It's my blog! hahahaha..
I found out that I can make myself smile again :)
Perhaps I just forgotten about *the secret*:
Secret no.1: Singing "I'm Yours" to myself when I'm feeling down in Poland. I'm Yours is my absolute all time fav. :)
Secret no.2: Practice loving-kindness. Like, wishing the stranger who just cursed me for stopping my feet to look around in Prague to be well and happy *with a smiley*. This works like a charm, try it ;) doing it, you really couldn't help to not feel angry at all.
Haha, I'm such a retard.
But at least, I'm a happy retard.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Staying calm and good.
Few days ago, I went for a meditation retreat for 2 days.
I returned with a refreshed mind, feeling such calmness and peacefulness that I could never have imagined. There's also this tint of silent joy in my heart. :)
I observed how relentless my mind truly was as every thoughts came and pass by the seconds.
Most of the time, worrisome thoughts kept coming to me; most of it are because of unfulfilled task.
So, I went home promising myself to fulfill every promises I made.
I prepared dinner for my family so they could enjoy it after returning from their trip.
Even if it had taken me almost 2 days, just grinding the fried grated coconut using pestle and mortar into paste, hunting down ingredients -for rendang, 3 dishes, homemade soy milk- then cooking and washing it all up, I felt very happy doing it all. :)
(And I cooked good rendang! Yummy black peppered mushroom in oyster sauce and broccoli with prawns, haha yummy!)
I'll be waking up to meditation daily from today onwards ;)
I returned with a refreshed mind, feeling such calmness and peacefulness that I could never have imagined. There's also this tint of silent joy in my heart. :)
I observed how relentless my mind truly was as every thoughts came and pass by the seconds.
Most of the time, worrisome thoughts kept coming to me; most of it are because of unfulfilled task.
So, I went home promising myself to fulfill every promises I made.
I prepared dinner for my family so they could enjoy it after returning from their trip.
Even if it had taken me almost 2 days, just grinding the fried grated coconut using pestle and mortar into paste, hunting down ingredients -for rendang, 3 dishes, homemade soy milk- then cooking and washing it all up, I felt very happy doing it all. :)
(And I cooked good rendang! Yummy black peppered mushroom in oyster sauce and broccoli with prawns, haha yummy!)
I'll be waking up to meditation daily from today onwards ;)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
What's the intrigue - to read books and watch documentaries - all about?
I suddenly felt the urge and intrigue to read more.
A habit that I never had; perhaps, its because of the way I was brought up.
Well, my parents have never really went against or encouraged anything, that of which includes my studies and my leisure activities.
They are busy with their works, I well understand that. So, instead of drilling over their scarce attention, I turned to the positive side of things. I used the freedom and trust they bestowed upon me wisely. :)
Haha I certainly hope I was a good role model/sister x)
Back to the books, actually I have never fully read a single book beyond the "interesting" textbooks in schools. I wonder how'd I learned how to write? Well, for that fact, I conclude that I must be naturally talented! Hahahaha! ;D
Anyway, I have a knack for watching documentaries and reading what I deem as essential to the understanding of humanity of late. I like understanding things and the world around me.
Oh I also want to learn languages like Tamil (to understand Indian's culture) and Arab (to understand the Koran). I felt like languages are the keys to understanding people.
So many things to do, so much knowledge, so little hours!
As for now, I have to sleep and prepare for Malaysiakini's assignment tomorrow. I'll be producing a short documentary about Malaysia's Judiciary. Haha lets hope I do good. :)
Oh btw, today we did some reporting in front of the camera, I did it in one take ;)
List of books on my watchlist:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/204300
http://meteorplum.blogspot.com/2009/02/100-most-important-books-to-read-before.html
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/05/14/100-must-read-books-the-essential-mans-library/
A habit that I never had; perhaps, its because of the way I was brought up.
Well, my parents have never really went against or encouraged anything, that of which includes my studies and my leisure activities.
1) During my 10 years of schooling, my mom came once or twice for the report card. My dad - none. (or once?)
2) Whenever I'm found studying for exams, my dad would ask me to go to sleep instead. He often says, "If tomorrow's exam is a battlefield, you should preserve your 'bullets' for tomorrow instead of wasting it off now, now go to sleep!"
3) "Studies are not everything in life..." He went on with his life philosophies, examples etc.
4) "You can go anywhere or come back anytime you want, just give us a call." I never had curfews.
