pam choo

2012-01-03T17:31:00.007+08:00

So, it's the start of the new year and I'm down with a headache. A migraine? I don't know, one of those. It keeps me from going outside because the heat makes it a lot worse. I've been indoors since yesterday! Hopefully later I'll get to go out for a little bit.

I definitely need to keep busy and active. I think it's what keeps me sane! It's funny, being trapped in the house for over 36 hours has made me so restless. This could possibly be one of the many reasons why I did not enjoy my first year of university in the UK. I was indoors a lot because it was so cold outside, and also because I had so much reading to do. Note to self: Go outside more to stay healthy and..sane.

I mean, I do enjoy having quiet moments at home to myself at times. I guess a good balance will do the trick.

I am currently scouting for new jobs to do, and it's the hardest thing sometimes, getting into a new momentum. I want to try something new.

Anyways,
Sending best wishes and good vibes this 2012 to you!

x p.c

Happy

2011-12-25T14:27:00.019+08:00

Hellooo! I am currently typing from my grandmother's house. We had a simple Christmas Eve family get-together last night. It was super nice seeing everyone! Including some family who flew in from Melbourne. We started the night off with food (of course), some "soh mee" (white noodles) with soup and other home-cooked goodies, whilst getting the barbecue fired up. The chicken wings were perfectly marinated! (Some day I must learn how to marinate, but I did learn some barbecuing skills supervised by Chit Ko [Aunty Grace] and Nick! Haha).

Oh yes, we received two international calls on Skype from Buay Ko [Aunty Jo] & Rebecca in Norway, and Luck Ko in Hawaii! Rebecca kept showing off her Disney Princess book. I miss her smiling face and enthusiasm in everything!

Later, we sang carols and I was on guitar. We were very unprepared and sang any songs that came to mind, quickly googling guitar chords and lyrics as we went.

After that, we opened presents and everyone started leaving around 10.20pm :)

I decided to stay overnight, so Ahma, Swee Tin Koh-Koh, Peh Ko and I sat at the round table and chatted until midnight. It was nice, I felt like a little girl again except actually joining the adults in their conversations. Haha. When I was younger and living in Ahma's house, I was probably off doing my own thing (playing Barbie, watching cartoons or something) while the adults talked at the round table.

I love that I got to spend Christmas back in Port Klang and catching up with family. It was a small one this year as so many people are away! (Including my own siblings)

This Christmas Day has been very relaxed. When I woke up at 9.30 am, everyone in the house was already up. I had a quick breakfast, checked some random stuff on the Internet, and then I joined Ahma in the living room. We watched lots of cooking shows today and Ahma was "oooh-ing" and "aaah-ing" at the TV screen. We watched and watched until Tua Koh came over with some vegetarian food for Ahma and Swee Tin Koh-koh, then we watched TV some more, and Teck Sin Ko-Ko kindly brought food for me, and then more TV until Ahma and I eventually fell asleep, me on the couch, her on her special chair.

Here's hoping you all have a great Christmas Day, whether you're out partying all day and night, or having a quiet day with loved ones at home like me.

Much love.

2011-11-26T22:50:00.006+08:00

I'm really into these short hairstyles. They're so refreshing, confident and chic.

coffee

2011-11-26T22:26:00.015+08:00

Dear.. World,

I am typing this while Adele's "Daydreams" plays on my iTunes. It's a gorgeous song - just Adele's vocal and some guitar-plucking accompanying her.

I've recently started a part-time job serving coffee to people. I've learned a lot in these three weeks. I feel like I've grown, and life can be pretty surprising that way. I've learned that the food and beverage (F&B) business is really hard. We constantly think about customer service. That's basically our number one purpose; that each customer has a pleasant and satisfying experience.

I've learned that opening a successful coffee shop is not just about serving good coffee, although that is of utmost importance. It is also about creating, well, an experience. It starts from the customer walking into the shop, being greeted by a barista/cashier/waiter. Then, taking in the whole atmosphere of the shop, the colours, smells, sounds. Every little bit makes a difference. The customer makes an order and we serve the best quality with a sense of urgency to meet their wants.

