Tag Archives: Friends

The original Anthony Robbins?

I just discovered this quote today,

and it was so wonderful I was intrigued by

the man who said it.

Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real calibre is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others.

~  William J. H. Boetcker

Nice.
And then… I found more things he had said.
Like…

If your business keeps you so busy that you have no time for anything else, there must be something wrong, either with you or with your business.
and

That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong.
and
If you want to know how rich you really are, find out what would be left of you tomorrow if you should lose every dollar you own tonight.
and
What a different world this would be if people would listen to those who know more and not merely try to get something from those who have more.
Of course by this time I was curious beyond belief, so as I am wont
to do …. I spent just a bit of time finding out more about him.
.
.
.
William J. H. Boetcker was an American religious leader
born in Germany, 1873 and became an influential public speaker
in the United States.
He would be such a motivational speaker, eloquent and inspirational,
that many people regarded him as the forerunner of the more
successful life coaches you have today.
The original Tony Robbins, as it were.
He even had his own ‘Rules’ which was incorrectly attributed
to Abraham Lincoln at first!
Below is ‘The Ten Cannots’, written in 1916,
and something which would not be out of place in
our world today. Yes, 93 years later. All of them.

Required reading for all.

The Ten Cannots


You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot help little men by tearing down big men.

You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the

wage payer.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting

class hatred.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

You cannot build character and courage by destroying

men’s initiative and independence.

And you cannot help men permanently by doing for them

what they can and should do for themselves

Most excellent indeed. Simple and so elegant.

There are some Ayn Rand-ish arguments there,

but I especially like the last one, which is a different

kind of way

to think about welfare and helping the

poor, downtrodden and groups like the indigenous peoples.

I think it encourages us to explore our opinions

and thoughts a bit more, to think out-of-the-box.

.

.

.

Thank you Mr Boetcker, you would have

the equivalent of your own huge shelf at bookstores

today, I reckon.

.

.

.

And just  a little shout out to some special & unique presents

I got for my recent birthday. I appreciate all that

I got, of course, but these three were so cute and lain dari yang lain

I had to just note them here.

One is this:

I laughed out loud reading this so many times … I reckon

it’s a perfect way to encourage you to read more books

so you “get” the twitterised version of the book.

What they do is basically sum up a book in around 20 tweets…

and the result is a healthy dose of cheeky and hilarity!

Check out one of the ‘tweets’ from Hamlet, for example…

I had a knife to that fat asshole but bitched out. Now he’s alive and still

taking to bed with that beautiful wo-…er, my mother.

LOL!

Or from Beowulf:

@Grendellocks: Bah. That was way too easy. You’re so dead that you

can’t even read this tweet. Fairy.

So cute.

And another present I loved was this little creation:

So cool kan? I like my chocolate milk tan :)

Yipppeee!

And the last one:

A ‘pantun’…

when day is gray and food is dull,

and big migraine is hitting skull,

when need big love & hugs so tight,

when feeling like flimsy kite,

all I need to feel better,

very easy no need courier,

I just call your phone quick and fast,

confirm times 10 will have a blast!

Lol! So cute. I love my presents. I like that as we grow older

and we can afford things ourselves, we like the more

personalised presents, the quirky ones that are kind of tailored

to you.

Thank you to piku, shoelace and kuda, you all made me smile

long time. :)

xo

Happy heart

Last night,

after what has seemed like too long a time …

I hung out with all of my favouritest people in the world again.

Well, most of them, anyway .. some are still far away! …

but I had such a good time,

and I was more than

happy

just to

be

there

with

them.

