Near death experiences...

Where my whole life flashed right across my eyes...

Or so, it would seem.

Cutting a corner too fast,
I almost rammed the edge.

Holding my breath for too long,
I nearly ran out of breath.

Almost falling into the drain, with my hands sprawled against the wall,
My first few lessons learning how to ride a bike.

Riding a roller coaster at lightning speed,
I almost fell off my seat.

ALMOST. Or so it would seem.

Nothing like a rush of adrenalin pumping in your blood,
Nothing like a feeling of pure exhilaration.
Chills running down your spine,
Shocks of electricity jolting you back to life.

Giving you a reason to live.
Reminding you of your existence.
The extra push you need to exert yourself.

When I go to heaven,
I want my life to count,
To meet God face to face,
Hearing the words...
"Well done, Melissa. You good and faithful servant!"

P.S. I've yet to learn how to ride a bike, properly.
LiSs ^^

Just another case of...

Being at the Wrong Place, at the Wrong Time.

Being at the Right Place, at the Right Time.

OR

Being at the Wrong Place, at the Right Time.

vice versa.

You call them pure coincidence,
mere accidents,
bad judgements...
I call them. Fate.


When what would seem to be a shed of light or a ray of hope,
Just a shift in course would be enough to place one in a predicament amidst the deep blue of the sea.

When all appears to be well and dandy,
Just a wrong foot forward would be enough to crush one's visions and dreams.

When all that one thrived on was because of a perfect image,
Just a touch of reality would be enough to shatter its fragile elements.

Yes, its one of those cases.
Nothing happens without reason.

I'm having one of those nights.
LiSs ^^

At long last!

After months of procrastinating and leaving drafted posts unfinished and unpublished, I've determined to post this, even if its gonna end up to be a short or pointless one. I'm not going to give excuses for my absence despite my unreasonably tight schedule, but for my lack of persistence and devotion.

No, I've never understood how some people never fail to take time off their schedule to update their blogs. For me, it's the television and whatever else that does not require me to use my brains (I still haven't found time to clean my room after exams =p). But it is rather comforting to be letting out a few things off my mind sometimes, I tend to keep them very much to myself.

So, what has been going on in my secret life? Unfortunately, nothing much. Yes, I've just finished my exams, officially a graduate a total bummer a missionary, traveller. Truth is, events follow, one after another. Aside from birthdays, even my mom's 50th, other celebrations and never forgetting some milestones.

Thanks to Project Management, I've learnt that milestones do not have a duration, but only marks a significant event in our schedule called life. A milestone in our life is something only for us to value as it may be only significant to some, those who are affected by it. If you think you may be someone in one area, remember you are part of a city, state, nation, region, continent, world, galaxy and ultimately the entire universe. Now, who do you think you are?

Back to my point, your significant event...may not be so significant after all. Oooh, I've just burst a bubble. Not to sound jaded, but...life's like that sometimes. It's not always about me, my and myself. Nor you, you and you. So...what if people do not appreciate you for who you are and not value the things you do...We all have our own unique experiences no one could ever take them from us. So, treasure every little thing you have but continue to stay down-to-earth.

So much for this being a short post. I drift away. Sometimes. For the most part.

Let's see what have I done so far...Right after exams, my cell group were caught up with the CouZ Talent Night by SIBKL. Every night, we would gather to practise for the audition happening on Sat night. At first, we were ambitious enough to come up with a 5 number performance. Of a dance, song, mime, stomp and media. More like a copy of 30 seconds to fame where each number would last 30 seconds centered on the theme, 'One'.

The plan failed. Miserably. Strike 1 was with the dance which was supposed to be led by Bryan who, was not very much a dancer himself (sorry Bryan! for the record, none of us are, excepting Bernice's solo with you as the pole. Told you that could have worked better with you standing still =p)

Strike 2 - Stomp led by Laura
We could not possibly some up with any neat, tight beats even after countless times of watching it on YouTube. So, out you go! Well at least we did have fun boom banging and cling clanging buckets and pans. =D

Strike 3 - Mime led by myself
This, we had some sort of idea from Lindy and were halfway there. Nonetheless, not enough to make a stunning performance and therefore, scrapped.

Strike 4 - Media by John
Due to insufficient time, he didn't manage to come up with it.

After 4 strikes, what else is left but the song, which we did. Conventional style. The Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) presented to you by One United cell.

Since I had my mom's 50th on that Sat of the audition day itself, I didn't join them on auditions. My mom's birthday's another event on itself feat. the Grease theme with Uncle Tony, the disco king.

The next week was also spent on practising for the big day, the Talent Night itself. We made through to the finals! Apparently, the judges are really nice people who couldn't turn anyone down even if they were really bad. Or they expected 10 groups to perform but since only 9 groups participated, we all made it! But auditions wouldn't be complete without comments and boy did we get ours! The judges were confused of us being a performance or a worship team? Amazing Grace, much? And the girls' voices were not strong enough. Fair enough, for most of us girls, it was our first time. We definitely had a lot of catching up to do.

