say my name, say my name Hey bloggers and readers,I apologise for my long absence. I am doing well, going through life's daily drama as always. Though there's this one particular drama which I have an issue with - my name!Ok, ok so right now you are must be wondering what the heck is she talking about? Well, let me tell you. (oh gosh, im making questions out of my readers which might not be the right question, or they didn't even think of asking anything in the first place :s ) Anyways....I was talking to Tou the other day about names in Australia and how when I ordered drinks from Starbucks, Gloria Jeans or whichever place that serves take-away drinks, and they ask for your name so they can call you when your drink is ready right.... I do gave them my name and its so freaking simple! Just three damn words - NUR!! (minus exclamation marks) tell me honestly, how difficult is it to say three words. Its Nur, Nur, Nur, Nur, NUR!!!!But noooooooo!!!! They just call out the name of the drink instead. Which is so much longer than the name I gave them to call out to. Like whaaaaatttt??!?!?! I have been standing there, observing and accepting it passively, and asking myself - Should I change my name and be the rest of other Malaysian Chinese who completely naturalised themselves to English names so the rest of the white Australians can regard them as equal human beings who has a name to call out to.Ok let's see. Ann. It is my name. Like a legitimate name on my birth certificate. Annur. Since they can't pronounce the last three words, let's go down to their level and let them have it easy with Ann. BUT I feel like a fake if I were to ask others to call me Ann. I'm an asian muslim girl with a name Ann??!! It doesn't sound right and it doesn't feel right. It's just weird ok.Right next, Ana. And yes, it is my name as well, from my second name, Bayyana. The last three words again. And Ana sounds like an English speaking name as well. Australians look at it and they go "Anna". And I start to feel like a fake again. My family and close friends have been affectionately address me as Nur. Why must I change that just because I can't fit in the mainstream of English names? Does that mean if I go to India, I have to have an Indian name as well? And in Korean a Korean name? and in Japan, a Japanese name??Obviously not yea? It's just in Australia or in America or in Britain that we change the way we live, we think, we feel, we believe and the way we were always called since young. Does it always have to go back to the ever classic of white superiority complex issue? ok maybe I'm over-reacting. But I won't have think so much if they could take an effort to say my name.So am I going to change my name and fully assimilate to them rather than them respecting and accepting that migrants are coming here to pump up their economy? I'm still thinking about it.What do you think? masks The thing about wearing masks, they feel heavy on your face. You wish to get out of the masks and breathe. Because it is getting stuffy. You just want to rip everything off and throw those masks back to their faces. It is tiring to let them hear what they see from the masks. Never from the person behind that mask that treats oneself like a string puppet. Telling the masks what to say to different individuals, busy explaining to someone else always, but never to oneself.But that is life isn't it? When you think you have compartmentalised dramas played by different roles, of a different genre each, you are already losing your own lines. Your own place in this big movie called life. But you have to hold yourself still. Don't lose ground. Keep on going with the play. Think of the bigger dynamics that has a thousand ripple effects if you ever change your tone to the play. Life is never only about you. It's always about others. All the time.There is a reason for the masks. Because in any relationships within your family, friends, lovers... there is always the chance of betrayal, of disappointment.. it's a matter of the degree of hurt that you will bear from them. Faith and trust are such fragile forms of life. Just when you think of giving it away, or you have already entrusted someone else with them, you find yourself feeling vulnerable... And you remembered... you forgot to have that mask back on again.Because... no one wants to see what you see. Each one of them has a given and shaped expectation or image of you.... Stick to that role you have been given to play or you will only end up hurting yourself. Hence the mask, to shield you from scarring. Keep it safe, keep it only for you. You don't owe anybody else the truth, it's your truth.. A truth so sacred. It can never be shared with anyone else.It takes a lot of pain and strength to keep reminding oneself never to leave the masks behind. It takes that much courage to look oneself in the mirror without those masks... And all you see are these eyes of sadness that's been crying in the dark, the heavy heart that's been hurting silently, the faded smile that has been exhausted for others to see... And you gather that strength again for tomorrow's episode of life's continuing chronicles... and tomorrow.. and tomorrow...The dramas never end... but the roles that we play eventually will... life, life. life. hey readers,how have you guys been? It's been a while... Gone are my uni days