First, my thoughts and prayers to those who are affected by Superstorm Sandy. Please do stay safe.
I have been following CNN’s coverage of Sandy’s destruction these past 24 hours. It’s unbelievable the extent of the damages it had caused in the Eastern Seaboard of the US. In my mind, it rivaled the 2010-2011 floods in Brisbane and the Mar 11 tsunami in Japan. Mother Nature is showing us her fury and reminds us of our fragility as a species.
I've lived in Japan and now I am in Taiwan. Both countries suffer from the same natural occurrences of earthquakes and typhoons. Though the magnitudes and impact areas differ, the dangers and damages posed by these two natural phenomena always hang over every person who lives in these two countries. So far, I am blessed and was never in harm’s way when either one of them hits. The sense of helplessness and despondent is not something I would want to feel. I might bitch about the weather and stuff, but I am grateful that I did not find myself in any dangerous situations. And most importantly, I am grateful that no friends nor relatives of mine was affected by the flood in Brisbane nor hurt in the earthquake in Japan last year.
Oct 31, 2012
Oct 29, 2012
Supper
In Taiwan, supper is treated very seriously and not just a stop-gap between meals. Here is how people will typically spend their evening/night: Have dinner, then go drinking and finally have supper before going home. The other major group of supper goers is the undergraduates, where late nights are the norm. Thus one can find stalls or restaurants catering to these groups of people, within the night-live areas and near to tertiary institutions.
One of the many favorite suppers here is fried food. Here, they put almost anything into hot oil. Young corns, cauliflowers, mantou, and French beans are among some of the unconventional ingredients that they will batter coat and deep fry. Of course, the most popular fried food is still fried chicken (and its various varieties) and French fries. My favorite is fried sweet potato which I will have, at most, once every fortnight.
From health perspectives, we were told to skip supper or have something light if we need to eat late at night. And I abide by it. I will not eat after 8pm. If I am hungry, I will drink a cup of hot cocoa instead. Also, I limit my fried food intake to twice a week. As I have to eat out every meal, I choose meat dishes that are stir-fried or bruised. I would rather have some fatty pork than deep-fried lean meat.
One of the many favorite suppers here is fried food. Here, they put almost anything into hot oil. Young corns, cauliflowers, mantou, and French beans are among some of the unconventional ingredients that they will batter coat and deep fry. Of course, the most popular fried food is still fried chicken (and its various varieties) and French fries. My favorite is fried sweet potato which I will have, at most, once every fortnight.
From health perspectives, we were told to skip supper or have something light if we need to eat late at night. And I abide by it. I will not eat after 8pm. If I am hungry, I will drink a cup of hot cocoa instead. Also, I limit my fried food intake to twice a week. As I have to eat out every meal, I choose meat dishes that are stir-fried or bruised. I would rather have some fatty pork than deep-fried lean meat.
Oct 28, 2012
Weekends
I like to stay at home during weekends. Unless I have lunch or dinner appointments with friends, I don’t usually go out as I hate crowded places. And now, with a small study room in the library made available to me till end of the semester, I am there most of my weekends.
Normally, I will sleep late until around 10am, wash-up and then go to the library. I will either eat before going to the library or sneak something, like a sandwich that I’ll buy on my way, in. The library closes at 4:50pm, so I usually leave before 4:30pm to avoid the ‘traffic jam’ at the elevators. I will use the time there to do my homework or prepare for my presentations, if there is any due. Else, I will do my translation as the place is quiet and very conducive to think.
Weekends are also the time for me to do my weekly laundry and some simple house cleaning. My room is big enough for me but small enough to warrant just a minimal cleaning. :) Other than that, I will also use my weekends to catch up on my non-academic-related readings and my US TV dramas. :D
With so many things to do, why should I go out and get squashed by the crowds??
Normally, I will sleep late until around 10am, wash-up and then go to the library. I will either eat before going to the library or sneak something, like a sandwich that I’ll buy on my way, in. The library closes at 4:50pm, so I usually leave before 4:30pm to avoid the ‘traffic jam’ at the elevators. I will use the time there to do my homework or prepare for my presentations, if there is any due. Else, I will do my translation as the place is quiet and very conducive to think.
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| won't mind a nice dinner on the beach.. minus the crowd, of course |
Weekends are also the time for me to do my weekly laundry and some simple house cleaning. My room is big enough for me but small enough to warrant just a minimal cleaning. :) Other than that, I will also use my weekends to catch up on my non-academic-related readings and my US TV dramas. :D
With so many things to do, why should I go out and get squashed by the crowds??