5) I used to see my parents twice a week.
They are busy with their works, I well understand that. So, instead of drilling over their scarce attention, I turned to the positive side of things. I used the freedom and trust they bestowed upon me wisely. :)
Haha I certainly hope I was a good role model/sister x)
Back to the books, actually I have never fully read a single book beyond the "interesting" textbooks in schools. I wonder how'd I learned how to write? Well, for that fact, I conclude that I must be naturally talented! Hahahaha! ;D
Anyway, I have a knack for watching documentaries and reading what I deem as essential to the understanding of humanity of late. I like understanding things and the world around me.
Oh I also want to learn languages like Tamil (to understand Indian's culture) and Arab (to understand the Koran). I felt like languages are the keys to understanding people.
So many things to do, so much knowledge, so little hours!
As for now, I have to sleep and prepare for Malaysiakini's assignment tomorrow. I'll be producing a short documentary about Malaysia's Judiciary. Haha lets hope I do good. :)
Oh btw, today we did some reporting in front of the camera, I did it in one take ;)
List of books on my watchlist:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/204300
http://meteorplum.blogspot.com/2009/02/100-most-important-books-to-read-before.html
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/05/14/100-must-read-books-the-essential-mans-library/
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
For the change I believe in.
What change do u hope to see in Malaysia?
We all have a say,SPEAK UP & be heard.
Join the wave of CHANGE. http://bit.ly/3ktz80
Monday, October 19, 2009
Love.
I love my daddy, mommy, anna, hong joo, hong seh and ah ma :)
Thank you for your care & everything in between, so I have what I have.
Haha just thought of saying this when I felt so. I'm sorry I'm such a strong character, supposedly expressive yet shy in these lurveylurvey stuff.
gah,such useless dumdum! *frowns*
Oh well, I'm hitting the sack with my comfy blanket on. Lala!
Thank you for your care & everything in between, so I have what I have.
Haha just thought of saying this when I felt so. I'm sorry I'm such a strong character, supposedly expressive yet shy in these lurveylurvey stuff.
gah,such useless dumdum! *frowns*
Oh well, I'm hitting the sack with my comfy blanket on. Lala!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My essay - a draft.
Please feel free to comment, on my mistakes and what could be improve on. :) I'd appreciate it greatly!
When the 22 of us sat in a circle, I saw the world1 smiling at me.
What began as a need for self-discovery and an urge to change the world for the better got me travelling alone 5652 miles to Poland. There, with 22 other volunteers representing countries from all over the world, I worked in development internship called “Peace Project”. And together we spread peace, taught about cross-cultural understanding, overcoming prejudices and intolerance, one high school at a time, in Poland. It was a project that made some headlines in the monoethnic and monoreligion country’s newspaper.
"When I grow up, I want to be a suicidal bomber, I will make sure every part of my body and every drop of my blood will shatter through the land called United States of America!" with her fist raised up high, the 4 feet tall Palestinian girl cried and said fiercely. “Bravo, bravo and bravo!” her teacher applauded with the rest of the class. These were footages from a documentary I saw on Islamic terrorism. I was shocked to the very inside to find out that beyond my world where Muslims were the most polite people I knew, reciting poetry of jihad and attending suicidal bomber’s induction camp was a common ideology in Palestine. But I knew that for who they’ve become, they the terrorists are not the ones to be blame.
“How could this be happening in the world?” I questioned while staring out of the train’s window leaving Zakopane, observing sights so foreign to me. The wooden houses built without nails between the uneven terrains of the mighty Tatra Mountains 4000ft above sea level. I stared at its mountain top where I was stuck when a storm hit with wind and snow so strong, I could barely open my eyes or move a step forward. My mind traveled on like a speed up movie across lands, desserts, rainforests, seas, faces of people and came to a halt when I saw the perfection of the world. The perfect distance from the sun, created the perfect circulation of air, water, ocean current and wind that created climates giving rise to cultures, individuals, economics and politics. These colossal interactions of chemistry between elements, biology in human body, and physics of matter were flawless. It is the greatest gift to all human. Despite that, in the magnanimous and wondrous earth, human often see only their selves which is why injustice and war happens.
