Tuesday, June 30, 2009

When Love & Care Just Doesn't Seem Enough

Old folks can be more of a handful as compared to kids. Especially when one doesn't even remember what had happened a minute ago, nor listens to any kind advices that were meant to be good for them. (it doesn't sound pleasant once they start using their seniority on you)

Love & care really isn't enough to support them. It needs an extra more patience & watchful eyes, plus maybe a good strong healthy heart to do it. Why I said so ? Here's some examples...(this is also probably another example of "mind over matter" situations)

Older folk who has past leg injuries (denies ever having being injured as well) and is also gradually losing sense of balance, tries to walk without the assistance of walking aids, or conveniently forgets them, misplaces them, etc. *it's not that she was denied the right to walk around, but at least it would be safer to use a walking aid, rite ?

With such difficulties, still attempts at climbing up higher places (like on a sofa) to get something placed out of reach, several attempts to walk few blocks back to her house by herself, regardless under cold wet rain or blazing hot sun shine. *conveniently forgets about several falls and injuries and still not learning from the whole ordeal...*sigh*

When kind advices go unheaded (just because "NO" isn't an acceptable answer) it would take lots of attention diverting & coaxing to calm and convinced an old folk. (also sometimes using seniority to get away with it, or threats to harm oneself, etc) *sounds like any kid who throws tantrums and really really wanting something right ?

It would be helpful if we know more about how to care for more difficult situations. Knowing more about the symptoms or illnesses one has. Being prepared (mentally & physically) for the unexpected, unintended, unwanted.

So, please love, please care, please be more attentive, and please please please be more patient... towards all the old folks out there.

Monday, June 29, 2009

New Sandals....& Slippers

FINALLY! Just bought them. Will finally have my own slippers to wear and not always borrowing others. LOLz (It was fun while it lasted though)

My usual favourites are flats. Since borrowing my mom's shoes, which are half an inch or more high soles, it doesn't feel so natural and comfortable walking on. But my mom does have almost a whole shelf of different design shoes, heels & sandals.

When I was young, I remembered always playing around with my mom's heels, trying them on and attempting to walk while wearing them. (a bit deja vu feel when the kids do it now)

Oh, reminds me too how I kinda played around with my mom's make-up stuffs as well. I didn't quite understand why people put on make-up anyway. Cos til now, I've only put on make-up for performance or special events purposes (but that was also ages ago)

I kinda already like the way I am. The make-up kinda makes my skin even worse...ohhh...*pimples* Been trying ever hard to keep the skin natural and avoid more pimples than before. *groan*

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Not So Penangite-ish

True from the heart confessions of a Penangite who hardly qualifies to be a Penangite....*sigh* yea, sad isn't it? hehehe....

Ok, why I said so, reasons as follows...

1) No Laksa For Me Please!

One of the dish that Penang is actually famous for, and of all things, I don't like eating it at all. Only tried maybe like...1-2 times? Not liking it at all... *no offence* It smells good, just I don't really like the taste...nor the noodle...hmm...

2) Lorongs? What Lorongs? (short-cuts)

I haven't truly ventured around & within the island with much success. Not even familiar with much roads, the IN and OUT, LEFTs or RIGHTs, UP and ABOUT...hehehe. Plus with my lousy sense of direction, it doesn't help much. I even almost got lost and almost ended up crossing the bridge out of the island...hahaha. (But that happened long time ago after I got my drivers license lah...)

3) Durians!! *stinky breath*

I've stopped eating durians at a very young age. All thanks to my brother who teasingly introduced me to some creepy crawlers in one of the durians when we were opening and extracting em out. Well, besides that, there's also the issue of smelly breath, the heatiness, soon-to-get-sore throats, etc.

4) No Chilly Padi, But Spicy Curry Please?

Ok, well, not too spicy curry. But I do like and prefer eating some "spices" dishes as compared to eating chillies or chilly padi. Some friends actually said that spices are even more spicy than chillies, and wondered how I can eat those stuffs but not chillies. Maybe because chillies are fresh & juicy so it stings more, while spices are dried stuffs ?

