.................The Aud(acious) Wan...................

Knock Knock

2008-08-27T23:07:00.003+08:00

I don't believe it but it's been about a year since I last posted! Time has passed so fast it's unbelievable. Just checking in just to say I am still alive and kicking.... and boy am I kicking!

2007-08-16T14:54:00.001+08:00

Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option

About Self Respect

2007-08-11T00:37:00.000+08:00

My friend Kan brought up the subject of self-respect in one of our conversations a couple of days ago. Found some quotes that went along the lines of what we were talking about:

“ If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.”

-Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“ It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.
To make a mistake is only an error in judgement, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character”

-Dale E Turner

What I Learned ... After A While

2007-08-08T15:46:00.000+08:00

After a while you learn the subtle difference between

holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning,

and company doesn’t always mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts,

and present's aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats

with your head up and your eyes ahead...

With the grace of a woman,

not the grief of a child.

And you learn

To build all your roads on today,

Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans,

and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns

if you get too much…

So, you plant your own garden,and decorate your own soul...

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure…

you really are strong,you really do have worth.

And you learn, and you learn…

with every goodbye,

You Learn…

Dinner at ElCerdo

2007-08-08T01:55:00.000+08:00

If you like pork...you should try this spanish restaurant called El Cerdo in Changkat Bukit Bintang. They are known for their suckling pork among other pork dishes. The suckling pork there is supposed to so crispy and tender that you can cut it with a plate. Yes a plate. That's the highlight. They will show you and allow you to try it and for good luck you smash the plate later. It's like a greek party house with sounds of plates breaking all the time!!

Personally..there was just too much pork for me ;p Guess because I am not a real pork eater except for the occasional pork chop, bak kut teh and 'siu yok'. But this restaurant is quite well known and it's usually fully booked unless reservations are made.

Pork Knuckles and an assortment of sausages, suckling piglet

Parma Ham with Melons, Salad

Pasta and Paella

Mum and Grand-Aunt, and Yew Jin stuck with Piggies Mona Lisas

More Pics Here

Reunion Gathering

2007-08-05T19:46:00.000+08:00

Had a reunion yesterday with some of my closest and oldest friends. It's been years since I last saw some of them. Due to the fact that a few of us are either stationed overseas (Hawaii, Sydney, Singapore) or jobs that brings some of the others in and out of the country, it was nice that most of us were able to come back and have a little gathering. You'll never know the next time will be.

You know how when you were younger and can't understand how your parents keeps repeating stories again and again..and you're wondering 'don't they ever get tired of them'..well we were like our parents last night. Reminiscing old times. There were a lot of laughter.

Most of them I've known since primary school, some from high school and others from college. Can you believe that Jess and I have known each other for about 22 years!! Some are married or are getting married, one's even expecting!! Congrats Gary and Chris.

I am truly blessed to have great friends like you guys!!!

Jess, Me, Amy and Christina. My best gals!!!

Han San, Jean, Kelvin, Kar Shian and Murphy

The whole group of us enjoying dinner at Genki at PJ Hilton

Now these here are the people I've known for the longest time. The 5 from primary school.

The girls at 7ate9

More Pics HERE

Ultrawoman Wannabe

2007-08-02T14:47:00.000+08:00

Yew Jin totally cracked up when i stood in front of his room with these - Eye shields to protect myself from rubbing my eyes after lasik.

Don't you think I look like ultraman??

I CAN SEE!

2007-08-01T11:01:00.000+08:00

I can see now...without glasses!!

Never knew I would have gotten lasik done so soon. Well..firstly's because I was terrified. I don't think I can stand someone touching my eyes. What's more, I will be fully awake during the procedure - I can see everything??!! With my mum constantly bugging me about it (she works in an eye hospital which sees eye infections all the time)- about how bad contacts can be for you etc, I guess I did it more for her sake then my own.

This is when one will have to say - Mum knows best. The procedure was painless (eyes were numbed) and it was really interesting to see how one's cornea is flipped open (yes I saw all of that). Recovery time was short. I feel great now. Love the freedom that I have. Highly recommend it.

Check out Excelview in Midvalley if you're interested. Great doctors and nurses there (mum's friends)

With Aunthy Khoh (nurse) and mum an hour after the precedure.

I can already see..though a little hazy. Perfect vision the next day.

Desire

2007-07-31T09:44:00.000+08:00

DESIRE often conceals a complicated agenda – much in the way the word “want” has 2 definitions – to desire and to lack.

Combine these two meanings and you get the essence of longing – to desire what you lack.

To understand a person’s desire, you must first identify the lack it conceals

Bro's Thanksgiving Dinner

2007-07-31T02:24:00.000+08:00

Parents hosted a gathering to give thanks for Yew Jin getting into Malaysian Airlines as a cadet pilot. Yay..cheap tickets anyone?

Click Here for More Pictures

Love Complicated... Is it?

2007-07-27T04:16:00.000+08:00

“I am confused. I don’t know what to do. How?”

When someone asks you that, what do you say? What can you say? They come for your advice, you try to give the best you can; and then they say that it’s so complicated. Is it really?

