Day 29: A picture that can always make you smile.

This surely has been a tough decision. I can't really come down to ONE picture as there are folers upon folders of photos that freezes wonderful memories into a rectangular sort of pixels.
Here as just some of my favourites (I would've added more, if I wasn't so busy working at my dad's office right now)

1.

 Christmas in Hokkaido.

Look at my giddy face. It was my first time seeing snow firsthand and I guess I got a little too overexcited, so I ran under the freezing snowfall and begged my already shivering sister to take this photo. Worth it :)

2. 

 Christmas Caroling.

I wouldn't miss it for the world. This is actually one of my favourite photos of all time despite my terrible haircut (not to mention acne!)

I really have a great time with them singing carols and just laughing so hard in the school bus.

3.

 Cupid Strike/Ultimate Blackhearted

Yeah, we actually named our group :P 

But these wonderful ladies have coloured my life with hilarious memories of primary school.

I'm so glad we're still in touch even though one's in Nottingham, the other just left for Australia..

and it's just Honovi(left) and me. 

Come back soon guys!! (LIKE REALLY SOON)

4.

 Just Us.

Behold the world's craziest girls in one picture. 

They're honestly so amazing and wonderful that sometimes I wonder why they're even friends with me (cause you know, I'm lame).

High school would never be the same without these girls in my life. 

5.

  Senior One Xiao '12

Meet the most awesome class I've ever been in. 

Although there's 60 of us, I can't believe how well we got along. 

Seriously, I am truly honoured to be your monitor this year, you amazing peeps :)

I'll pray and wish upon every shining star that we'll end up in the same class next year because only we can get 100% pass the whole year right?? 

FOREVER A XIAO '12

Day 28: A picture of something you’re afraid of.

Death

I'm not afraid of how I die, but the what happens after when I'm six feet underground (actually I preferred to be cremated than buried, but it's a figure of speech)

Will anyone come to my funeral? Will there even be a funeral? Will anyone miss me? What would the world be without me?

These are questions that I ask myself almost everyday.

It's like you've been living on this Earth for so long that sometimes you wonder what would other people's life be without you in it. When you minus yourself from the equation, will it still be balanced? 

As a Catholic, I believe in life after death, honestly I'm looking forward for my next life with the Lord but I'm just wondering about the lives of people here on Earth, how much would my absence effect them. 

Sorry about the disturbing picture of the "Angel of Death", it was the only one without the scary faces. 

Picture credits:

Angel of Death

Then your tummy flips..

There was a time when I thought that I would always walk alone on this journey.
I started becoming used to the idea that I've overlooked all the other possibilities.
Friends and family will always be the beautiful flowers that grow at the side of my life's pathway, always there to give me a reason to take a step forward.
Never thought I would end up sharing that pathway with somebody.

Then it happened. 

It totally caught me off guard, like an unexpected turn that appears suddenly on your life journey and you take that turn anyways because deep down you know it's the right thing to do now.

Being only 16, everybody will say there's still so much in store for me. I know that, but I'd rather seize the moment and love every second of it, with him. There's nothing wrong with that, right?

Honestly, I am happy to share this pathway with that footsteps. They might gradually fade away or they might stay with me till the end, but why care about the future when the present is so wonderful?

I might be confusing you with all this but I'm just somebody who does not like to go straight to the point with certain things. :) If you get it, you get it.

20 reasons why I don't have a boyfriend

Let's just say I'm bored and decided to post this for the sake of all randomness in this world :)

20 REASONS:

1) I'm very indecisive about where to go, what to eat and unfortunately, what to buy.
2) I'm a messy eater
3) When I cook, I normally cook for myself only.
4) I have acne
5) I have flabby arms
6) I can never dress as pretty as other girls are.
7) I get jealous easily (but I don't show it, normally I just bottle it up inside)
8) I take my time in replying texts (if you're a "fast" texter, it might feel like forever x100 for me to   reply you)
9) I really like to be alone, most of the times.
10) I am considered "one of the boys" in class.
11) I assume things too fast
12) I love football but sometimes I fall asleep watching matches.
13) I love to eat. A lot. 
14) I am a slob at home and in school.
15) I talk too loud sometimes.
16) My dad's a politician
17) I'm allergic to chocolates
18) I don't wear make-up (unless there's a big occasion, i.e. weddings)
19) I have the world's ugliest thighs
20) I'm madly in love with a British diver :)

Some of these reasons might sound ridiculous, but I guess that's why it has driven guys away for so long.