and the free moments I used to have to reflect on almost every aspect of life. The present is filled with goals to be achieved, a career waiting to take off, a life I am practising full responsibilility on my own, and choices that I am waiting to make that would make a change to my future.The thing is, the longer I am on my own overseas, the more I feel for mum back home. The more I realised what a spoilt brat I was and what a burden I had been to her and to my family. I don't know how mum did it. She has been a very strong individual. That's what I will always remember of her, despite our differences and despite our disagreements in the past.It is a lonely journey but yet fulfilling to start from the beginning. To becoming a better person, to learning who to trust in life, to remind oneself of the past mistakes so not to repeat them again today, to learning how to love, to learning how to let go lightly of hatred, envy, grudges...Earlier today, before I went for my jog, I had this strong pang of homesickness washed all over me. I was sitting all by myself in the living room.. and I started to miss my family, my house, my neighbours, my neighbourhood, the smells and sights of home... I had the strongest longing for familiarity of home back in Singapore. I wanted to be in my living room, just listening to mum's updates of people we know, and to hear dad calling us all out for prayers and sis dragging herself to take the wudhu while bro keep chasing one of us to go to the toilet and take the wudhu...I am still going in this journey of mine. I am not regretting the decision I made to stay on and build something for myself. I know what I want and I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals and come back home and make my parents proud of me. Independence means a great deal to me. Making it on my own is a massive deal to me. The price I have to pay for wanting to achieve this is missing out important moments of my family members... Moments that I can't get back. Not with apologies, not with excuses, not with money... I know that.I wish I can make up for it...Life... always a painful process of learning who you are, who you choose to be, where you choose to be at and with whom you choose to be with... You have to grow up fast if you want to keep up... or you'll lose... and I don't want to lose and I hate losing... facebook Is it just me, or facebook is getting depressing these days? You know how they say Facebook is a cheap method of marketing, advocating, or keeping in touch with 'your audience'?Well, these marketing tactics... showing others the products, or events or the social life that one have to conform to be a part of the "in society" and what suddenly becomes the normality of everyday living, is depressing...The same as how you watch an ad of a model applying this gorgeous red lipstick on her lips, and she tells you that you should probably do the same because apparently you are worth it... like, who the heck are you to determine my worth by a smack of red lipstick? You know what I mean?Marketing is depressing. Seriously. It doesn't make you make you feel good if you are a part of the marketing scheme to sell something. Because you are making others feel inadequate. And that should make you feel pretty manipulative of the message you are sending and the life you are living...so stop the bullshite and just keep it low, will ya? the difference is... Friendship is friendship. While networking is networking.It's that simple. a mental note The thing about trust is that you can't give it away too easily. It's better to deal with the emptiness and the loneliness than to deal with betrayal. With false assumptions. With "I thought you were different but I was wrong."You can never know someone too well. You should never assume in knowing someone too well. Because people can change and they don't need to give you a reason for it. For that's the way it is. It's just people. It can be you, and it can be me. It doesn't matter who. What matters is that you don't give trust away on assumption and never betray the trust once given to you regardless if you earned it or whether it was given to you carelessly. If you respect trust itself in its own manner, you do it both ways. Don't be a hypocrite and abuse what you would value most in any relationships you have with anyone.It's never wrong to be cautious. It's never right to think people always have the right intentions with you. The world doesn't work that way. It's easier to do someone wrong than to be wronged. And when you do bear the brunt of the hurt and humiliation, you make sure you learn the lesson well and get a move on. Do not dwell. Do not plot revenge. Do not give chances. Do not think people can change. Do not make yourself believe even for a second that people can change. The worst lie is lying to yourself what is not proven right in front of you.Always remember when someone does something for you, ninety-nice percent of the time, they want something back from you. Favours always beg for favours in return. Almost nothing works in non-reciprocal manner. Even in the most "sincere" favours. Unless you are a doormat, then congratulations for not getting the world still. No one is going to pity the doormat. Because that's the way it is. Save some respect for yourself.Learn to trust yourself to keep to your word. Learn