Do you choose old love or new love? Faithful love or passionate love? Do you chose someone who has been there for you all these years, whom you know in and out; or do you chose someone who is new and exciting, someone you don’t know all that well but want to know because that person has potential?

Love is all about taking risks. It’s about a leap of faith. It is not complicated. It is us humans who make it complicated. We make it complicated because we are greedy. We want everything. We want things we already have and we want things we don’t have.

At the end of the day, as many times as we have heard it before, it is all about whom you cannot live or be without. You can be with a lot of people. Come on, we humans are extremely tolerable, though some may beg to disagree. But there are not many people you cannot live without.

When you ask yourself that question – who can’t you live without, and when you imagine your future years ahead and if you can see that person’s face clearly and only if it’s clearly, you will then that he/she is the one.

Once a choice is made, you will realize it wasn’t all that complicated after all. Only then will you find peace.

Putrajaya

2007-07-26T02:11:00.000+08:00

Went to Putrajaya to make my MyKad (new and smarter identity card) . It was about time. Mine was the colorful one. Never been there. It’s supposed to be where the new government ministries are located. The thing that caught my eye wasn’t the new buildings or the …roads but the LAMP POSTS! There are so many types of them.

Take a look:

This was one of the many bridges in Putrajaya. I thought it looked intricately beautiful

Responsibility

2007-07-24T02:08:00.000+08:00

I want this, I want that.

Daddy… I don’t know how to do this, fix this for me etc

Life was good. Someone takes care of my every need.

Nothing to think of but eating and sleeping, and of course going to school.

Then *PUFF*…and 20 years have passed..

Wake up and back to reality.

People are counting on us. Needing things from us

Realizing now we have responsibilities…

Pasar Malam (Night Markets)

2007-07-23T16:31:00.000+08:00

Why am I posting something about Pasar Malam?? Haha...

A little odd I know...but I really missed the night markets. I have not gone to one in years!

Mum and Yew Jin. Doesn't he look a little Malay here?

MMmmm Mamak Food

2007-07-23T08:21:00.000+08:00

One of those things I truly miss most about Malaysia. The 24 hour mamak stores. All the Garlic-Butter Naan, Nasi Lemak, Sup Daging, Roti Canai, Teh Halia etc.

2007-07-20T05:19:00.000+08:00

Sometimes having too many choices can be confusing.

Sometimes not having many choices can be frustrating too.

So what is it that we want?

Response to a posting - chaos/peace

2007-07-17T01:14:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, love can be a double-edged sword. It can be chaotic and it can be peaceful or both at the same time. It can be the cause or the solution or both. Have you ever wonder whether the solution to your chaos, that little peace that you have - is also the source of it?

Decisions are nasty to make but they will give you peace . If peace is what you want, then decision is what you have to make. It’s a difficult pill to swallow, but like what your mum will tell you when you were sick, you have to take the medicine to make the sickness and pain go away. If not, the sickness will only spread and make you worst.

Procrastinating will not make it better. It is only later that you will wonder why you did not make a decision earlier.

Bro’s Tin Tin is gone!

2007-07-13T16:09:00.000+08:00

My brother’s little tin tin (now don’t go wondering) - his little growth near his ear was removed today. I don’t know where the name came from, but Tin Tin was his term of endearment for it. It is actually a really cute little thing..haha. It’s kinds fun playing with it, you can pull it, twist it, flick it…. It is something cute when he was younger but when one grows up, it becomes something one becomes conscious of. So it’s about time it goes away.

Bro's going to personally operate on himself - not!

Viewer's discretion advised - his Tin Tin

Thanks Kiddo!

2007-07-10T19:48:00.000+08:00

I just wanted you to know:

You were a special person in my life at a time when I never knew I needed someone. You were always there with open arms. You were more than I asked for. You brought me hope that there are better things out there and that I'm worth it and that I deserve every bit of it.

You will always remain a part of my memory of a time that I will always be grateful for.

Thanks kiddo.

Granpa’s Still Got Groove!!

2007-07-09T16:06:00.000+08:00

Haha…Wow..I just found out that my granpa has a girlfriend!! Granpa’s 86 years old.

Wow..imagine my shock. I mean it is a good kind of shock. He’s been a widow for the past 20 years and I think he deserves some happiness.

Now the best part of this whole new news..is that that lady is about 40 years younger than him!! Let's see ..she’s slightly older than his youngest daughter – my aunt. Makes all of us wonder what it is that she sees in him. My granpa’s not exactly “strong” and all. Is it real companionship? Is it genuine? Or is she with him for the money?

Wonder wonder..

Well…whatever it is, I’m just glad he’s happy

Chris' Birthday Pics

2007-07-09T15:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Chris!!!

More Pics Here

Cerelia and her baby Natalie

2007-07-08T05:10:00.000+08:00

The last time I saw Cerelia was about 7 years ago. Time passed really fast. We were really close in high school. Were both in the States but never had a chance to visit each other. Since then, she has gotten married and given birth to a beautiful daughter named Natalie. Natalie is so adorable!!!

Natalie, Jess and Cerelia

Hello?? Anybody there??

