very young age, success is important, winning is better than losing, A+ is better than C.

The standard to measure success is subjective but every culture, every race, every nation recognize what success is and likewise. Well, you can see it from the Olympics, and Premier Leagues, who's winning, which countries with more Gold medals than the other. There's no end to it.

What I've come to terms with is that people cannot argue with success. It's not about others. It's not about getting a gold medal and a million dollar cheque. It's about you. Your burning desire to want the best for yourself to the point of obsession maybe, but hey, it's your life; one life.

One life to live. One life to make ALL the mistakes you can make and breakthrough the challenges. We have the same equal opportunity, maybe with different circumstances. Most of the successful people will tell you that they either dropped out of school, from a broken family or poverty, but if you're not all that, I guess we should all be doing better than that.

That leads to a question; Why not you? Why not me?

# Why not me, jumping off the cliff into the ocean in one of the exotic islands in Greece?
# Why not me, having coffee at the sidewalks cafe in Paris?
# Why not me, on a winter night skating at the Rockfeller Center by the big Christmas Tree?
# Why not me, shopping at 5th Avenue?

Life is like keeping a marriage alive

You can read minds now, thanks to Twitter and Facebook status updates. You know what are people up to just by going on the internet. The time fly by seconds, and then minutes, the next thing you know, a couple of months, a year, two years, five years.

"There's this new project I'm working on"
"Beautiful sunset in Taipei"
"I hate Mondays"
"I quit smoking"
"Come to our new opening"
"I have a gig, come join"

To think about it, there's a shortage of activities happening in real time. People stay in touch with technology. Well it does for one create topics to talk about; most of the time endless debate. "Oh no, she didn't. Did you hear about Khloe Kardashian's prenup?", "Did you listen to Leighton Meester's latest single?" and something along the lines of "How's life treating you?" and it will usually revolve around updates on relationship, hairstyle change, your job, or a new hobby".

Life is just not a box of chocolates where you do know you'll be getting a chocolate anyways. It's like keeping a marriage alive. Just that you can't possibly divorce yourself.

You know you're going to be the same person, same name, the fact you get extra wrinkles doesn't change who you are, but it's about knowing you can do a little bit better, living each day, getting to know other characters, moving from one chapter to another, and when you're 85, you can look back and say, "What a life!".

There are enough testimonials and stories around to tell that we can too lead and design an extraordinary life.

the story of my life, or so the rest of us will say

Everybody say "Overpriced Education"

That's not what caught my attention, read: Jack Savoretti. Besides that, here are some comments on the trailer which I found to be hilarious:-


This should tell you something: There is an increasing amount of college grads that can relate to her story to make a hit at the box office. Sad... lordennis01

and further depress their already depressed lives and bank accounts by going to see this movie ThoughtScientist


Hey wow that looks like my life. moondog202001

I'm graduating from college....going through what this movie is about. Well... at least I would have time to watch this movie while I'm looking for a job after graduation quietgirl2009

How appropriate for the recent or soon-to-be college grads who will find it difficult to find a job in this kind of economy/job market. pinkie2893

I totally agree. This movie reminds me of Pirates of the caribean. The part where Leonidas tells efialtes that the black pearl was his, and the titanic came up from underneath them with the ghost crew. This is going to be awesome!!!! krackmonky

Yea we obviously didn't see the same trailer.Unless....one of us was on acid..... 0.O SgtHawkinspxs

Great!!! My wife is probably gonna make me watch this with her. SgtHawkinspxs

haha i entire system of education is a joke, if you do attend grad school...that makes about 17 years of school that you have to work you ass off on so that when your done you wont be find a job, becasue you dont have any experience..its a joke if you ask me. visme321

****

Ain't life grand when they make everything looks so great in a movie regardless if it's a depressing story, the makeup would be perfect, the air just feels magical, and somewhere towards the end, the lead actors get what they want anyway?

****

I'd reckon the movie should start with a catchy tagline like, "The Story of My Life" and show a million people around the world because that's just what's it all about. Who would make a movie that you cannot relate to, think about it.

****

Other than that, there are enough stories and testimonials to proof that you can lead and design your own extraordinary life. Maybe you don't get a knight in shining amour but who can tell you it's impossible?

same thing, but different meaning

Are you a Giver or a Taker?

I have a fair share of people who I came across and have told me that I'm going the wrong direction. A doubt? Or just maybe it's the experience that they have gone through. I happened to have one of those conversation today.

A few years back when I was making a decision to go to college (deciding what to do in life), my dad hooked me up with a college principle who offered to be a career or study counselor. There was no preparation at all; I wasn't going for a job interview, I was going for a "life" interview and at that time from knowing what I wanted to do, I didn't know what to do (if that made any sense).

Long story short, I didn't do very well. He told me straight (not in exact words but you get the drift), "You don't have a plan, you don't know what to do in life, based on our interview, you have no dreams". Friends who are reading this would shake their head in disbelief. This friend that they have known through school, through college cannot possibly be the same person who went for the interview, because I've always "knew" what I wanted.

Obviously, I was boiling inside like a volcano which is about to erupt; probably it's the ego, but today, I thank him (in a way) for what I have become today, for the choices I made to stand where I am today. I didn't prove him wrong, I just proved myself that I am capable of growing and live to my fullest potential throughout my college years.

Today, on the verge of my two weeks notice, I had a long talk with my boss. After a series of "Kiyosaki-Trump-Napolean Hill-Ziglar" years of experience cramped into one, I was again challenged once more that I'm heading the wrong way.