to know what it means when you begin to trust yourself, your judgements, your instincts... For the safest bet you can make on is yourself. It's always easier to expect yourself to change than expecting or hoping others to change. Trust yourself. Don't give in falsness and don't be a part of falseness.Get away from anyone you know you can't trust. It's the wisest thing to do. Because you are not that stupid to linger around betrayal and lie to yourself that it's all not true or that people make mistakes. People don't betray people everyday. You deserve better than accepting one's flaws of not treating your trust with utmost respect.Now you know.... Learn it well and be careful the next time. It's too pricey to forget the second betrayal bestowed on you.... I did not call because You ask my why I never call.The only reason - I will always and only receive fears, anger and put downs; strong pessimism that near succeed in convincing myself it's end of hope, end of life, end of the world for me everyday. Calling home never fails to instill fear and the after result of depression - the basic reminder how I am failing not just to myself but everybody else who won't think I can even make it.You won't even let me try. You expect me to fail. You only feel fear. and you can only remind me how much I have been depending on you financially. And you don't think I feel bad and worse about it? You don't think I want better things for myself? You don't think I have sleepless nights and random break downs going through reality and only finding myself supporting my own decision. You don't think I want to stop depending on you? You don't think I rather not depend on you?I rather not, depend on you. I rather not listen to your fears and threats and negativity that I am not capable enough to make it. I rather not listen and see what you see in me and give up so easily without even fighting it on my own. I will not turn back and prove you right. Because I will not.I will not fail and I will not let you to make myself think that I have failed. Because I have not and I will not fail and I will not depend on you. Thank you for reminding me that I am alone in this. And thank you for not wanting you or anyone else back home to be a part of this anymore. I can't even count on you on non-financial support - your belief in me.Thank you for letting me see that. I promise you, I will be no more of a burden to you. I will not let you hear me asking for help. I will not rely on you anymore. Thank you for reminding me I only more alone. It's my blessing I have you as my family. Dropping by.... hey all,moving on to better things in life.I am on to reading books from Adeline Yen Mah. Her stories growing up being neglected by her father and her step mother and still survived throughout life obstacles to becoming someone successful.Sounds almost like a fairy-tale yea? But hey, she made it, so good for her.I really don't have any inspiration to write about any wisdom on life or even on life experiences. Not at the moment no. I am not saying I am miserable. Though it reads like I am. Outpouring one's vulnerability seems to translate that doesn't it. I am frustrated with life right now, yes. But I am not going to give in despite my whinging and having moments of questioning myself if I can actually do this. Life is both beautiful and shit, in the most perfect way. I know at the end of it all, I will take everything in my stride with my head up high. And it's best to do know on my own, quietly. It's always best to not let anyone in. Because the slightest chance of having your trust betrayed or being viewed differently is always, always there.So... readers, my beautiful readers, have a nice day. Thank you for reading my blog. badnews I can feel my heart usurping with hatred, envy, and just pure malicious intent.I have to really do something before I fall to the wrong side. my truth these days I have not been blogging lately because I am going through a lot of things in my life at the moment. Sometimes I wish I can just compartmentalised it all, and still focus. But alas, I am a human being. I can only try.I have flaws that I can't see, and I don't have anyone right now who would come up to me, to sit down and talk and tell me what is not right about what I am doing in my life. Hence in the end, I run to books for wisdom, encouragement and for solace.Sometimes, I wish I can run away from it all. I wish I don't know anyone. I start doubting on my existence. I start doubting myself. Though many times my inner voice told me to not take anything too personally and get a move on, I still curl up in the corner and cry. And hug myself for assurance that things are not that bad.I feel like I can't go back home because I am a disappointment to them in so many ways. I feel so indebted and I can't repay them back. I feel like I want to get away from where I am right now and run to a place where no one will judge me, no one will ask of my plans, no one would expect anything from me... and a place where I won't ask for help in anything from anyone.Just emptiness. Just the peacefulness. Empty but serene. For my brain and my heart is in a violent turmoil that I can only tame it for so long... I just don't know how strong I can be really... because at this point, I can only see and feel fear wrapped up around me that I can't