Girls night out with Cerelia and Jess

More Pics Here

The Hard Questions

2007-07-07T17:54:00.000+08:00

What are your plans? All I keep hearing from you is what you don’t want. Do you know what you want? It’s a hard question isn’t it? Okay…you don’t wanna be here..where you wanna go? Do you have a plan? Saying it all don’t mean a thing girl. Where are your plans? Let me know, if you can’t figure it out, I will figure it out for you.

There are things in life that are difficult to accept and comprehend, especially when it comes to oneself. When it comes down to one’s ability. We become complacent and stubborn. We try to run our own lives and sometimes we make wrong choices. A lot of time, there isn’t anyone who stops us. Nobody is accountable for us anymore, except ourselves.

We think we know what we want in life. We sound confident. We are sure. Then comes along a person who breaks everything down for you. Someone who asks you the hard questions.

Someone has to.

Thanks Jess

Happy Lim

2007-07-02T19:13:00.000+08:00

My first night out since I got back - with Cerelia and Adrian. The highlight of the night was meeting Happy Lim - Adrian's 'baby'.

With Happy at the back of Adrian's truck

Cerelia and I getting a better look at the Koi ponds that surrounds Adrian's house

More Pics Here

What?? Was this what I liked?

2007-07-01T21:58:00.000+08:00

One thing I can tell you for sure is that people's tastes change as they grow older.

The first thing that shocked me since I got back was my room. It never changed. It has purple/lavender colored walls, purple cabinets, pink ceiling and pink handprints (they are mine) on my purple cabinet doors. Yes...I used to think that was so cool!!

Guess the first thing on my list is to repaint my room since I have a self-imposed 1 month break from work. I needed this break after all these years.

Thoughts on the Way (2) Almost Home

2007-07-01T13:39:00.000+08:00

Home...Almost there. Not exactly sure how I feel about it. I know it will take some time to get used to it. How long?

Sigh..guess this is what happens when one is used to being independent and live out of the country by himself/herself.

Warning to parents who are planning to send their kids overseas to study : After studying and working away from home...they may be reluctant to come home and stay home. So..be real patient with them!! :)

Thoughts on the Way (1) In Transit in Narita

2007-07-01T09:03:00.000+08:00

Saying goodbye. Leaving everything I know of for the past 7 years. This is my life, this is ME. This is what I am leaving behind.

The funny thing is, I am used to leaving. I am used to going places. Packing up and leaving, up for new challenges and adventures. But what we don't realize is that the older we get, the longer we stay around, we leave parts of us behind. Usually out hearts.

We build ties and relationships. These bonds that we share are real and strong. It takes a lot to break them. Somtimes it's unbreakable. Therefore to let go, a lot of times we have to break our hearts.

However to move on... we have to let go.

Boy..don't we all wish there was an easier way...

And off i go again....back home to Malaysia

Aloha A Hui Hou Hawaii

2007-06-30T03:22:00.000+08:00

Emotional will be how I would describe today.

Glancing one last time at my room that I have spent the last 3 years in – reminded of many different times of my life, all the ups and downs. Saying goodbye to my cats. It was as if my cats knew about my leaving. Chloe has been really fussy and she was definitely showing it! When I was saying goodbye to her, she who doesn’t usually stay put for anyone, stayed still and gave me the puss-in-boots look. It was then that I realize that she has been at my side for the past 3 years and kept me company together with Pepper. It was so hard saying goodbye to them.

On the way to the airport, all I could do was stare out the window. Looking at all the views that I am so used to looking at when I am on the H1 freeway. It all reminded me of the time when I first arrived in Hawaii 7 years ago and all this was all new to me. It felt like just yesterday.

Walking away..towards the security checkpoint..with tears in my eyes..glancing back at Su, TM and SG. Realizing that this is real….

Walking away.

At the airport, hanging around before boarding time with SG and Su

This is a homemade gift from Su. It's a scrap book with all my wonderful memories of Hawaii. Thanks a lot Su!!

My Final Night in Hawaii

2007-06-29T20:11:00.000+08:00

I don't believe it's my final night in Hawaii. This is a little surreal. How time passed!

I have to say, I am a really lucky girl. I have the greatest bunch of friends who have been with me all these years and it's really sweet that they want to spend every minute i have left here with me. Some even offered to help me pack or keep me company and not let me sleep till the next morning when I fly off.

I love you guys!!!

Su-lynn and Denesia, Hanging out in mini with Jen and SuGim

Am definitely going to miss the cheap Japanese food

Bubbies ice-cream!! The mochi ice-cream and the Multiple orgasm (hei..that's what they named it!)

Cool guys- Matt, Byron and Su

More Pics, Click Here

Last Weekend Out in Hawaii

2007-06-25T05:52:00.000+08:00

My last weekend in Hawaii and what do I do?

Eat and Party!!

Not a real partying person anymore, getting old ;0. The main reason why I kept going back to Pearl Club (which is a reason my friends laugh at a lot) is because of a bartender there named Chad. Yeah Yeah...go ahead and laugh. I just like him cos he is a really bartendar. Made really good drinks and he remembers what you drink. Love the "Chad" shot. haha. Not bad on the eyes either...

Finally got 'uncle' Brendan to laugh/smile on camera. He doesn't like taking pictures. Actually he wasn't really laughing, just shocked that his picture is being taken - he was actually saying HEY!