As much as I could wish to say I'm right and he's wrong would be unfair as he has experienced and seen more of the real world. Although I'm not saying anyone that has seen more of the world would be right all the way.

Remember taking tests that is so easy for fifth graders and seems so complicated for us?

As a freshie, you won't be able to win a lot of debates against experienced been there-done that seniors. We may be a 5th grader, but we may know the simple answer to complicated questions if compared to someone who's trying to solve an minor problem with a complicated answer.

Out of the 60 minutes talk, I would like to extract one statement which probably my guide when I leave my comfortable chair and cubicle in less than two weeks time. This question or statement would be one of the reason why he is in his position today.

The question would be, "Are you a giver or a taker?".

Most people think in terms of "What do I get from giving?", consider this instead, "What can I offer?" This applies to everything in life- work, relationships, spiritual. Something for you to ponder on. I already have my answer to that, and I will continuously use that for my decision making in life. So should you.

I'm an idiot in matters of affection

Twitter is great because it always feel like you're standing on top of a hill, you shout whatever you want to, but usually it's soundproof-ed.

Todd Kuffner, another mega talented bloody brilliant musician Youtuber, yet undiscovered, untouched, raw acoustics, dual brain- the logic and the writer, and I get to claim that I've "discovered" him first!

Maybe it's just me, but don't you feel "common" when you listen to a new song and you like it, and then, it gets overplayed on the radio, when they come out with a cd, it heavily produced with another 5 instruments, and suddenly the special song that meant a lot to you loses its feel?

It's always this case, we want something that belongs to us to be special, unique and one of a kind. I love the idea and all, but I believe the uniqueness ends at our fingerprint and DNA. I know this is hard to accept, but I don't think we're that unique. I think when you decide you're "different", you're accepting the fact that you're you, no matter how hard you try or how much effort you put in, you will remain as you are. It's like giving into fate or destiny, that's how we are, we shouldn't change anything about ourselves.

Stay stagnant. Do you see the irony of that?

I'm not saying get a knee extension if you're four feet and aspire to be supermodel, or change your personality so that someone you're trying to impress will like you.

I'm saying, to get an A, you have to do what you have to do, study if you must, put in extra effort in your presentation, push yourself to do the things you wouldn't normally do.

Be uncomfortable, the economy won't stay that way, if you don't have money, change, go learn some new skill to earn extra income, say YES to opportunities. You know being obese is unhealthy, don't tell me you're different, go take some nutrition class if you have to, go walk a mile.

I think what makes successful people different from the common people is the effort and the belief. They didn't have it any better; they were not on Forbes list the day they was born. They weren't household names the minute they graduate from high school.

Success is limited by your imagination and hardwork.

To be what is called happy, one should have something to live on, something to live for, something to die for. The lack of one of these, results in drama, the lack of two results in tragedy.


There are flaws in our education system, in fact, flaws everywhere we look, the government, the society, the media.

From how we were brought up to think, we strive for perfection, we airbrush fine lines and pores cover girls and trick every human being into believing that it's possible to look like that. Cosmetics and creams that promises that results, money spent on the quest for perfection. And media spends time talking about who's put on weight, and who has had botox last week.

Get good grades, get into an Ivy League, get a good job, have the perfect family, retire and die.

Is there any guarantee at all that you will become the most successful person if you go through that path? Or the happiest?

Now when you stop striving for perfection, you start to live your life. I'm not saying don't strive for what you deserve. If it's a dream to travel the world, go for it, by all means. We deserve the best things in life, only if you continue to ask yourself: What's next?

Ask a mountain climber who has conquered Mount Everest, I'm pretty sure that he has upgraded himself slowly by going for various mountain expeditions and have succeeded before he went for Everest.

Would you have passed a driving test before learning how to drive?
Would you have understood grief if you haven't lost a loved one?
Would you have done 100 push ups if you can't even manage 50?

Strive for what life can give you.
Strive for what it's worth,
Strive for the destination, as the journey will be unfold its magical moments.

Somebody says that I should be afraid

All these feelings and emotions that comes flooding in makes you want to blog or twitter about it and it goes something along those lines, "Is it just me or..." and you will find one million other people feeling the same way too. Is it just me, or does that make you feel you're not alone, or more like, "I'm not really that unique after all?" *cue to laugh*

Don't you agree that we are all striving to be original, to do something different, and stand out of the crowd; everything has been that way from college essays to why your potential employer should hire you to also why you think you deserve to be financially free? To be No. 1 in class, instead of No.4, because they will award those Top 3 anyways.

Nothing in this world which is not a competition, one way or another. And that's the irony of it. To stand out or to be the best so that we can be different, or are we really?

We want to fit in, but we want to stand out. We don't want to be stereotyped, but we want to fit in the category of what the world thinks is okay.

I guess it's things that you can't solve like whether the chicken or the egg comes first, or like whether you go pro-choice or anti on abortion. Great for debates, but nothing will ever come out from it. Period.

*************

Moving on, let's move on and do some pimping, shall we?

The One Days:HK- See Through from the Wongfu boys.

About a guy on a trip with his brother in Hong Kong, who cannot overcome his breakup with his girlfriend 6 months ago. He meets a girl who is also breaking up with the boyfriend; and he sees her point of view as though from his ex girlfriend's.



6 months by Hey Monday. It would be a perfect soundtrack for the above short.