5) Outdated With Places

Don't even know whether some places still exist or changed name. The new hang out places are definately out of my league. Not sure where's where & the how to's to get around. Roads become one way, or newly developed roads. Where to get the best deals & stuffs. (mostly relying on newspaper adverts & "reliable" sources...hahaha)

On top of it, I don't know where to even get "the best" of stuffs, especially where foods are concern. Like where to get the best "keow teow t'ng", "char kueh teow", "ban cheng kueh", etc. Most of the time, I just follow around, or frequent the regular places nearby

Well, apart from all the above mentions, I do still know or at least like some things that are Penang-ish.

I definately like "Hokkien Mee". Especially if the soup cooked is really tasty and good. guaranteed clean bowl. I like nyonya made kueh's, ah pom (thin sort of pancake), chee cheong chok (porridge), chee cheong fun, etc...(if only I can remember all of it)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Shoes No More

It's not that I won't wear shoes anymore, but in actual fact is because I no longer own any pair of shoes, nor sandals, even a pair of slippers. I failed to replace my worn out shoes in time, before my very last pair of slippers gave up on me...*sigh*

What I'm wearing at the moment ? Something borrowed of course.

Should I buy more new pairs just in case from now on ? I should consider.

(Hahaha...) Hard to believe I don't own more than 2 pairs of shoes right ? Another poor excuse for being a female *groan* It's been rather frustrating for me to find something (even as simple as a pair of shoes) that I would really like and would wear for a certain period of time.

What I usually look for in a pair of shoes/sandals/slippers

1) design is practical yet attractive (sometimes unique)
2) comfortable (must be at least comfortable & durable for long walks)
3) colour (dark colours preferred, but if some light coloured ones are nice, I would consider. Well basically, dark colours are much easier to match...)
4) good, firm, non-slippery sole (you know some sandals are without rubber soles, you could *accidentally* slip and fall with those...wear with caution. why do they even create such shoes anyway...)
5) price (hmm...as long as it's reasonable and within budget lah. I do wonder though why some shoes are priced at unreasonable & ridiculous prices...)

A shopping I need to go....*sigh*

*Money come, money go, wonder how I can make it grow...* hehehe...

Friday, June 26, 2009

What I'm Missing Out...

*just some random thoughts that came popping out from my mind, let's see now...

1) Hanging out with friend(s)
I'm not particularly a "group" person, however I do enjoy having a friend, the most maybe 2-3 in a relatively smaller & closer group of friends, spending time together over yumchar, or a nice meal. Updating, chit-chatting (or sometimes gossiping) about each other & others.

*Would definately want to make it happen again one day

2) Travelling
If only I'm not that particularly prone to motion sickness, I would actually enjoy travelling. Even if I do drive, fatigue would definately kick in and kill my sense of enjoyment (yea, pathetic right?) I try to enjoy the relaxation time though, look around, see a different scenery & environment (hmm....can I even say that it's worth it?) LOLz

*And I thought motion sickness would pass over time...sigh...mentally weak

3) Movies
Yea, watching at cinema types, not just watching DVD's at home on my reasonably wide screen or portable screen (laptop that is) It's a whole different experience especially with surround sounds and everything big & loud. Wonder whether the translations are any better nowadays...hahaha (I miss the annual movie outing with friends...*sob sob*)

*Well, ok, financially speaking, DVD's really aren't that bad, cos I do get to watch some cool movies over and over (& over) again. *grins*

4) Pool
No, not swimming pool. Pool, snooker, billiards (Well, maybe the snooker table IS too big and wide for me) But, I used to enjoy pocketing them balls. Although I still lack certain sense of judgement, and the lack of practice on strength, angle, strategy planning. It's having fun that counts...(I feel sorry to my devoted "sifu's" already...thousand apologies ya?)

