It's always interesting to see what the other bloggers at PPS are writing about. I came across an interesting post at theResident's blog about Extinction.
Now I'm probably going to get label as a person encouraging drinking... cheh!
Liberated at
12:04 PM
...Bukit Sadok...
Woke up fresh this morning after an early night. Reading the newspapers, found an article about the expedition to Bukit Sadok (Sadok Hill)-831 m above sealevel. I was suppose to go with a group of friends on that same trip but had to pull out. Was too tired after the Logo Launching last Wednesday so decided to stay put.
Well, just to give you a bit of history about the Bukit Sadok. It is the spiritual homeground for the Ibans living in the area. As I heard it, the last caretaker was Rentap. Yes, the famous Iban rebel who fought James Brooke, the White Rajah. In fact, he even had his fortress built on this hill which he defended with his equally famous cannon. Sadly, this was the location where the White Rajah also defeated Rentap. Now, Gawai Antu is a celebration given to honour all the fallen heroes since this period. Here is a link to an encyclopaedia to 19th Century Sarawak but mostly of names of people and locations. Also an interesting read on the Iban Migration to Sarawak.
A little bit more about Bukit Sadok. For anyone wishing to make a trip there, it is a tough climb as mentioned in the newspaper article. Note that if you do wish to make a trip, please do not be tempted to bring back any flora or fauna from the area. I suppose people might find it far-fetched but it is a spiritual area. There just some things that cannot be explained. The jungle is also very densed and the terrain is difficult to climb. Be prepared by wearing clothes and light clothing. Do not wear loose/baggy pants but rather wear tight, stretchable ones. The leeches will be having a field day if you do.
Having said that, I also decided not to go as I don't think I would have survived the heavy drinking sessions. Have you ever tried to drink with an Iban? Be it male or female? It's like competing with a bottomless pit! Never outdrink an Iban. Then again, never try to outdrink a Sarawakian bumiputera (indigenous people).
Something is wrong with your beliefs. How can you say that the things you wrote about without thinking it clearly?
I'm not talking about the indecent dressing. That is a never-ending debate. I agree with you on having to dress 'decently'. But who is to define decent dressing? The victim who might not have a clue? The rapist who is demented? Who gave you the right to decide what is deemed as indecent dressing?
Did you know that rapists doesn't have to lust after someone just to commit rape? What about child abuse? Do they dress indecently?
Have you thought how it feels reading what you wrote? Violating your space? Since when did you own the pathways that you walk. Leave you alone? What did she ever do to you?
The letter could have been written in another manner that is better worded. Instead, you're coming off as a crude, insensitive and judgemental person.
And you should also watched it as what you deemed as Asian values. One doesn't have to be Asian to dress decently, behave politely, show respect to elders. I'm Asian but I don't go around stereotyping values that are found all over the world.
All I can say is 'SHEESH! GROW UP A BIT WOULD YA!'
Had a wonderful time during the farewell dinner for my Korean collegue who is fondly known as Opa (father or brother?). After dinner, we went for a karaoke session. Was a night full of oldies, rock songs, sad songs, love songs and fast beats.
One song that is a favourite of all. Vincent sung by Don Maclean. Dedicated for those who are feeling depressed or had a bad day.
Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colours on the snowy linen land
Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night Flaming flowers that brightly blaze Swirling clouds and violet haze Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue Colours changing hue Morning fields of amber grain Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand
Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you But still your love was true And when no hope was left inside On that starry, starry night You took your life as lovers often do But I could have told you Vincent This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Like the strangers that you've met The ragged men in ragged clothes The silver thorn of bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen They're not listening still Perhaps they never will...
Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's painting. Many intrepertations of the song were presented. Up to you to decide.
I love the song and the painting.
Enough said.
A beautiful version of the song can be found in Josh Groban's site. A player should auto-pop-up so select track 9 to listen to Vincent.
Hmm...a lot of discussion going on about the waterissuebetween Malaysia and Singapore. Wonder why doesn't the government just let it lapsed and let our countrymen use the extra water. We definitely need it. Johor supplied water to N9, why not Klang Valley? Future possibilities.
We should seriously start considering this and this. Cheap in the long run. One of the basic necessities of life is clean water and not everyone gets it. Get rich companies to sponsor cleanup. Etc. etc. etc. Honestly speaking, the water in KL scares the sh*t out of me.
For those of you who have bought Diamond Water, bad investment. Take it from someone who makes a living making clean water. You probably need to get the filters change every week, if not daily.
Having said that, there are some selfish Malaysians out there. Imagine emptying your water tank COMPLETELY to clean it up JUST BEFORE A WATER SHORTAGE. A neighbour of a friend in Klang. Mental basket case.
Shahrizal mentioned (on the TagBoard) that one of my posts ended up at jikonlai.com so went there to have a look. Came across today's posting about being a surrended human being. Prompted billions of electrical sparks to spin off into my head. Did consider putting a response up but it would have taken too much space. So, posted it here instead.
Jikon, try not to be too hard about yourself. Sometimes, it's great to sit back and relax. Like irene says, good time to recharge. We're only human after all and wanted to change the world is too much of a responsibility for one voice alone.
As for studies, well, what do you want from it? I had to come to grips myself about what I wanted to do and why I really wanted a MSc. Was all fired up to do it and when I actually did it, it was fine. For the first 2 months. Since then, it's been a nerve-wracking experience. Then again, I went in for all the wrong reasons. So, after a year and a half, have decided to quit. No other nice way to put it.
Then again, I did sit back and reflect back on all the reasons why I wanted to do it in the first place. Was I going to gain anything from it? What can I do with it? Will I be able to use all the skills acquired? Will it help me in my career as a working woman? I didn't like the answers but had to face the truth that I just wasn't cut out for the course.
BUT!!!
Coincidently, a few weeks after deciding to do so, a collegue at work asked me whether I wanted to join an MBA course together with him. Was very tempted. Am still tempted to do so. That one seems more realistic as I do manage a team of people and quite well too. When? Well, we'll see. Did some soul-searching already but am being very cautious this time round.
On being a surrendered human being, it's not the same as being the surrendered wife. Issues are different. Take a break away from work. You're reading a blog from a person who suffers from stress breakdowns once in awhile. Important thing is to remember being human doesn't equate to being a failure. Take a breather. Go out and do something that is enjoyable. Take your mind away from it all. For me, it's a trip back home to be pampered by parents. Not exactly the best solution for everyone but I'm sure you'll get my drift.
The world will not change if you do not voice your opinions for one day, or two, or five. It'll still be there. Waiting for shouts from all over the world. Get the PhD when you're ready, when you want to. There is no rush.
'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.' Ecclesiastes 3:1
When are you going to GROW UP? Do it soon because you are looking more and more like a narrow-minded fool.
Are you doing this to demonstrate your authority? Or an excuse not to improve life for others in Malaysia? Or trying to prevent people from speaking up? Or attempting to hide the TRUTH? Or are you doing it on a whim? Or just do not want to see improvements? Or did you not think at all when doing it?