Long overdued lunches

2007-06-22T17:10:00.000+08:00

Met up with some of my friends from college - Michelle, Richelle and Kaitlyn for lunches. It's been a while since I last saw them. Years!

Uni days were so much fun! Used to work with Richelle and Michelle (even their names rhyme) in the College of Business as students advisors. Kaitlyn was in most of our classes. Remembered that we always used the offices as our locker rooms, took advantage of the computers and printers, took breaks in them and..best part of all..the office always had parties and lots of food!!

The 2 greedy pigs

Richelle A. and Kaitlyn M.

All the yummy food at CPK

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's with Michelle V. at Shogun

2007-06-19T04:38:00.000+08:00

“There are no permanent friends, there are only permanent interests” – Winston Churchill

True? The sentiment is usually taken to mean that inevitably worldly ambition usurps personal loyalties.

Does that mean that friendships only last as long as your interests with them are current? If not, it all disappears?

If that’s true, what truly define friendship? Can friendship only be of two extremes – Strong or fragile?

I guess at the end, the friendships that one has, defines the person they are.

2007-06-18T04:24:00.000+08:00

Man and the Forces of Nature

Makapuu tidepools - Brendan at awe

The Beautiful Island of Lanai

2007-06-15T14:46:00.000+08:00

Was going to post this earlier but I kindda procrastinated. Yeah I know… it’s been about a month since I went to Lanai for Leo’s and Lisa’s wedding. But it’s better late than never!

Anyway, went off to Lanai for a 3 day vacation (since I have not gone for a vacation for such a long time!) and of course, the main reason for going there was to attend Leo and Lisa’s wedding. It was a beautiful island filled with the most gracious people. The hotel - Four Season’s Manele Bay - was spectacular and the wedding was absolutely beautiful!

Congrats to the new Mr and Mrs Leo and Lisa Sakai-Brehms!!!

The girls - Su, Me, Nicole, Chie and Satoko

Click here to see more Pics

Kualoa Ranch Camp Pics

2007-06-13T12:54:00.000+08:00

For those who know me, I am not a camper. Never was. I have to say..I like the luxury of a bathroom/toilet. But since I was told that there is something of a portal potty there and it was only for night, why not right?

We went camping at Ka'a'awa Valley on the northern side of Kualoa Ranch. This is where parts of films like Pearl harbor, Jurassic Park, Godzilla, 50 First Dates, Winstalkers and LOST were filmed. There was no electricity, hardly any water, lots of bugs and mosquitoes, self decomposing portal potties that a few of us do not dare enter again - However, I had a lot of fun. Crazy huh?

For more Pics, Click here

Pics of Pu'uKalena Hike

2007-06-13T03:04:00.000+08:00

Our Hike to Pu'uKalena. Beautiful views

More Pics Here

Jes’s Birthday on the Beach

2007-06-12T14:08:00.000+08:00

With her darling hubby - Twu Yong

My “baby’s mama” had her birthday about a week ago on the beach. It’s nice being outdoors. Sometimes just because we live in Hawaii… we take the beach for granted, thinking it’ll always be around. Happy birthday Jes!!!

The Groupie

Homemade bday cake, the view and Yoshi

The Stingy

2007-06-11T14:24:00.000+08:00

Went to Waimanalo beach today for a picnic with Brendan and his friends. Guess what we found on the beach?? Haha...Baby Portuguese Man-Of-Wars!!!

Another kind of graduation

2007-06-10T10:43:00.001+08:00

Today will be the last day that I will see Ivana before I leave Hawaii. Wow..we have been together for almost 3 years (it would have been three years this coming Sept). How time flies. I remember signing up to be a Big Sister about 3 1/2 years ago and they finally got me my match slightly more than half a year later.

My first few experiences with Ivana were not easy. I mean..I thought how bad can it be right? I do have a younger brother…am kindda experienced and all. Well, Ivana comes from a single-parent family, parents are divorced and am the only child. She was spoilt and she will throw tantrums if she could not get what she wanted. It was a little difficult to get through to her. And now fast forward slightly more than 2 ½ years later, we are communicating much better. She’s grown up so much, knows how to compromise, am much smarter and reasons very well. Of course I would like to think that I did play a part in all that!!

When I told her that I was leaving the Big Brother Big Sister organization as I am planning to go home, it was difficult for her. It is difficult for a young girl to part with her “big sister” - someone who sees her almost every week for the past couple of years. But she was a tough girl. She understands. Told her that it is like graduation. You got to leave elementary school to go on to middle school. Got to part with your friends. It will be sad but it’s a step one has to take to achieve bigger and better things in life.

I just hope that I was able to influence her, teach her enough and give her some sort of foundation that she will be able to use through her life… especially now that she’s becoming a teenager. Hope she remembers me!

Self Made diploma for Ivana

Getting Territorial

2007-06-10T10:42:00.001+08:00

Like dogs and cats, we women can get territorial too.

Like one of my cats, who starts pissing and pooping around to let me know she's pissed off with me, or trying to gain attention from me.
Not sure which one.
Women too can get territorial.
Teritorial with Men.

We don't piss or poop around.
We just make more noise,
Get angry and we show it.
There may not even be a real logical reason as to why or what we get angry about.

