Racism

After the GE-13, I asked a few a few friends if they would like to join the Rally, but the reply were rather disappointing. They either don't feel like taking extra mile to achieve their mission or they simply got freightened by the wide spread of warning "13 May"...

To be honest, I do thought of backing off. But that happened only at a second and I decided I should be doing what I feel right, I shouldn't be influenced by people who doesn't share the same sentiment.

Later my mom told me " I am warning you not to attend the Rally, there is a warning that 13 May may happened again, not withstanding you have a daughter to look after."  Before even I told her anything, she definitely knows her daughter well.

Well, yes 13 May was indeed horrifying, as though a massacre of chinese ethnic. It happened back in 13 May, 1969, few days after a General Election.   I didn't know how bad it was, but I know it was a deterence for Chinese to go against the government which largely ruled by Malay cronies thereafter. The new Malaysia NEP shows great advantage towards Malay community in terms of Education, Business, Benefits etc, it was an unfair rulling but for the sake of next generation, the Chinese forced to give in under this silent threat.

I am not going to dwell into that dark side of Malaysia, but what I want to tell is that, from that very moment onwards, a race gap living in between the two ethnics, Chinese  - Malay. Since young my mom told me the 13 May story, although we are the lucky generation without have to go through the frights from the riot, but the message was deeply rooted.  Well having said that, I do have some Malay friends, I personally find, most Malay are quite easy-going, friendly and not aggressive and I believe having living as a Malaysian, we do wanted to be friended without race constraints. We go against each other unconsciously or unintentionally just to ease our parents at home.

Where am I trying to reach from the story of riot? I just want to share the 13 May is no longer haunting us but we step forward to welcome each other.

Yes, I bear that 13 May incident in mind but I still proceed with my mission - Protest the fraudulent Electoral. As the traffic was horrified, we park our car 5 KM away from the stadium. Along the road, there are supporters from Malay, Indian and Chinese, but we don't stare like what we used to or what I expected to be - commotions, but we smiled at each other because in our heart we feel warmth as we are serving the same mission. But what I didn't know was there are so many Malays have taken initiatives to welcome the Chinese!

Those initiatives inspired me greatly! Touched my heart with these simple messages. Later I also heard few other stories whereby, Malay rendered helping hand to a supporter who stranded middle of the road with a simple reply "we are Malaysian mah...". In the stadium, all races work together to help ease the traffic, taking care of those who are weak, protect those who fainted in the scene from being the lime light the next day.

Well on the other hand, my friend asked me, are these true stories or made up? are these paid campaign? Well, perhaps some are, but the reality shows that, the opposition has won the heart of the nation, lot of Malay communities doesn't benefits from those NEP which declared by the government, they are as poor and if these initiative isn't true, why the smiles from  their face are so genuine?

Thanks to BN, thanks to UMNO, because of YOU, people has a platform to step forward to unite as one, and now we realised how much we have love for each other and how much we wish to be ONE MALAYSIA and this is the TRUE ONE MALAYSIA we talk about, without bribery.

Special thanks to people who shared the pictures and the one who show your care.

 

                   "Chinese are my friends, we don't racist" 

 

                   "We don't fight, we are friends"

 

 

"Those Supported DAP (Chinese oriented party) not only Chinese!"

 

 

GE 13 ll

We've lost in Generation Election 13th. Yes, it's sad but not unpredictable.

 

I've been living in this country for more than 30 years and have been hearing my parents and neighbours swear the government playing dirty politics in mandarin we call "玩臭“. The same immoral politics been carried out for the past 12 General Elections (GE), yet what the voters could do was only swear and swear and swear through their entire life. They are illiterate, they are helpless. Under the influence of these adults, I, as one of the their next generation became emotionless when comes to GE.

 

Today, we have a great leader, someone shown us his fiery spirit to transform the rotten government to clean and fair. He consolidated the three parties which comprised of chinese oriented DAP , islam oriented PAS into his pool of community as PAKATAN RAKYAT to against crime, corruption and cronyism for the citizens here. The subtantiated spirit ignited the fiery soul to have a change for this time, I went to register as a voter after 12th GE. Then I realised there were more than 2 millions new voters like me sharing the same vision - Change. I'm so excited. I'm so proud of myself to be part of this mission of new government transformation. 

 

I was so fired up this time, I check online news, FB, newspapers for any campaign updates. I orgarnize few of my siblings whom fall at the same poll to vote together, I was very emotional. I vote and also watch out for any phantom voters as seen in the news udpate because I want to make sure our right not being abused and we are voting towards a CLEAN Malaysia. I was so excited. Later I dragged my fairly old father to vote because we have left him out (wait he seems excited too when I ask if he wanted to vote:) ), so I drove my dad to the same poll again despite of having to go through the congestion of people and cars. I felt I spent good effort in this election, and I 'm with you, all the PKR warriors.