Sunday Serenade: this is Halloween.
It will be Halloween this coming Wednesday, so I'm taking a short break from The Beatles and selected a song from one of my favorite cartoon - Nightmare before Christmas, which was released almost 20 years ago in 1993... the song was aptly named This is Halloween
Have a great week ahead!! Happy Halloween and stay safe!
Have a great week ahead!! Happy Halloween and stay safe!
Oct 27, 2012
Dramas
I’ve written a couple of times about my TV (drama) addiction. So it is no surprise that I love to watch dramas with non-conventional plots, like the one about a serial killer (Dexter) or the lives of a group of interns-turn-attending doctors (Grey’s Anatomy). Then there is also that series about a group of teenage girls caught in a web of deception and murder (Pretty Little Liars), and also another show about a writer working with the police catching bad guys (Castle). And finally, a series about fairy tales characters stuck in modern times (Once Upon A Time). And so far, these shows in their current seasons have managed to keep me captivated. :) Due to my time constraints, I have decided to stop following Fringe, Glee, Nikita and Covert Affairs, as they have all fallen into the predictable/boring plot quandary.
Recently, I had started following a new series called Elementary. There are two reasons for this. One, I am curious to see how they are going to re-interpret the Sherlock Holmes ‘formula’ with Watson being a woman. And the other reason is that this female Watson is played by one of my favorite actresses, Lucy Liu! I missed her on the small screen as the last (TV) show I’ve seen her in was Ally McBeal! And that was more than 10 years ago!! Thus I am gonna give this show a chance by watching its entire season. If it is good, I will follow it into the second season, provided it gets renewed.
Anyway, I have the same old complaint: So many dramas, so little time. :p ;)
Recently, I had started following a new series called Elementary. There are two reasons for this. One, I am curious to see how they are going to re-interpret the Sherlock Holmes ‘formula’ with Watson being a woman. And the other reason is that this female Watson is played by one of my favorite actresses, Lucy Liu! I missed her on the small screen as the last (TV) show I’ve seen her in was Ally McBeal! And that was more than 10 years ago!! Thus I am gonna give this show a chance by watching its entire season. If it is good, I will follow it into the second season, provided it gets renewed.
Anyway, I have the same old complaint: So many dramas, so little time. :p ;)
Oct 26, 2012
Mentor
Tomorrow, I’ll be meeting one of my Waseda professors for lunch. Prof Kano was my advisor for my final semester. And I was really blessed to have him as one of my semester advisors.
Needless to say, Prof. Kano is my favorite professor during my time in Japan. Unlike most Japanese professors that I’ve met, he speaks perfect English, with a slight hint of a British accent. His smooth baritone voice is music to my ears, especially compared to the involuntary mispronunciation of the English languages by many of the faculties there.
To me, Prof Kano epitomizes the quintessential scholar. He is dedicated and passionate about his research. Even with his vast knowledge and experience, he still manages to maintain an air of modesty and humility. Furthermore, he really does care about his students and actually takes the trouble and time to know them better. He is demanding yet nurturing. After my disappointment at my own adviser who, in my mind, behaves more like a politician than an academician, Prof Kano showed me that all is not lost.
Prof Kano inspired me to seriously consider the idea of a career as an academic and a researcher. He is my role model. Though I might not have his bigheartedness and mild temperament, I will try to emulate his dedication, empathy, and compassion. He was and shall always be my beloved mentor.
Needless to say, Prof. Kano is my favorite professor during my time in Japan. Unlike most Japanese professors that I’ve met, he speaks perfect English, with a slight hint of a British accent. His smooth baritone voice is music to my ears, especially compared to the involuntary mispronunciation of the English languages by many of the faculties there.
To me, Prof Kano epitomizes the quintessential scholar. He is dedicated and passionate about his research. Even with his vast knowledge and experience, he still manages to maintain an air of modesty and humility. Furthermore, he really does care about his students and actually takes the trouble and time to know them better. He is demanding yet nurturing. After my disappointment at my own adviser who, in my mind, behaves more like a politician than an academician, Prof Kano showed me that all is not lost.
Prof Kano inspired me to seriously consider the idea of a career as an academic and a researcher. He is my role model. Though I might not have his bigheartedness and mild temperament, I will try to emulate his dedication, empathy, and compassion. He was and shall always be my beloved mentor.
