Christmas 2015.

Let's just say this Christmas has been the best Christmas ever. Hands down.
The whole month had been amusing. Living with Jon, Jane and Alex, I've learnt that there is a lot to be done to keep the Santa Claus fantasy alive. As Alex is at the tender (and adorably adorable) age of two, Jon and Jane did absolutely everything to go all out. I love the fact that they go all out with decorations from the beautiful tree, to the wreath outside and to Christmas ornaments all over. Oh, let's not forget the oats where the reindeer had been, the half bitten mince pie and half eaten carrot by the fireplace along with glitter around the tree. It just made the place so magical.

One of the most amusing thing that the both of them put in so much effort into is the Mischievous Elves. Children are supposed to wake up each morning to find the Mischievous elves doing different activities. One morning the elves may be having a tea-party, the next they may be riding a toy train or even sliding down from the curtains. As I said, it was amazing. When I grow up, regardless to which country I live in, I am going to give my kids the same Christmas experience.

On Christmas day, I hung with their family at Gill's. They are an amazing bunch :) Same thing on Boxing Day, Uncle Hiep - Jane's cool dad, cooked up a feast. Goddd, i must have put on a few kilograms just in two days. Best thing was that it snowed! Well, it sort of snowed.

All in all, it was the best Christmas ever. Thank God for everything. I'm beyond blessed to be living with such an amazing family.

X-axis= Age with each passing year, Y-axis="Genuinity" of people that come along.

It was just recently that we were sitting in Looking Forward To Higher Education (LF2HE).

Yes, i know what you're thinking. We do, as a matter of fact, have such a class. Either way, it's better than classes i had to sit through in high school, take Moral & Civics for example. Our teacher, Sarah was talking about universities. It was the most interesting class so far. Our jaws dropped when we saw the interview video for Cambridge, it dropped further when we saw the amazing facilities in Manchester. Finally, our jaws just gave in to shock, and gravity and clattered onto the ground when we saw the tuition fees. Good God, it made and still makes me wish that I had multiple offshore accounts as well as those cliche magic purses from Enid Blyton that never ran out of money. Sarah then moved on to talk about college and universities as well as the friends you might make in the future. She was saying that it is unusual for the people you meet in the first week to continue being in your circle of intimates in the future. It was the truth. 

I'm pretty sure you think the title of the post is a little dodgy but do try to put it in a mathematical term. The age of a person with each passing year acts as the x-axis (a manipulated variable) and the "genuinity" of people that come along acts as the y-axis(responding variable). If you could gage the "genuinity" of people that come along as you grow with each passing year and plot the graph. I'm pretty sure there would be a fall in the "genuinity" scale.

I know I've done a few posts on something similar to this. But it is true. It is so hard to find good friends. I knew that, even in high school but I've been blessed. It's so difficult to find friends that share the same interests, "frequency" and chemistry. Now in college, it's pretty much the same thing not forgetting the fact that I'm in a whole other country. It's hard to find friends who genuinely like you for you, friends who accept your flaws and imperfections as well as friends who will be there for you through thick or thin. 

The sad fact is that it gets harder as you grow up. 

As we mature into adults to venture into the world, our priorities get 50 shades screwed up. Life's simple pleasures get blurred out by issues of the modern society. It is beyond depressing when you actually think about it. When we were kids, we never worried what society might think of us. We never worried if we were judged by our peers. I don't think we even knew what the whole "society is judgemental and ugly" concept was. We spent time worrying about little things that seemed like the end of the world to us when it is indeed child's play compared to whatever we're facing now. Our world was a few blocks wide. We were of pure and innocent thoughts and motives, without envy or negativity. We never worried what we were going to be in the future as we were convinced that it will all work out. There was a song my family sang to me, titled "Que Sera Sera" by Doris Day.

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, "What will I be?
Will I be pretty, will I be rich?"
Here's what she said to me

"Que Sera, Sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be"

As we grow and mature, hypocrisy, jealousy, rivalry, arrogance, manipulation and insecurities come into view. Some are even overwhelmed by the will to succeed that they are willing to step on others to achieve it. It's important to achieve one's dreams and reach the peak of success, but none of that matters if all you're left with are the bitter memories of how you've tossed friendship aside and stomped on others to reach where you are, where you're alone in spirit. Some take advantage of the goodwill of the friends where some have hidden motives in their kind gestures. The world is filled with all sorts of people with different priorities. Some dark, some screwed up, some selfish, some manipulative and the list goes on and on. As i said, the level of "genuinity" in people you meet falls as you grow up. Again the y-axis changes as the digits on the x-axis move further from the 0.