 

Well, I guess my efforts are pointless to state, but what I am trying to say is, YES, EVERYONE of us had made great efforts to cast your vote, some travel far, some first timer, some old crumpled granny, some sick- ill people, some handicapped made the trip to make it a memorable moment, in a hope we will make it this time round. We spents hours and days to check on udpates and most of all, we shared news to alert on any dangers, helps are in need, update on the vote count etc, without feeling sore and tire. What makes us hyped up? It was many years of submerged adrenaline spike to keep us through this going-to-be-glory moment.

 

But we lost. Although we knew it was due to dirty tactics despite we have proofs of winning and the proofs of cheating, the fact is the final announcement is deemed final. Many of us begins the howling, yelling, scolding but it's pointless. We could only repeat what our parents do, condemn the government and condemn. But facts remained- we've lost. 

 

Then I assess what went wrong in our conduct resulted lost in this GE13, despite of statistic shown we won big by vote count, the conclusion is WE'RE JUST NOT DIRTY ENOUGH. Now, we must understand, Politic is dirty. Conscience? they put aside. Money and Power are their centre of focus. Moral? They put aside, pride and ego are the way to go.

 

We went for Bersih demonstrations, obtain international attention, broadcasts, publications, but so what? Invalid ballots being added by using the damn old tricks - Blackout. It's indeed an bloody old tricks but it works! Their conducts are indeed pervert and fucking pervert, but could we do anything? No.

 

Now, let me ask, would any international party interfere country politics? No. What does these parties get from giving a helping hand? No. In fact, to those developed countries, they could only render simpathy because they couldn't help with or without benefits to country, to those developing countries, they might find us greedy in pursuing our objective of anti coruptions etc, because their country are worse! Well, these sentiments are mere reflection of myself whenever I see any news about commotions resulted from Election. I believed you shared the same sentiments too.

 

I met a friend from Iran, he said their people go on protest actitivities, demostration campaign on each election to change government  but it has been 80 over years now, the Islamic rulling still in power. Since then, they could only protest and protest, demontrate and demonstrate. Demonstration seems to be their only activities during weekend. But does it helped? He told me they did it to get public concern, international attention, yet, it has been 80 years now. He offered me a green band in a hope I could join their woeing campaign, desperately. Does these public pressures affect the election result? None.

 

I also saw demonstration happening in UK over certain change the britain wanted, frustrations shown by U.S citizen over the recent election. but despite of anger, frustrations shown, even public pressure, nothing could change the fact that, the final is final. When they are in power, the power is there.

 

I respect the our warrior here, showing the great moral and integrity to all the supporters, refrained us from being harm. I salute their relentless spirit of never give up. I truly appreciate from the bottom of my heart. But I have to say, PEOPLE,

 

If we got to win next round, we got to win with whatever means, do it the Malaysia Way, No Mercy, Because they Taught us so.

 

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A little motivation to all, never give up as long as you still living here.

 

"Don't Let the Fucking Idiot take you down, you fucking damn it"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are men being childish or women just being mature

 

I've heard many complaints about Men being childish, these comments came from women of course. Their remarks include" why did he behave like a kid?", "can't men just grow up??!!", " He is just childish!!". These basically applied when men are unsync with women elaborated thoughts. I find it amusing because I personally faced a few (Grins).

 

I was once playing tennis with a close friend whilst some personal matter keep running through my mind. To keep my score I forced myself through to focus in the game, however I got distracted at a point of hitting the ball, it flew out of the court (not that I was super good in tennis, but I ain't that bad either, the ball should not have fallen out of the court!). So i realised my concentration got tested therefore the bad hit, amazingly, and astonishingly i realised these changes! I shared this to my friend that I never realised such susbtle changes in my life, I never able to tell that I made mistake was due to distraction, in the past, I will always thought hey, I'm a lousy player, I wasn't good etc. BUT, at that point of time, I KNEW, I was out of focus and therefore the ball was supposely to hit over the net but it went haywire instead! It was such a subtle discovery but shocked me.

 

Well, a conclusion out of this scenario was - I'm aged but good aged as wisdom has finally poured on me. How I wish these wisdoms come to me when I was younger but this is how our biology works, you live, you experience, these consolidated and transformed to make you wiser. Somehow, this "wisdom" came to me in all the sudden! in a blink of eyes!. Well this could be another topic itself. So lets come back to the Childish Men topic (Winks).

 

So women aged with wisdom (like me;), I filter my mind before anything come out from my mouth, I consider the pros and cons before any action taken, I deliberate thus makes you a mature and wiser woman. With the wisdom, I knew what I want and don't, I deal with people who respect me, have a form of intelligence in conversation, mature in socialling, uphold my promise, responsible for my behavior, basically think and do like what other mature adults do. Any form of reverse will be cut off from my circle. Simple as that. I don't want complications.

 

So this is what maturity thought me and lead my life.

 

Now I come across a man who thinks he is mature (I think). At his age of mid 30s, he does has some form of maturity mind frame. but not well formed. As he is in my social circle and renown, my story here will be pretended a little. So bear with me and pardon.