When I was awarded the Distinguished Diplomat for representing Israel in the Security Council, I realized how much I have changed, coming from a country that forbids me from entering Israel and taught me 2 pages on World History. Now I understand and see from the eyes of an Israeli Jewish soldier who one-third of his people was obliterated through decades of mass extermination, he defended their right to exist and a safe place in the world they could call home. And from the eyes of a Palestinian girl, who her father was shot dead mistaken as a terrorist by the Israeli soldier and growing up with an ideology indoctrinated in her schoolbooks, sermons of religious teachers and leaders, she gave up her life to be a Shahid2 for her father, religion and country.
“Who’s wrong and who’s right? When will this come to an end?” I may not know the answers to that, but what I do know is that hatred will not cease by hatred, but only through love. I could now feel how it is like to be in the shoes of a Polish, of an Argentinean, of an Armenian, of an Italian, of a Japanese, of a Pakistani, of a Peruvian and of a Georgian, of a Somalian and a Sudanese. Some has comfort, some barely has enough to eat or a government; but everyone has a story of their own.
I too have a story of my own. I was typical of many Chinese in Malaysia in the past. I used to condemn the corrupted government who exploited racial sentiments for power. Through its five decades reign, there were little voices of opposition. People were silenced through the Internal Security Act, Sedition Act and Official Secret Act which threatens to send those voicing out to Kem Kamunting3. Media freedom was oppressed by another 38 laws. Without check and balance, inequality and abuse of power infiltrated police forces, business sector, education, health care, even, the Federal Courts of Malaysia. A former ruling party leader called us “squatters” of the country despite being natives for generations. Many abandoned the country because they felt that the country has abandoned them.
“A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable. A spoon of salt in a lake is almost unnoticed.” Now, I have awakened to the enormity and possibilities of the world. Having acquired a larger understanding of the world, my mind and heart opened up and liberated. I learned to appreciate what I took for granted and I took a new view on problems I once thought was be all and end all. I also learned to challenge status quo.
Malaysia, the country that had sheltered my grandfather who escaped from China from being sent to the war with Japan and protected my grandmother who escaped the hands of Japanese soldiers in Thailand. Here, they met, started a business and a family, making me possible today. I grew up watching Chinese fiction “WuXia” dramas because I was from a Chinese medium primary school. I gradually accepted Islamic Nasyid group, Arabic dramas and watched Bollywood couples dance having studied in a Malay medium national high school. Then, I watched pop music on Channel V while studying in an English medium college. I was invited to the traditional weddings of Malay, Chinese and Indians, to their “Open house” when festivities were celebrated with authentic savory delicacies. I prayed in Taoist ceremonies, attended church’s worships, paid homage to the Sanghas, wore tudung in mosque and watched possession of a Hindu god. Immersing in the wonders, colors and beauty of cultures were the most captivating experience I had.
To the metropolis where World’s tallest twin tower resides, to a picnic by the cooling waterfalls in the oldest rainforest in the world where aboriginals still stay by, to the crystal clear emerald beaches of golden sand or just sitting by the misty highland overlooking greenery and landscapes, was all but a drive away. A stroll in the Ramadhan Bazaar got me a meal of dinner for free, its people are wonderful. Anytime of the day, I could relax and enjoy a drink outdoor with my friends in “Mamak” available by the roads, in T-Shirt, jeans and flowery flip flops, while cheap food of assorted culture choice is served. I have little worries of natural disaster. Why haven’t I realized that? I live in a tropical paradise!
If I was a flower, my country would be the garden that has nurtured me with its soil and water; Thus, I shall bloom forth, making it a more beautiful place. I accepted that like the flowers, I am impermanent. So, why not be the change I want to see in Malaysia? “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” Edmund Burke said. Be not the chess pieces used for ill will, be a chess player of good will. I will be a politician of the change I want to see in Malaysia and I will cease suffering in the world the best I can. I believe I can. Because when I believe, teaching 3600 students about cultural understanding and Peace was possible. And when the 22 of us believe, touching the lives of 25000 students was possible.
As I said that, I smiled, while they applauded for me. I knew who I am and what lies ahead of me.
1. The world: Dasha,Russia; Zeeshan,Pakistan; Anna,Italy; Manami,Japan; Denise,Luana,Brazil; Bang,Vietnam; Federico,Argentina; Feng Ying, Singapore; Leih,Philipines; Eymi,Melissa,Peru; Luis,Claudia,Mexico; Ace, Jia Ping,China; Felipe,Columbia; Ady,Minki,India; Romik,Iran/Armenia; Tamara,Georgia; Vienna,Malaysia.