Oct 25, 2012
Drink
People in Taiwan like to drink. Maybe not all of them, but most of the men and the younger generations. Beer sales top the sales of all other beverages, especially during summer. And news reports of drunk driving and alcohol-related accidents are common everyday ‘theme’ here. Yet even with these horrifying fatalities and costly damages, people here still drink and drive.
Similar to their Japanese counterparts, people here often go out for a drink after work. And many will not stop until they are drunk. Maybe they are really stressed out and drinking (till they are drunk) is their way of de-stressing. Other than this after-work drinking, there is another very disturbing phenomenon of ‘corpse-picking’, where men will wait outside bars and pubs to pick up girls, who were so drunk that they were practically non-responsive, and take them back for sex.
Unfortunately, these working folks are not the only ones drinking to their early graves. The younger generations, like those in high schools and tertiary institutions are also doing their best in boosting alcohol sales. Here, it is rare to have social gatherings that are alcohol-free.
Personally, I think that one can drink and have fun, without causing trouble for others or problem for oneself. It is just a matter of taking personal responsibility for one’s action and behavior.
Similar to their Japanese counterparts, people here often go out for a drink after work. And many will not stop until they are drunk. Maybe they are really stressed out and drinking (till they are drunk) is their way of de-stressing. Other than this after-work drinking, there is another very disturbing phenomenon of ‘corpse-picking’, where men will wait outside bars and pubs to pick up girls, who were so drunk that they were practically non-responsive, and take them back for sex.
Unfortunately, these working folks are not the only ones drinking to their early graves. The younger generations, like those in high schools and tertiary institutions are also doing their best in boosting alcohol sales. Here, it is rare to have social gatherings that are alcohol-free.
Personally, I think that one can drink and have fun, without causing trouble for others or problem for oneself. It is just a matter of taking personal responsibility for one’s action and behavior.
Oct 24, 2012
Routine
I like routines. Those who know me know that I am a habitual person. I tend to settle into a routine of sort after a while. Two weeks is all I need to turn something into a habit. I tend to eat from the same stall/restaurant, walk the same route, watch the same TV channels, buy the same brands, and do things the same way.
Maybe it’s because I had bread for my lunch break, prepared by my mum, for almost 9 years (for my primary and lower secondary school days), thus eating the same food over and over again doesn’t seem to bother me at all! Maybe it’s because I find comfort in familiarity and sameness as I generally find interacting with new people and handling new (mundane) chores zap my energy. Maybe it’s because I refuse to think too much about these routine stuff as I believe making too many decisions about mundane details is a waste of my mental energy which I rather spend it on reading and researching.
Nonetheless, I am aware of this habitual inertia and when I do catch myself getting too monotonous and predictable, I will make myself try new things or do the same things differently.
Therefore, I am consciously pushing myself out of my comfort zone, one little step at a time. :)
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| i will go off e beaten path to smell the roses.. |
Nonetheless, I am aware of this habitual inertia and when I do catch myself getting too monotonous and predictable, I will make myself try new things or do the same things differently.
Therefore, I am consciously pushing myself out of my comfort zone, one little step at a time. :)
Oct 23, 2012
Competitiveness
Today, a parent’s lament about his daughter earning ‘only’ NT$20,000 a month, despite speaking 5 languages has attracted lots of eyeballs and caused quite a stir over the Internet. This is but one of the many recent reports about the "pitiful state" of graduates in Taiwan.
The issue of graduates here earning "peanuts" compared to graduates in South Korea and Singapore has become a hotly debated matter these past few months. A couple of months ago, an article about a graduate from a prestigious university here earning an honest living as a butcher in Australia had also caused similar social uproar.
Well, my take on these issues is very simple: why stay and fight for a small and shrinking pie? Venture overseas! If the daughter mentioned above really does speak 5 languages (which according to the report includes English, German, French and Spanish), why the insistent on staying in Taiwan?? The world should be her oyster! Go to Hong Kong, Singapore or any other countries, where I’m sure the MNCs there are more than happy to pay her big bucks to have her language abilities at their disposal.
Frankly, I don't see any point in blaming the government and/or the corporations for not paying higher salaries to graduates. It is a simple matter of supply and demand, and unfortunately in Taiwan, the demand side holds all the cards. Other people are willing to work for NT$20K even if you don’t, so you can't blame companies in wanting to pay the barest minimum. In my opinion, if you want more than NT$20K, you should be willing to go to any countries whose companies are willing to pay more or you must be able to prove (to your employer) that you are worth more than that amount.