make sense of anything else that should matter to me...I don't know how to deal with life sometimes. Certain times I know I can go through it all, and told myself I am brave enough to soldier on no matter what... and most times, I am just plain scared. I can't even begin to tell you how scared I am to learn that I am a failure in life... lessons from 2009 hey everyone,it's the 2010. I was sitting on the couch checking my Facebook on my Iphone and reading off all of the New Year greetings. And I started reflecting on the lessons life taught me in 2009. So I taught I might as well share some random reflections of mine here.I learn about relationships. The many types of relationships. The way I view my family, my friends and my love life. With family I learn that you can't expect the perfect family. As a matter of fact, a perfect family only exists in movies and fiction books. Or in self-help books that try to teach you how to raise your kids. You are stuck with the family you are born to like how you are pretty much stuck with skin colour that you have, or stuck with the country of birth you are born in. You pretty much have to just deal with the circumstances given to you. How? Don't give a rat's ass about what they think about you and how they treat you differently from the others. You think about making a change on yourself and separate yourself away from the evil poison seeping from the family roots and just get a move on to be better and still convince yourself that your family only wants the best for you.Friendships. How do you know differentiate friends from acquaintances? This is what I observe and learn from experiences. Acquaintances are people who pretend they know you, leaving random 'hey how's it going' on your facebook wall hoping you reciprocate to write something in return on their walls so they look like they are popular in a way people on their facebook list actually acknowledge their existence. And they are also the ones who wish you Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, Happy whatever shit the society expect you to celebrate in the name of consumerism. The thing about acquaintances is that they appear when you least want and/or need them. But when you actually show you need them...That's when your friends come in. Friends are the complete opposite. They appear looking like they don't keep in touch but they are the very first ones to know if something is wrong, sense they are needed by you and jump on it to help you out in whatever way they can, and they are the real people who actually know you and not expecting something in return from you. And true friends are friends whom you can run to feeling safe knowing they won't turn their back against you. Their actions speak louder than words - they may not wish you Happy Birthday, or be there in a text message to wish you some public holiday greetings, but they are always there when you call to talk, returning your texts of crying for help the second you send it despite the time difference in two different places or despite of whatever they are doing at that moment... Those are friends. They don't criticize you but they tell you the truth, they don't try to please you but they always make you laugh, they don't watch you deteriorate and laugh at you but they intervene and share their wisdom and laugh together with you when you excel...Similarly with romance or love life. You have the one who without you realising has been there for you especially when the smoke of adversity is so thick that you won't even think that you can make it out of there, but there is always be that one who still stand at the other side of hell and wait for you to come out, shouting for you to just believe in yourself and threaten you to get the heck out of there and remind you that if you don't you just going to prove the haters right. And you hate listening to that one, but you know he/she is right. And that one not just hears you when you speak, that one listens. That one doesn't only listens, but also run the extra mile to make you happy and not just with mere words, but with actions such as waking up wee morning after a long day at work in the previous night and only had less than seven hours of sleep just to run another errand for you, and annoyingly also the one who tell you your own shortcomings as brutally as one can but help you gently help you to recover from fallen steps and be there with you each step of the way... That one believes in you more than he/she believes in themselves. The one who doesn't give you roses but gives you security when you need it, doesn't give you promises but shows you they are making the most effort they ever make to make things work, doesn't sings you songs soothingly to your ears but sings in the most screechiest note in the most sincere and meaningful tone... That's the one.While on the other hand you also have the potential suitors or admirers who can say a million praises or sweetnothings to make you feel perfect or make you feel you are the best thing that can happen to them when in reality, they are just passerbreakers - that's what I call them. They are passerbys and they only break your heart. They might not mean it but they are idiots who don't even know what they are saying or doing for that matter. They are pursuers who pursue only because the chase is exciting, romantic