Men,
FYI. Most of the time, we get territorial only on men we care about. Maybe have feelings for.
And when attention are taken away from us, we "rebel".

What can we say? We get protective of what we have. If we never had it, we usually will not fight for it. Like the saying, you don't miss what you never had.

Waikiki Ho'olaule'a

2007-06-09T17:57:00.000+08:00

Decided to walk in Waikiki today as there was the Pan Pacific Matsuri Festival and there was a Ho'olaule'a (block party) there. The usual food fare and lots of Hula dancing. But of all the things that that really got me to go walk in the ever-so-crowded Waikiki was the chance to stop by my favourite store - Mondo Gelato Ice cream store!

Trying to be Fendi's Eyewear models. Do you think we passed?

Enjoying Ice cream at Mondo Gelato with Sue Anne and Ben; and Su-lynn

Elementary graduation..

2007-06-08T17:38:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I attended my "little sister" Ivana's graduation from elementary school. Can you believe it...? Graduating from 6th grade. I remember when I graduated from 6th grade....It's was simple and unelaborate. Finished National 6th grade examination (UPSR) and then waited for results. That was it. What my friends and I did on our last day? Said goodbye and I'll see you in high school.

So Simple!!

You can understand my surprise by what I experienced yesterday. The ceremony was held in the hall. The Headmistress called out every 6th grade students by name and said something about them. ( I am not sure whether she really knows everyone by name but sure sounds like it). There was performances, video clips of the students and receipt of the diploma. Pretty interesting. After all that, it was time for the lei giving and photo taking outside in the courtyard.

Very Interesting. I guess..Hawaii is so small and people here like to celebrate events, small or large. People will find something to celebrate. Very Ohana.

With her mum Inger

Quite Funny

2007-06-07T12:08:00.000+08:00

Thought I'd share something funny that someone sent me a while ago...

Say Also Don't Listen
Listen Also Don't Understand
Don't Understand Also Don't Ask
Ask Also Don't Do
Do Also Do Wrong
Wrong Also Don't Admit
Admit Also Don't Correct
Correct Also Not Happy
Not Happy Also Don't Say

How?

Women...

2007-06-07T05:38:00.000+08:00

WOMEN ARE MEANT TO BE LOVED,

NOT UNDERSTOOD

A little Blue

2007-06-05T18:29:00.000+08:00

Hmm...I wonder why when people are down..they call it "having the blues"? I am sure there's a reason for how they came up with it...just that i never did take the initiative to find out why. Why not black?...or gray? Gray seems like a sad/down color!

For those who don't know yet... I am going back home to Malaysia in less than a month. Not for good...but for a little while. Need to spend some time with my family as they have not seen me often since I left home 10 years ago. Maybe..it's also to ease my parents transition to having an empty nest as my brother is leaving for Langkawi for cadet pilot training! (Yay!!! Yew Jin got into Malaysian Airlines..I am so proud of you!!). My parents, knowing me, will not expect a fixed presence of me for long...but it'll help them cope...I think..or hope..not sure which one..

On the other hand..I need a change. Needed to leave Hawaii. I felt stuck. It wasn't good for me. Need a change of perspective. A different drive. A new chapter.

I should be excited...yeah? Then why do I feel so BLUE???

A while... A little too long

2007-06-05T17:52:00.000+08:00

How time flies...

To me it's just been a while since i last blogged but in reality..it's actually been a while.

We don't really know how much advantage we take of time...we procratinate, pushing things for later cos we think it's okay..it will not be a problem..then we realize that time passed is time lost.

We always think we have time. But we don't. In a blink of an eye.. our one day turns to one month. Shit...where did all the days go?

Got to start living life to the fullest. Do all you can in one day..no regrets

Friend...

2007-03-08T09:50:00.000+08:00

Hawaiians had many terms for "friend" that signified varying degrees and types of friendship. Hoaloha (beloved companion), for example, is a general term for friend. Makamaka (face to face) is a friend with whom you share freely. Aikane (probably "dependable") is a close, personal friend of the same sex. Pilialoha (sticky love) is a romantic friend. And here's a great one: 'au ko'i (axe handle), a trusted friend.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "The only way to have a friend is to be one." But many people have trouble making friends because they don't know how to be one. So here is a set of guidelines to help you remember:

F = Freedom (give up control)

R = Respect (respect your differences)

I = Interest (take an interest in your friend's interests)

E = Equality (treat your friend like an equal)

N = Nurture (nurture your friend's best qualities)

D = Devotion (be loyal and helpful whenever, wherever, and for as long as you can)

The Hawaiians made such an art of this that I'll end with one of their proverbs describing a good friendship:

Pili kau,

pili ho'oilo

(Together in the dry season,

Together in the wet season)

Me ke aloha pumehana i ko'u kini hoaloha - with warm regards to my many friends.

About Love...True?

2007-02-27T11:37:00.000+08:00

Love is a game of Power, the manipulation of emotions to control the mind.

It's a game where the one who shows affection first gives up total control.

2007-02-27T11:33:00.000+08:00

"Life is a series of rooms, and who we get stuck in those rooms with, adds up to what our lives are. "

Excerpts taken from House M.D

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-15T13:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

Thought I'd share some random notes from the wrapper of some Dove Chocolate Hearts that I had plenty of today!!! Courtesy of my darling co-workers...:)

Am not a person who really celebrates Valentine's but Hei...if you can't beat em...join em!!