The issue of graduates here earning "peanuts" compared to graduates in South Korea and Singapore has become a hotly debated matter these past few months. A couple of months ago, an article about a graduate from a prestigious university here earning an honest living as a butcher in Australia had also caused similar social uproar.
Well, my take on these issues is very simple: why stay and fight for a small and shrinking pie? Venture overseas! If the daughter mentioned above really does speak 5 languages (which according to the report includes English, German, French and Spanish), why the insistent on staying in Taiwan?? The world should be her oyster! Go to Hong Kong, Singapore or any other countries, where I’m sure the MNCs there are more than happy to pay her big bucks to have her language abilities at their disposal.
Frankly, I don't see any point in blaming the government and/or the corporations for not paying higher salaries to graduates. It is a simple matter of supply and demand, and unfortunately in Taiwan, the demand side holds all the cards. Other people are willing to work for NT$20K even if you don’t, so you can't blame companies in wanting to pay the barest minimum. In my opinion, if you want more than NT$20K, you should be willing to go to any countries whose companies are willing to pay more or you must be able to prove (to your employer) that you are worth more than that amount.
Oct 22, 2012
Wash-up
Many don’t like to cook because they either don’t like the preparation part of the cooking or they don’t like to wash up after all is done. Call me weird, but I don’t mind either. In fact, I like to do the dishes, even after the entire meal. Somehow, washing dirty dishes has a kinda therapeutic effect on me. I like the sense of ‘accomplishment’ of washing something dirty and make it clean again. And I love the sparkling clean feel of those bowls and plates when I’m done with them.Also, I have no issue with preparation work that is required before cooking. I like to make sure the ingredients that I’ll be cooking are up to my liking/ measurement/ ‘standards’. But I am not so bullheaded as to insist of having the ingredients to be exactly my way. I can/do go with the flow and make do with whatever I have in hand, which is, in fact, most of the time.
The one thing that I don’t like to do is wiping the table. Maybe it is just a quirk, but I do not like to clean up what people leave/ spit on the table. I am not a messy eater, so I usually keep my eating space as clean as possible, because I won’t do onto others what I don’t want others to do onto me.
Oct 21, 2012
Movies
I like watching movies, but only certain genre. And I only watch some in the cinemas over on the big screen, while some I reserved watching on TV or my laptop.
Those that I watch on the big screens are usually those with awesome special effects, as smaller screens will not do justice to the “jaw-dropping” reaction that these blockbusters are trying to induce. Other than that, the other occasion when I will actually go to the cinema is when I have company. Went to watch quite a few movies with my sister when I was at home in MY. Her taste in movie is quite different from mine. She like to watch movies just for entertainment (aka no thinking involved), while I prefer those that makes me think, during or after the credits have rolled. Anyway, I did watched a few comedies and a couple of animations with her.
Then there are the types of movies that I’ll save for small screens. I prefer to watch those that have lots of conversations or lots of plot twists on my laptop. I want to listen to the conversations and have the option to rewind to the parts that I didn’t get it the first time. Another thing is that I tend to be touched fairly easily, thus I prefer the privacy of my room to shed a tear or two when emotions are raw.
So in a way, I am not much of a movie buff.
Those that I watch on the big screens are usually those with awesome special effects, as smaller screens will not do justice to the “jaw-dropping” reaction that these blockbusters are trying to induce. Other than that, the other occasion when I will actually go to the cinema is when I have company. Went to watch quite a few movies with my sister when I was at home in MY. Her taste in movie is quite different from mine. She like to watch movies just for entertainment (aka no thinking involved), while I prefer those that makes me think, during or after the credits have rolled. Anyway, I did watched a few comedies and a couple of animations with her.
Then there are the types of movies that I’ll save for small screens. I prefer to watch those that have lots of conversations or lots of plot twists on my laptop. I want to listen to the conversations and have the option to rewind to the parts that I didn’t get it the first time. Another thing is that I tend to be touched fairly easily, thus I prefer the privacy of my room to shed a tear or two when emotions are raw.
So in a way, I am not much of a movie buff.