When you were younger, people actually wanted to be your friend because of who you truly are. However as you grow up, people want to be your friend because of what you are.

Sad fact, ain't it.

If you've found someone with pure, transparent & genuine priorities, then you're already blessed. In this crazy, screwed up world, that's considered a blessing. Cherish them, because they're one in a kazillion. Don't waste your time on those who are not worthy of it.

Carpe Diem and live the moment, and c'est la vie because that's life.

This is just another post regarding friendship to add to previous similar posts "Friendship" and "The Categories of Friendship".

http://www.pokerfaceeeyyy-carpediem.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/friendship.html 

http://www.pokerfaceeeyyy-carpediem.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-categories-of-friendship.html

Blank Space. Taylor Swift. 1989.

Dedicated to: The beloved Juniors 97'.

Dear Juniors,

First thing's first, I would like to wish you guys all the best for SPM 2014! You guys will do absolutely amazing, don't worry about it. Even if you feel like you won't do that well, it's the effort that counts. I know you guys are at the final lap of high school right now and that everything might get easier after this. It will! You'd enjoy PROM 2014 - Masquerade ;) , parties, outings, hang outs, joyrides, mamak sessions until the wee hours, Ramly as supper and even shopping and travelling! You guys will have so much fun , until college starts. It's a whole different ball game and I'd like to wish you guys luck for it :) x All the best!

Love always, 
Ace

Next thing, I'm not going to sugarcoat it but it is true, the more As the better it is in the eyes of basically all colleges. Why? You need the As to prove to them that you're able to study hard and score. And yes, most scholarships are reserved for those with straight As or so. Again, why? The scholarships are given to those who prove themselves worthy on paper regardless of their souls. You can be an absolute tit and still be able to get scholarships with straight As. I do know shitards with absolutely no ethics who've gotten scholarships and are able to dance around parading that stick in a hole they call their asses. I know I'm not doing a great job at encouraging you but that's the truth.Basically, life is unfair. Society is judgemental and will judge you on that piece of paper with results. However, don't lose sleep over that because there are quite a number of doors opened for students with personality and soul over the number of As printed on the paper. What counts in the end is whether or not you have given your all.

If it was up to me, I'd do a full background check on the student- what their peers think of them, what sort of history they had, if they learned from their mistakes etc- before I'd give a scholarship. I think the best type of scholarships would be the type that take into account the student's overall behaviour, personality, IQ as well as EQ. Believe me, I would.

Third thing, if you didn't "apologise" and send out apology mails, don't worry, it won't affect anything. You'd still do fine as long as you did your part. You'll get what you deserve. I'd like to take you back to 2013 where I had an "apology" session (or something) right before SPM. I had absolutely no idea what it was about all the years until 2013 where it clicked into place. Basically, you apologise to absolutely every single bloody person in your path, in case you've hurt their feelings in the past. The belief is that once you do that, you're sort of cleared from the mistakes, hurts and grudges- and that you'll do well in SPM.

It is a very honourable gesture, to ask for forgiveness from your peers and your teachers RIGHT BEFORE SPM to ensure (hopefully) that you'd do well. It really is. Ya know, when you calculate the time you use to actually type an apology note and the time spent messaging people on Facebook, twitter and so on.

I would like to clarify something.

Just because you apologise for something you might or might not have done does NOT mean you will be blessed with great results. You're apologising not because you sincerely want to, but because you're in fear that you don't do well in your exam. If you actually meant it from the bottom of the thing you call a heart, that apology would have been said a long time ago and not before a big exam. What logic is there? I don't think the whole apologising-right-before-exams-just-so-you-can-score makes sense.

If you really are sorry for anything you've done, you'd have apologised a long time ago. Now, that is bravery, ball-sy and genuine. Hats off to that person who've let grudges go a long time ago and seized the second, seized the moment, seized the day.

Carpe Diem.

Anyways yes, i've always wanted to do a post related to this. I am sorry if anyone is offended, that wasn't my intention. However, right now, all I can say is 'Siapa makan cili, dia yang rasa pedas'. Or in another language, 'If the shoe fits, lace it up.

"Originality"

Exactly, twat. 

                                                           If the shoe fits, lace it up.

Wake up and Live.

I am so happy here.

Words can't describe how happy I am to be in UK.

North Wales is beautiful. The fresh air is great. The food is so good. My senses have never been so alive. The people are mostly great. College is absolutely amazing. The education system is a dream. It's a different culture, so different yet so alike from what I've seen in movies. You meet different people from different backgrounds. You get exposed. You socialise. You learn. You grow.