*Definately an activity next on my list, need to find a decent outlet though

5) Good Food or Cuisines
Well, frankly, I confess I am a rather "picky" eater. So I do have my preferences in taste. I miss those younger times when the family went for hi-tea and stuff. Hmm...get a whiff and look of all those pastries, delicious cakes, mouth watering fruit salads....*yummy* Buffet would have been something I'd indulged in too, but not anymore...for obvious reasons! LOLz

*Sushi buffet (all you can eat) anyone ??? hahaha...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Let's Start Growing!

Alright, first of all (pre-announcement), *ahem* if you don't ever see me updating this post after some time, you'll know that the green thumb has failed on me (again) *touch wood*

Anyway, here goes...

I've bought some flower seeds and reasonable functional type of pots. I'd love to see some mixtures of flowers of some sorts growing out together. Hope it'll work, not sure how it'll turn out looking though, I do hope it'll come out the way I'd imagined it to be. *fingers crossed...oh wait, make that TOES crossed as well...hehehe*

I really really really REALLY would love to see them bloom one day.

Worms, snails, plant eating bugs (& etc) ...Please please please PLEASE KEEP AWAY !!!

oh btw, the watermelon plant died mid-way. Don't know whether it's sabotaged or died of natural causes...oh well...*try try TRY...again & again & again*

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

10 Mins Walk

10 mins walk a day keeps the heart pumping away! (Or at least that's what it's supposed to help with...)

I walk, because some places are nearby, and it's much faster to reach compared to driving (seriously)

Imagine having only one "IN & OUT" road, which during school & work days are heavily parked (double-triple parked) by cars, vans, buses...(lorries too) sounds ridiculous right? That's how frustrated it is. Can't even get out to the main road, not to mention crossing it.

Anyway, walking...pros & cons. Of course...

1) for health reasons, it is a good option.
(hopefully the smokes & carbon dioxides don't get to me first)

2) enjoying slow walks, looking at sceneries along the way
(when everything is moving at such fast pace, it is nice to slow down & sometimes stop to look at the little things we're missing. smelling roses maybe?)

3) another health reason, build up leg muscles..?
(if work involves mostly sitting down whole day, it is best to walk any other time possible. LOLz)

4) getting to know people, along the way
(yes, meeting new people, or even meeting neighbours that we hardly even knew or met before, meeting people who work at the shops, etc. who knows you'll change somebody's life, or even they might change yours, or make some impact in our lives.)

5) feel the warmth or coolness *depending on the weather
(although the heat wave kinda ticks me off and feels like almost evaporating any time...LOLz and not to mention the change of skin colours...not very nice tans)

Anyway, hope to be able to keep walking like this and not get lazy over it. Oh, and definately feel grateful I even have good fine pair of (although not so strong as before) legs to walk with.

"Just Keep Walking"

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Think Happy Thoughts

when...

1) Feeling Anxious *keep the butterflies away*
2) Feeling Blue *think Pink? hehehe...*
3) Feeling Crushed *put the pieces back, and try try try again*
4) Feeling Depressed *snap out of it*
5) Feeling Down *not the end of the world yet*
6) Feeling Lonely *Memories are precious, cherish them*
7) Feeling Neglected *freedom & independance isn't all that bad*
8) Feeling Stressed *don't sweat it*
9) Feeling Sick *laughter is the best medicine afterall*
10) Feeling....well, just about anything goes.

Just "think happy, be happy"

Monday, June 22, 2009

Puzzling Puzzles

Rubik's Cube!! I guess....this is the one puzzle which keeps me puzzled. Only managed to make one side complete, and all other 5 sides still puzzling. LOLz (trying to solve one now...)

Making a mess into a deeper mess. Have never managed even close to completing the whole puzzle. (proves how low my IQ really is...*sigh*)

Time to study....

I like puzzle games, especially Jigsaw Puzzle. The physical types, I wish I could do the biggest puzzle. (still searching for something I actually like and worth keeping)

Bejewelled is fun too (or Chuzzle, other similiar puzzle games). Fast moving game and very interactive. Really requires lots of concentration. Sometimes I can even miss and not see a combination. (must be really sleepy and tired...LOLz)

I used to be really addicted to Tetris, Lemmings (the poor lil suicide critters) and those matching pairs type of games where they test your memory. Oh yea, mahjong matching tiles too. hahaha...fun enough to kill some time with it.

