The many priorities in life

Ever since my come back from UK, I've been through a lot of things. Well, let's start talking about things now, since I've got LOADS of time to spend at my work place on my work desk.

Let's see... I've talked about my trip to Penang, about the dance performance.. What else am I missing? Oh yes, right... OK...

The many few reasons I came back for my summer holidays is that I have to help out in my music school's concert this coming September. How exciting. No, seriously, IT IS exciting. I have not felt this excited since the last concert we've dealt with. Considering I am now able to teach small children how to sing songs, supervise some musicians in their playing, and of course, other small matters besides, like typing out a score and planning the programme, it's making me anticipate for Sundays (even though that's a day when the labour force tends to hate so much, including me, now). I like the feeling of rushing for things, having something to do, and not to be bored the whole time (like what I have to be doing now - to be bored). Looking on the bright side, it's also something that I like to do. That's what's pushing me.

Other than that, my mom's friend introduced me to this (dreaded) direct sales company which (thankfully) offered me a temporary post as a Marketing Exec (I think, well, that's what the previous owner of this table was doing). The post sounds 'superior', but not a single bit it is. Look at me (not literally, obviously), I'm spending my office hours surfing the net, checking my email, reading my book, etc etc. Looking on the bright side (again!), I'm getting paid to be bored... Not bad for a job... Haha! Well, the reason why is that the Superiors (yes, the bosses, and yes, there are 4) are all gone for a roadshow (kinda), so there isn't anyone to let me do anything, well -- yet.

Oh, one the 'thing' that I was so freakin' frustrated about for the past 2 months: my K750i has been fixed, and for a pricey fee indeed. I loaned the money from my mom, and she expects the return after I get my salary. Hopefully there's enough to spare for my personal use... Looking on the bright side (not again!), I get to use my camera phone again. It's good to have a camera phone with you, in case you need to take memorable moments back home. And for a fact that I can't even afford to buy a camera myself, I think I'll have to rely on camera phones for these few years. It's also an advantage though, to have both a phone and a camera together, instead of taking a phone AND a camera out with you. Wouldn't that be bulgy and bulky? Thank you, modern innovative technology! (That made me wonder how future devices would be like.. Haven't you ever wished you could live to see how the future looks like? Sighs... Life's too short...)

So summing it all up, I'm not that free now, but looking into details, I'm actually very free. Contradiction! (Speaking of which, I didn't do well in my first year. Sob sob... So i'm not gonna say anything about it.)

alone in new world + busy doing lotsa stuff - money to spend = Nothing! Zilch! Zero! Empty!

Dance the night away

For a long time, I've been wanting to go to a modern dance. Don't mistake me. I mean the type where no one, without the artistic sense, will ever understand what the hell the piece means.

Well, not that I'm saying I have never been to any of these concerts. Just take it this way: As a small child, with not much appreciation of the arts, and the hyperactiveness of a small boy, he can never be able to understand nor enjoy the graceful movements, the colourful picture and the suitability of the beautiful, although modern, music.

Yep, I watched something fantastic today. For once, I got to understand the piece really well (so proud of myself at this moment.. muahaha...), and I have to say the dancers were really good as well. I liked it to an extent that I even want to learn Dance now. Oh well... Great minds have great ambitions, huh?

A trip to remember

It's funny, for my whole life, as a Malaysian, it's hard to believe that I haven't been to a lot of local places. Some to name are Kuantan, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, and Penang. Finally, I had a chance to go to Penang, and it was an experience. Not only that, it was like a soul retreat for me. A place where I can finally find peace.
The night before, I stayed up late till 1am watching some shows I downloaded from the net, without knowing that I had to wake up at 6am next morning. I woke up groggily, somewhat blur, and started packing my already set-aside clothes into a travel bag I borrowed from my sister. Then off we go. First stop: my grandma's house, to pick up my uncle, and to leave some stuff over in her place.

For the first time, when we got to Penang, I got to see the famous Penang bridge. It was weird to NOT see thing-a-ma-bobs hanging over the bridge (like those which you usually see on other bridges), but not until the middle of the bridge, which was kinda a turn off. People say how long the bridge is, but it isn't majestic at all. That's what I mean by a turn off.

Throughout the trip around Penang, I was surprised at the places I was taken to see. Guess what? almost 80% of the time, we're in temples, CHINESE temples. We were led around by one of my uncle's colleague (don't ask me what my uncle does, neither do I know), in his 50's, on a motorcycle.

For someone like me, I have no faith in any religion, although I believe in God (that's why they call us free-thinkers). I used to pray in front of altars, everytime when I go back to my mom's hometown, and according to what I hear from my relatives, they say I pray everyday, for some reason that only I know of (but obviously forgotten). For a while then, I haven't been in any religion, thus saving, not spending, time on religion and prayers. Not that I'm complaining, but it's personal preference. Anyway, it was on the 1st day there. When I entered a part of a temple, coincidentally, a monk and a nun were chanting along to the mantras (I think), and knocking on the (thingy) on a constant beat. I found that relaxing and peaceful, suddenly feeling the wonders of God and the serenity of life. Calms the mind and soothes the soul.

Anyway, next few places were temples, so no point talking about them, but the famous ones are the Kuan Yin temple, and the Snake temple. Quite special.. Oooo... I remember. The Kuan Yin temple was still under construction, and that is to finish building the shed for the Kuan Yin Statue. They were selling roof tiles to be written with the person's name and a "zhu fu". My mom donated some money, and had my family's names written on it. I guess it means we will be blessed by Her, since we are giving her shade. Don't trust me on this though... Haha..

Well, for once, I can finally say, "I've been to Penang!" now. It was worth the visit, and the memories.