I've seen that part of a memorable experience is also creating a place that people actually want and choose to spend their time at. Whether it's to finish up some work, study for a test, catch up with a long-lost friend or spend time with your loved one. The point is, you think of this place when you want to get away, or meet someone. You know you're going to have a great experience any time you go.

Well, I must say, this job is pretty crazy. Serving is not easy and you really have to be patient and ready to face any kind of customer, no matter how mean they may be, because... "The customer is always right."

Sigh.

Another

2011-11-06T01:31:00.002+08:00

Here's a video recording of a Colbie Caillat & Jason Reeves cover. Having some musical fun with a friend.

Jayesslee Concert review

2011-10-23T01:30:00.013+08:00

Janice & Sonia Lee (Jayesslee) at PWTC, KL.

It's pretty rare being in the presence of something inspiring and genuine, and that is how I would sum up Jayesslee's performance on Saturday, October 22nd at Putra World Trade Centre, KL. For me, there is always a difference between a performer who is good on recording/video and a performer who is good live. Throughout the show, I felt the love and joy of performing music from the twin sisters as they started the night off with their cover of "Price Tag", with a band backing them up for an energetic start. It definitely got me excited.

I like that they are truly themselves even as they are in front of hundreds of people. From the start they already admit that they are total "goofs" in their everyday life, and true enough, there were some adorable and, shall I say, clumsy moments that gave the audience a laugh, but it wasn't in a mocking or teasing manner. I felt that the crowd truly supported them throughout the performance.

For Youtube stars, I think we can safely say that being able to travel and play music is because of a strong fan-base, and I was amazed to see the number of people that have been and are being touched by Jayesslee's music. It makes perfect sense that they made the decision to share their voices and music with the world.

I'm excited to see what else they have in store for their fans in the future!

love

2011-10-15T02:06:00.006+08:00

I first came across this song when I heard Priscilla Ahn's cover of it, became mesmerized, and listened to it for weeks. Then I found the original.

valentine (kina grannis cover)

2011-10-12T18:45:00.002+08:00

My little book review on "The Notebook"

2011-09-19T04:47:00.037+08:00

I just finished reading "The Notebook." Yes, the story that was made into the much-loved (and perhaps overly talked about) romantic film (mostly amongst the girls, that is), and I had instantly adored Rachel McAdams who acted in it, and of course, like almost every other girl who saw the film, I had also developed a giddy crush on Ryan Gosling, who played the male lead.

But what I really want to write about is what I thought of the book. Reading the way Nicholas Sparks described Allie (the main female character in the book) was charming, mostly because of her free spirit, love for art and desire to contribute to society. However, I must say that it is Noah's character that is the most special, and I'll tell you why.

Noah's character as a lover is what women dream of; a man who loves whole-heartedly and never stops loving. While some may find this unrealistic, I like to stay open to a love that big that may exist out there. Outside the subject of love, however, Noah's character is the reason Allie became a famous painter. If it weren't for him, she would not have gone back to painting and, I have no doubt, she would have lived her life with the lingering feeling that something was missing. Noah encouraged her and believed in her, and that was what made Allie realize that he understood her the most. This is what makes him interesting, because although he came from a poor family and lived a very simple life compared to Allie, he had a strong passion for art (specifically poetry) and love for nature, which he always made time for in his life. When Allie got to know Noah again after not having seen him for fourteen years, she came to realize that "She had seen too many men in the past few years destroyed by war, or time, or even money. It took strength to hold on to inner passion, and Noah had done that."

I love the way the book encourages us to continue with our art in any small or big way in our busy lives. A quote in the book which I find much truth and reality in, "This was a worker's world, not a poet's," and for that reason, I feel that it is important to remember the things that give us joy. For Noah, it was reading poetry. For Allie, she later rediscovered that it was painting.