Be swept away by Love

Trust with your Heart, not your Head

Hold Hands firmly, Hearts gently

and of course you can't leave out...

Be My Valentine

Calm after the Storm

2006-12-08T11:08:00.000+08:00

Well it's definitely been while since my last posting!

It's been one very busy month for me lately with work and friends...again...it's not like I'm complaning... Like all of you know.....when it rains..it pours!

Amy's just left on the weekend...She was here for 10 days. It was so much fun! Sabrina was here also earlier in the month of November for 7 days and left 3 days before Amy arrived. Okay..0kay..that's quite some math...don't bother to count! haha..

Kindda like the mayhem of "opps..I gotta work now....okay Amy/Sabrina...I gotta dump you at the mall or Waikiki..will pick you up later".. etc. Haha...what a friend right?? Rush off to work and rush back. Had to study for my continuing education courses to renew my license at the same time...had plenty of deadlines...

BUT IN ALL...I had fun!

And now...it's calm....when will the storm arrive again?

Thinking of Bro...

2006-11-21T12:23:00.000+08:00

Just thought of my darling brother....so here's some picture that he took while he was here

Fish Bowl Shot...with Ding Jr. and Mister Heng

Look at these posers!!!

For more pics...go to My Pictures on the side bar

Letting Go

2006-11-15T12:30:00.000+08:00

Maybe the past is like an anchor holding us back.

Maybe you have to let go of who you were,

to become who you will be...

When it rains...it pours

2006-11-15T11:51:00.000+08:00

Why when things happen.....everything else happens? All at the same time....non stop...can't take a breathe?

Year's coming to an end. Things are supposed to be winding down. Holiday seasons coming...people are supposed to be merry and jolly....eat eat eat!

Winding down...winding down...winding down....

Yeah right! DECK THE HALLS!! Make noise...no time...

I realize for me and people around me...things start getting messy. A lot of people's relationships..kindda went kaput. This year's bad for relationships, I have to say. Hei...but maybe it's for the better. DECK THE HALLS!!

Am I complaining? Not really....yeah things are moving a little fast now...stressful...but it's good. The one thing that's been good for me is work! Yeah I know...people think I'm crazy now. But hei...money's coming in....yay...DECK THE HALLS!!

All this keeps me busy....friends keeps me busy....keeps me from thinking too much.

DECK THE HALLS!!

Tears

2006-11-03T12:57:00.000+08:00

"What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul" - Jewish proverb

I guess sometimes...crying is a good thing. It's sort of like a release. Letting it all out. It feels better. There's always something to a good cry.

Saying Goodbye

2006-10-31T07:01:00.000+08:00

How does one say goodbye?

How do you let go of something that has been so precious to you for so long? How do you feel to have something so close to you and now it's not there? A part of you that's now missing. Empty, blank.

I wished I had a good answer for that. I really don't know....but I knew I had to and I did.

For once I was honest...laid it all out there and so did he. Finally I understood. The things we do, and why we do it, are to protect ourselves. We are not good for each other at this time. So we had to say goodbye. I had to say goodbye. I needed to do that. I know I did. I have to move on. I have to stop hoping that things will be better. I have to think of myself first. Even though my heart really don't want to.

At this moment... I don't know how to feel. Maybe I'm not trying to feel. Maybe I'm just inoring it.

There was closure. No hard feelings. Mature.

And now...I just have to ride out the pain of loss. A sense of grief. With a forward looking goal and hope that things will be better. With faith that things happen for a reason.

This all, however, does not change the fact that I love him and will miss him. I would not change the good times that we had.

So,
Thanks M,
for you

Understanding Me

2006-10-29T05:37:00.000+08:00

These past week or two...I've been overly stressed. Work stress, people stress, misunderstanding etc... At this moment, I don't know how to truly express myself but I found a poem that expresses it all...

If you should try
to understand me
through the eyes
of your experiences
your only understanding
will be misunderstanding...

For we have walked different paths
and have known different fears
and that which brings you laughter
just might bring me tears.

So if you can learn
to accept me
and the strange thingsI say and do,
Maybe through your acceptance
you will gain understanding.

Rumble Rumble Earthquake!

2006-10-17T15:04:00.000+08:00

Haha...who would have thought that there'll be earthquake here in Hawaii?.....

Sunday Oct,15 2006
7.07am, 6.6 magnitude
7.14 am, 5.8 magnitude
After 10.30 am.... a series of 55 aftershocks.
Power was cut off.... for more than 12 hrs.

Me:
Hhmmmm...the bed is swaying....(peeping out of blanket)..not really...I think the room is swaying... (heard the growling of the earth..just like the movies). Nope...I think it's an earthquake..HHmmm..interesting. (close back eyes and hid under blanket again)
(In my mind...it's not as bad as the earthquake I felt in taipei many years ago...when..at that time I thought there was a ghost in the hotel room!)

Few minutes later.....
ahhh....the building is swaying again. Fun!! (peep out of blanket again).. Feels like being in a cradle..haha. Back and forth..back and forth.