2. Shahid: Martyr
3. Kem Kamunting: A detention camp similar to Guantanamo Bay
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The About Me.
I like the colour white because of its purity.
I like the colour peach pink because it is adoring.
I like the colour purple because of its elegance.
I like the colour champagne because it is beautiful.
The delicate fold of the petals. :)
I like flowers because they are naturally beautiful.
I thought they are the most beautiful thing on earth.
They just tickle my heart and put smiles on my face :)
I don't fancy diamond rings, I would rather want a flower ring.
I like soft chiffon dress that flows with the wind. *cue Colors of the Wind*
I like minimal flower prints vintage dress. I like beach and sundress.
I dream of a house on a green field and a horse for me to ride to the waterfall and beach nearby, and spend some quiet and peaceful time during the later stage of my life.
I like it to be simple white decorated with a little wood and flowers, and powered by nature.
I like a slow dance. :)
I want to travel to Bhutan, India, Africa, North Korea, Tibet, Palestine, Israel, Himalayans, Egypt, and the Middle East.
I eat a lot in a buffet but I'm pretty health conscious at home.
I don't use facial foams, I use only water.
I have no facial care but the aloe vera in my backyards.
I am thinking of starting an organic shop or website as a business because I detest the commercialism of things that has no apparent value except loaded with unknown chemicals.
I want to contribute to the health and well-being of others.
The psychologist's Myers-Briggs Indicator Test calls me an ENFP.
The Chinese BaZi says Yang Water.
The Western Astrology says a Sunsign of Leo and a Moonsign of Virgo.
The Dermatoglyphics says a mixture of composites,whorls and loops.
The African Astrology says a Judge while I chose a ruler when I was a year old.
What they seem to have in common is that I could see the both side of things, willful and have a zest for life.
My parents and my friends says I should act my age.
But some meant I'm childlike, and some meant I should stop thinking too ahead of people my age.
But whatever it is, I know well who I am.
I enjoy a balance of everything.
At other times I could be the most retarded person you'll ever meet.
I also told her to choose me instead of Lee Hom because I could play the guitar much better than he does.
Like rolling down a snowy hill somewhere while hiking the mountain (I was so stoked after surviving my proof-of-concept).
Because there were two trolley full of us,
I'm so powerful that my dad always hands me the menu to order food for the family in the restaurant.
And I play the mediator when my dad and mom fights, when my dad and brother almost broke off their relationship, when my sis and bro did not like each other, I make them hug each other, and happily ever after again. :))))
Who else who wants to fight, shall go through me & my dead body first. Rrr. hahaha :D
I'm very independent, and when I want to do something, I do it.
I could drive alone to a faraway place I don't know to attend a political forum amongst people twice my age and raise questions.
Then again, I could also be found trying to fit the kids slides in the playground. :D
I could be mentoring my brother on serious issues, then play tickling with my sister the next moment.
I dance ballet, played piano and violin, learned martial arts and kicked futsal.
I am pretty adventurous because I believe we should try everything at least once in life.
That's also why I never had a boring day in my life.
I probably have a hedonist public self and an idealistic private self. I must do the best I can for everything is part of my high idealism.
When I'm with myself, I occupy myself with thoughts and I try to meditate once in awhile to make sure I have a clear mind and I'm doing the right thing.
This is what I live my life for:
1) To cease cries of suffering from torture, from hunger, from injustice and everything else. To help everyone I can in this world starting from my family.
2) To travel and experience all there is in the world.
3) To be a person of values and virtues. To be capable and knowledgeable in all fields.
4) During the last moment of my life, to be able to smile to the people around me, saying "It's ok, I have no regrets in my life already." :)
I like the colour peach pink because it is adoring.
I like the colour purple because of its elegance.
I like the colour champagne because it is beautiful.
The delicate fold of the petals. :)
I like flowers because they are naturally beautiful.
I thought they are the most beautiful thing on earth.
They just tickle my heart and put smiles on my face :)
I don't fancy diamond rings, I would rather want a flower ring.
I like soft chiffon dress that flows with the wind. *cue Colors of the Wind*
I like minimal flower prints vintage dress. I like beach and sundress.
I dream of a house on a green field and a horse for me to ride to the waterfall and beach nearby, and spend some quiet and peaceful time during the later stage of my life.
I like it to be simple white decorated with a little wood and flowers, and powered by nature.