3rd Championships tomorrow!! Hopefully with 2 weeks of absence of training, I still have some game in me. :)

Day 27: A picture of yourself and a family member.

Dina Cyla 

She has been my big sister that I never had. 

She is the only cousin around my age that I see on a regular basis. Well, I used to, until she left for College this May. 

I miss her terribly. 

I'm not sure how we ended up being so close. We just clicked I guess. 

She was the one who brought me closer to Christ, through Lifeteen. She taught me the wonders of watching CSI and she introduced me to the wonderful world of Little Black Dress, the chic novels :)

She's a natural artist and amazing at braids. She has the patience and the kindness to tolerate with my ridiculousness at times. 

I love her to death and I can't imagine how my life would turn out if it wasn't for her. 

She brought me out of my childhood and taught me to grow up. 

She doesn't know that, but I hope she reads this and see how much she means to me. :)

I love you bebeh *lessthan3*

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

My Fencing Medals

These are my pride and joy :) It's not really the medals that means a lot to me, is the effort I've put in and the sacrifices I've made to earn them. 

I used to be someone who thought that she could do anything in the world, then I became this girl who lost all her confidence. Through fencing, I've slowly gained that confidence and it increased when I won my first medal in 2008, it was just a Fencer's Competition but still, first competition and a silver medal. Not bad for a first-timer ;) 

Then I got chosen to represent my state for last year's Malaysian Games (SUKMA). I have been wanting a spot at the state team for so long and I was elated to get chosen. I had to miss my confirmation for the Games but it was worth it cause I came back with a bronze medal (the one in the middle) for the team event,my only event cause my seniors joined the individuals. 

This year was a memorable year for me too. Nationals Junior (U-21) and Cadet (U-17) happened this August and I brought home a medal, but for the Junior category which was unexpected as I was hoping I could win in the Cadet but lost instead in the quarter-finals. 

Between those I've joined several local competitions and did fairly well. No gold yet, but it's coming! :) 

Winning these medals just prove everybody who never believed in me wrong. I can excel in something. I'm not a fat ass. I can certainly do sports. 

I do thank my friends and family who have been the pillar of my strength, for believing in me :)

I also want to thank those who've doubted me or underestimated me, maybe you still do, but thank you, for giving me the motivation to exceed your expectations :) 

I'm still trying my best to be the best :) 

Standing at the crossroads

You know how they always say, "Dreams can come true" and when you see other people's dreams coming true, suddenly, you have this hope in your heart that someday yours will too.
Then you start to dream ambitious and actually work hard to achieve it.

Then one day, your parents ask you, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It wasn't a random question you ask a 5 year old anymore, it has become the deciding question.
10 years ago, I would've answered "A Baker."
5 years ago, I would've said "A writer."
3 months ago, I would've told you with my utmost confidence "A physiologist/sports psychologist."
Today, I have no idea.

I'm standing at a crossroad at going for my dreams or going for my parents' pride for me.
They say "You can achieve anything as long as you follow your dreams."
Then you realise, you can only achieve your dreams only after you've completed the path set out by your parents.

So my dad wants me to follow in his footsteps and my 3 other cousin's into taking a Law Degree. He told me all about the advantages of having a degree in Law and how I can be a leader of the country, something like that. When I told him that I really want to take up sports science and psychology, he said that courses like that are too wide of a field.

He suggests that I take Law as my main and something else as my complimentary. I do think it's a fair idea but I just don't think if I'm up for political analysis and stuffs. Hmmm..

What should I do? Please my parents instead of living my dream? Why can't I do both?