Puff....electricity went off...NOOO...I wonder how long it'll stay off..
I realized how dependent I was to electricity...no tv, no radio (forgot to stock up on batteries), no internet, no hot water or food, cell phone's dying (stupid me..forgot to charge batt)....AHHHHH WHAT TO DO???? - ended up reading and playing board games

9 pm: Puff...YAAYYYYY Electricity's back!

Promises....Words of Wisdom

2006-09-27T07:25:00.000+08:00

"Promises are the bricks of life and trust is the mortar. We build nothing in life if we make no promises, and we tear down what others have built if we make them and break them."

Quote taken from: Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

Here's a SHOUT OUT to you SU GIM!!!

2006-09-22T10:39:00.000+08:00

GOH SU GIM.....or better known as "Uncle" Goh....or "Uncle" Su....or "Uncle" Gim, whichever you fancy...made a comment that I didn't write or mention anything else in my blog except for furry pets, my life, some friends or my roomate..(duh..that's who and what I live with!!)

SO I guess I have to mention him right?

Don't feel left out just because I have not mention you before

Great guy and friend....want a drinking buddy...here he is. Just be careful when he drinks too much Golden Draake and Chimays!!

Love you LOTSSS!! haha

My Stored Life is FOUND!!!!

2006-09-22T10:35:00.000+08:00

I guess sometimes patience does pay off!!!

Thanking all the angels above and on ground......

My lost external hard drive....IS FOUND!!

Thanks Earllyn.....

TM's Birthday

2006-09-14T11:43:00.000+08:00

Some pics from Ding Jr's 23rd birthday!!

The Malaysian gang at Sorabol Got slammed into the cake! Kindda...

Ding Sr. and Ding Jr.

Joe, Denesia and I

Hippos Go Beserk!!

2006-08-30T09:42:00.000+08:00

I absolutely love this poem.....first heard it on an episode of E.R when a doctor recited this to her baby over the phone to before saying good night.

This is longer version of it.

One hippo all alone

calls two hippos on the phone

three hippos at the door

bring along another four

five hippos come overdressed

six hippos show up with a guest

seven hippos arrive in a sack

eight hippos sneak in the back

nine hippos come to work

ALL THE HIPPOS GO BESERK!

All through the hippo night

hippos play with great delight

but at the hippos break of day

the hippos all must go away

nine hippos and a beast

join eight hippos riding east

while seven hippos moving west

leave six hippos quite distressed

five hippos then set forth

with four hippos headed north

three hippos say good day

the last two hippos go their way

one hippo alone once more

misses the other forty four.

Puberty...2nd time around

2006-08-18T08:49:00.000+08:00

Ahh....pimple and acnes. AGAIN!

Actually they are kindda gone now....But it wasn't like this a few months ago. I got so freaked that I tried on everything...Proactive, Murad etc and even took evening primrose oil..trying to balance out my hormones (though I don't know why my hormones would be raging) Whatever it is, something worked...just don't know which one. Though I strongly believe it's the evening primrose.

Roommate-Su is going through the same thing. Felt bad for her cos she's always had flawless skin. Funny how her acne is only on her forehead. Lucky for her...she has a fringe to cover it up. Maybe if she listen to me and take the evening primrose oil.......just maybe..

GO EVENING PRIMROSE OIL!!!!

My Little Monkey

2006-08-16T12:07:00.000+08:00

Tot everyone would like to see what my "crossbreed" cat look like.

Here's Pepper and she's a monkey!

Sometimes she can be a dog. No kidding...she can totally act like one!

And the other cat nudging at her...that's Chloe...the pissy and poopy cat.

Deny, Deny, Deny

2006-08-15T11:34:00.000+08:00

DENIAL

Sometimes I think I do that very well! Actually people have actually said that I do. According to my roommate...it's a "goat" thing.

We deny that we're tired. We deny we're scared. We deny how badly we want to succeed in life. We deny we're in pain..

Most importantly, we deny that we're in denial!

We only see what we want to see and believe what we want to believe...and it works..up to a point. We lie to ourselves so much that after a while the lies start to seem like the truth. We deny so much that we can't recognize the truth anymore.

The scary part: Sometimes reality has a way of sneaking up and biting us in the ass. We can only lie to ourselves for so long. We are tired, scared and denying it all does not change the truth.

The one thing that we can hope for - that reality will come to us like a gentle stream of water and not a burst dam!

L'Uraku

2006-08-15T10:05:00.000+08:00

Had always wanted to try this restaurant - L'Uraku, a Euro-japanese restaurant. Lucky me..I had a business meeting there. Haha...all paid for lunch. Ambiance was kindda nice....deco was adorable with ceilings filled with inverted umbrellas. They are known for their seafood dishes. Wouldn't mind going there again!

The Poop and Pee Inducer!

2006-08-13T15:33:00.000+08:00

Su: "Ahhhh.....hahaha....Chloe just pooped!!"
Me: "Where? What happened?"
Su: "Hahaha.....You won't believe it. She pooped on the balcony. I don't know what happened but she just pooped when I walked up to her"
Me: "What do you mean she just pooped?? What did you do?"
Su: "Nothing! I was chasing her"

Few Days Later.......