 

Scenario 1

 

We went on an assignment. My pre-requisite was it has to carry out in oversea. So he promised. However we ended up completing the assignment locally. Why did I let it happen in the first place? Simply because of his sincerity and efforts made to work on the assignment. I didn't like it and in fact felt dissapointed but neither I wanted dishonoured someone effort, afterall, HE DID MADE AN EFFORT. So I strike the balance to complete the job locally.

 

On the very next week, he requested to do a new assignment with me. This time I stand very firm on my requirement. I said sternly so that I won't being "cheated again". H started complains about financially doesn't support this, he is not getting paid therefore unable to keep the promise etc.

 

But what he didn't realize was, there was an AGREEMENT before the assignment being accepted. It brings bad repercussion on one reputation and relationship when you didn't keep the promise yet giving tons of excuses. A promise is a promise, that how we gain respect from people whom we deal with. Any excuses after a scene is deemed childish.

 

Of course there is another trick of dealing with scenario like this (grins) " Just admit that you you're wrong", apologize and move on. Simple as that. Afterall, we don't really petty over things like this, an apology is just a gesture of showing respect to yourself and people you dealt with. But the man keeps repeating he isn't being appreciated worse still pushing the responsibility by blaming someone else etc. That gone into real mess. If you unable to carry out the promise, DON'T EVER FUCKING PROMISE. I seriously very Tulan (I don't swear it all the time lah, but if that pushed me up to the limit, you bet!!) people who break promise. Matter of fact, a simple apology would do the job. Dumb! I do not hardup for an apology but I real upset when someone twisting and pinpointing as if I was in the wrong instead! (Vomit right).

 

Moral of the story: A man should carry themselve like a man, act like a man and speak like a man. Dare to admit mistake, pushing away responsibility, blaming someone else is real childish and unattractive.

 

 

Scenario 2

 

A business partner offer a business opportunity, a real gain. I didn't react to it because men always talk and boast about their connections and networks. But he follow up the next day wanted to pursue this biz deal with me. So I began work on the deal, schedulling, preparing on tackling this deal. Since he follow up deliberately, my confident level of this deal rose. The night before the deal, he request to change of schedule to next day, that is first sign of fooling. The following day, he refused to answer calls, texts but keep you min. reply, second sign of fooling. I called it an end on the third sign of fooling, it's such a childishness, irresponsible behavior that youcould get from a man, a bizman. Any problems could have told upfront but he chose to avoid and run.

 

Scenario 3

 

This story? Secret but this is real cute childsih (Grins and chuckles).

 

 

So what I'm trying to tell here is, c' on, grow up men! Speak and behave  like a man. Perhaps men are not as sensitive, but hey!!

 

a) Make up for the mistake, that is common sense

b) Think for others (this is real mature adult do) before us, it's not easy but we try

c) C'on, teacher taught us what "PROMISE" is about??!!

d) and the consequences of unable to deliver

e) We learnt  in school to say "SORRY" when we made mistake

 

most of all, childish men denied themselve, they are unable to present themselve as who they are thus they appeared unsteadily. I would say most women past that self denial stage early thus we are able to carry outself mature and confident (Scoff)

When someone unable to uphold a PROMISE, i regards them as a KID. Sorry I don't like dealing with kids. I love playing with them, mess with their mind (haha, I'm good at it but they love me like hell) but not real business.

 

 

 

YOU BET!!



 

Politician & Sex

 

I haven't been blogging for a while, this particular news does make me ponder, so I decided to share my thoughts here.

I come across this sex scandal from a blogger site that Michael Palmer, a member of Singapore Parliament has resigned due to infidelity. That also reminded me of a Politician from Johor, Malaysia, Chua Soi Lek but speaking about these politicians' sex scandals, do you really think they deserved to be sacked or stepped down regardless contributions they rendered to the country?

 

 

Most men also have a weakness for women and history has shown that many great men have fallen due to the craving for lust. Besides fulfilling a biological need, bedding a woman brings to man the feeling of having conquer something espeically if the woman is of great beauty. Men tend to view their women as trophies they have attain and no one wants to conquer an ugly one.

 

Whether she was a pretty or an ugly one, do these politicians destined to be out of their politic position in the event of commiting adultery? Are they supposed to carry themselve as a saint as long as they are in that position? I dissect the answer into few facets.

 

a) From the biological stand point, yes men often falling for women they attracted to without considering marital status, morality, professionalism. We are all aware and almost well accepted the fact that men are blinded by lust sometime, that is what men made of.

 

b) Whilst men go after needs and beauty, women go after power and status and authority which a man possess. I must say the charisma withheld are manly and attractive. In another word whilst men like to conquer a beautiful woman, women are attracted to powerful men. What I'm trying to say is that, the chances of falling into such temptations by a politician is higher than a commoner, especially a good looking one like Michael Palmer, women would throw themselve to him. So should we give him or these politicians a "sympathy" vote? No.