After many nights of toiling...*pause* for effect...our every bit of effort paid off. We displayed more confidence, more coordination and more voice, according to Lindy, our image consultant =p Excepting the fact that, the other groups were way better than us! We knew for sure, we didn't deserve to win. Despite that, Laura contributed to us being the top 2 on the SMS votes. At least, we were mentioned apart from the rest of us non-winners getting consolation prizes of free TGV movie tickets (no surprise there).

After supper, on that fateful night...While Bryan drove Laura and I back home, we met an accident on the highway. To keep the long story short, we survived from what would have been a nasty accident with only some sprains, bruises and cuts. And the moral of the story, always buckle up, even behind!

This ended up to be a much longer post than i expected. Oh well, I'll leave the rest for another day. So, there's something to look forward to.

That's all for now, folks!
Next up, Thailand and Singapore!
LiSs ^^

life has taken on a new turn...
the world is seen differently through one's eyes...
every step is taken purposefully...
with a mission, a set goal to work towards to...

My time is running out…Age is not a factor?

Just when you think age is not catching up on you…think again!


Symptoms of old age:

1. Jumbling up of words

Parking + Marketing = Park-eting

We were on the way to Pavillion the other day. The 3 musketeers – ZH, B and I went finding for parking. When we just missed out on one, I randomly said:

“Don’t worry la, sure can find parketing…opps..Parking. haha.”

And a few other mixed up words, I can’t seem to remember. I was totally in my sound mind. Hmm, now makes you wonder if I had proper teaching since..kindy, primary school?


2. Lines, creases, bags and whatever nots…

Sheer sign of old age…when you actually grow older! A little extra lines here and there, even from smiling or laughing gives you a few more wrinkles. Eye bags that go deep just below the eye from those inevitable late nights (yes Zhen Han, life does not treat me well in that way T.T). A few scars and bruises here and there, hence the ‘colourful’ me (haih, I’m that clumsy unfortunate) To think that I’m getting older, more like I’m reverting back to my childhood life! haha.


3. Forget-me-nots

If I give you that I-think-I-know-you-look-familiar look, please excuse me. I probably am figuring out where I have seen you before and or in the midst of trying to dig out some memory of a name. Again, not my intention, I’m just simply getting old! Or maybe it’s just my bad memory of names and faces =p


4. Mother no. 2

When you speak like your mother! This includes all the older generation lingo and old grandmother tales that you keep reminding others…

“I’ve eaten more salt than you do rice.”
“Let’s bring our whole gene gang!’ (wonder if that’s the right spelling…)
“Aiya, kids nowadays…” *shakes head*

5. Reminiscence of the old times

“Haih, those we the days when we used to do…this…and …that…”
“Remember when we…bla bla bla…”

As if time is on its stand still as we speak. No, time waits for no man, so move
on forward!

6. Countless reunions and gatherings

People only do gather when they have not seen each other for a very long time. But nowadays, reunions are done almost every week! Hmm, wonder if it’s just an excuse to meet…


7. Misplacement of articles

It starts first with small little nick nacks that lie loosely around the house. Never forgetting, the times you used to call your cell just to find out where it is. Then it goes on to appointments you unintentionally miss- making the use of a ‘diary cum appointment/ agenda for the week’ necessary.


8. Frequent relation of stories/ constant reminders of old age

The relation of the same story to the same party on several occasions.

“Oh, did I tell you about the time I…”
“I did? Hmm..”

“Haih, this year twenty-one already, I feel so old”

And boy, don’t you feel old! Amazing how powerful words are, especially with self-admittance. Note to those who ARE old out there: do not live in denial!

And for those who ARE older than me…

“Please la, if you’re old, then what am I?”

(an older human, maybe? =p)

9. Early bird/ fatigue and tiredness/boredom/lack of stamina

Those who know me well would know that I sometimes can get high (no, not on anything) for nothing. It’s just one of those moments, after a certain hour that I just get a lil’ perky, so to speak (probably on those late nights, which are extremely rare) Note to self: oh now it makes sense!

Nowadays, I can’t get pass a day without escaping a yawn. Don’t be offended if it was ‘performed’ in your presence, people! I am first tired, before I get bored. My attention span is also shortening, which makes it harder for me to stay occupied and satisfied.

Even very much before the striking of midnight you can see the fatigue/tiredness taking its toll on me. That is probably why I call my night early and then wake up early in the morning. Sounds like something your old folks would do, ay? I couldn’t agree more =) Oh well…the early bird does catch the worm.

Also, the tennis marathons we used to do last time. All the way from 8am till 1-2pm in the afternoon. Hard core, I’m telling you. Well, it’s not as if I’m good tennis, but being able to last that long (under the hot Malaysian sun, mostly picking up balls), pure determination or stamina, I would say.


10. Aches all around

My body screams like an engine in need of oiling. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds. After passing a phase of life, there’s no looking back and turning the time around. Sure there are enhancement supplements and who-knows-what-else, but it can only take you so far, bundled up with uncalculated risks and dangers of side effects.