Sunday Serenade: eight days a week
Can't believe I didn't share any Beatles songs so far in this segment.. to make up for lost time, I shall be sharing some of my favorite Fab-Four songs in the following weeks...
p/s: I can still remember watching those Beatles cartoons on TV when I was a kid.. and I've found some over at Youtube... let the swinging seventies begins! :)
Eight Days A Week
Ooh i need your love babe,
Guess you know it's true.
Hope you need my love babe,
Just like i need you.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
Ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.
Love you ev'ry day girl,
Always on my mind.
One thing i can say girl,
Love you all the time.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
Ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.
Eight days a week
I love you.
Eight days a week
Is not enough to show i care.
Ooh i need your love babe, ...
Eight days a week ...
Love you every ...
Eight days a week. eight days a week. eight days a week.
Have a great week ahead!! Stay funky and be safe!
p/s: I can still remember watching those Beatles cartoons on TV when I was a kid.. and I've found some over at Youtube... let the swinging seventies begins! :)
Eight Days A Week
Ooh i need your love babe,
Guess you know it's true.
Hope you need my love babe,
Just like i need you.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
Ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.
Love you ev'ry day girl,
Always on my mind.
One thing i can say girl,
Love you all the time.
Hold me, love me, hold me, love me.
Ain't got nothin' but love babe,
Eight days a week.
Eight days a week
I love you.
Eight days a week
Is not enough to show i care.
Ooh i need your love babe, ...
Eight days a week ...
Love you every ...
Eight days a week. eight days a week. eight days a week.
Have a great week ahead!! Stay funky and be safe!
Oct 20, 2012
Productive
I like staying in my room. Unfortunately, I’m not very productive when I am all alone in my room. I tend to watch the TV that I have on (supposedly) as background noise or just waste time bumming around. The TV is very distracting, especially with the availability of cable channels like HBO, TLC, StarWorld and CNN. Luckily, my application for the use of a research room in the library this semester was approved. Unlike previously when I was given the use of such a room for only about 6 weeks, this time round I will have the room for the entire semester, all 18 weeks of it! :)
When I don’t have classes, I will go to this little room to read up on my papers, do my homework and do my translation. It is quiet (duh, I know, it is the library after all) and very conducive to work. As the library stays open till almost 10pm (during weekdays) and 5pm (during weekends), I spend an average of 4 hours a day there. There is toilet and water cooler on each floor and each room has controllable air-conditions, so it is very convenient. And the other unexpected benefit is that I can save on my electricity bills too.
When I don’t have classes, I will go to this little room to read up on my papers, do my homework and do my translation. It is quiet (duh, I know, it is the library after all) and very conducive to work. As the library stays open till almost 10pm (during weekdays) and 5pm (during weekends), I spend an average of 4 hours a day there. There is toilet and water cooler on each floor and each room has controllable air-conditions, so it is very convenient. And the other unexpected benefit is that I can save on my electricity bills too.
Poetry Solace: Of ease and ghost
This week, I shall share two poems from Walter de la Mare, an English poet..
Enjoy your weekend!! Stay safe..
At Ease
Most wounds can Time repair;
But some are mortal -- these:
For a broken heart there is no balm,
No cure for a heart at ease --
At ease, but cold as stone,
Though the intellect spin on,
And the feat and practiced face may show
Nought of the life that is gone;
But smiles, as by habit taught;
And sighs, as by custom led;
And the soul within is safe from damnation,
Since it is dead.
The Ghost
Peace in thy hands,
Peace in thine eyes,
Peace on thy brow;
Flower of a moment in the eternal hour,
Peace with me now.
Not a wave breaks,
Not a bird calls,
My heart, like a sea,
Silent after a storm that hath died,
Sleeps within me.
All the night's dews,
All the world's leaves,
All winter's snow
Seem with their quiet to have stilled in life's dream
All sorrowing now.
Enjoy your weekend!! Stay safe..
Oct 19, 2012
Bookstore
Went to a bookstore yesterday. Though it is no big deal for me to visit bookstores, since I am a book lover and an avid reader, the purpose of this trip was to look for English books for the two kids that I am teaching. It is unbelievably hard to find bookstores here that carry a decent selection of English books, much less English books for children. So it was a pleasant surprise when I walked into one of the Caves Books bookstores (敦煌書局 ) near Yuan Shan MRT Station (捷運圓山站).