Anyways, I still have a year at least to go before I actually have to make the final decision.
Quoting my mum when I told her I can't wait to graduate,

"Take one day at a time"

It's the finals once again

It's that time of the year again.. final final exams. *children booing*
This time last year I was freaking out about PMR and UEC and by this time next year, I'm pretty sure I'll be freaking out about SPM.
So I guess this will be my final 2nd-Term finals.

Oh. This finals stands 40% of the 55% of my final average, so I guess I really have to double my efforts after failing Bio and AdMaths for mid-terms.*awwhhhhhh*

That's swell. I'm still procrastinating thanks to VSauce and their interesting videos.
Seriously, they have the weirdest facts and images. Random too. Now who doesn't like videos with a random girl holding a lighter to the end of the butt and farting? Oh the randomness.

Just lavishing my desire to type things out 'cause typing on a keyboard is fun. :)

typetypetypetypetypetype

now the word "type" looks weird to you right?? Haha.

Day 25: A picture of your favorite day

5th July 2012

Day trip to London :)

It was a sunny Thursday afternoon. There were two double decked buses parked outside the Porter's Lodge in St. Catherine's College, Oxford. One hour later, the buses carrying over 150 international students were driving by the Thames River,with the Big Ben and the Parliament on the other side, and heading into the city center of London. 

I have plenty of favourite days but I went with this because it was just too surreal for me. In less than 4 hours, at the Covent Garden, I've had an eye full of amazing street performers, London street life and delicious English pastries, I also saw a Kate Middleton look-alike, ha, close enough I guess. I even went into a "Build-A-Bear" store, though I didn't make one :(  Then, had a "pre-theatre" dinner which was actually an 8-inch peperoni pizza called "The American" and watched a West End Musical (Shrek: The Musical). I mean it's not everyday I get to experience this right?

I guess what made it more memorable is the company I had (the lovely girls in the picture above) and the wonderful wonderful weather. It didn't rain a single drop that day, unlike the other days I was in the UK :) 

A little bit too impulsive perhaps?

Newton's third law states that with every action, there is a reaction of equal force.
That doesn't only apply in the world of physics, rather it happens often in our normal daily lives.

A very good example,
when your teacher suddenly talks to you with a loud voice, you'll automatically answer back in the same volume, or when your friends punch you in the arms, you pinch them with the same force, or so you think.

So, don't be surprised if someone reacts too impulsively. Stand back and stop to think, you might've been a bit too impulsive too.

There's a way to end the cycle though. Be the bigger person. Don't fight force with force. Take a deep breath, pat your chest and say "Aaa Iz Vell" (All Is Well, "Three Idiots" anyone?)
Then, just smile and back away.

Anyways, Finals are on the 9th! Excited! Haha, yeah, the thought about sitting for the final exam of the year excites me..weeeeeee!
Can't wait!

And the world will become your oyster..

Today, I've spent most of my time, besides talking and highlighting pointless statements, well, thinking about my future. I used to be so sure of what I was going to do and where I'm going to be but as my days as a high school student are decreasing, I am not so sure anymore.

I know being only 16, there's still a lot of time, but what if there isn't? By this time next year, applications form have to be submitted and I'll be taking my first steps into the real world.

Where would I be in 5 years? 

We've stepped on this world with a purpose and a mission, we all have our own niche in this world.

Problem is, what is it?

I've always had this feeling deep in my guts telling me that I have to do something big and influential. It's like I'm supposed to do some Superhuman act that can change the world. How crazy is that?

Well, even if it's true, I still don't know what my next step in this world should be. Oh well, I'll just let time tell me then. Hopefully it won't be late.

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change.

MY LEGS

You know, being only 153 158 cm tall, you really don't want to look any shorter. Unfortunately, being me, I am stuck with this two big jiggly things that I've been told to call legs. I really wished it could at least be a bit smaller, thinner looking so I won't look like a pear when I wear my jeans. 

But then, everyone's saying "You gotta accept what you've been given with, it's all part of God's plan". Yeah, I know, be grateful.