I'm a sucker for soppy romantic novels, that's a given. However, this book made an impression on me on other aspects such as being brave to live your own life, appreciating art, beauty and nature, and holding on to our passions. It really inspires and makes you reflect on life, and I think these are the kind of stories that I am most drawn to.

The thing that I was not so happy with, though, is how Sparks ended the book. I found myself wanting to know whether both Noah and Allie had found peace, and it was left uncertain.* I was happier with the film ending because it depicted a sense of contentment in both characters as they rested in each other's arms.**

Nicholas Sparks is known for writing tragic love stories, and "The Notebook" is most fitting in that genre. It is how he places an importance in art and living a full life, however, that I appreciate most of all.

*I just googled about this and found that the story continues in the sequel, The Wedding, which I will probably read soon.
**Maybe I will change my opinion after having read the sequel. We'll see.

blessings

2011-08-21T14:17:00.006+08:00

It's the little things that make you realize that you are so very blessed. For instance, your brother saying something encouraging to you 1 out of a million times ever, your best friend saying she misses you, your other close friend coming over to cheer you up, your dad giving you a hug in the morning, being able to sleep till noon in a comfortable bed, being inspired by courageous individuals, eating a really good meal when the less fortunate are not able to afford even a slice of bread, appreciating that you have an education, I could go on forever.

I am grateful.

lovelovelove

2011-07-10T16:26:00.003+08:00

Love these people. Hope to see more of my friends soon-ish. They make me happy.

Gravity

2011-07-06T16:00:00.001+08:00

New vee-dee-yoh.
Pardon the messy room in the background...

change

2011-07-05T13:41:00.009+08:00

Everyone keeps telling me that I need to accept change, and even I sometimes tell my friends that. It's weird. When I was a kid, or even a teenager, no one really spoke of change. We were too busy living in the moment. Too busy going for sports practice, finishing homework, celebrating friends' birthdays. I realize that I've been really blessed with such a secure and sheltered life since I was born until today. Some people may think that parents protect us too much, but the way I see it, it really is a blessing.

Growing up, changes start to feel more and more real. I have to admit. I'm terrified.

// ps. The picture above doesn't relate to what I'm saying exactly but I found it really sweet-looking and it's also true in its words.

I'm in love with beautiful music

2011-06-27T10:58:00.001+08:00

"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead" - Barney Stinson

2011-05-23T19:03:00.005+08:00

Amazing quote.

Positivity goes a long way

2011-05-19T06:00:00.008+08:00

11pm. My head can't take in any more passages to do with Law. I find myself getting onto Youtube a LOT lately. It's amazing how much stuff there is on the Internet now. Music, movies, tutorials to do with just about ANYTHING. Make up, cooking, learning a song... And all for free too. What would we do without Youtube?

I've recently discovered that my all-time favourite show called "Friends" is on from 5-6pm every single day here. I don't watch TV a lot, but when I get to catch it, it gives me so much joy watching a show that I followed throughout my teenage years and honestly it's like every time I watch it, I feel at home somehow. Like as though I'm part of the "Friends" family. Is that weird?

Today I went for a run (my Dad has been reminding me to try to get some exercise whenever I can during this exam period coz I really don't do well with exam nerves and he knows it best, since my parents have seen me freak out for exams pretty much my entire life) and I put on some Joss Stone on my ipod (been on a Joss Stone craze lately, and yes, I finally own an ipod after all these years of music loving) and stumbled on this song called "Free Me" and it really spoke to me.

It's basically about not letting anyone stop you from doing what you want to do. I love optimistic songs that encourage you to pursue your dreams and follow your heart and be who you want to be. I hope it inspires you too.

Buenas noches, amigos!

Music loving

2011-03-15T20:53:00.006+08:00

I've been slowly making time to discover music again. Ever since I came to England, I haven't been listening or playing music a lot. I'm not sure why, but these days I make time to listen to music every day and it's helped a little. I find myself humming more, that's for sure.

Missing lots of people as always..