and temporary. They get carried away. They pursue you even more. But they are not into you. They are into the chase. The moment of chasing you. The moment where they want you to be and that is falling into their illusionary world of empty promises and deceptive lies. And right when they have hit their target, they pack their bags and leave. Because that's what they do best. They aim, they shoot, hit their chosen target and leave and look for new ones. That's how they roll. It's all bout the chase baby. They are disllusioned themselves if you think of it. People who don't accept real consequences but prefer to run away to create another world of narrative romance from a twilight novel. And you have to be careful and know how to tell the difference between those fooling around and those who are really into you.Another thing what I learn from 2009 is not to give a shit so much on matters that can only prove harmful to your feelings which thus churn out harmful behaviour. Negative emotions are like spoilt brats yeh? The more you give in to spoilt brats' demands, the worse they behave. The more they demand and the more they whine. But if you don't give in to them, and not give a shite, and not let them bother you, eventually they get tired of fussing around and they stop. Just like negative emotions. Pay no attention to it and it will pass. And it's all going to be alright. The more you fret, the more you worry, the more you entertain your fear and anxiety, the more these harmful negative feelings feed on you and make you a horrible person. So don't. The same with everthing else - don't take anything too personally. It's not worth your time and energy, because it's not.Right what else? It's not easy to believe in yourself. In a world where pessimism is vast, and in every corner you turn there's someone reminding you of the risks, it takes so much out of a person to actually believe themselves when they try to convince to themselves one simple thing - 'I can do this'. It's even harder when you try to set out a new journey that is unconventional to ppl you know your whole life, and dubiousness and uncertainty is all you have and you can see, and you keep questioning yourself more than you spending time proving that you can actually do it.. I'm still learning by the way. Like I said, it's not easy. But I'm not going to give a shit. Because I am going to do it whether or not I'm being met with disapproval. Whether it works out or not, that's up to me to decide isn't it?So farewell 2009 and thank you for what I have been taught and hello 2010 to help me become a better person than I was last year. I don't give a shite what's going to happen but I also can't wait to start on the journey. I'm going to end up different, in an inspirational way. I just know it.Have a good one everyone. God bless. another adventure in Brisbane @ Movieworld! Once upon a time... in a far, far away land down under, called Movie World @ Gold Coast Brisbane, there live a powerful and strong hero. He called himself Batman. Despite the blistering heat and the Christmas holidays coming, he was still so hard at work fighting off villians to protect the Brisbanites from harm...Amazed with awe, his two biggest fans from St Lucia, Brisbane decided to look for Batman and tell him how awesome he is on and off tv. So the search was on..We started roaming around the Looney Gardens...and we knocked on some doors... but to no avail...We tried forcing information on Batman's whereabouts from Roadrunner... and still no avail...Bumped into the most friendly and welcoming hosts of Movie World...And made more friends along the way...When finally... I received an inside tip on Batman's secret hideout... (that's me on my mobile talking to a very important source of Batman's whereabouts btw :P) and...We found Batman!!!!! And Batman's two most biggest fan went back home and they all live happily ever after. ..That's all folks!!ps: for more info on Brisbane's attraction themes and get discounts, visit My Fun the massive, massive birds in uni! yarh, these birds go to uni too you know... the stolen eye with Jane Elliott Dear readers,If you can have the time to look for this DVD "the stolen eye with Jane Elliott" please watch it and please apply it to the daily lives of the minorities living with a dominating culture forcing them to conform to the majority.I felt what Jane Elliot is trying to teach. And it helped me to look and ask even further the social fabric of the past and of today.It's heartbreaking and it's reality... random moments with kiat win 1. at the pharmacy.kw: is Cetaphil good?me: yep, see? I have no pimples.kw: but you don't have an acne problem.me: (paused for a moment. I looked at Kiat Win again) see no pimples.kw: (stared in disbelief) I think I should go ask the chemist.2. at the cinema.me: ergh, twilight is so stupid.kw: yarh, I rather watch something else. Stupid movie.me: you're not going it to watch with me??kw: (paused.) you said its stupid!me: it is!! But no one is watching it with me!kw: (looked very confused)3. in the car.me: can we go annerly and see guppies?kw: no.me: why?kw: i'm tired.me: but you promised.kw: since when?me: kiat win, remember the first day we met, outside the lecture hall? and you looked at me and you said to me "annur you are my first malay tudung (veil) friend. I promise to take care of you and bring you anywhere you want me to." you promised Ng Kiat Win!