Most importantly, you live. 

Just one thing, I don't get why people are looking forward to see me miserable. Yes, I know I might be overreacting and behaving like a drama queen and it sounds absolutely horrible when I put it that way but honestly, most people are just waiting to hear that I'm homesick and want to go back. (A couple of them are betting I'd balloon up in the winter as well). Dad says it's because it has usually been like that for decades. They live with the mentality that once people go abroad to study, they will miss home like crazy, lose their appetite, lock the doors of the room and bawl their eyes out. Probably losing the will to live for a few months in the process. You're in a new country. Explore, learn, live. Frankly, if you're not going to take a step out to venture into the world and if you're not going to fill the chapters of your life with memories, you're really wasting your time and your parents' money.

Here's the deal though, I'm not homesick and don't want to go back home at the moment.

I do miss my family, loved ones and my friends and the food back home. I just don't talk or think about it because there is absolutely no point in moping about when there's so much for you to explore and learn. There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy. The reasons for one to be happy outweighs the reasons not to be.

And there's that saying that goes "The world is your oyster". It's time to wake up and live.

The quote says it all.

Hugs.

Today, we will be talking about- that's right, Hugs.

Dedicated to those kids out there who don't get much hugs.

Let's talk about hugs within a family. I really think that hugs are one of the necessities in a child's life. Unfortunately, some parents are blinded by the thought that hugs and reassurance are only necessary until the child reaches the adolescent stage. BZZZ! Wrong. Hugs become excessively more important during the adolescent stage where your child blossoms into a teenager where he or she will face the infamous peer pressure.

"No parent will ever understand what it's like being a teenager." - One of the most typical sayings by teenagers.

Of course, most parents will defend and say that they were once teenagers too. That is undeniably true. Having said that, I cannot comprehend how and why parents who claimed that they were once teenagers do not understand why teenagers need even more love, hugs and reassurance as they reach the teenage stage. Hugs also tightens the bond between a parent and a child. So parents , hug your child no matter how old or young they are!

People who know me well know that I absolutely love hugs. I'm a hugger. I love to give hugs as well as be hugged.

Personally, I feel that hugs symbolises love, encouragement, comfort & trust. It radiates warmth & happiness. *Granted that it is by someone I actually like.

If I'm comfortable with you, you'd see me reaching for a hug when we meet or before we part. 

So, for all of you who don't really get hugs, here ya go. *HUGS*

Cheers :)

Homosexuality

Homosexuality.

Everyone has thoughts on homosexuality/ LGBT.

When i say everyone, I mean absolutely everyone.

In my case, this topic comes up during family reunions, Chinese New Year house visitations, meal times, coffee dates and even during random spur-of-the-moments. 

Merely listening to people talk negatively about this irritates me. Unfortunately, out of all the conversations I have had or I have eavesdropped on, the majority would say awful, insulting & discriminative things about it. That would be the narrow-minded people of traditional, religious and conservative backgrounds with the P&P (prim and proper) trait. I have always felt nauseated & awful just listening to them beat around the bush just to point out one point - that they do not agree with it.

I understand that in most religions, homosexuality is frowned upon. 

I understand that homosexuality also contradicts the traditional beliefs.

What i don't understand is, what does trashing, hating, bullying and discrimination against homosexuals do for you? Realistically, how does it benefit you?

Seriously, from the point of an 18 year old, I honestly do not understand what benefit, being a bigot and discriminating homosexuals bring to a person. I have heard so many awful remarks and insults and religious criticisms about it. I don't get how people are so ridiculously daft. Criticizing them isn't going to change a thing. 

I've heard so much about this from the mouths of the lonely, sad & bitter who criticize the homosexuals who are, by the way, extremely happy with who they are and their life partner. 

That's right. I've underlined the word HAPPY. 

Why can't people just leave the homosexuals alone as they are already as happy as it is? In my opinion, a few of the many things people search a lifetime for, happens to be happiness and love.

If someone has found that happiness and love with their partner, be it of a same or different sex, leave them be in peace. I don't think anyone has the right to dictate another person's preference or even try to change their preference.

Yes, it is understandable that the traditional and the conservative do not agree with such a thing but they should not openly discriminate and should never, ever use religion to shame the homosexuals because that says more about them that it does for homosexuals.

You don't have to embrace it, just accept it.

