Day 16: A book changed my views on something.

Hmm...for this one I am torn between Paolo Coelho and Mitch Albom.

But I think I go for Mitch Albom's book because his books really open up my eyes about teaching and human relationship.

The book that I chose is Tuesdays with Morrie.

I bought this book out of whim actually, in the process of my transition from Harry Potter books to a more mature type of reading.

How does this book changed my views on life?

#1. It showed that life is fragile but it's how you live it that counts.

#2. Life lessons can be learned everywhere outside the classrooms.

#3. Appreciate family and friends NOW not only on the day they die or when they're dying.

#4. Appreciate and be grateful for everything that life has to offer.

Hmm...mostly cliches but so far, cliches are truths being lived over and over. Whatever..heheh..

Day 15: A band/musical artist whose music impacted your life.

I have a lot of artists and bands that have impacted my life but there is one that I felt so passionately changed my views about the power of music.

It's not actually a band per se, but it's an organisation called Playing for Change.

True to its motto "Connecting the world through Music", this organisation unites all musicians from around the world to promote peace through the power of music.

 "Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world." à copied and pasted from the Playing For Change website.

The uniqueness of this movement is that they use a mobile studio and go to the musicians to record their music. That way, the energy and passion from the musicians created in the comfort of their own performance place is so genuine and raw.

Not only they connect musicians from around the world, the movement also created schools for music education as a way of giving back to the community. I think that is very inspiring!

 

You can check more about Playing For Change in their website. (click here!)

 

Here's a video that I think you'll find quite familiar...

 

Support this movement by putting their badge in your blog or website.

So, there you have it...the band that impacted my life!

Day 14: Someone who has made my life worth living.

After two days' of rest, I'm back to do the challenge.

I frankly like this topic because not only it got me thinking and reflecting, it made me appreciate that someone more. But, I decided I'm not talking about someone..I'll be talking about several someones cos a girl can't just have one person who made her life worth living.

 

So, in no particular order, here are the someones who made my life so worth it...

   
My Mom.

1. 

   
   
   Undeniably, she is my pillar of strength and my crying shoulder. We look almost alike but we are so different. It's not that the rest of my family members like my dad and brothers did not matter, it's just that I'm closer to my mom and basically I confide to her everything (well, almost.) She's a woman of strength and she has this tenacious energy that I admire so much. Without her, I would lost my way.
   
   
    
2. My GGs.
   

   

   

   
   

   

   
   
   
   Where would a girl be without her best of friends? Like mothers, minus the occasional naggings, they provide my life with balance and edge with just the sufficient dose of drama. Love them so much!
   
   
3. Daniel Henney
   

   

   
   
   Need I say more? *drools*
   
4. 
   My students...now and then...
   

   

   
   
   I must put them in because in many ways, they affect my life. They made me mad, they give me premature aging lines and of course, the annoying stress but in some ways, they play a rather mysteriously significant part in my daily lives.
   

So, there! The someones who made my life worth living! ^__^

 

Day 13: My Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of things to do before you die.

 It could also mean a list of things that you would like to do and things you don't want to do individually or with your friend(s). There are other definitions for "bucket list" according to the Urban Dictionary but I like these two better.

So, what's in my Senarai Baldi?

1. Write a book for teenagers.

The characters are already dancing and prancing in my head and in my mind, but I still haven't started it. Hmm...

2. Visit Paris, Rome and Italy.

I will someday, soon.

3. Own a Jimmy Choo.

4. Sing "Awan Yang Terpilu" to an audience.

Hahaha...mari kita tingu sa berani buat ka tidak?!!

5. Own my own house/ dream home.

Because I already have my own car. And it would be nice to have property.

6. Grow old with the handsomest man in the world.

7. Get a major award for my career.

It's my point of self-actualization. 

8. Have the energy and vitality to do all that I wanted to do.

Cos, if I'm sick how am I going to accomplish all these?

9. Be at peace with myself.

10. Meet at least three of my celebrity crushes in person.

Especially TZ, Dong-wook and Henry Golding.

11. Contribute to society by opening a school for the less fortunate.

12. Have both my parents to walk me down the aisle.

13. Learn to speak Murut and Tatana.

Cos, it's a shame if I don't learn my native tongues.