Honestly, I don't mind if I really have to stick with my thighs and calves for the rest of my life but it would be nice  to be able to buy pants according to your waist size and not the diameter of your thighs (which is always a size bigger!).

Alast! She speaks!

During my 40 days of absence, I have gone through so much emotions.
In a blink of an eye, I have lost my beloved grandaunt, won my first national medal and learned not to simply let myself plunge into an emotional roller coaster with somebody that I hardly know.

Recently, I've also learned that behind every good deed, is a motive to destroy.

Let's just say that I've grown up. Well a bit. Experienced a taste of what the real world is like and I'm slowly preparing myself to face it while I still have time.

~

 

So yeah, I was welcomed at my dashboard just now by a comment that well, motivated me to blog about something today :)

To whoever you are out there, THANK YOU so much for letting me know that there is at least one person who is interested to know more :)

So, day 24, is up on it's way.

-LM xox

Our Malaysian Hero

 DATO' LEE CHONG WEI

Like most Malaysians, we spent Sunday night watching the Men's Badminton Olympic Finals. 

Lee Chong Wei, our nation's hero, training for only 2 weeks prior to the Games,after suffering from a twisted ankle and a shoulder injury few months ago, managed to fight his way (taking painkillers to aid him too) to his second Olympic Finals. 

He was to fight against long time rival, Lin Dan from China. 

My whole family were tense! After Chong Wei won the first set, we all knew he stood a chance. 20 minutes later, it was the deciding set. Not to put too much stress on him but all hopes were on him. The crowd went silent. 

It was an amazing match. Lee Chong Wei truly played his best I've ever seen him play. He really has the Harimau Spirit. No words can describe how proud I am of him. Even though it was a heart breaking lost, God knows we are all proud of him. Well, most of us. 

It's not every Olympics we see our Jalur Gemilang rising up during the victory ceremony. 

He is such an inspiring and amazing guy. You are truly a legend. 

Then, he had to tweet this:

It was heartbreaking to see him apologise. It was totally unnecessary. He had gone through so much to stand onto that podium. We are the ones who should be thanking him for putting Malaysia on the map in the badminton world. 

Lee Chong Wei, the man who brought together families, friend, a nation together through the wonder of sports. He might say he's retiring, but I sure hope not. But either way, with 42 Gold and 22 Silver, which includes his 2 Olympic Silver medals, and staying World No. 1 for 200 weeks (that's almost 4 years!) he does deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame. Through his dedication, hard work, humility and determination, he has won a lot of people, if not, most Malaysians heart and respect. 

"Skills win you medals, but attitude wins hearts."
-ESPN Commentator during the Finals. 

Lee Chong Wei, WE LOVE YOU! <3 font="font" nbsp="nbsp">


Here's my favourite shot of him:

Photo Credits:

My Sis, Lois and her Instagram pics.

Lee Chong Wei's facebook fan page.

My cousin Queenie for the  last pic. 

An amazing escape to Oxford

Well, I've finally had the motivation to blog. I've been having an amazing time in a summer programme and it was worth missing 2 weeks of boring Malaysian class.

Spent 14 days at St. Catherine's College in Oxford learning English Literature and Experimental Psychology and also did an afternoon workshop every other day walking around Oxford and admiring it's art and architecture. I must say, I've become a semi-expert on Classical, Gothic and Renaissance art in Europe.

Met so many people from all around the world in the ORA course and everyone's been really friendly and I don't feel like the awkward turtle. The Junior Deans and counselors have been just the most amazing people making us feel comfortable in a very unfamiliar environment.

I'll let the photos (and the mini captions) do the talking.

 A really cool London2012 ad :) 

 The Sun was out, for a while :) 

 MMMM LAVENDER <3

 Graffiti on Cornmarket Street, cool beans.

 Just a glimpse of the campus I spent 2 weeks staying at. 

 The prison-turned-hotel near St. George's Tower. 

 Radcliffe Camera. by Gibbs, built mid 18th Century 

(yes, my art&architecture knowledge flowing through)

 Looks familiar, but where? (Hint: First Year, The Sorting Hat)

 The Great Hall, without the magic ceiling. 