My personal statement? (taken from my ask.fm)

Well, according to my religion , LGBT is wrong and sinful. However, to me, I strongly believe that people can't help it. You can't help who you're attracted to. Everyone is made differently. I really believe that people don't see it from a completely different side and that isn't fair. I'm not promoting LGBT or asking people to suddenly walk up and start to be acquainted and become best friends but hey, don't "throw rocks", discriminate and openly judge them. I understand that the heterosexuals might have strong opinions on gays and lesbians but don't get physical, stop the name calling, stop the open judging, stop the discrimination. ( Unless they repeatedly hit on you then its a different case). It is their sex life after all, not yours. Judge them silently, everyone does, but don't get physical. In the end, they need somebody to love as well and in the world, there is somebody out there for everybody, even if they are of the same sex. They are made for a purpose because God doesn't make beautiful pieces of life he would throw asid. So yeah, you don't have to adopt a homosexual into your life immediately but the least you should do is to give them a chance and not just discriminate and shun them from society. God taught us to love and accept others, and I'm pretty sure he means everybody.

We are living in the 21st century, each of us have the freedom of speech, our own opinions. This however is my opinion. It's time for the narrow-minded to open up and look at the world in front of them.

P/s For those narrow minded bigots, FYI blogging about homosexuality/ LGBT and my opinion about it does not mean I'm about to come out of the closet, it just means I'm open enough to face the reality of what is and accept it. As i said, you don't have to embrace it, just accept it.

The Categories of Friendship.

The quote says it all.

It wasn't until recently when i was having a deep conversation with a really close friend of mine about this particular topic. 

I went to sleep that night thinking, "Wow, she's so right."

"After high school, you'll find out who your true friends are."

Who was there for you just for a season.

Who stayed friends with you for their own reasons. 

And, Who will always be there for you no matter what. 

Every single time my mind wanders back to this, it hurt me a little, to know that what once was so many different types of friendships turned out to be just a memory of the past. 

When you thought you were important to a certain person and it turns out you aren't as important as you thought you were. 

When you thought you would be missing them like crazy and it turns out that you didn't need them that much.

When you were so close to people you thought were your friends for life, and will always be there for you and those people turned out to be there just for a season, or worst, for their own selfish reasons.

I guess this is called growing up. Most of the friends i made happened to be there just for a season. We had a good time, made amazing memories which will be with me forever as a mark of the past of what once was. I have a couple of friends who actually stayed in my life for their own selfish reasons. Those really hurt but hold your head high and smile. Karma's gon' bite them in the ass one day. The real world isn't all rainbows and butterflies, it's beautiful but you've got to look through the madness, judgement and darkness first.

However, the beautiful part? 

When you meet honest people who actually love you for who you are, accepts your flaws and imperfections and are genuinely sincere, hold on to them. 

Because they fall into the third category, Friends for a Lifetime.

& I am so blessed to have them.

That one annoying Bitch.

That one annoying bitch.

She hates you.
She hates your guts.
She glares at you whenever she can.
She has that high pitch, good girl, disgusting, suck up voice.
She thinks she's a saint, a martyr and she's holier than you.
She spreads rumors about you when you are totally innocent.
She finds ways to sabotage you whenever she sees an opportunity.
She becomes friends with your friends.
She turns everyone against you.
She's a mean hypocrite and is sugar-sweet and nice to you in front of your friends.
She sometimes ostracizes you when you're in a group.
She does all of it for no apparent reason.


Seriously. I can say I am not done talking about this bitch. If you flip open dictionaries and search the word "bitch", her IC number, passport picture and name will pop up as the definition.

Of all the times I have done something wrong, I can promise I am absolutely innocent this time.
For the past 3 years I've been just backing down and letting it go because of the "status quo" and the absurd "cliche" ideology they have going. She doesn't upset me.

I upset myself.

I am Ace. I don't deserve to be treated this way. I remember what and how it's like, being able to bury someone just like that with a snap of my fingers. It was so easy. I gave that up when i step foot there because i thought it would be the right thing to do. Right now, I beg to differ. Judgemental assholes deserves no different from the past idiots I've dealt with.

No, seriously, I'm actually really really bitchy and mean if you give me a reason to be.

The next time the bitch pisses me off, no more holding back.

55 facts about Me!

1)   My name is Ace Khoo Swee Lin, but only "Khoo Swee Lin" on my I/C because unfortunately my parents did not put "Ace" there even though i grew up with that name.

2)   I'll be turning 18 on the 21st of June 2014. 18 & legal baby!

3)   I play piano. I started lessons with my mum since I was 6.

4)   I play drums. I had 4 and a half years of lessons at Euphony when i was 12.