14. Make a difference in someone's life.

15. Perform a kind deed to at least 5 strangers without expecting anything in return.

16. Make a special meal for my family and best friends.

17. Learn to ballroom dance.

18. Slow dance with my darling.

19. Learn to swim.

20. Always maintain my cool in nasty situations.

21. Visit St.Peter's Basilica in Rome.

22. Travel with my best friends.

23. Get a complete makeover.

24. Run cross country.

25. Study theatre or literature in UK or US or Australia.

26. Read Tolstoy, the complete works of Jane Austen, and other literary names that tickle my fancy.

27. Get invited to speak overseas on teaching and learning.

28. Get invited to give motivation talks.

29. Write a play for young children and teenager.

30. Ride on an ostrich.

31. Bake a cake for the most special person in my life.

32. Own a beanbag.

33. Have a massive library.

34. Visit Disneyland in Florida, U.S.

35. Visit New York.

36. Go on a cruise.

37. Bring my parent to pilgrimage in Jerusalem.

38. Live the moment.

39. Be a columnist for a major newspaper.

40. Read at least one book a month. (ongoing...20 books total!)

41. Save a dollar everyday.

42. One of my portraits/ landscape photographs be featured in a magazine or better, National Geographic!

43. Own a prime lens.

44. Learn Pilates.

45. Learn to play the piano/ jazz guitar/ saxophone.

46. Write a blues or jazz song.

47. Be more organised.

48. Stop complaining.

49. Apologise and mean it.

50. Be more assertive.

51. Ride in a helicopter.

52. Learn decoupage.

53. Accept that beauty do come from within.

54. Learn to appreciate my true friends.

55. Reduce FB time.

56. Be a pro gamer.

57. Achieve my ideal weight.

58. Be more patient on the road.

59. Learn to drive long-distance.(checked!)

60. See the Northern Light.

61. Eat kaviar out of curiosity.

62. Cook using wine.

63. Volunteer to teach poor kids how to read.

64. Go watch a symphony.

65. See an amateur play.

66. Watch theatre at Broadway.

Panjang kan? heheheh...well, there's more but I'll do a page of it later. 

Have a great week ahead!!

Day 12: Something I hope to change about myself and why.

If I could, I would like to change my attitude towards change.

Well, change is nature and nature is change. Or is it because it is human to be afraid of change? 

Like I said, I am a person who is scared of taking risks because I fear failure, rejection, intimidation, and most of all, humiliation. Another reason would be because I dislike bossy people who can't take another person's way of doing things and perhaps, it could also be my own stubbornness.

So, with the power vested in me by God Almighty, I would change my fear of change into courage to face this inevitable nature.

Then so be it.

Day 11: Something about which people seem to compliment me and an unrelated post.

Well, I sure have a few things that people seem to compliment me. But before that, I'd like to blog about our recent Sport's Day.

Our sport's day is a triduum affair, and my job throughout the three days event is jeng..jeng..jeng..

 

CERTIFICATES!!

Easy, right? Just design a cert template, print it out according to the acara, and just hand it over, right? WRONG!! During the same day of the event, me and my colleague, Santhini had to print the winners' name and give it to them at the same day. Well, it still sounds easy but the unnecessary stress came during the relay events where our winners' list did not tally with the actual runners' list. So, imagine the havoc when students who actually ran the relay did not get the certificates. Apart from that, I just knew that if I type the recipient's not-so-full name, the cert becomes invalid (and it was a what-the-h*** moment). How should I know? I have certs that write only Jacinta K J and it was still okay when I went for job interviews. Sheeshhhh...making a mountain out of a molehill if you ask me.

But, it was okay despite that issues. Here's some pics taken by my friend, Shane.

 That's us AJK Sijil and AJK Statistik underneath the Urusetia tent.

 Me and my assistant, Santhini - Second day of sports.

 That's my team...SATRIA. We got second place in the marching competition. Not bad for a team consisting of marching rookies, eh?

100M race!! RUN!!!
 

Okay, now my blog challenge...

I think people always complimented my eyes...

I don't know why, sia rasa mata sia is mata sia lah...hehehe...

Look into my eyes...awas, tai mata!!! hehehe

Since tomorrow is no-work-day, to all who are working tomorrow...

 

Have a nice work day ^___^

Day 10: Something at which I've been a champion or the best.

Hmm...something that I'm "champin" at.