(caroline laughing at the backseat)kw: wow! And I didn't even know...me: so we go annerly ok.kw: (looked at me) nonsense you know you. no.me: but kiat win Im your only tudung friend.kw: ok ok I go find new ones.me: kiat win!!!!kw: tomorrow laaa can?me: i win!!!kw: (shooked head from side to side):) finding zen in Brisbane's own Botanical Garden Pretty flowers that make you smile...More greenery to make you fall in love even more with Brisbane....Who would have guess one can find beautiful nature like this right here in Brisbane...All the little things and rare beauty one sees that makes a difference to one's life... I'm lucky to be in Brisbane...For more info: Brisbane Botanical Gardens Mt CoothaFor more eye pleasing pictures: Bits of nature here and there in Brisbane my comrades! out from under look ma, thats me! That's me right there! :) hello family and friends... hehe Halloween celebrity twitters Hey all,Thought of sharing with you some of the hollywood celebrities twitters whom I follow on my twitter.katyperry: Finally, I'm NOT dressing as SLUT today since I can be SLUTTY 364 OTHER days of the year. I celebrate Halloween not HO-A-WEEN. Pics LATER!TheEllenShow: Did you see me (almost) get scared at work? http://su.pr/7LG1qZhollymadison123: my queen of hearts outfit is over the top! thanks trashy lingerie!elizadushku: http://twitpic.com/nu44j - We want to suck yop blooooodjohncmayer: To the "one piece of candy a day" people who still have Halloween treats on Thanksgiving, I just don't understand your kind.beverleymitchel: Happy Halloween tweeters!!!! Be safe and have fun!!! http://twitpic.com/npz8gThisIsRobThomas: Backstage at the fox in st. Louis. Very cool theater. Getting ready for the halloween show.Pink: Everyones costumes are amazing!!!!!! I'm a broken angel. Pics later:) the story began in Roma Park... Roma Park is one of my favourite places in Brisbane, taking a stroll in the "rainforest" and enjoying the simple beauties of life - flowers, ducks swimming in the pond, fresh clean air and all of these right in the middle of Brisbane City. Especially now that exams are around the corner and I need a gateaway place (somewhere convenient for me to travel back and forth from home) from all the stress studying and revising for the finals - Roma Park is my small heaven. Though sometimes for my friends and myself, its our little Bollywood stage in the park. ;)One fine day, somewhere in the middle of hustle and bustle Brisbane City....the story of two lovers took place among colourful pretty flowers on a gorgeous sunny afternoon...and an out of nowhere "extra" singing so melodiously about the two lovers in the middle of the park...that got the attention of a couple of residents of Roma Park where some obviously took notice and were captivated by the tone deaf singer ambassador... while some took cover...and some swam for their lives...to be continued...Note: no animals were traumatised nor harmed in any way. :p random-ness part 2 random-ness part 1 stupid kid Dear silly,You think I was the one who took the other half of the bond when really it wasn't even me who made that decision. Even if I were to give you that money back, I can give the number of general opinions of what I should have done with you.You looked at me and behaved like I owe you big. When really, you even had your mess behind after you left. You stained the carpet,you left your period stain on the bed, your shit was in both fridges and you didn't even bother to ask how much you would have owned for the utilities before you left.You can concoct a story, your story that I was a bitch to you when the story is simply this - you rather defend and fight for a guy who left you crying when you first arrived here than to actually reflect on the friendship I took effort building with someone like you. Who helped you to settle down? Who advised you on university? Who was actually there telling you not to irrationally break up with your bf over that fight that night? Who actually offered to be your friend? Who cleans up after you in the kitchen?I find it heartbreaking that you live your life so carelessly and overlook the real people who had the generousity and sincerity helping you out when you were here on your own... Instead all your eyes could see that guy. Shame. on. you.Lastly, don't behave like you know everything when really silly kid, you have no freaking idea especially how stupid you look at this point. I hope one day, just that one day, you actually grow up and stop living life thinking money is not an issue. You are far from living the real world sweetheart.... you are such a pity... picture of the day Sunday whinging hey all,I'm at uni right now, in one of the study lounges working on a group assignment with Anja. I would have twittered this but because I banned myself temporarily from Facebook and Twitter, I'll just blog it here.The ban is for me to get away from whatever going's on with SB. It's not the nicest feeling in the world to be involved, and you made efforts to be a part of it, on a ongoing basis but someone else gets more recognition by them. That's messed up. That's life. Que Sera Sera. Do whatever I can until it finishes. And just leave with a good name and reputation even if not acknowledged. At least I can sleep