5)   I play guitar. I started a year of lessons when I was 15 to get the basics.

6)   I play the Cajon percussion drums and the ukelele as well. So clearly i love music!

7)   I can cook and bake simple dishes and desserts.

8)   I work part time at Kidzania Kuala Lumpur- best job ever!

9)   I speak English, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Hokkien and Japanese-Yes i took Japanese lessons.

10) I used to hate make up, or heels and I claimed that I would never use either of them. I was wrong.

11) I fell in flats 2 years ago during the chinese dinner event. A year after that during senior prom, i could run and i was dancing the whole night in 4 inch heels. Yes, miracles do happen.

12) I don't cake my face in make up but I do like to use it when I feel like it. Benefit's Primer, Maybeline's Hyperline eyeliner and Benefit and Sephora's nude eyeshadow are my favorites.

13) My jersey number is my favorite number - 69.

14) I was born in Penang. My whole family is from Penang.

15) I went to SJK(C) Damansara during my primary years and SMK Bukit Rahman Putra for my secondary education. High school won, hands down. I hated my primary school life.

16) I used to be really insecure. I'm better now but I do get insecure at times.

17) I'm extremely talkative. Hazard alert. Once you get to know me better, i become even more talkative.

18) I'm Christian and I'm proud of it. I'm spiritual, not religious. I'm not your typical Christian girl. I love God very much and I thank Him for all I am today.

19) I am chinese and 1/4 Indonesian. My dad is sorta mixed Chinese-Indonesian and my mum's Nyonya so yay!

20) I want to do A-levels and then law. My backup plan is to turn to mass com or the English field.

21) My dream is to travel the world and get to stay wherever i want, whenever I want. My favorite countries are 4 season countries!

22) I love animals and I'm against animal cruelty. I am in love with all dogs, dolphins, penguins and fat, fluffy cats. Oh, and unicorns.

23) I don't like reptiles. At all. I have phobia to snakes.

24) I will defend what is mine and I will crush you the moment you try to shake me. I will not stop until you are destroyed and I am satisfied. But that only happens if you really get on my bad side.

25) I'm usually really nice. I like people who don't cause problems for me.

26) I can be really, really, reaaaaally bitchy.

27) I love camwhoring and taking selfies.

28) I love getting mani-pedis with my mum.

29) I love reading. I'm sort of a secret bookworm-nerd.

30) I love the 50 shades trilogy, the Hunger Games trilogy, Harry Potter, the Twilight Saga, Divergent trilogy. Both books & upcoming movies.

31) My favorite authors are Enid Blyton(childhood), John Green, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Jeffery Archer, Jackie Collins and Cassandra Clare.

32) I love TV series as well. I have tons of favorites such as Revenge, Glee, Sherlock but my all time favorite is - DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. I love re-watching the whole thing from season one.

33) I love movies. I LOVE THEM. Animated or not, I still do!

34) My movie buddies are usually ZSC (Yenn, Foong, Jian Chuan), 4meansforever (Xuan, Cyan and Pei), Winnis, and Kavin.

35) I'm not really an emotional person. So no i don't cry during sad movies.

36) For presents, I love personalized and sentimental items.

37) I absolutely love extremely long, long, long posts on how you feel about me.

38) I used to debate in high school, 3 years straight but not anymore.

39) I have a huge and extended photowall in my room.

40) I am not a light packer. That means wherever i go, no matter how long, my bag has to be heavy.

41) I custom my dresses and order it from my mum's tailor because I'm very, very picky with dresses.

42) My all time favorite brand of shoes is Converse. I love Vans for sneakers as well. For pumps and heels, i love Primavera, Daphne, Charles & Keith and whatever's beautiful and long lasting.

43) I absolutely hate wannabes ( especially lala girls) who love giving you the stare for no apparent reason when you walk in a room.

44) I had to learn the hard way that not everyone is nice. That there are users, hypocrites and jealous bitches waiting for the fall out.

45) I love all my friends who remain faithful and loyal to me, those who love me tons for who and what I am. You know who you are ;)

46) I love my immediate family very, very much. For the extended, I adore mum's side grandpa, e-e and koo, as well as ChimPo Gillian, Ghee ko, Teik ko, Sim chee and Sharon!

47) I don't like sports, i don't like the outdoors. I like ice-skating though, but I'm so-so only.

48) I used to have trust issues. I still do.

49) I love vintage accessories and plush toys, the cuddlier the better!

50) I am extremely obsessed with the red balloon emoticon on the emoji keypad.