 

c) Being a public figure, politician carries more responsibilities than a commoner like you and me. The extra responsibity is to be an exemplary role model. Why public figure are binded by this responsibility? Well, look at how K-pop affects our lifestyle today, we watch Korean drama, music, fashion, speak and to certain extend the behaviour. Look at how a celebrity influences its audiences by being an embassador for a campaign, product or commercial. Think about Ricky Martin, his public declaration as homosexual guy has rendered great impact in homosexual community, today, more government is under the pressure of legalizing the marriage by the same gender. So imagine, if we agreed to extramarital affair of these politicians, what will happen to adultery law eventually? Where is the boundary of a marriage? Protection towards women community? It's scary.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So the message here is very clear, whilst I sympathize for their vulnerability over lust and women, but hey, that's the underlying responsibility behold for withholding the power, money and status. If you unable to uphold, you may step down and happiliy commiting adultery like a commoner , afterall you are only answerable to your family but not the whole world.

 

 

Insomnia

 

 

I believe most of us have problem to sleep, be it short term or chronical, matter of fact, sleep is most important life cycle. Many of us are aware of the benefits of good sleep, scientifically, 8 hours sleeps would be perfect but some 5-6 hours. Our organs get to rest, revitalize during this period of time, liver starts working to detox from 11pm - 1am, physic metabolism happened between 5-6am. I don't know the accuracy level of my analysis but sleep is definitely dang important to us. It lead to bad life cycle and ultimately can harm your health.

 

 

Anyway, what do you do when you can't sleep? one day, two days, three days, for a period of week or weeks, you start getting worried but the more you worried the worse it will become. So you resort to medication, but it last you days or weeks, it became not effective once your body immuned to it.

 

 

So do I have problem to sleep? Yes. A person who went through depression and suffered from trauma, the answer is affirmative. I went through moments of worried and anxiety those days when I can't sleep. I worry about my complexion (of course, women take good care of their appearance - wrinkles/finelines), worry about my health, body inflammations (chinese saying "heaty") each day I wake up, my vision blurr I worries about early near-sighted ( I know I am getting it as I aged, but not now!!).

 

 

 

I tried many remedy including yoga, exercise, lavender aromatic oil, herbs but no avail. Doctor said you must relax, but how to relax and what caused me NOT RELAX? haha. well. Thought I was recovering from failure of marriage, but to fully recovered from it you need to resolve and move on. The process of move on isn't easy as compared to hidding in the "separation mode", both equally drained me out. But I would rather choose to move on with challenge but get to overcome than hidding forever, see the difference?

 

 

The insomnia isn't overcome overnight. I had always awoke middle of the night to ensure I never oversleep to send TT to school, to feed her, prepare her to school, although I'm exausted at time. I been through tougher time, more depressed moments and more anxiety than before, but my heart is light and happy. Simply because my sacrifices being paid off by her growth, happiness, health than burden with same emotions but gained nothing.

 

My sleeps getting better as my heart feels lighter each day but it has nothing more than the recent break from work which gave a substantial break from single mother journey. 

 

 

In conclusion, remedy to cure insomnia isn't coming from external materials but peace from your mind and soul.

 

Firstly, assess your stress level, if you wake up middle of the night, regular nightmares

 

Secondly, determine your stress factor, work? love? family? Financial? resolve it.

 

Thirdly, find ways to destress, this is utmost important, drinking and smoking would only aggrave your condition.

 

 

Say is easier than done, I know of many problems can't be resolved easily, but Nothing Cannot Be Resolved, look at me as example. Choose the path which can make you move on, regardless how tough. The key of resolution is choose the less damage in the event all ways out are harzadous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strolling in Tokyo, Japan - Day I

Japan is beautiful, her culture, government and people makes her so mesmerizing. The weather fell between 9- 15 °C in November it's the best time to travel. It's cooling but no cold cold, that's what I like my gal (TT) to experience. Although it rains most of the time, but we enjoy just walking on the tokyo streets. No, no umbrella, we don't carry any, it going to spoiled our journey. However the last thing you want to do is getting your kid sick in a foreign country so please make sure your kid isn't got drenched and wear them thicker than you do.

 

We woke up around 8am each day, dress up, breakfast, we depart from hostel at 10.30am. Guess what? Since we planned to "dress to kill" (ha...kill camera -lah), plus the weather condition, it does take us almost 2 hours to ensure we're well covered. at times we come back for more clothes if the weather is so unbearable, especially TT. But, if you're on tour, you'll unable to enjoy these luxury time^^. See the hat she wore, it's a thick knitted winter hat plus a layer of nylon inside, that help to keep her warm.