Puzzles....puzzling....puzzled!!~

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Healthy Relationship

There's no right or wrong in doing things and maintaining a relationship. As everyone has their different opinions, different strengths, different methods, etc. As long as it works both ways.

1) Compromise
Giving & receiving, taking turns, and having both opinions taken into consideration. Don't set expectations, but rather to receive anything with open minds & hearts. (unless its bad habits...please do something about it)

2) Communication
Open communication would be ideal. There shouldn't be fears nor doubts nor prejudice towards an idea, a topic, and especially each others concerns. Be subtle yet direct, straight to the point. Tell no lies. (How can there be trust when everything is a lie, right?)

3) Understanding
Be aware of both sides situation, ups & downs, maybe even each others mood. Communication is required, so that both person speak up to let each other know what's going on in order for anyone to understand (& to be understanding about it)

4) Respect
Personal Space & Boundaries
No matter how much both people want to spend time with each other, sometimes everybody also need their own personal space to breathe, and their privacy. A "NO" means "NO", and nothing else. Don't ASS-u-ME and keep bugging about it.

Secrecy
Everybody has secrets. It is up to the person whether they would like to share it with us or not. Sometimes it requires one to pick up the courage first in order to share their secrets, or to wait for the right time, etc. Whatever the secret is, respect it, and keep it as it is. Secrets aren't meant to be spread all around (especially after a big major bad break-up) Stop telling on others secrets unless you're prepared to have your secrets told.

5) Love
While a relationship cannot live on Love alone, but it does need some loving quality to keep it going. Love should encourage and give strength to everyone. Love should be sweet, melodic, and nice all around it. Love should be meaningful, beautiful, and wonderful. (Full of love, huh?)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Rub Salt In A Wound

No, I'm not deliberately making somebody's life even more miserable, unhappy or anything (maybe just my own)

It just means I've put salt on MY own wound, which happens to be in the mouth (mouth ulcers maybe)...and *OuCh* does it sting real bad. *gRoAn*

Even though it stings, but at least it's a much faster recovery.

*think happy thoughts....think happy thoughts....*

Why I Like...

*in no particular order

1) colour Blue
Water, I like almost everything related to water. The ocean, sea, ponds, pools, rain, etc. It gives a cool & calm feeling. (probably that's why I'm "cool")

2) looking at raindrops
Every ripple it makes is unique, always forming different patterns, like a dance in motion, or a music in play. An absolute art of nature.

3) to admire sunlight rays
*early mornings in the forest where the sun shines through the trees and alluminating it, plus having early morning fog/midst
Gives a certain extent of hope, beginning of a new day. Something so mesmerizing, it just take ones breath away.

4) looking at bubbles
Clear, round, weight-less bubbles, floating around in the air to unknown heights, uncertain destinations. Giving a sense of freedom & lifting ones spirit. Such child-like play & simple, carefree.

5) to day dream
A brief moment away from reality, into a personal space of fantasy & imagination. Well, most of the time is just staring blankly to nowhere, leaving the mind empty and blank. Just like going into "stand-by" mode.

6) solving jigsaw puzzles
Trying to put all the pieces together. Fitting every piece, section by section. Feeling of satisfaction when everything has been completed.

7) looking out to the vast sea / ocean
Wave after wave that splashes up the sand, looking out to the vast open space, wondering what else lies beyond the horizon.

8) looking at underwater sea creatures
*love watching National Geographic & other Explorers channel that features these programmes
The many beauty and wonderful (and also some weird) creatures that many wouldn't imagined existed right at the very depth of the ocean. It's all so mysterious...

9) star gazing
I'm not very good at identifying the constallations, maybe only Orient (the archer). But it's still nice to be able to look up at the vast dark sky, seeing bright twinkly stars everywhere, maybe some tiny dot planet(s). I still remember having once looked at "shooting stars" comets. (if only I can remember what I actually wished for) Not forgetting looking at the full moon...*sigh*

10) looking at spiders spin their webs
*No, not referring to Spider Man
The actual real spiders, small tiny creatures that lives in the garden or outdoors. Seeing them spin such delicate creatively designed "home" or trap to catch their prey in.