51) My favorite drink at Starbucks is Choco cream chip.

52) I love rave parties, parties, and hangouts, or movie outings. Or lunch dates ;)

53) My standard in guys are apparently really high, but according to 4meansforever, my taste is really bad. I want a guy who is able to communicate well with good grammar, not perfect, but good. Someone who knows what topic is appropriate. Likable, sociable, understanding, responsible, matured, loyal, intelligent, funny and sweet who would accept me for all I am. Oh, and dresses appropriately. I cannot stand guys who wear jeans and slippers. That's the definition of rempit. Such a turn off.

54) Yes, there is a special sweetheart in my life. We know our priorities, don't worry.

55) My all-time favorite Disney Princess & movie is Ariel from the Little Mermaid. She's full of wonder and curiosity. Oh, and I absolutely love Frozen.


This post is dedicated to EnQi, that sweetheart who asked me to do it on ask.fm more than 3 months ago. So sorry for it being so late my dear! Stay amazing!

Reputation. Rumors. Haters.

As humans, no matter how many times we deny it, reputation and namesake plays a very important role in our lives. However, if you really don't mind people going around backstabbing, gossiping, spreading rumors and thrashing you behind your back, hats off to you.

During some point in our lives, or right now, we have all encountered so-called talented twats who had decided to be the author of GossipAboutMe.com, starring you. We stand up and try so hard to convince ourselves that we don't care about the rumors because they aren't true and that we have better things to do. Yes, I'm talking to you. Don't try to hide it. You know you've done it. However, I am so sorry to tell you that deep inside, a part of you cares. Very much indeed. 

I admit I DO tell myself I don't really give a flying unicorn's ass when judgemental know-it-alls go around spreading rumors and gossiping about me, when in reality, I do. I'm only human. It is human nature to actually care. Unless I've done something massively wrong in the eyes of society, I will never understand the shallow ignorant snobs who actually have the non-existent balls to thrash and backstab me with my back turned but not the actual balls to do so to my face. Magically, when they come face to face with me, they smile and act like they care when all they want is the opportunity to gossip and make up rumors about me, waiting for the fall out. They fly around like vultures. Bloody hypocrites. 

Here, I would like to elaborate about the different types of people there are in this cobweb of disaster.

1) The Jealous Bitch.

Yes, the Jealous Bitch is the one who starts the ball rolling. The hater who starts up the rumors and gossip. If I were to continue blogging about the Spawns of Satan of this category, It will never end as there are not enough words and adjectives in the Oxford dictionary to describe these geniuses. 

2) The Cronies of The "Sacred" Inner and Outer Circle.

Every Jealous Bitch has her "Sacred" "inner" Circle and the weak and fearful participants of the Circle are called The Cronies. Be it in the Jealous Bitch's Inner or Outer circle, The Cronies have an extremely wide, clear and empty vacancy at the part of their heads where their brain should be. Unable to think logically or process information, the Cronies take everything and every rumor or gossip fed by their Almighty leader, The Jealous Bitch, to do their duties as honorable and loyal followers to spread the spores of the lies all over the place. 

3) The Rumor Arsonist.

An Arsonist is a person who has the tendency to set things on fire. He or she may enjoy doing so as well. The Rumor Arsonist, as the name tells you, loves pouring even more gasoline over the fire already burning just to "spice" things up. This group of people are extremely blessed to have so much time on their hands to worsen the condition of things instead of worrying about their own lives.

4) The Leavers

These are the ones who choose the rumors over you. They will actually walk away from you because of some ridiculously absurd reason. It hurts like hell, but eventually, you'll see they weren't meant to be.

Fortunately, a few good things can come out of this. The first being, of course, you'll come out stronger. Secondly being how with all this going on, you'd get to see the true colors of everyone around you. That's right, you'd get to see which of your friends are true to you, which of them will stay and trust you, or fall into the rumors and go. It's really painful to see friends leave, where their true colors and trust plays an important role. If you have friends, especially close friends, who choose to leave you because of the rumors, they were never your friends from the start. 

For me, I used to be upset and frustrated about it but now, I look at it as a blessing in disguise. If they so easily choose the rumors over you, how much will they betray and hurt you in the future?

Always look on the bright side, with every friend who leaves, a cut is made and a scab is formed. It is your choice whether or not to pick at it. 

If you pick at it, it'll bleed and you're back to square one, reliving the hurtful memories and never recovering or moving on. 

If you let the scab heal to become a scar, a lesson is learnt and you'll be wiser and stronger in the future.