with myself knowing I did my own thing. That's the best consolation I can give myself right now. Alright back to work, have a good Sunday everyone. Enjoy it while you can. :) you youif my light disappears;will you light some for me;if i retreat in fears;will you be my army;if i feel imprisoned;will you be a friend;if life has me beaten;will you know me again;i see you from a distance;you stood there motionless;devoid of humanity, devoid of penance;watching me sinking in my outbursts;i cried and i broke down inside;you stood there letting me fall;and you looked down with pride;feeling ten feet tall;while i stumbled and hit the rocks;you watched me fall again and again;you think its a lesson to be taught;you left me alone in a nameless land;when my light disappeared;you did not light some for me;when I retreated in fears;you weren’t my army’when I felt imprisoned;you weren’t a friend;when life had me beaten;you had me abandoned...Originally done;Annur Bayyana life, life. life. dear you,in life, you are going to meet people. that's for sure. And the people you meet, not all will like you neither will you like most of them. And the few who means so much to you, are the ones who you see less of but think of most of the time. While the ones you don't fancy as much, just let it go. Don't keep it in because it only age you faster.in life, you are going to earn experiences. and it doesn't mean the older you are by the number makes you wiser or more experienced. Experiences happen when you are willing to accept challenges, work through them and come to a realisation that you need to be better.some people can be thirty but act they have been through so much but have no idea how to be considerate of others. and some people are only novices in their years but behave they demand respect of a war veteran. Whatever age accompanies you, whatever phase you are at in life, take in adversity calmly and believe in yourself that you will make it through. Do not believe life is obligated to treat you better without even understanding and appreciating life itself.in life, there is pain and there is happiness. when at times you feel unhappy, take a pause and breathe. when at times you question your existence, think of your accomplishments. even the small ones. think of those who know you and those who make you laugh. those who come to you confiding. when at times you think about those who hurt you or offended you intentionally or not, do not let it get to you. they will past. but you stay true to yourself. be strong. be not tempted to constantly seek the validation of others and forget who you really are. stop explaining. just answer to yourself.in life, never take anything at the surface value. listen before you comment. think before you make your say. question before you judge. and learn before you conclude. never stop yourself from learning. never make a permanent conclusion and make it into a generalisation. because this universe has too many billions of unique and complicated lives to be segmented into vague generalisations. step away from the four walls of the square. you know what they say, you're a dull person when your life's square.in life, please remind yourself to be humble. you may forget, its human to forget. and the price of forgetting humility is costly. do not have to pay for it. be humble. be humble. be humble. treat others with kindness. treat others carefully. how you treat others will affect you. treat others well and be humble. treat others with humility. .... The world suddenly feels gloomy and dark. Brisbane Riverfire 2009 Hey bloggers and readers,Here's a little info of what is Brisbane Riverfire about."QBE Riverfire promises to be a pyrotechnic and musical extravaganza, bringing the city's skies, buildings, bridges, riverbanks and backyards to life as Brisbane Festival 2009's Opening Night festivities unite hundreds of thousands of people in celebration. The party will burst into life well before the sun goes down and the roar of the F-111* strike jets signals the start of the spectacular fireworks display. People arriving early to claim the best vantage points will have plenty to keep them entertained with 104.5 Triple M’s outside broadcast and the Australian Defence Force putting on a jam-packed programme at South Bank featuring aircraft, drills and live music from 12 noon."- liveguide.com.auBrisbane Riverfire is the opening of Brisbane Festival where "for three weeks from 12 September to 3 October outstanding international and Australian artists and productions, free world-class events, emerging fringe theatre, spectacular fireworks, inspiring conversation and debate will fill the theatres, parks and suburban streets for Brisbane Festival 2009. The Festival combines with the former annual Riverfestival to make it one of the largest, most inclusive and diverse arts festivals in Australia."- brisbanefestival.com.auIn layman terms, it's good shite right here in Brisbane. Every year from 12 September to 3 October, Brisbane Festival takes place with fireworks (as the opening and usually the main attraction) across Brisbane city and events with local and international artists performing throughout the 3 weeks.Thus another reason why I'm tempting you to come over to Brisbane. Let's partyyy!!!The boys, Anja and myself sharing the moment on 12 September 2009 @ Greenslopes. :)