11) weeding
Yes, unfortunately since I can't successfully make plants or flowers grow, I am good at seeking and weeding out the bad odd weeds. Making the lawn a much healthier and better looking ground. And it's also relaxing, even though lots of hard work involved.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sitting Alone

I'm not used to going out alone, eating alone, or sitting alone at places. (Even though I'm used to spending most of my time alone at home...LOLz)

Anyway, I would like to "thank" a friend (who in actual fact, stood me up on a yumchar session), to give me this opportunity to actually sit alone at a Starbuck outlet, drinking tea & reading some magazines. (thank god the articles were good reads for me to kill time much easily)

I think, it isn't so bad afterall to once in awhile go out, sit down, drink tea or coffee, alone.

Being in a different environment, relaxing and not sitting in front of the pc (although it was tempting to bring along my laptop, where practically every other customer HAS their laptops with them)

I should (if I could) do this again some other time.

Think No Evil, Do No Evil

We commonly know the 3 "No Evil's" - Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil. To be practical about it, I personally think we should add another 2 more - Think No Evil, Do No Evil.


We cannot avoid hearing it nor seeing it, as it is everywhere around us, but we can try not to speak of it.

Should we not think of it, we will not do any of it - just a matter of "Mind over matter" (I'm luvin this phrase already) LOLz

Saturday, June 13, 2009

2nd Chance

If you were given a 2nd chance to live your life, how would you live it ?

We tend to regret what we didn't do what we thought of doing in the past. Maybe a career opportunity we let it slipped by, or a relationship never pursued / never expressed our feelings before, made a different decision, and lots more.


There is definately no option of turning back the clock and going back into the past to redo something or change a decision. But there's still a slight chance of having a "2nd chance" opportunity presenting itself.

But I guess, everything happens for a reason.


Whether you think it was an obstacle test, a trial of patience, etc. After all that has happened, there is no point in looking back and regretting what went wrong. On the other hand, we only look back and refer what it has helped us see more clearly, reflect upon it and learn from those mistakes.


Everybody deserves a 2nd chance.

I Can't Beat My Own High Score...

Am I retarded ?!? (no, not really, but it's rather frustrating...LOLz)

Been playing some online games while killing time. It's kinda fun once in awhile to keep oneself active & to stimulate brain activities. It's also rather challenging fun to have some friendly "competition" - trying to compete against friends, beating each other's high scores, etc

While playing, the leader boards keep re-shuffling with friends taking over each others positions, achieving higher and higher scores. Proves to show that there are others out there who can do better. (It does need lots of attention & concentration to play puzzle games especially)

Sometimes I think that high scores are almost impossible to achieve, until I saw other friends erasing their own scores with even higher scores (sometimes with near impossible scores) so, it's not entirely impossible afterall...just need to keep practising and try harder the next time.

Most important thing though, applying the same principle of playing games to doing other things in life, is to keep improving ourselves, get even better than what we previously were, not giving up so easily.

Friday, June 12, 2009

People's First Impression Of Me

*not necessarily accurate, but it's something in general

1) You're "cool" (cold, silent type)
2) You look young (I don't feel young though...haha)
3) You look nicer with long hair (I promised myself I won't have short hair anymore, cos it was a dissaster)
4) You're so shy (It's just sometimes better to say nothing at all...)
5) You're so quiet (I listen alot, not really the expressive type)
6) Your silence is suspiciously frightening (Yes, and I'm also the suffer in silence type)


*Hmm...wonder if I've forgotten any...LOLz

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Women, Know Your Rights

Violence, Forced Sex In a Marriage is Not a ‘Personal Matter’
http://en.suarakeadilan.com/current-news/2009/06/9135

This can happen to anyone, no matter how serious it has been inflicted.

*Physical (bodily) injuries, leaves a scar, may or may not heal over time.
*Emotional (feelings) imbalance, leaves negative impressions.
*Mental (thinking) disturbances, is by far the most harmful and dangerous thing to have.