Basically, I'm good at writing poetry.

I used to write poems for fun or when I feel inspired. And some of these poems were turned into unfinished songs because I can't get the melody right. Maybe one day, when I'm ready I'll upload one of the finished songs, yea? Kalau sia berani...hehehe...

 

What else?

I can't think of anymore at this time. Feeling quite frazzled.

Day 8&9: Cynta's Pick on Topic Too..

I was too bummed with work yesterday, so since it's still my pick so I guess I have the right to combine Day 8 and 9. Macam main buyuk kan? Tiapa, blog sia...sia punya suka hehehe

So today's and yesterday's topic is....

SOMETHING I WANTED TO BUY IN 2011!

Aii, sanang ini...banyakkkkkkkk benda sia mau beli in 2011.

Firstly, I wanted to buy a zoom lens for my Nikon. I've been wanting to get it since last year but the budget for that lens were used up for my car's damage repair. And I think I also used it to add to my shopping money on my trip to Hong Kong last year. So this year, I must get that for my camera.

What type? I'm looking for Nikkor 18-105mm Wide Angle or a Tamron 18-200mm. Perhaps it's time to visit my old friend at KK Plaza, yea?

Second thing I wanted to buy is...

a maroon dress with a white sash.

why? I'll let you know at the end of November.

Third stuff I wanted to buy is a return ticket to _______________. 

Location is secret. Planning a trip with my best buds later this year. 

So, will let ya all know soon too. Hint: Outside Malaysia, definitely.

That's it. Hmm...that's a lot of moolah. I hope it rains money on me, soon! ^__^

Day 7: Cynta's Pick on Topic.

Okay...seminggu sudah sia buat Blog Challenge!! Chaiyo!!

Ok, so today's topic will be decided by me and after browsing other blogs for possible topics, I decided to write about...

My Celebrity Crush.

I know. This post is so dejavu. But it's 2011 and innocent crushes come and go. So, I'm going to introduce to you a public figure and a musician which I am currently having a crush on. 

Firstly, meet Tunku Zain Al'Abidin Muhriz.

(YAM Tunku Zain is the one on the right, wearing the light green/baby blue songket and wearing spectacles. Pic taken by the Malaysian Insider.)

I first "met" him while I was watching "Malaysia's Royal Rites Revealed" at the Discovery Channel. When I set my eyes on him, all I can say was "Wow, this guy speaks good English!"

Okay, so who is he? He is the second prince of the current Yamtuan Besar Negeri Sembilan. He is also one of the founders of IDEAS (Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs).

I guess the reasons of my celebrity crush on him was because firstly, he speaks good English. Secondly, he is intelligent and he writes interesting articles. I've read his articles in The Sun and it was quite good and sometimes, thought provoking. Third, one of his passion is music and he can play the piano. Fourth, he is a young man with great ideas for our country and he's inspiring. To be honest, it is rare indeed to find a young person with such big, ambitious ideas that could benefit our country and he is passionate about our nation's history as well.

And I think he's quite good-looking. :-D

Okay, now meet Gabe Bondoc.

Gabe Bondoc is a musician. I like him because I really like his music especially his song "Gentlemen Don't" because his music reminds me of Double Take, one of my fave bands or duo. You could listen to that song below :-)

Did you see those dimples? Hehehe...cute isn't he?

So, that's all for Day 7!

Have a nice day!!

Day 06: Something that excites me and fills me with joy.

<3 <3 <3 UuuUuUUUUuuuu...I like this topic!! <3 <3 <3

Things that excite and fill me with JOY in no particular order of preferences :-

1. The 25th of each month.

Well, it's certainly not Aunt Flo's visit but..shhh...do you hear that sound? 

KACHINGGGGGGGGGG!!!

GAJI!!! 

Now, who wouldn't get excited and happy when the moolah magically appears in the bank?

2. Music.

Especially Uncle Kraker's "Smile"...gosh, music made me smile :-) And nowadays, whenever I hear Ceelo's original Forget You playing in the radio or my MP3, I turned the volume up. Why? It's kinda fun shouting and singing profanity in the comfort of your car...*wink*

3. Books..
Yes...I am a bookworm @ bookaholic. Enough said.


4. My Nikon D3000 and Camwhoring
Yes, my Nikon DSLR is still the best investment I've ever made and Yes, camwhoring can be narcissistic yet necessary. These two brings me great joy.