It was full of English books, or should I say, books for those who wanted to learn English. Unlike the ones that I’ve been to in MY and SG, this bookstore has English-learning materials for all levels, from simple ABC flashcards for toddlers to business books and audio CDs for grown-ups. It also carries a small but fairly comprehensive range of popular children storybooks, teenage novels and adult fictions and non-fictions. Nonetheless, I was not tempted one bit by the choices there as I’ve managed to find a very good source of eBooks that I have been loading into my Kindle. So in the end, I just bought two Grade-4 English practice books and a magazine for the kids which came up to NT$960.
It was full of English books, or should I say, books for those who wanted to learn English. Unlike the ones that I’ve been to in MY and SG, this bookstore has English-learning materials for all levels, from simple ABC flashcards for toddlers to business books and audio CDs for grown-ups. It also carries a small but fairly comprehensive range of popular children storybooks, teenage novels and adult fictions and non-fictions. Nonetheless, I was not tempted one bit by the choices there as I’ve managed to find a very good source of eBooks that I have been loading into my Kindle. So in the end, I just bought two Grade-4 English practice books and a magazine for the kids which came up to NT$960.
Oct 18, 2012
War
A “war” has broken out between two ‘heavy weights’ in my department. And it is a war with 3 sides: two warring sides and one playing Switzerland. It was a simple straight-forward case of fraud –plagiarizing other people’s hard work as his own so that a student can get his PhD. Yet, he was not found out (until much later) and much less punished as his mentor is one of the heavy weights. Other faculties would have looked the other way, but not this other ‘heavy weight’ who has decided to pursue the matter. This righteous professor wanted to take this all the way to the education ministry but was persuaded not to as it will tarnish the name of the University and the Department.
Frankly, this shouldn’t have happened in the first place. All PhD students should have the basic, if not the highest, level of ethics and morality, since most PhD holders will be, if not already are, lecturers, and faculty members in higher educational institutions. In my opinion, the University should take away the PhD that was conferred to that student. But because this is an Asian society, punishing one’s student would cause the professor to lose face. The act of punishing the guilty culprit has become a treacherously complex societal and political maneuver, instead of the fundamental simplicity of upholding rules and justice.
Frankly, this shouldn’t have happened in the first place. All PhD students should have the basic, if not the highest, level of ethics and morality, since most PhD holders will be, if not already are, lecturers, and faculty members in higher educational institutions. In my opinion, the University should take away the PhD that was conferred to that student. But because this is an Asian society, punishing one’s student would cause the professor to lose face. The act of punishing the guilty culprit has become a treacherously complex societal and political maneuver, instead of the fundamental simplicity of upholding rules and justice.
Oct 17, 2012
Resolution
As of today, I am gonna write at least 200 words everyday as practice.Since I will be working with words extensively in the days, months and years to come, I need to inculcate the habit of writing every day. So I figure I’ll start with 200 and slowly move it up. Comparatively, I’ve no problem with reading daily as I’m already reading (academic papers, novels, non-fiction or whatever) every day. Reading is part of my daily routine and I think it is about time for me to include writing into it.
So what am I gonna write about? Actually, anything and everything, though I will have a one-word title to guide me. It will test my ability to relate and link ideas together. And how are they chosen? That I’ve yet to figure out. Maybe I’ll use a random word generator like this one. Maybe I’ll come up with a word that describes my day most aptly when I start to write. Maybe I’ll choose the word the day before and sit on it for a day before elaborating it.
Regardless of how these words are going to be decided, I know I will settle down on a routine of sort after a while as I am a habitual person.
So what am I gonna write about? Actually, anything and everything, though I will have a one-word title to guide me. It will test my ability to relate and link ideas together. And how are they chosen? That I’ve yet to figure out. Maybe I’ll use a random word generator like this one. Maybe I’ll come up with a word that describes my day most aptly when I start to write. Maybe I’ll choose the word the day before and sit on it for a day before elaborating it.
Regardless of how these words are going to be decided, I know I will settle down on a routine of sort after a while as I am a habitual person.
Oct 15, 2012
girl power!