* Have you been mentally manipulated?
* Do you often feel guilty and responsible for whatever actions & outcome?
* Is your logic thinking often restricted?
* Has he/she forced you to alienate friends, family & other people, leaving you with noone else to turn to?

It is a struggle between logic thinking vs emotions, where most of the time we let our emotion cloud our logic judgements.

After having bonded with someone whom we think we love, we try to fix the problem, or just accept whatever happens. Which tends to lead to uncompromised situations. The relationship becomes so imbalance, that either one would be hurt the most. Sometimes even dangerous, life threatening.

Women should speak up, be courageous and not be intimidated by threats. Have friends and keep close contact with family members always. Let people know what's happening, or at least ask for advises.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

It Feels Great To Be...

1) able to catch up with good friends
2) able to spend time and hang out with best buddies
3) able to relax and be at peace
4) an individual - no two people are alike (not even twins)
5) in control of situation(s)
6) able to make own decisions and not regret it
7) loved, and to love back unconditionally
8) in the pink of health
9) able to achieve something in your life
10) free *lot of possibilities to be free (i.e. debt free, carefree, freedom, etc)

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

You Know It's A Good Day When...

*in no particular order (just some personal random thoughts)

1) Everything you do seems to go smoothly, no single glitch
2) You've been surprised with some good or exciting news
3) You've found "lost & found" money on the floor while taking a walk
4) You've managed to override your previous game scores, as well as being ahead in the leader board
5) You actually enjoyed yourself when initially you thought doing something might be a total bore
6) You managed to finish reading a good book (faster than you could imagine)
7) You're sitting down drinking your favourite drink while listening to good music
8) Long lost friend(s) start popping out from out of nowhere and keeping in touch back again
9) You start recalling good old times and laughing about it
10) Someone you wish to call, contacted you first instead

Monday, June 08, 2009

You Know You're Getting Old When...

*in no particular order & does not necessarily apply to everyone...just my own personal opinion / experience.

1) You must have your 8 hours sleep, and some naps in between during day time, should you want to function properly and have your brain thinking rationally.
2) You need to catch your breaths more frequently while/after walking.
3) You can hardly keep your eyes open by 10pm.
4) You hardly or no longer prefer sweet taste.
5) You think spending is a waste of money.
6) You feel your whole body aching after doing some minor house chores/mild exercises.
7) Your rule to eating becomes "Live to eat" instead of "Eat to Live".
8) Health issues become your top priority and concerns
9) You appreciate quiet & peaceful moments more, instead of thinking that silence is boring and uneventful.
10) You can think back and laugh at your past

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Generations Gap

Generation, (Extracted from Wikipedia) known as procreation, is the act of producing offspring; a level in a family tree.

A little comparision between 2 hugely different generations
(somethings just from my personal views)

Great-Grand-Parent(s) vs Great-Grand-Child(ren)

1) Money
THEN: Few cents meant a whole lot of money. Every penny saved is a penny earned.
NOW: RM1 can't buy anything, RM10 not enough to buy what they really want, RM100 barely cover...etc (they think money appear from thin air)

2) Discipline
THEN: Nobody dares to answer back & receives their punishments without complaints.
NOW: Fights back, learns their lessons the hard way, easily & swiftly forgotten (as well as forgiven) oh...and they tend to give you the "stare" look

3) Knowledge (Education)
THEN: General knowledge, hands-on experiences, outdoors exposure, etc
NOW: They don't just merely learn ABC's in kindergarten anymore...

4) Games
THEN: 7 stones, 1 leg, hide-and-seek, masak-masak, police catches thieves, etc
NOW: Computer online games, hand held portable games, playstations, etc. Well, there are also lots more outdoor sports games played too.

5) Fashion / Clothes
THEN: mostly custom and/or home made, brand-less
NOW: Barbie brands, PowerPuff Girls brands, Disney, etc and these aren't cheap.