Su: "Ahhhhh...Looooookkkkk!!!!"
Me: "What??..."
( I turned and saw Su holding Chloe by the back of her neck and Chloe is peeing on her and the dining table)
Su: "She is peeing and its a lot!!!"
Me: "Hahahaha. What happened"
Su: "I don't know. I just went up to her and she just started peeing!"

Point that I am trying to make: I just figured out that my room mate is a poop and pee laxative for my cats

One arrives while the other leaves...

2006-08-13T15:18:00.000+08:00

Two days ago, Matt told me about his neighbor passing away while giving birth. Ironic isn't it, how a beautiful event is marred by such tragedy.
Is this how mother nature balances itself out? A person dies...and in its place comes a birth? It is even more humbling when one loses her life while giving one. The risks women take.

The love of a mother.

The King & 1

2006-08-11T09:34:00.000+08:00

If someone were to ask if there's a king in your life, what would your answer be?
Haha....I actually would say that there is! and his name is King. Here's Matt's dog King and I

Seize the Day

2006-08-10T10:37:00.000+08:00

"Never leave till tomorrow which you could do today" – Benjamin Franklin

Procrastination…why do we keep putting things off? Why do we not want to know?

Answer: Fear.

Fear of Failure. Fear of Rejection. Fear of Pain. Whatever it is that we’re afraid of, one thing holds true. There will come a point when the pain of not doing the thing gets worse than the fear of doing it.

Sometimes the knowing is better than the wondering, that the waking is better than the sleeping. Even the biggest failure beats the hell out of never trying.

Life stored in a Box

2006-08-10T10:36:00.000+08:00

It's interesting how we become so dependent on technology......our whole life stored in a computer. We wake up and the first thing we need to do is to check our email....communicate through email..Internet..Our whole life as a soft copy.

I did not know how much my life was a soft copy until I lost my external hard drive a few days ago! I used it to back up my stuff from the computer because I needed to clean my computer up. Never had a chance to put the info back and now everything that's important to me is gone. Important docs, pictures ( all of them - this is what happen when you get a digital camera and not print them out), university reports & thesis, recommendation letters, music etc..... My whole life flashed before my eyes...lost in a minute.

Communication

2006-08-08T04:59:00.000+08:00

Communication. It's the first thing we really learn in life.

Funny thing is, once we grow up, learn our words and really start talking the harder it becomes to know what to say.

Or how to ask for what we really need.

10-year Anniversary

2006-08-05T10:33:00.000+08:00

When people say time passes fast...they really do mean it!

I can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated high school! Wow..I still remember the end of high school....all excited, all full of hope...or just glad we'll be done wearing uniforms! All geared up for what's out there. Waiting to get into college and finally leaving bounded grounds. For a few of us...it's the excitement of leaving home...preparing to leave for foreign land. It all boils down to finding and making one's own life. Making it on our own.

Which begs the question...what have I done with my life since then? What have I achieve? Have I gotten to achieve all the goals I set for myself? It's funny how goals tend to change while you're living your life. What's important then doesn't seem so important after all now. We had timelines...I had timelines..graduate by 21....get a good job and be successful by 25...maybe married by 26...hahah...something like that. Life doesn't work with a timeline..they don't want to succumb to it. Life tend to have a mind of its own. Now that I'm 27....I still think I am young...I still have plenty of time...but yet...I feel old. Weird huh?

To further stomp on the fact that it's been 10 years....I get an invitation for my high school class 10-year reunion! Wonder what everyone's like now...how everyone's life turned out to be. I hope to go but since I am so far out here in some random islands in the middle of the Pacific..I am not sure I'll be able to make it. Do I wanna make it?

My First Blog..ever..

2006-07-30T07:06:00.000+08:00

First Blog ever written by me....taken from Friendster's Blog..

First Post-First Thought-Luna Pieno

Never started a blog before….actually I never had a reason to. Not that I really have a solid one right now either. It seems very much like writing a diary. Was never really good at that too. Like everything new in life…we’ve got to try it to see how it is. Hopefully this will allow my friends to get to know me a little better and in that process, maybe I’ll learn more about myself too.

Thought I’ll start by telling you guys about one of my favorite things. I have this “thing” for the moon. Especially the FULL MOON! I thought of writing this as yesterday was the biggest full moon of the year here in Hawaii. It’s not like I turn into a crazy person or a werewolf. That’ll be interesting though. Though I have a friend that some of my other friends call the “wereman”. He only seems to show up during the full moon. If not…I hardly see him.

People have always asked me whether I prefer the sunrise or the sunset. I’ve never really liked either. Love the moon though. I guess it’s also the fact that I love the night - people are at their most peaceful, calm after a chaotic day. Quiet. Alone. In tune with oneself. Honest. Unlike the sun, the moon does not show itself everyday at its fullest. It peeks at you, just enough to let you know its there. It leaves you in the dark….but gives you just enough light to find your way. Once in a while, it’ll come out at its fullest and brightest to let you know that it’s more than just the moon. It gives hope...that one can shine just bright as the sun given the right time.

This could all be just an analogy……it could be about someone, something, some situation or some feeling. In all, the moon to me is a symbol – a symbol of hope. Try looking at the moon the next time, and see what you think.