I like a slow dance. :)
I want to travel to Bhutan, India, Africa, North Korea, Tibet, Palestine, Israel, Himalayans, Egypt, and the Middle East.
I eat a lot in a buffet but I'm pretty health conscious at home.
I don't use facial foams, I use only water.
I have no facial care but the aloe vera in my backyards.
I am thinking of starting an organic shop or website as a business because I detest the commercialism of things that has no apparent value except loaded with unknown chemicals.
I want to contribute to the health and well-being of others.
The psychologist's Myers-Briggs Indicator Test calls me an ENFP.
The Chinese BaZi says Yang Water.
The Western Astrology says a Sunsign of Leo and a Moonsign of Virgo.
The Dermatoglyphics says a mixture of composites,whorls and loops.
The African Astrology says a Judge while I chose a ruler when I was a year old.
What they seem to have in common is that I could see the both side of things, willful and have a zest for life.
My parents and my friends says I should act my age.
But some meant I'm childlike, and some meant I should stop thinking too ahead of people my age.
But whatever it is, I know well who I am.
I enjoy a balance of everything.
Like the water, as cold as ice or as hot as steam.
Like the water, as deep as the ocean floor or as shallow as a puddle of water.
Like the water, as calm as lake water or as rough as the ocean waves.
At other times I could be the most retarded person you'll ever meet.
I also told her to choose me instead of Lee Hom because I could play the guitar much better than he does.
And 'inspire' people around my next infectious idea ;)
 |
Like rolling down a snowy hill somewhere while hiking the mountain (I was so stoked after surviving my proof-of-concept).
I'm so powerful that my dad always hands me the menu to order food for the family in the restaurant.
And I play the mediator when my dad and mom fights, when my dad and brother almost broke off their relationship, when my sis and bro did not like each other, I make them hug each other, and happily ever after again. :))))
Who else who wants to fight, shall go through me & my dead body first. Rrr. hahaha :D
I'm very independent, and when I want to do something, I do it.
I could drive alone to a faraway place I don't know to attend a political forum amongst people twice my age and raise questions.
Then again, I could also be found trying to fit the kids slides in the playground. :D
I could be mentoring my brother on serious issues, then play tickling with my sister the next moment.
I dance ballet, played piano and violin, learned martial arts and kicked futsal.
I am pretty adventurous because I believe we should try everything at least once in life.
That's also why I never had a boring day in my life.
I probably have a hedonist public self and an idealistic private self. I must do the best I can for everything is part of my high idealism.
When I'm with myself, I occupy myself with thoughts and I try to meditate once in awhile to make sure I have a clear mind and I'm doing the right thing.
This is what I live my life for:
1) To cease cries of suffering from torture, from hunger, from injustice and everything else. To help everyone I can in this world starting from my family.
2) To travel and experience all there is in the world.
3) To be a person of values and virtues. To be capable and knowledgeable in all fields.
4) During the last moment of my life, to be able to smile to the people around me, saying "It's ok, I have no regrets in my life already." :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What I'm up to.
Erutanor says:
*yo
vien. ت (R) says:
*hey hey
Erutanor says:
*hiya
*busy busy?
vien. ت (R) says:
*is there anything in particular?
Erutanor says:
*yea
*is called
vien. ت (R) says:
*cause im gonna get back to my books
Erutanor says:
*catching up
*haha
In case you'd like to play *Catch Up* with me too, here I'm telling you where I'm running to.
(Lookie, my poetry skills!)
I'm currently studying for ACT (US university entrance test) and preparing necessary documents for admission next Fall intake (September 2010).
Now, if you're thinking of asking which University?
V: Depends. I found a few schools that I fancy, but I'm still on the look out.
Owh.. and what degree?
V: I'm thinking of liberal arts college. I'm interested in International relations, Political science, Philosophy, Journalism, Education, History, Humanities and Social Sciences. The magic of US is that I may be able to Major and minor in all those and satisfy my curiosity (for knowledge;) ).
Cool leh.
I'll keep writing if I have gotten myself some time to, regarding how I arrived at such decision.
Toodles!
Vien.
*yo
vien. ت (R) says:
*hey hey
Erutanor says:
*hiya
*busy busy?
vien. ت (R) says:
*is there anything in particular?
Erutanor says:
*yea
*is called
vien. ت (R) says:
*cause im gonna get back to my books
Erutanor says:
*catching up
*haha
In case you'd like to play *Catch Up* with me too, here I'm telling you where I'm running to.