5.   Baking
I currently have this urge to bake. It's been dormant for quite some time and it was resurrected last Christmas season. Why it brings me joy and excitement? Well, the smell of the oven baking gives me a certain high, and after toiling with butter, eggs and flour, you get to eat it and enjoy the fruit of your labour.

6. Travelling Trips
This brings me excitement just because I like to jalan-jalan. Hehehe.


There's more...but I'm kind of tired from work today. So, Day 6's challenge done!!
Have a great weekend everyone!! 

Day 05: Something in life that gives me balance.

Balance.

Wow, this is a tough one. 

Come to think of it...do I really have that something in life that gives me balance? Okay, this is how I interpreted this question...

The "thing" that gives me balance in life are my family and friends. I am one of those people who can get carried away with work or being compulsive in some areas, I guess, it's in me. So, these people are the ones who always bring me back to the centre of all things sane e.g. when there's work, there should be also time to play; when there's laughter, sadness; you get what I mean.

For example, my Mom. She always told me that she thinks I spent too much on dresses and shoes, which I often deny. But now, looking at my wardrobe I think she was right. Perhaps there were times that I shop for clothes just to make myself feel better or get over a crapolah feeling. So, Mom did try to point out that there's something in my life that lacks balance. At least, I think that's that.

Then, there's my friend Alicia who back when we're still studying, became my unpaid personal assistant. Well, I owed it to her...she made my life easier, kan Al? There I noticed that I should get more organise or I might menyusahkan si Al for relying on her management skills all the time. So, now, I'm back on track...a bit lah. (By the way, thanks Al! ^__^)

So, there...my family and friends give me balance in my life!!

Day 04: Something that is part of my routine that I enjoy

Part of my routine that I enjoy is relaxing with my legs up on the footstool (or coffee table, whichever is nearer) accompanied by my favourite sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" on CH711, complete with a cuppa coffee and cakes or biscuits or just plain coffee.

Usually, after a short, late afternoon nap, I would fix myself a mug of coffee. My usual blends are of course, the instant 3-in-1 ones. Then I would rummage the biscuit tins or raid the cupboard for biscuits or other snacks that I could have with coffee. 

Then, I would go to my spot in front of the TV, just in time to watch reruns of HIMYM or Criminal Minds or whatever shows on the telly. Sometimes I watch Nickelodeon or Disney Channel, especially Phineas and Ferb or Fairly Oddparents.

I really enjoy this daily ritual because it simply relaxes me after a long day at work. It reignites the senses and perhaps sometimes, I just need a good laugh and not think about work. 

So, that's all for Day 4 of the Blog Challenge.

Enjoy your own fave routine! ^__^

Day 3 of Blog Challenge: Something with which I struggle.

So, today I'm going to talk about my struggles. Actually everyone has an inner demon(s) that need to be exorcised kan? My struggles come in different manner and shape and sizes, so let me get started.

#1. My Yoyo Weight.

I have never reached an ideal weight. I was always slightly obese or slightly overweight despite being blessed with the ability to lose the kilos fast*. But, despite having that ability, I was also quick to pile up the pounds so fast before you could say "wah.." The thing is I did some exercises and did some diet here and there but I got another weakness, which brings us to Struggle #2...

#2. Lazy Betty

Yup. The most sinful word in the English dictionary. LAZY. LAZINESS. 

Perhaps it was my lack of motivation or that I was not patient enough to wait for the results to come so fast. I know I can do better but sometimes I just feel plain lazy! Lazy to work out, lazy to cook that salad (yeah, as if salad needs cooking!). So, this is one of my biggest struggles yet. Yalah, takkan mo rajin sepanjang masa kan? I mean, I need channel less Lazy Betty vibes.

#3. Procrastination

Ini pun satu. I'm supposed to do some school work now because if I don't, well I myself will suffer the consequences. I know what's the aftermath of procrastination but, I guess lau terlampau on time siap keja pun susah juga kan?

Banyak lagi struggles sia ni tapi if I tell you all of it, keboringan kamu baca nanti hahaha...sudalah ni post teda gambar hiasan :-)

So, that's challenge Day 3.