 

 

Remember we checked-in midnight? The first thing I do was to find internet connection! Japan tourist centre populated at many places, at least I got no problem in locating one. There were so helpful and friendly. One of the assistance asked "are you from Korea?" ^^. haha. Oh well. I know I get asked many times back in my country haha  

 

Hotel Ò Uguisudani  鶯谷 Ò Tokyo National Museum (东京国立博物馆)

 

So to get to know Japanese Culture, the best place to go is Tokyo National Museum (东京国立博物馆）. We went shop a little and lunch before heading to National Museum, by the time we reach there it was already 12pm. It was rainy day, I insisted to travel, however I didn't get to see much other than the archeology. More so, that grow boredom out from my gal, but she didn't complain, cause I promised to bring her to Her places (where? tell you later).

 

 

 

 Yeah, our first stop in Tokyo, we made our way here!!

 

 

 

 

I like how orgarnize they pinned those dug items against the map, you could tell clearly the location of each. Surprisingly, she enjoys and intrigue to find out the history of these artefacts! She went from from gallery to gallery, item to item, she made my museum visit more interesting and delightful (she's such a wonderful, isn't it?). Entrace fee is only USD7 for adult and FOC for children (what? so cheap?) Yeah, I find it is worth to spend a trip there, we gain insights and knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

It was dark by the time we get out from Museum, clock ticking at 4.30pm, rains still. We ducked and walked in the rain about 100m to train station (Make sure your kid is well covered, in this case TT has thick hat and her waterproof overcoat, of course plus multiple layer of stokins on her legs.). We decided to end our day and go back to Hotel and spend bit of time in planning our next itinerary.

 

 

 

 
I've landed in Tokyo National Museum~

 

So tired after hours of visiting~

 

 

An artefacts..xoxo

 

  

Dinner place..

 

 

Novevember month is the best to travel, however due to this condition, the day begins early and end early as well. The sky is getting dark at 4pm and completely dark at 5pm, we didn't get to go other places but National Museum. To me, that's more than enough.

 

The Right Things

Remember I've a simple plan to move on? When my heart and brain contradicting each other, My simple plan was "I listen to my heart". Sound a bit vague. There isn't a concrete plan, but everything I do, I do it with heart. The last reconcilation made was to give the angel a family, even I knew it's fairly impossible but I went ahead, I know I was doing a RIGHT thing. Whether it's right, it's very much an individual perception, as for me, that is what my heart told me so, most importantly it's my life. This is the least thing I can do for the angel - Forgive.

The second Right thing was I put her away from the father. Sounded selfish but it isn't. When you're single mother and the father not giving any form of support but troubles, you need to decide what's best. You need aids not problems, anyone else comes in your way, tell them off. When I realise the father begins to lapse in child support fee, didn't show up regularly or late, last minutes cancellation, spoilt her with expensive gifts, these anger me to no ends, anything affects me would have the effect on her because we were emotionally connected. So I told him " you should only see her when you've learnt to respect me and show love to her".

We live peacefully without the father present, somehow, at least she doesn't crave for the father anymore. She could focus on her study, move on with her life, she has peace of mind. I made her feel loved all the time. Of course there are times she wanted the father badly but I could only tell her the positives side of having without a father who unable to love hear wholeheartedly.

The another Right thing was I led my life with the focus on her and her only. I give myself no time and attention, all I wanted was to make her happy. I spent all my time and penny on her, I knew I was doing a right thing. She was in trauma but today she is a confident child, she loves herself, she loves me and people around her. Worth the efforts.

The last Right thing, we were on trial for the child maintenance fee. I debated should I take on on this emotion involved legal contest afterall she didn't want to see anyone of us got hurt. I proceed, because what I get resulted from court order will goes to the child welfare, she deserved it. At least I try.

It's the another year of single mother journey, reminisce the past 4 years journey, I wish to proclaim that I did the right things, most importantly my heart is fulfiled and peaceful. The first step is always tough, my philosophy? "You will never know you can until you try".

For now, I wish to conclude the first chapter of single mother journey. Why do I concluded this? Because it's a right thing to do:)

 

 

 

 

 

Shoe Closet

 

 

Divorce is not something new in today's economic-rich world, we are educated and we know what's best for ourselve. I'm pretty sure there are at least 1 or 2 people around you who are in this situation. As for me, I had been separated for more than 6 years and finally and officially divorced. Divorce is definitely painful to affected people regardless nationality, race or religion, because we're human, afterall.

 

Why did I took so long to divorce? Child Maintenance issue (Well, it's lame i know).  Instead of saying something which doesn't seem to be an apparent issue, I have to admit that I was weak to accept the fact that my marriage has failed and I got no clue how to take my life on...together with my angel especially. For a long period of time I even debate whether should I bring her into my life, so I hid myself in this separation mode. Neither Single or Divorce. Say whatever you like, I was a lost soul.