(Lookie, my poetry skills!)
I'm currently studying for ACT (US university entrance test) and preparing necessary documents for admission next Fall intake (September 2010).
Now, if you're thinking of asking which University?
V: Depends. I found a few schools that I fancy, but I'm still on the look out.
Owh.. and what degree?
V: I'm thinking of liberal arts college. I'm interested in International relations, Political science, Philosophy, Journalism, Education, History, Humanities and Social Sciences. The magic of US is that I may be able to Major and minor in all those and satisfy my curiosity (for knowledge;) ).
Cool leh.
I'll keep writing if I have gotten myself some time to, regarding how I arrived at such decision.
Toodles!
Vien.
The Jewish New Year.
Ok Vieen !
Here's the mail.
Sry for the delay :)
So, you know I ain't religious..at least not to much. So I'll do my best to explain how it works :P
Jewish have a different date to celebrate the new year. The "new year" we are used to is the Christian new year, in where the birth of jesus christ is celebrated. However, tradition and globalization spread the holiday across the world, to the point that there is a new meaning in the new year celebration, which of course you know. Party, celebrate the new year to come, spend time with family , and of course, the capitalist side of shopping and buying presents !!!!
We just entered the year 5770 !!! That's because the jews count the years much before the Christian do ! So, as every new year celebration , regardless the culture (I'm sure), people get together and celebrate too !.
But there is something special about the jewish new year.
The holiday, which is called "Rosh Hashana" (Head of the Year), reveals an important meaning. Besides thinking in the things to come , you should think about what you did the last year. It's a time for reflection and reconciliation that lasts for 9 - 10 days. You ought to think about your mistakes and how would you fix them.
How many times we realize that we screwed up but we don't have time to think about solutions ? We have complicated - fast paced lives. University, work, etc. Sometimes it's hard to find the physical space to think about all these stuff. It's about becoming a better - selfless - person. So, the Tora, the jewish sacred book (bible) gave us a physical time so we don't have excuses !! Great isn't it ?
9 days after Rosh Hashana, or the new year, there is another holiday that comes as the conclusion of this space of reflection. It's called Yon Kippur (Day of Atonement). This is the most important holiday for the Jewish people. In this day, you conclude (or double your efforts!) the reflection and repentance. The religious people do intensive prayer in the synagogue (the jewish church) the whole day (not me !). Also, people won't eat or drink anything for the whole day. Why ? It's hard I know...take my word for it hehe ! (that I do). The point of not eating or drinking is to help you put in the place of those who do not have the comforts you do. If you feel hungry and thirsty, you'll understand what it feels to be underprivileged, helping you to become more selfless. You should also take aside all goods, comforts or things that can distract you. (that I find really hard!!!)
So, that's the meaning of the Jewish New Year. A space to think about things to come while reflection upon the past.
It's not that you cannot do this every time of the year ! It's only a biblical measurement to ensure that everyone will go trough this process :)
Hope I satisfied your intrigue ! If not, just ask me again, and again.
Looking forward in hearing how things works in Malasya !
Yours.
Fede.
I was intrigued by the Rosh Hashana and Day of Atonement to put yourself in the shoes of the underprivileged in the world, thereby feeling contented by what we have. :)
Muslim has Puasa in place for it but Chinese, hmm.."no such thing"; notorious eating habits, plenty. Seems like we love every parts of anything under the sun?
Haha, it's a little sickening thinking about it.
Oh btw, I tried the fried tarantulas in Vietnam :)
And I got sick for the rest of the trip :(
Now, I really think that we should start a "Not Eating Day" for Chinese, it's an esteemed value missing. What do ya think? ;)
Here's the mail.
Sry for the delay :)
So, you know I ain't religious..at least not to much. So I'll do my best to explain how it works :P
Jewish have a different date to celebrate the new year. The "new year" we are used to is the Christian new year, in where the birth of jesus christ is celebrated. However, tradition and globalization spread the holiday across the world, to the point that there is a new meaning in the new year celebration, which of course you know. Party, celebrate the new year to come, spend time with family , and of course, the capitalist side of shopping and buying presents !!!!
We just entered the year 5770 !!! That's because the jews count the years much before the Christian do ! So, as every new year celebration , regardless the culture (I'm sure), people get together and celebrate too !.
But there is something special about the jewish new year.