Damn straight.

Don't let all the nonsense happening around to ruin your joy and happiness. They're not worth it. Keep living your life the way you want it. Life isn't worth it to be wasting it about them. That is a lesson I am learning as well. Smile, it'll kill them.

The Un-namable "After-SPM-results" Period.

As you know, the annual SPM results come out around late March. 

After that happens, the annual Q&A period of how many As one scored comes up. Following that is the golden question regarding the next level of education. 

Often encountering this situation, I smile and tell people I'm not in college yet but I am waiting for my intake for A Levels, and avoid further questions because,

1) Most of them only ask because they are nosey, "kia-su" and are there to compare.

2) Majority of them don't genuinely give a flying unicorn about you. 

3) You will probably become the next thing they gossip about.

*The 3 points above are subject to individuals and is applied to people other than immediate family and close friends*

Some people tell me I'm wasting time and they ask me why not start college earlier. My reply is simple, because I don't want to rush into college just yet and I want to spend time doing things I want to do. Me. Myself & I.

Secondly, because technically September is the only intake other than January. 

After that, they ask how am I lazing and wasting the days aways while waiting for the intake. 

How am I spending my free time? Well, i spend it wisely. Let's see.

I have an amazing part time job.

I spend even more time with my family, especially my mum.

I do spend time with my friends.

I spend personal time with God. Amen.

I pick up cooking and new recipes.

I learn more songs on the instruments.

I can travel to another state, or country nearby.

I read books I've always wanted to read.

I read up on law and even more literature to grasp whatever I can before college.

I continue drawing and painting (even though I'm mediocre.)

I continue creative writing as well as photo/movie-making.

I learn new things every day.

So no, I don't think it's a waste of time because I'm doing everything that makes me really happy.

I had a few people (Adults) who actually told me upfront to my face that my choice in A-Levels is apparently to them, "a waste of time" and once, an incredibly harsh and ignorant woman (a spinster even though she was married), told me that I wasn't confident and didn't know what i want.

I told them all with a smile that it is my choice and decision to go for A Levels, as I preferred having numerous options for university and my career in the future. Yes, the plan is Law all the way, but what's the harm in having even more options? Why not? I obviously do know what I want. I even know what type of house I'd like and how I'd like to sue ignorant snots in the high court in the future. Thank God. I have aims, goals and visions but there is no harm in wanting to expand. I'm very thankful to God that I have a family who loves and supports me all the way.

I think that each course, IB, A-Levels, Diploma, Foundation etc are all designed for different individuals with different preferences. That is why i don't believe that one is better than the other as each of us are made differently. If some ignorant, half-assed, small minded nincompoop has the guts to tell you straight to your face that you're in the wrong direction, build up the courage to tell them what you really feel. Everybody is entitled to their own opinions but then, an empty vessel makes the most noise. 

So yes, this is what's happening. Dear juniors, if you are reading this, this is what to expect annually. All the best and May the Odds be ever in your Favor!

Singapore.

Orchard at night.

About this time last week, I was in Singapore.

My aunt was on a business trip so my parents agreed that it would be good i stayed with her at Pan Pacific at Somerset situated in the heart of Singapore for about a week, to be independent. I was in Singapore from the 9th-15th April 2014.

The hotel i stayed in was absolutely fantastic. Breakfast was so fabulous. It was partly a buffet and an a-la carte breakfast. I had Salmon and Bagel, French Raisin toast, Belgian waffles and the list goes on and on.

Egg benedict.

Salmon and Bagel.

I met quite a few people there, lunch appointments and outings. There was my Aunt Chris and her sister as well as their teenage nephew, my Aunt Gaik and Aunt Mei Lin and her family, Yani from KZKL and not forgetting my mother's school friends.

Ms. Yani.

Of course, I visited a few places like the famous Marina Bay Mall and the Gardens by the Bay, Bugis Street, Chinatown, the Peranakan Museum and the art gallery. Since i was staying at Somerset around Orchard, right in the heart of Singapore, I was in a shopping paradise so I didn't need to travel that far for shopping. They had Starbucks and Forever 21 at every corner. Their H&M outlet was massive.

Chinatown.

Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands.

Peranakan Museum.

Bugis Street.

The streets of Singapore.

There are a few things I would like to point out in Singapore:

1) Public Transportation.

It is ridiculously easy and convenient to get around in Singapore. The public transportation system is amazing not to mention the traffic is so smooth, at junctions and even one or two way roads, the pedestrian crossing and traffic lights are timed perfectly. 

2) Cleanliness.