 

I shared my story to people I've met, I told them about my sorrows, hatreds, resentments, grievance and dilemma, I gained enormous empathy and moral support, however it doesn't resolved the problem of how to move on. Should I stay on in a marriage with broken trust and fear of next broken heart? Should I go farfaraway and dissappear from this heart breaking town or I bring my angel with me to begin my new life? Either way, it's going to be exquisitely tough and pain because those greatly involved emotions and financial support, and I was neither ready. Yes, sharing your story would help to mend a broken heart....hmm over time BUT could never resolve your painful problems. Matter of fact, too many advices confused me even more. 6 years later, one fine day, I woke up to a haggard looking me, dark eye circle, eyebag, hangover, brittle hair and scrawny figure, I cried, out loud. I gained nothing by hiding myself in this self-pitty world, I felt sick of living without a sensible soul. So I decided and I've a plan. A simple plan.

 

I made a last reconcilation with my ex (which is the ideal resolution for an angel), it was hard to mend after so many piercing incidences, so I moved on. I talked nothing about my past simply because I don't need any more empathy. All I wanted was a New Life. She deserved a better life, whether you're living she needs to live!

I worked very hard to achieve my goal, I was so overwhelmed by the energy exerted within my mind, body and soul. It work so cohesively for the first time, the adrenaline spike up just because I had ignited the desire of Reborn, the strong me emerged. I never spoke about my past marriage thereafter, perhaps I was afraid my past will haunt me or drag me back to the past like a vortex, something I didn't want to submerge into, again.

 

Today, someone ask if my past is a taboo to talk about? I said no. Perhaps it was, but it wasn't because I hated my past marriage but simply I want to move on. The past marriage was just a pair of shoe reside in your closet, over the years it has went out of fashion, worn-out, and even broken just like what I've elaborated in my last post, some shoes got broken easily because it's time. It might appear to you again the moment you open the closet, but you would never wear it anymore. At time, you tempted to wear simply because it was something you fond of or perhaps occasions you've shared with, but it has grown out of shape which doesn't fit you anymore. It has become a collection of shoes which can be kept for a long long time simply because it carries sentiment values or it will be thrown away simply because the closet has limited space. Human biology is so awesome that you won't be drown by too many unwanted memories.

It's mere a simple old shoes analogy but we do know that the "closet" is our memories bank and the "shoe" is one of our memories. Without it, there won't be today's me, I'm proud of who I'm today and will continue to be better each day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photoshooting

I like to do photoshooting as I always preach to preserve youth, oh well. I particular like a phrase stated by a photographer "capture the moment that gone forever".
 

Thanks to photographers who make me look so beautiful, elegant and stunnig as I maybe. Thanks for enabling a discovery of other physical facets and the postures which I would never do and most importantly the body language which tells so much about myself.
 

Being a model is never an easy task, being a full time model is even harder. One would need real body fitness and flexibility to meet the postures thus optimum outcome in the photos, me? Barely meet that criteria. One the other hand, they would need to endure the heavy make ups and the positive minded to try on different outfits and themes. Moreover, keeping up with appearance to be competitive is money consuuuuuming. So never take model lightly, it does required lot of hardwork to be one.
 

I'm fortunate to be able to be a fun model under the camera of these professional photographers, special thanks to Roger Ong and Edwin Goh for gracing my blog with this Gallery.


I'm awesome afterall? haha. oh well.

 

Tokyo, Japan Part II ~ Cost of Living

 

Many people told me cost of living in Japan is high but they never tell me specifically in comparison of where I live. I do heard about the extraordinary pricy property which could cost to an extend where they pay off over 3 generations. So how expensive it is to living in Tokyo?

 

I made a bit of research on accommodation prior to my trip. Generally the lowest accommodation I could get for private twin occupancy was USD80 per night. Don't be shock, the cost of private twin occupancy of guest house can cost the same as a 2-3 star hotel. The only difference was Hotel charge per room and Hostel charge by  no. of pax, either way, still cost the same. After a bit of deliberation, I chose Hostel because it provides kitchen facilities plus overall amenity like TV, dinning table, more so the hostel carries bit of Jap culture.

Tadah

 

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This is where we stayed for 5 days in Tokyo

 

 

We put a night in Town Hotel due to early arrival than ETA. Town Hotel located middle of the town of Kaminarimon, yes, the hotel name call TOWN HOTEL literally. It was only 1 hour different from Kuala Lumpur during Autumn. It's  cold and breezy when we stepped out of train station, it was 12am. I finally made it to Japan (exclaim)! Although it was midnight, the cold does awake us a little.

One strict rule in Japan was most smaller time hotel do not allow kid, so if you bring a child make sure you check.  The possibility was kids affect their business if there were misbehave one.

The receptionist in Hotel speak only 5% of English but it's ok for just one night (why? I will explain later). The room was kind of small with bathroom attached, kinnnd of unexpected, oh well.

This is the one person bathroom, you can imagine how big the room will be!!.

 

 

 Typical single bathroom in Town Hotel, Tokyo

 

Accommodation

 

We check-in hostel the second day, Khaosan Tokyo Samurai, it's a three storey guest house, the front view look the same as I saw from Internet. In fact things look the same as per Internet, nothing hidden or beautified (You know some photos were advanced via editing and angle they took to make the space look bigger, then when you check-in you realised you got deceived! right? sound familiar to you? ^^. Well  I find most hotel does but not Khaosan).