The holiday, which is called "Rosh Hashana" (Head of the Year), reveals an important meaning. Besides thinking in the things to come , you should think about what you did the last year. It's a time for reflection and reconciliation that lasts for 9 - 10 days. You ought to think about your mistakes and how would you fix them.
How many times we realize that we screwed up but we don't have time to think about solutions ? We have complicated - fast paced lives. University, work, etc. Sometimes it's hard to find the physical space to think about all these stuff. It's about becoming a better - selfless - person. So, the Tora, the jewish sacred book (bible) gave us a physical time so we don't have excuses !! Great isn't it ?
9 days after Rosh Hashana, or the new year, there is another holiday that comes as the conclusion of this space of reflection. It's called Yon Kippur (Day of Atonement). This is the most important holiday for the Jewish people. In this day, you conclude (or double your efforts!) the reflection and repentance. The religious people do intensive prayer in the synagogue (the jewish church) the whole day (not me !). Also, people won't eat or drink anything for the whole day. Why ? It's hard I know...take my word for it hehe ! (that I do). The point of not eating or drinking is to help you put in the place of those who do not have the comforts you do. If you feel hungry and thirsty, you'll understand what it feels to be underprivileged, helping you to become more selfless. You should also take aside all goods, comforts or things that can distract you. (that I find really hard!!!)
So, that's the meaning of the Jewish New Year. A space to think about things to come while reflection upon the past.
It's not that you cannot do this every time of the year ! It's only a biblical measurement to ensure that everyone will go trough this process :)
Hope I satisfied your intrigue ! If not, just ask me again, and again.
Looking forward in hearing how things works in Malasya !
Yours.
Fede.
I was intrigued by the Rosh Hashana and Day of Atonement to put yourself in the shoes of the underprivileged in the world, thereby feeling contented by what we have. :)
Muslim has Puasa in place for it but Chinese, hmm.."no such thing"; notorious eating habits, plenty. Seems like we love every parts of anything under the sun?
Haha, it's a little sickening thinking about it.
Oh btw, I tried the fried tarantulas in Vietnam :)
And I got sick for the rest of the trip :(
Now, I really think that we should start a "Not Eating Day" for Chinese, it's an esteemed value missing. What do ya think? ;)
Monday, September 21, 2009
The secret to happiness.
“Let yourself be open and life will be easier. A spoon of salt in a glass of water makes the water undrinkable. A spoon of salt in a lake is almost unnoticed.”
-Buddha
:)
-Buddha
:)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I'm sorry.
I am sorry, if it was hard to get me for the past few months.
It really doesn't mean that you're unimportant, or that I've forgotten about you.
Especially, the ones awaiting in the "150 friend requests" list of mine.
Especially, my hosts in Poland, the students email :), the Peacemakers, the SGH's Committee and the teachers.
And especially, everyone who cared about me. ت
I wanted to distance myself from others, because I felt imperfect.
Just like, if you had a scar on your face, you don't feel beautiful and you certainly don't want to go around so everyone would see the imperfect you.
I didn't wanted the beam of light shining on me when I was feeling terrible.
It's just me being selfish to totally lock myself up, after feeling an urgency to settle my future, than 'flying around like a headless bee'.
I felt sorry for the negligent friend that I have been, and to whom which birthday I have missed:
forgive me, please?
I'd do anything for you in return. :)
It really doesn't mean that you're unimportant, or that I've forgotten about you.
Especially, the ones awaiting in the "150 friend requests" list of mine.
Especially, my hosts in Poland, the students email :), the Peacemakers, the SGH's Committee and the teachers.
And especially, everyone who cared about me. ت
I wanted to distance myself from others, because I felt imperfect.
Just like, if you had a scar on your face, you don't feel beautiful and you certainly don't want to go around so everyone would see the imperfect you.
I didn't wanted the beam of light shining on me when I was feeling terrible.
It's just me being selfish to totally lock myself up, after feeling an urgency to settle my future, than 'flying around like a headless bee'.
I felt sorry for the negligent friend that I have been, and to whom which birthday I have missed:
forgive me, please?
I'd do anything for you in return. :)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Being emcee.
Miss Selangor Tourism Malaysia Queen of The Year 2009 - “Beauty for Education” in Sheraton Hotel Subang Jaya.
In case you'd like to know the pretty girls who won : The Star, NST, I know, you want more girls ;) and more!
SJBA’s 20th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner
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