Bisuk apa ah? hehhee

Day 2 of Blog Challenge: Things I regret not doing in 2010

Hmm...it's hard to remember the things one regret when at the present situation one is feeling totally blessed.

Okay, I'm getting flashbacks about the things I regret not doing in 2010. 

First of all, I regret not unleashing my fullest potential.

I have always had this fear of taking risks in whatever endeavours that was served right in front of my eyes. Actually, I've learned this lesson over and over again. So this year, mesti berani ambil risiko and unleashed the power within. Because I can be a force to be reckoned with!!!!

Second, I regret not buying that really plush/ soft/ adorable/ cute/ it's-so-fluffy-I'm-gonna-die stuffed animal during my trip to Hong Kong back in December 2010. Moral of the story: Beli seja lau ada duit (applicable only when the year-end bonus comes in).

Come to think of it, I guess that's it. Well, at least until lightning struck and suddenly I remember other regrets. But since it's already 2011, let's just get ready to live the moment and try to find other trivial things to regret. 

Life should be lived to the fullest. Everyday is another chance to change. I'll try not to live in regret.

GAMBATTE, CYNTA!!!!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 1 3/4..

This is a continuation from yesterday's post...

Something I look forward to this year...

I've mentioned about a trip with my girlfriends and weddings...that's in my travel to-do list. Hmm...what else? I also looking forward to new responsibilities at work..hopefully I could be a better teacher this year. Here's to more recognition hahahaha...konon!

I also look forward to revamping my closet and some of my past attitudes like complaining and procrastinating. Ditto with my hair styles...maybe chop it shorter or something.

I guess that's all for this Day 1 and three quarters challenge.  Maybe there's more but I'll let you know as I go :-)

Have a nice day all!!

2011 ingressio

2 weeks into 2011 and I have finally got the time to update my blog. Well, so far 2011 started with a rather positive yet challenging note. But, who's counting? The most important thing is that I remain cool and positive. Yalah...lau marah-marah pun nda guna...sendiri susah sebab tambah wrinkles sama muka sendiri.

Now, I'm printing some certificates for our upcoming sports day. Arghhhh...sakit sudah bebahu sia!!!

So okay..2011 punya blog resolution...

Start with my own 30 Day Blog Challenge!!!

I got the topics from Something For When You're Bored blog. It's tad different but I think I kinda like it. Maybe I'll improvise a bit and see how it goes, yeah?

So, the 30 Day Challenge topics are as follows :-

• Day 01: Something you're looking forward to this year.
• Day 02: Something you regret not having done last year.
• Day 03: Something with which you struggle.
• Day 04: Something that is part of your routine that you enjoy.
• Day 05: Something in life that gives you balance.
• Day 06: Something that excites you and fills you with joy.
• Day 07: To be selected...
• Day 08: To be selected...
• Day 09: To be selected...
• Day 10: Something at which you've been a champion or the best.
• Day 11: Something about which people seem to compliment you.
• Day 12: Something you hope to change about yourself and why.
• Day 13: Discuss some of the things on your bucket list.
• Day 14: Someone who has made your life worth living.
• Day 15: A band/musical artist whose music impacted your life.
• Day 16: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
• Day 17: Someone with whom you shared a friendship/relationship that simply drifted out of your life.
• Day 18: Someone you met randomly that's made an impact on your life.
• Day 19: Something that shook your belief system to its core (a big disappointment in your life).
• Day 20: Discuss your favorite movie and why it's so special to you.
• Day 21: Write about your best friend (not significant other) and what makes them special.
• Day 22: Describe a dark/turbulent moment in your life.
• Day 23: Describe a truly spiritual moment in your life.
• Day 24: Discuss a spontaneous moment in your life that that turned out to be fantastic.
• Day 25: Discuss something you planned that ended up not being what you expected.
• Day 26: How do you handle/deal with both success and failure?
• Day 27: What is your vocation (why are you here on earth)?
• Day 28: What is your biggest dream in life (what one great thing do you want to accomplish)?
• Day 29: What WAS your biggest dream in life (you wanted to do as a kid but no longer can)?
• Day 30: Someone in your family that means so much to you.
• Day 31: Epilogue: Write a letter to yourself.

Okay, Day 1...Something I am Looking Forward to this year...

1. More weddings...means more excuse to shop :-)
2. A trip with my girlfriends...

Nanti sa sambung ah...