On the bright side, there are a few things you don’t need to worry about such as curfew, for instance. As you grow up, hopefully your parents will be more flexible about your whereabouts and times? Note: hopefully. But then again, what’s the use of going out so late at night when you would get sleepy and tired by that time anyway. Self-defeating, haih.
So you see, the lesson learnt here is to live life while you’re still young that is, you never know when your body would fail you. Do it keeping in mind that when you ARE old (yes, I’m barely in my early stages), you can reflect that

The reason why I’ve aged with lines showing, hair thinning, joints aching, hands
shaking…
…are signs or proof that I have LIVED, LOVED, GROWN not merely, but
to the fullest in this life and with no regrets that I remember of distinctively
today…

P.S. Please help me to age gracefully, God.

Beauty only lasts but for a moment.
We are loved for who we really are when we are old.

To all the weary and downcast...

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking NOTHING.

.......

tasukete kami sama!
watashi wa kantan ni nozoite...

hitori de

Dear God...

Thank you for being my guardian,

Protecting me and guarding me whenever necessary.

Even when I go astray,

You never fail to pick me up and put me back on track.

Thank you for never giving up on me,

For forgiving me each and every day,

Countless times as it is,

When you never seem to see the end of day.

Sustain me in every circumstances that I go through,

Intercede for me, I pray,

Words are never enough to say,

Of all I am and who I have become.

Lord, give me the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which should be changed,

And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other...

Fair is not a word...

Or shouldn't be one, in fact...For one, it no longer is existent in our society today. Gone are the days where justice is served. Law and order does not even bring justice to this word at all. How more can it give the helpless hope, much less confidence. I'm not saying revenge is good, neither am I saying that we should live in pretence. However, something has to be done. Just take a look at how corrupted our legal systems have become. I'm very much aware that just as powerless as you, as I type this. But let us be responsible for our actions and reflect, this pre-election period, for those involved. Only a friendly reminder, like what they always say.

Then there's this other saying:

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Plainly put, as a summarization of humanity's contentment. Yes, we humans are never satisfied.

Now, fair takes on the subjective scrutinity of man...
"What exactly is fair?" Can't say I know the answer to that myself.

For starters, life is never fair. Caught you there, didn't I?
Be it in any way, whether it is from your background, lifestyle, acquaintances and just who you are or become to be. Answer the WHAT, WHO, WHERE and HOW, and you would be surprised at how these words would turn the exact same sentence around by simply...replacing them.

Fair can also vary to many degrees.
Say, is it fairer for you to have more money than him or her when both put in the same amount of time effort? Sounds familiar? How about this...

Is it fair to be in imprisonment for a crime you did not commit?

I told you this was gonna get ugly. Life is so unfair, isn't it? =p

On to the response bit. Most of the time, we would grow bitter. Or even wallow in self pity. If only...this. If only...that. As if things are gonna be any better just by wishing and sulking in one corner.

The question to be asked instead should be:
What can I do to change this?
How can I make the best out of this?
They don't say action speaks louder than words for nothing, you know.

And of course, the very word mentioned earlier itself; being

CONTENT

Rather than keeping track of negativity, we need to look at the positive aspects of our circumstances. Find it, sleep on it, and improve it. Always look at what you DO have, not focusing too much on what you DON'T. Treasure THESE things but not to the extent you become too possessive and cocky with it, taking care that you do not become too comfortable with your current standings. Take it as an opportunity to grow and better yourself.

See, now fair has taken a new face. It really depends on which side you are looking it at.

P.S. When all else fails, suck it up and live with it. By God's grace you'll get by just fine. ^^

Trains stop and depart,
Leaving passengers on the side of the platforms
Passerbys move from one shop to another
Getting the best bargains they could find

Birds migrate from the north to the south
Following the wind and temperature as they change along
Wild animals hunt their prey down
All to secure their stomachs a fill

Nomads never station at one place for long
Moving on whenever the soil loses its ground
The world rotates on its orbit
Circling the sun as it goes
Such wonders God has created for us to behold
Other mysteries who can fathom its show

Written by MEL
Copyright Feb 2008'

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Picking up after yourself

I have just finally finished packing my room after a month of living out of my suitcase and in a dumpster for a room! Happen to have given away my first born birth right to my sis and to be moving out from MY room to the guest room. As a result, I often have to shift back and forth when my parents accommodate guests (which happens quite frequently, I assure you!). So before I left for Australia, I had to clear OUT of the room to make way for any expecting guests during the time I would be away. Being the true ME, I chucked everything (yes, all my junk) into the cupboard stored away in plastic and paper bags. Talk about convenient!

Now, after being back and having to go through all my articles, I realised that sometimes we have our past slotted in a part of our memory somewhere that we have not quite dealt with. Maybe we just cant seem to find the time to slowly ponder on it, or maybe we conveniently push it aside because we cant face it. Whichever the reason, we have failed to pick up after ourselves. Remember the old times where our mom, especially, would often say, "Make sure you pick up your toys after you're done with it!" And just like the old times we never listen to them. Even to this day.


Never leave dirty laundry around, you will never know when someone might just pop by =P