Loving this photo of the sunset at Wollaton Park.

colour

2010-11-03T07:40:00.007+08:00

My blog is so empty. It needs to be filled with more thoughts and things to share.

I think I've been getting a little more used to the cold here. I used to kind of freak out about it and thought real hard about what I was going to wear for the day because I didn't want to freeze to death. But now I'm pretty fast, I just choose one top, a cardigan and a warm jacket over. Not so much thinking required anymore.

New shoes and clothes are still needed though. When will this happen? Don't know. I get lazy about these things, and, like most of us would know, university makes you kind of..busy. Yes, understatement of the week.

I miss my friends and family so much. I was so happy I got to talk to my grandmother a couple of days ago. Her voice and usual 'exclamations' when she talks to us grandchildren made me feel so loved.

I have so much to do in so little time, but somehow tonight I'm putting it all off for some time for myself.

Oh and I just HAVE to talk about the changing weather that's happening here in the UK. Since Sunday when the time changed and went back an hour, it gets dark here so early. By 5pm it's like night-time, and it makes me feel depressed and not want to go out anymore.

I absolutely adore the autumn leaves this season. It truly is a beautiful sight. From afar, the colours you see are mostly yellow, orange and brown, but if you look closely you'll see some pink, purple, red, green, all sorts really. Or maybe my eyes were imagining things.

Pictures, finally!

2010-10-04T02:27:00.018+08:00

Ok, I've been having problems uploading pictures on Facebook so I'm delighted that the Blogger picture upload is being kind to me! Now let's have a look see...

View from the Portland building at University Park, Nottingham Uni

dim sum at China China, Nottingham City

Hari Raya/Orientation Day event by Nottingham Malaysia Society

Korean hot pot at restaurant called Assa, London

This is somewhere near Dunkirk, Nottingham

A pretty, autumny tree (I'm obsessed)

Beeston (a very very small town near my hall of residence)

what the entrance to Florence Boot hall looks like

This is where most movie premiers are held in London!!

the South Entrance of the Law and Social Sciences building at University Park

The Trent building on a gloomy day

ps. Can someone please tell me if there's a way to make my pictures bigger here?

time

2010-09-03T17:46:00.004+08:00

Today I came across something old and familiar, something I held on to closely in my early teen years. It gave me joy and comfort and I wonder why I've made it absent in my life. I guess time does change us sometimes when we don't even realize it.

2010-08-31T21:47:00.015+08:00

Some of my favourite shots since I finished my A level exams

lavender

girlfriends who were always there the past year and a half, and counting

sunrise at Low's Peak, Mount Kinabalu (Sabah)

my high school amigos, some of us having to say goodbye

cold waters at the Noobies, Philip Island (Australia)

more amazing sights of Mt Kinabalu

What's left of the '12 Apostles' at the Great Ocean Road, Australia (here's 2. we spotted 8 that day)

the best pancakes (also topped with maple syrup, though unseen in this picture.)

self manicures

with Krys at Southbank

raindrops

there is no place like home.

girl in a tree

2010-05-26T13:48:00.005+08:00

"Be good to yourself (we all deserve to be joyful)."

mrk music

2010-05-12T17:26:00.009+08:00

written, arranged and produced by mrkuok.

i stand here unashamed

2009-11-10T09:09:00.009+08:00

wow i just learned how to post videos on my blog, how awesome am i. anyway i wanted to share this with you guys, the lyrics are very meaningful to me and remind me to have faith when things get tough. hope you're all well. xo

2009-08-17T07:46:00.002+08:00

Sometimes all we really have is ourselves.

Love

2008-12-12T23:01:00.008+08:00

"The day that you start thinking that love is overrated, is the day that you're wrong. (There's) Nothing wrong with love and faith and belief. It's not having it." - Haley, One Tree Hill

African daisies

2008-08-27T23:18:00.013+08:00

My number one

New Song

2008-08-24T18:59:00.009+08:00

Just a quick post to say I wrote a new song called Searching For You. I tried to make the lyrics rhyme, and it turned out to be a pretty sad song.