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| e material girl.. |
Almost a week ago, a Pakistani 14-year old girl was shot by Islamic militants because she speaks out against them and their attacks on girls' education. She is still in critical condition and the world is praying for her to pull through.. Those who shot her have their 'seemingly justified and righteous' excuse that only they believed. Everyone else thinks otherwise. The world community, including religious leaders in that country, is condemning this barbaric act. And I am confident that this incident will not stop other girls, women or female groups to speak out and fight for their rights and freedom. You can't prevent the inevitable.. :)>-
Oct 14, 2012
Sunday Serenade: drive by
Here's a lively song for your enjoyment on this glorious Sunday morning... :p
Drive by
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's deja vu
But I thought this can't be true
Cause you moved to west L.A or New York or Santa Fe
Or where ever to get away from me
Oh but that one night
Was more than just right
I didn't leave you cause I was all through
Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
[chorus]
Oh I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by I-I-I-I
Just a shy guy looking for a two ply
Hefty bag to hold my I-I-I-I love
When you move me everything is groovy
They don't like it sue me
The way you do me
Oh I swear to ya
I'll be there for ya
This is not a drive by
[end of chorus]
On the other side of a downward spiral
My love for you went viral
And I loved you every mile you drove away
But now here you are again
So let's skip the "how you been"
And get down to the "more than friends" at last
Oh but that one night
Is still the highlight
I didn't need you until I came to
Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
[chorus]
Please believe that when I leave
There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you
And a little time to get my head together too
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's deja vu
But I thought this can't be true
Cause
[chorus]
Have a great week ahead!! Stay safe and funky! :)
Drive by
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's deja vu
But I thought this can't be true
Cause you moved to west L.A or New York or Santa Fe
Or where ever to get away from me
Oh but that one night
Was more than just right
I didn't leave you cause I was all through
Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
[chorus]
Oh I swear to you
I'll be there for you
This is not a drive by I-I-I-I
Just a shy guy looking for a two ply
Hefty bag to hold my I-I-I-I love
When you move me everything is groovy
They don't like it sue me
The way you do me
Oh I swear to ya
I'll be there for ya
This is not a drive by
[end of chorus]
On the other side of a downward spiral
My love for you went viral
And I loved you every mile you drove away
But now here you are again
So let's skip the "how you been"
And get down to the "more than friends" at last
Oh but that one night
Is still the highlight
I didn't need you until I came to
Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell
Because I really fell for you
[chorus]
Please believe that when I leave
There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you
And a little time to get my head together too
On the other side of a street I knew
Stood a girl that looked like you
I guess that's deja vu
But I thought this can't be true
Cause
[chorus]
Have a great week ahead!! Stay safe and funky! :)
Oct 7, 2012
Sunday Serenade: part of me
Here's another 'not-gonna-feel-sorry-for-myself' song from Katy Perry.. :)
Enjoy!
Part of me
Days like this I want to drive away
Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade
You chewed me up and spit me out
Like I was poison in your mouth
You took my light, you drain me down
But that was then and this is now
Now look at me
[Chorus]
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
[end of chorus]
I just wanna throw my phone away
Find out who is really there for me
You ripped me off, your love was cheap
Was always tearing at the seams
I fell deep, you let me down
But that was then and this is now
Now look at me
[chorus] x2
This is the part of me (no)
(away from me) This is the part of me
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Have a great week ahead! Stay cheery and safe!!!
Enjoy!
Part of me
Days like this I want to drive away
Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade
You chewed me up and spit me out
Like I was poison in your mouth
You took my light, you drain me down
But that was then and this is now
Now look at me
[Chorus]
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
[end of chorus]
I just wanna throw my phone away
Find out who is really there for me
You ripped me off, your love was cheap
Was always tearing at the seams
I fell deep, you let me down
But that was then and this is now
Now look at me
[chorus] x2
This is the part of me (no)
(away from me) This is the part of me
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me
That you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Have a great week ahead! Stay cheery and safe!!!
Oct 6, 2012
Poetry Solace: Of things work out
One last poem from Edgar Albert Guest.. as I do think that things will work out, in the end, somehow... :)
Enjoy your weekend! Stay safe!!
Things Work Out
Because it rains when we wish it wouldn't,
Because men do what they often shouldn't,
Because crops fail, and plans go wrong-
Some of us grumble all day long.
But somehow, in spite of the care and doubt,
It seems at last that things work out.
Because we lose where we hoped to gain,
Because we suffer a little pain,
Because we must work when we'd like to play-
Some of us whimper along life's way.
But somehow, as day always follows the night,
Most of our troubles work out all right.
Because we cannot forever smile,
Because we must trudge in the dust awhile,
Because we think that the way is long-
Some of us whimper that life's all wrong.
But somehow we live and our sky grows bright,
And everything seems to work out all right.
So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will,
But keep on working and hoping still.
For in spite of the grumblers who stand about,
Somehow, it seems, all things work out.
Enjoy your weekend! Stay safe!!
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