It would be beyond difficult to rate the scale of cleanliness in Singapore, it is so clean the scale would break. Trust me, there isn't rubbish. At all. 

3) The Lifestyle.

Singapore is a fast moving city. In the hustle and bustle of the loud, noisy, brightly lit city, everyone knows exactly where they're heading and how they're heading there. (Except for the tourists standing there with GPS-es and maps). Everyone and everything moves at such a quick pace compared to in KL. The senior citizens actually walk faster than me, even the escalators move faster than whatever speed I'm used to.

I think Singapore is an interesting and hygienic city. Like every great city in the world, it wasn't built in a day. That is why I think it is necessary for one to travel the world. There is beauty in every city, every nook and cranny.

Friendship

Friendship is a pretty important thing.

No, wait. Scratch that.

Friendship is one of the most important things in the world. Period.

When you meet someone new, you decide if you have anything in common and whether or not the friendship could go anywhere.You'll ask yourself if you want that person in your life.

From there, you will slowly get to know them- their likes and dislikes, strengths and weakness, as well as flaws. As the years go by, the friendship strengthen and builds, goes through trials and small arguments only to come out stronger. Friendship is about understanding and not agreeing all the time. 

The beauty of friendship is that you'll be able to talk to them about anything, grow together, pick each other up when one of you falls, share your pasts and secrets no matter how bad it is, complain about any bitch in your way, being able to trust them as well knowing you aren't judged and knowing you are accepted completely in their eyes. Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.

At times, a good friend- including one who played a huge part in your life, or one that have been there for you for as long as 5 years, might lie and just stab you in the back. You might even discover that there was always an agenda behind their friendliness and attempts of kindness. That they were using you and you weren't sharp enough to pick it up. Those shockingly unbelievable moments will hurt. They will sting and burn real badly but hey, pick yourself up, get over the shock, brush it off and smile. Things always happen for a reason. Be thankful because you were able to see their true colors before things got more serious. From there, you can decide what to do and whether or not you'd like to keep them in your lives, or keep them at arms' length. 

Someone wise once told me "You'd have to lose a friend sooner or later in life." That person is right. You will, you just won't know who and when, or even why. However, know that everything happens for a reason and that God has everything planned out. Even though along the way to where I am today, I've lost quite a few friends, I don't regret meeting them because you can't regret something that once made you smile. I will always cherish memories of what once was. 

Blogging completely from experience, strong friendships are really hard to find, difficult to forge but overall not impossible. Once a friendship based on a strong foundation is forged, don't let it go because those kinds are one in a million. I really appreciate and love all the good friends around me. Those who have genuinely been with me through thick and thin, the ones who put up with me, those who understand, accept and love me no matter what. I really thank God these amazing people are in my life. 

If you have a good friend, a true friend, a BFF or whatever you call it, cherish your friendship and never take him or her for granted because they're one in a million.

A New Chapter

How many of you know that feeling you get when you're engrossed in such a fascinating book where you hit the climax of the story and the plot is unravelled? With each chapter, you're thrown into different states as it gets better or worse for the leading character. All of us know that good books come to an end as time goes by.

As cheesy as it sounds, our life is like a book. The author is God the Creator and the story will come to an end eventually. With each phase of our life brings a new chapter. When one phase of our life comes to an end, the last page of that chapter is turned only to reveal another chapter of mystery.

As the saying goes, "yesterday was the past, today is the present and tomorrow is a mystery." We don't know when our life might end abruptly, that's why we should cherish every moment we're living, we have to seize the moment, seize the day - Carpe Diem.

This blog is a new chapter of my life. It dawned on me that the previous chapter of my life had ended the moment i held my SPM result slip in my hands. That slip showed me so many things. First being that 5 years of high school did not go to waste as the bittersweet memories, laughter, joy, friendship, knowledge and love will remain in my heart forever. Next being how life goes on and time flies by easily as it felt just like yesterday I was just starting in BRP. Third being how thankful I am to my family, friends (and haters), teachers, elders, pastors and especially God, for everything because I wouldn't be where I am today without them. These all showed me to appreciate those around me even more and to seize every possible moment. I had a good run in high school and I have absolutely no regrets. They say high school is the best 5 years of your life, from where I'm standing, the nostalgic memories replaying in my mind, the friendship forged, I agree. Make the best of every second, every moment, every day because one day you want to be able to look back and remember every step and opportunity you took. It's pretty much the same as reading a book for the first time and rereading it the second time, reliving every moment again.

As of this post, a new chapter in the book of my life has officially started.