There were small reception, small foyer and common computer as we entered, but it was clean and doesn't feel dodgy!! Plus we were welcomed by a strong handsome looking Japanese receptionist! haha well. Guess what he carried my 20kg luggage up to first floor without panting! Bravo (Imagine a receptionist can be so good looking, you can tell how many more in Tokyo, well. Please note, we brought quite a lot of clothes there, 20kg check-in luggage was just nice for both of us spending 6 days in Tokyo). As expected we exceeded check-in luggage upon coming home (you know shopping = =), so you might want to consider extra weight upon purchasing the ticket. Anything purchase in the airport is priceeeeeeey.

 

Although I've seen how small the room will be from Internet, seeing it with my own eyes was still caused me a bit "deep breath", the room was rather small than the one we stay in Hotel! It's long narrow which practically fits only one double bed and a study table! Other than this, washroom, bathroom and basin are populated in different section outside the room. A typical guest house, but, it was clean ....and new and doesn't smell..at all (I luv it!)

 

I'm smart for not bring any bigger luggage (mine is 29" luggage, well that's the largest I guess, silly~~), because it layS just nice in the room with bit of space for a person go in and out from the bed. well. My friend told me a studio in Tokyo cost USD 1millions! So you could imagine why the hotel/hostel were so small with the price I pay. Nevertheless, I like the guest house, it's clean plus muscular handsome receptionist haha. well. Nah, most importantly, hostel popular with foreigners, so they speak good English which guide us places to go and you will find really helpful to get a Japanese who can speak english! That's why I encourage to stay in Hostel than Hotel.

Second floor will be the kitchen and dinning area which gives you more room to move around than Hotel, autumn has short day and long night. I like the outdoor dinning area where you could enjoy breeze and cold clean air!

 

Typically a studio of 500 sqf  cost about USD1million in Tokyo, you can imagine how precious the land in Japan. To break into measurable unit, USD22,600 per sqm or USD 2,260 per sqf. I'm not comparing the cost in town centre like the Golden Triangle here, this is just an average cost!!

 

 

 

 

Taxi

The hostel also given proper guidance and cost indication on various transportation mode from Airport to Hostel. Bear in mind the cost from Airport to Khaosan Samurai could cost easily USD200! Taxi meter start at USD15 for the first 1 km. So be advised not to take taxi!

Food

Many friends of mine told me how expensive the food here in Japan, well, it's slightly expensive as compared here but it's worth because the portion is big (I do noticed Japanese eat a lot, even a gal!)! So the portion is just nice for me and my daughter. A meal with fried rice, ramen and gyoza cost me around USD9! Cheap right? Ocha is free of charge. If there are more than one adult, some places offer "big" size at the same price, to me it can be shared by 3 persons! Other option is you can consider get some ready made packet food from the nearby supermarket, heat up in the kitchen, the price is relatively reasonable.
 

 

    This one cost only USD9, for two persons! The Gyoza is reaaaaaaal yummy, some people came here for just the Gyoza!!

 

 

 

She's grinding sesame for her noodle

 

 

 This one? USD9 for two persons, hmm actually 3. We ordered big size by misperception. It's yummy!

 

 

Fresh and yummy sushi! USD1~2 per piece.

 

 

 

  This ready made ramen? USD3

 

 

 This one? USD2.5

 

 

Vending machine ~ USD1.5. There served hot and cold drinks, this one? is hot.

 

 

 

Transportation

 

We go by train most of time. remember the train map I shown in my previous post? I spent quite a fair bit in train, BUT if you are smarter (Yeah I didn't realize we can purchase multiple route in a ticket, "Kao Gong"-> Hokkien), you would able to save some money as some route may required bit more in a ticket than purchase the ticket separately. Generally it cost about  USD 1~2 per person per route and usually you need to reach a destination via multiple routes.

Shopping

Shopping is my least priority as they carry mostly autumn/winter apparel. A brandless tote handbag cost min USD100 and same goes to clothing, although it's pricey but it commensurate with the quality. If you don't intend to shop there make sure you bring sufficient clothes. My gal wore three layers of stokin but still feeling cold. Camera is relatively cheap though, I bought a Fujifilm model  cheaper by couple of hundreds.


Assistance for Routing

 

A helpful friend directed me to this Japan Travel Bureau who offer free routing adivse on cost and train as well as itinerary. So if you are going on free and easy trip, do pay a visit for advise, it's very useful!

 

JAPAN TRAVEL BUREAU (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD
Unit 16.05-16.07, Level 16, Amoda, 22, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: (603) 2141-9991 Fax: (603) 2142-5344
E-mail: jun.y@jtbmalaysia.com.my
URL: http://www.jtbmalaysia.com

 

 

So where did we go? Look out my next post. Frankily, travelling with kids on own itinerary is exciting, it's real challenging for mommy and real training for them to be independent and foster bonds in between...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tokyo, Japan Part 1 ~ About Japan

I finally made it to Japan...after so many years! I guess one of the reason was due to too much time spent in grievance and recovery from the failure of marriage (silly~~). Although I've been to many part of the world, Japan is a place I desired for a long time. Today I made it there not only by myself but I brought my precious along to see what her mom wanted to see.