The Sheldonian Theatre, with a split pediment. 

 A day out in London! 

(L-R: Abbey (USA), Sophia (CHINA), Sonja [son-ia] (GERMANY) and me)

 The REAL FOOD MARKET at Convent Market yumyumyum!

 They were filming! Doesn't she look like Kate Middleton? *gasp*

 At the Disco Party! 

L-R: Sophia, Sonja, me, Tessa (DEN), Abbey & Roxy (CHI)

Front: the amazing Charlotte (DEN)

 English Literature Class Photo :) 

 Experimental Psychology Class Photo :) 

 Gothic stained glass in the Keble College Chapel.

 Our regular lunch stop. 

You'll never get sick of sandwiches. 

(Recommend: Caesar Wrap, the Salmon Bagel, any Panini and FLAPJACKS *drools*)

 Grad Night dinner! 

That's Izzy in the middle from the States 

We have graduated :) 

 So, I saw Tom Daley :) He was posing at Boswells. 

and yeah, I had to take a photo!

 Holywell Road. Lost my lipgloss and most of my weight here. 

 I really had an amazing time here. I guess I did the right thing, or at least, did the unexpected thing coming here. Would love to re-live it the same way! No regrets. 

Life should be full of unexpected things right? I just wanted to do something entirely different from the usual way of life, don't get me wrong, my usual life is interesting but getting to explore and see the world has definitely opened my eyes about the possibilities in life :) 

This was written in my cert :) Everyone got a different one and I know this is perfect for me. 

I shall do my best to live with it. :)

Wedding of the year

Uncle Paul and Aunty Beth finally had their wedding! It lasted over a week with the Church ceremony and the Bride's reception at KDCA at the same weekend and the kampung style reception on the next weekend. It was fun as well as tiring. Cleaning up grandma's house for the kampung reception was the tiring part. Who knew there were so many things to clean?? In the end, everything was cleaned and they fired up the karaoke machine. My dad pulled off a few songs and I guess I was too tired to be embarrassed.

So anyways, bad singing aside, the whole wedding event was incredible. It was great seeing both sides of the family having fun and I really enjoyed it! Got to wear really nice dresses and pretty earrings which was really therapeutic, in a way.

One thing I enjoyed very much was watching people getting drunk, especially uncles and observe what people do when they get drunk. They get really funny and start to do weird dances and say weird things and I actually find it amusing. To imagine what would their reaction be when they wake up to the hangover just makes my imagination go wild. It's weird I know but family weddings are family weddings. 

Took some photos with my phone. Camera360 did an awesome job and I am forever grateful. :)

CHURCH CEREMONY 16.06.12

 

Mum and I made this cake the (mid)night before. Proud of the outcome though :)

My view of the whole wedding :) 

  

That moment ;)

 "Bridesmade"/Flower girl/2nd Reader 

 The Bride is so beautiful :) 

 Me and my lovely cousin, Cyla (She actually took the better looking photos)

Azie, Me, Aunty Beth and Gail :)

BRIDE'S RECEPTION (KDCA) 17.06.12

 We were actually in a big circle surrounding the couple. Like my earrings?? :P

 THERE WAS A FOUNTAIN UNDER THE CAKE. 

I want that for my birthday.... can?

Their first dance :) yes, with little children throwing petals onto them. 

PREPARATION FOR THE HUGE DAY 22.06.12

 This barely covers a quarter of the whole set up. 

My family loves to keep traditions, and this is one of them. Under it would be the cake.

 DAPOD (my kampung) RECEPTION 23.06.12

 Me and the couple :)

 The animal theme was chicken. 

(My uncle's hobby is sabung ayam, which basically means fighting cockerel)

 Emerging from the car.

 The Tea Ceremony

Yeah, that's all I have with me. :) 

Family weddings are always fun to be at. If you happen to have one coming, don't hesitate to go. It might be chaotic but it will be worth it!

Photo credit:

Cyla and S.Malen Photography

Check out the Engagement last year!