6) Noise (i.e. talking, shouting, etc)
THEN: Talks softly, whispers, and know when to keep quiet
NOW: They don't talk...it's practically shouting at ear splitting pitches and assumes that adults are deaf if & when we respond a second too slow to them

*Should I blame on the forever-new-and-improved-latest-technology "powderful" milk formulas that kids consume nowadays ? Kids (regardless of gender) are rather (hyper)active these days...LOLz

Friday, June 05, 2009

It's "Just-So-Not-Your-Day" When...

*in no particular order (just some personal random thoughts)

1) Things don't work out the way you planned / expected it to be
2) You feel irritated and annoyed at just about anything
3) You flip right at the second of any slight irritation / annoyance
4) Your mind becomes a complete blank when you need to rely on it the most
5) You miss someone terribly lots & do not see him/her anywhere
6) The weather is hotter than usual and becomes too unbearable
7) You become awfully lazy to do anything
8) You suddenly start crying for no particular reason
9) Comedy doesn't even sound comedic enough
10) You lack appetite even with your favs.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Cartoons For The Family

The word cartoon (Extracted from Wikipedia) has various meanings, based on several very different forms of visual art and illustration. The term has evolved over time. The original meaning was in fine art, and there cartoon meant a preparatory drawing for a piece of art such as a painting or tapestry.


The somewhat more modern meaning was that of humorous illustrations in magazines and newspapers. Even more recently there are now several contemporary meanings, including creative visual work for print media, for electronic media, and even animated films and animated digital media.


When the word cartoon is applied to print media, it most often refers to a humorous single-panel drawing or gag cartoon, most of which have captions and do not use speech balloons. The word cartoon is sometimes used to refer to a comic strip.


I personally enjoy watching cartoons on TV and it hasn't stop to amaze me how much one can learn from them. (while being entertained)


Having kids around at home who watches cartoons, makes it a MUST to watch it together with them. Disney Channel is one of my favourites (LOLz) because the cartoons are more subtle and educational. Unlike the older kids cartoons - Ben10, Totally Spies, SpongeBob,

Long ago I only remember having watched Sesame Street as the only educational cartoon/show. But now, they have so many of them that teaches kids so many different things. You get to learn different languages too. (i.e. Spanish)


Sometimes I wonder whether the kids would really understand the cartoons. But after few repetitions, I guess they do (eventually). But knowing kids being kids, as long as they enjoy it, it keeps them entertained, (cos it's all colourful, funny stuffs)


Some nice cartoons that are worth watching (my personal choices) are:


1) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - teaches counting, problem solving, identifying objects & shapes

2) Pocoyo - toddlers just love the baby blue & his friends at Pocoyo's World. they're a lovable & funny bunch.

3) Handy Manny - teaches kids to help others. able to learn a bit of spanish too. (buen trabajo) = good job

4) Little Einstein - get to learn lots of music, creative and artistic throughout their "missions" (learning about famous musicians, painters, creators, etc)

5) Dora the Explorer (Nickjr) - adventure stories, remembering facts, and speaks spanish too. (Excelente!) = excellent

6) Diego the Animal Rescuer (Nickjr)- animal rescue missions, speaks spanish too, learn about different types of animals.

7) My Friends Tigger & Pooh - The Super Sleuth and their tigger-rific sleuthing missions. woohoo!~

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

New Hobby

Hobbies (extracted from Wikipedia) are practiced for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward. Examples include collecting creative and artistic pursuits, making, tinkering, sports and adult education. Engaging in a hobby can lead to acquiring substantial skill, knowledge and experience. However, personal fulfillment is the aim.


I'm currently sort of pursuing a new hobby. Well, if there were more time, more chances, more resources, I would've loved to do lots more other leisurely stuffs.

My latest obsession and new love - my Baby Taylor. Yes, it's the same guitar brand as Taylor Swift's guitar(s). Her's are customed made though. And at the same time, I'm obsessed with Taylor Swift's songs too at the moment.


Have always wondered what it's like learning to play the guitar. It looks easy when others play it. But I guess with lots of patience and practice, I could pull through it too (I hope) lolz

Apart from the painful numb fingers I'm getting from playing the guitar, it's still enjoyable once I get used to playing the chords and making it sound right. With so many guitar playing styles to learn, the many many songs I look forward learning to play.

