Dedicated to You

Do you realise that you have grown since arriving in KL?
Can you visualise my grin everytime I read your emails?
Do you know why?

You sound happy. Yes, many of the events are tear-jerkers but you sound like you. Finally.

You constantly 'remind' me of how 'wonderful' I am. Now, I'm going to do the same for you because, honestly, you are an amazing person so please, be proud of yourself.

You went through a childhood different from others. The most notable difference would be your treasure trove of literature. Who else reads like you? You are well-read and I believe by talking to your mum about what you read has helped your analytical thinking tremendously. You do not take things at face value. You go deeper. You are not afraid to think out of the box.

Same goes to how you watch movies. Would you care if it has good-looking actors and actresses? Not really. What matters to you are the messages the movies are getting across - racism, gender issues etc. You prefer to watch movies that do not have a clear-cut ending because you like things that are open to interpretation. That's just you.

Not many people would get you. But you don't mind. Yes, you'd get hurt but that's how you grow. And that's why I think you're stronger and more learned than most of us. In high school, your neighbour looked down on you because you couldn't understand the concepts taught in Add Maths. I connected to you in that way because I seriously sucked at Add Maths, too. You were hurt because you offered her support but you were put down instead. You felt (and I believe, still feel) that you deserved better. I think that it's fine to feel that way because this negative feeling helped you improve. Not in Add Maths but in your dealings with others. Who else talks with confidence and a sense of 'I know a lot but I am still learning more' like you?

Also, how many people in our class volunteers? Does this word even exist in their vocabulary? You are not bothered with material wealth. You are more interested in gaining a different kind of wealth - emotional. This is much more worthwhile as this affects others more than material wealth does. The manner in which we touch others inside is different from superficially impressing others on the outside.

Correct me if I'm wrong but you have much to be proud of. Despite what you think your parents' images of you are, in my opinion, you are unique. You hold your head up high eventhough you choose to go on a path less ventured. The courage mustered just to be yourself is something worth mentioning.

So please my dear friend, smile at your own achievements. People like you do not need rows of trophies or stacks of certificates. You require more meaningful accolades - hugs, warm wishes, an occassional chat with a close friend, smiles from people you've helped, seeing people change due to your efforts, however small.

No one can take all of that away from you. Your pride, your wisdom, your life experiences, your strength, your humility. What am I compared to you? Close to nothing. But I am growing along with you. And I thank you for that.

Impromptu

Guess where I'm at now... Melbourne!

Yes, yes, I didn't plan to visit Melbourne but when you are all alone in an empty unit in Sydney with Ta Seng not living around the corner any longer, you tend to make decisions just like that.

I called Mum on Sunday to talk (as I was seriously bored out of my wits) and I told her that I was toying with the idea of heading down south for the Chinese New Year. I was whining about the silence in the house and how inconvenient it can get when I stay over at XW's. I was not prepared to spend the CNY alone, at a dinner with unknown people or with Petrina's in-laws (how can I have reunion dinner with angmohs??!??) so spending CNY with family, as in REAL family (my bro and 2 cousins) sounded like the best choice.

So I informed Dad that I was going to use his credit card to buy my Virginblue tickets and off I was to Melbourne. The weather here has been fine. Unlike Sydney, which is wet at the moment, Melbourne is warm with cool breezes. At least I managed to sweat when walking Mei Mei to school.

Went to have a look at bro's place. Not bad I have to admit. The house has character. In my opinion, his room has the best layout and size, although I thought that by facing the kitchen, it would smell the worst as time goes by. But the place was clean and looked well-maintained. Hopefully, it will stay this way for a long time to come.

And now, I'd need to call Sydney to arrange my observation days (yes, I am doing work while I'm here, too. It's not all play, you know). After that I'd need to change as we're heading to the city to meet up with Wen Jun for lunch. Hopfully, we'll be able to catch Sharkfin's yam cha session.

Until my next impromptu holiday, Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!!!

SMS

Just received an SMS from Malaysia:

What you have become is the price you paid to get what you used to want - Mignon Mclaughlin

Sender said that this quote reminds her of me.

How sweet...

Vox is Up!

Hello everyone!

You must be wondering what Vox is. I'ved added a new link to my sidebar for Vox. It's an online magazine for women. Well, of course guys are allowed and welcome too but when I say 'for women', it's along the same lines as magazines like Cleo. BUT, Vox does not focus on what Cleo focusses on - clothings, hairstyles, sex, boyfriends and break-ups etc. Vox is a forum where the voices of young women (like yours truly) are heard. It's a humble website, with a handful of contributors, mostly university, high school students or fresh graduates.

I just had to write about Vox because I am very proud of it. I'm proud of it not just because I have an article published there but because it is a symbol of preserverence and self-belief. It is the brainchild of a very dear friend, of when she was her happiest as a uni student. She, with her best friend from childhood decided to turn her dream of publishing a magazine to reality. They decided to go electronic as of course, this form requires less financial commitment.

Personally, I feel that Vox is not just abother e-mag. Vox is about empowerment. Vox is about respect. Vox is about rights. Vox is about striving for your own success. Vox is about trying.

Just click on the link in the sidebar if you want to know what I mean.