One of the objectives from this trip was to visit a long lost friend of mine who reside in Fukuoka, however it didn't happened due to ignorance of distance and cost ほんとにざんねんでした。I promised her 10 years ago, bad me, I know, ok I hear it. ==..

I always have strong passion towards the language spoken and written characters of Japanese, find them very beautiful and culturistic, the catalyst of study and learn. This trip certainly had open my eyes and deepen my passion for Japan.

I like the blue blue sky ...dust-free, clean and fresh air. Picture taken in Shinjuku (新宿区, Shinjuku-ku, "New Lodge), since it's the main city in Tokyo, I was expecting to see the magnificient high rise office towers all over the place,  however what I see only the lowrise, mostly. Ya, it was due to nature disaster condition, most of the premises are low rise unlike tall and Kuala Lumpur (so silly~~)

 

Systematic

Japan is a very systematic and organize piece of land, people are very health concious and patriotic. I do remember the admiration and respect they appended towards the King of Japan. I also notice their dedication and devotion keeping their country and environment clean and well. Japan live and led by good culture, one of the subject in my recent study, a positive culture does carries the impact the quality and the performance of an entity. According to Wikepedia, Emperor of Japan is the symbol of the state and unity of people, that explained how Japan could be kept so well orgarnized and robust through out many years - teamwork.

Professional
 

I admire at their professionallism especially those in the service industry. They are patient, friendly, clean and professional. Their smiles and tone of greetings in their interaction with customer (but I heard from an "insider", Japanese actually dislike how they behave woh, but that's not my business whether they are genuinely smile as long as I don't find them fake.).

Although they speak little international language -english, but  I appreciate their patient in directing me to destinations from the complicated line of trains. With Little Jap and Eng, I managed to travel around Tokyo in my finger tips.  I'm equally impressed how up to date their train map, you won't get lost by following this. This train map is what I carried the whole time!! (grins)

Perhaps I look so confident and expert, there were tourist even ask me for direction! (LOL). It was adventurous and fun to hop-in and out the trains and figure out your route, it's definitely much more fun than you travel with tour agency!

 

 

I was greatly impressed to see an airport officer aligned the luggages from conveyer belt for easy retrieval. See the array of luggage which align in same direction? It was pretty shock to see one consideration and dedication to his job.

 

 

Cleanliness

 

Japan is such a clean country (although I only been to Tokyo but in my opinion that represent the whole country), I see no trace of rubbish and stray dog and cats, not to mention rats and cockroaches. I'm serious, no rubbish at all their public places especially train stations, toilet, shopping mall, residential in the absence of rubbish bins (exclaimed).

A friend of mine debated perhaps government enforce cleaning every hour, but another friend proved it wrong. She once told me her friend who lives in Tokyo got approach by his neighbour to see if the rubbish were categorised accordingly (LOL). The driver of the cleanliness lies in the hand of the citizens, people don't have the habit of littering and they even keep an eye of each other to ensure rules were adhere. Yes, all of them. (another exclaims).

 

 

Due to the cleanliness they uphold, of course strict enforement of waste management, low emission of carbon monoside, use of electric car and cycling led to fresh air and water. You could drink the water for tap everywhere! (exclaim x 2) but not from this river-lah. FYI, I spent USD1k to get a water filter at home (= =)

Infrastructure

I like how much they upkeep with the infrastructure and pulic area, that made up to new and fresh looking Japan.  Perhaps I was there during Autumn, the air was fresh and clean which contributed to my observation of "Fresh". haha. Well, I would miss the automated hygiene facilities attached to the toilet LOL so much. Most of the toilet in Japan has such facilities if not part of it.

Amenity

The amenity was well considered up to the extend of umbrella. See the arrays of umbrella? To avoid confusion, they are locked and assigned. See the tiny hook in the toilet? There are meant for umbrella (Not that i know Japan rains a lot though). Every little things that counts. I like the amenity in the toilet, there even equipped with handrail for handicap at the basin (exclaimed)!

 

 

 

 

Security
 

My friend told me Japan is a safe place to travel, I doubted a little, every foreign places has own crime rate. But that changed my perceptions totally when I see this. Did you see how many bicycles parked without chains and locks within the City down town? The low gate structure potray the level of security in Japan. People even care-less with wallet protruded out of their loose pocket (you know guys who wear those low waist peggy jeans, the back pocket usually drop down to their tighs), I'm sooooooooooo amazed with the extend of integrity in Japan (Grins).

 

 

 

I love Japan and I miss it sooooooooooooo much...Watch out part 2 for Cost and Standard of living in Japan XD