Whole lots more possibilities in mind. Looking forward to make it possible.

Credit Card Sins

An impulse purchase or impulse buy (extracted from Wikipedia) is an unplanned or otherwise spontaneous purchase. One who tends to make such purchases is referred to as an impulse purchaser or impulse buyer.


This is a bit continuity from the post "Retail Therapy" regarding to purchases and *gulp* over-spending...


I don't know about you guys, but I would feel pretty bad and guilty if that'd happens. When over spending occurs, and you can't bring yourself to stop it, the small amount will accumulate and increase in time. *yikes* Eventually leading to relying on credit cards. Even if you can afford to settle it, there will surely have it's side effects later on. (think about it)


Lots of credit cards tend to have various attractive offers. And one credit card in particular claims that it "changes people's lives". I agree that it does "change" people's lives, but for good or for worst ?


Is it really worth it to be temporarily satisfied? When it is encouraging people to spend more than they can actually afford? What ever happened to "saving for a rainy day" ? Or how about focusing on practical purchases? Needs vs Wants?


Lesson of the day (& further reminder to self): Big no-no on overspending, especially using credit cards. Practice self discipline, and always think-think-think before deciding whether the purchase(s) is really required. Unless it's a real emergency...

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Self Satisfaction

Self Satisfaction (extracted from thefreedictionary.com) - Satisfaction, especially complacent satisfaction, with oneself or with one's accomplishments.

I'm learning the guitar, self learn (well, youtube helped alot)

I've learned to play basic chords (really really basic)

I've learned to strum (need to work more on that)

I'm learning to memorize chords (lots and lots of repetition playing)

*ouch* fingers numb and painful by now

I've managed to learn & memorize the song "Edelweiss" guitar chords. It's nothing like how people play it (as seen on youtube) but it's still something. LOLz

That's my satisfaction of the day.

*Taylor Swift songs, here I come!!*

Monday, June 01, 2009

Coldest Swim

Weather was warm during the afternoon, so it looked like rather good weather for swimming. Until...

Arrived at our usual swimming place, wind was chilly (as usual), sun was almost setting, looked a bit cloudy though, when down into the water we went...

BbbbBbbbbbbrrrrrRRrrrrrrRRrrrrrrrr...........................................

Too cold today...EXTREMELY cold...unusually cold. *sigh*

What a day it has been...

Retail Therapy

Retail therapy (extracted from Wikipedia) is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. (1) Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short-lived habit. Items purchased during periods of retail therapy are sometimes referred to as "comfort buys."

I tried to go for one, but instead ended up buying stuffs for my daughter. Well, she needed more stuffs than me anyway. I'm still happy I bought her those stuffs, cos that makes her happy. (does that still count as retail therapy?)

Anyway, I have one frustrated thing though, while embarking on this "retail therapy" journey, I practically window shopped almost the entire shopping complex for something I needed. (i.e. new shoes) But to no avail, found nothing that catches my interest. Or at least, in terms of its design and practicality. Not to mention the unbelievably ridiculous prices. (this pisses me off even more than supposingly improving my mood. lolz)

Personally, I wouldn't dare try "retail therapy" during down times (as in during bad moods), cos the brain ceases to function, you'll probably tend to overspend, maybe even take almost everything and anything in sight even though you don't really need it but just felt like wanting it. Then when you finally wake up to your senses, you'll probably regret that you spent those hard earn money on "junks", not to mention the accumulative credit on your credit card. (guilty as charged)

Lesson of the day: Shop when in a good mood and financially able. Do other non-spending activities when in a bad mood. (lolz)

What I Do & Like Doing & Likes...

(1) Teaching Kids (2) Volunteering (3) Crochet Flowers (4) Arts & Crafts (5) Virtual Farming/Cafe (6) Swimming (7) Singing (8) Salmon Sushi (9) J-Co Donuts (10) Pasta (11) Watermelon (12) Beach