:D

Four musketeers reunited

Beware the punctuationless post

my breathing’s still messed up and sometimes

i think i may be having some issues

with anxiety or asthma

but i’m not quite sure

and i don’t want to make a big deal out of nothing

it’s probably my inability to sleep properly these days

which my friends and family are nagging me about

i have received that e-mail 3 times

the one about that indian ceo who died even though

he was perfectly fine and that he just didn’t sleep well

yeah so i have been referred that email three bloody times

by three different people who were aware of my

sleeping problems

ah well

but it could be worse..

just found out my angie is in the hospital due to a bad lung infection

and i’ll be heading out to see her soon the poor baby

and so lately i’ve been feeling so much admiration for my mom,

who has been my green inspiration lately,

no joke, she’s been so awesome and she’s been doing it

under everyone’s noses

check out the fruit skin composting she is experimenting with

smells.... fruity-ish

and if you’ve been wondering why i’ve become more green

these days

i’m going to be involved with this green project very very soon

so tolong support when the time comes?

but you know what …

it wasn’t all about the project.. it happened quite naturally

and being inspired by my mom

and the things happening around me

and maybe cause..

it was actually very …. easy lah.

don’t worry i’m not going to be one of those scary,

militant greenies (as how some people call them) …

i’d rather like to think i’m a learning-as-i-go-along kinda

greenie …. which i hope more people are as well i guess?

this weekend is actually my birthday weekend

but, as if on cue

and just like last year

when i was too busy and didn’t feel it was the ‘right’ time

to celebrate..

i’m working this weekend quietly at home

and am opting to postpone celebrations

Notice i still use the word ‘celebrations’

Don’t worry, you’ll never hear a

i’m too old to celebrate sorta thing from me

i like the passing of years, i love any chance

to meet and be joyful with friends

i like reflecting on what the year has been

So yeah, i do like birthdays, and i do enjoy a drink or two to

go with it.

Just maybe next week, not this week.

it is december after all, any day is a good day to celebrate ;)

don’t worry, no projectile vomiting and all

no crazy slapping or punching people this year (i hope)

let’s just have a laugh.

2009, you’re almost up! wow, what a year    :)

xoxo

And just for your entertainment, here are some LOLs to share.

Mac versus Tom Cruise. Hilarious!

http://www.take180.com/s/1dmr9g

(Sorry tried embedding it but it didn’t work)

For your Friday listening pleasure

You probably would have guessed right now that

I’m in a music phase, an eternal phase, more like …

I’m drawn to tunes that sound

dreamy, uplifting, that make you feel like running in

a park filled with autumn leaves and bright blooms.

A light-filled exuberance is what I’m looking for these days!

 

And here’s the latest of my faves:

 

Jonathan Boulet.

Just 21-year-old.

Apparently did all his songs in his tiny garage studio.

Hey Sydney, this is a shout of to you, he is from your state,

if you still don’t know  :)

His debut album drops Dec 4 in Sydney itself,

with the album launch on Dec 3.

 

I’d gladly go to menyibuk if I could, young talents

tend to fascinate me a bit.

As well as music that sounds like this.

:)

 

 

.

I’m currently holing myself up in one of my best friends’

house. Ann has so kindly agreed to house me in her ‘Toh Resort’

while I get through this huge project I need to get done by a certain

time. Sometimes, when I find I cannot push through a mental inertia,

I need to rejig and challenge my brain and senses by escaping

somewhere. In this case I left home for Ann’s warm nurturing.

Don’t get me wrong, home’s warm too … it’s just that

sometimes you need to shake things up.

(In my case I think, perhaps worryingly, that my need for travel

or movement or change is displaying itself in

more ways than one. The can’t -keep-still factor isn’t

very helpful when you need to be doing work)

 

Anyway, Ann provided me with a comfortable room and some wonderful

cider every evening :)

Friends, what would you do without them.

Here’s her and her cider.

We’ve been friends for so long now, she knows even beforehand

whether I’d say a guy was hot or not.

“Ya, saya memang tahu itu lelaki jenis er…kegemaran kamu’,

she hilariously said recently at a screening at Palate Palatte when

I pointed someone out. LOL!

Don’t ask me why she said it in Malay, and why she couldn’t find

a decent translation for ‘the type you go for’.

But yeah.

 

“Hey, help yourself to anything. This is your home too, you know,” she

said yesterday.

Thanks girl, love ya.

xox

I’m catching up …

Apologies for the lack of posts. Need to clear somethings up

before November really begins in earnest … for me, at least.

At least my jetlag is finally (I think) dead and gone.

Jetlag is nature’s way of telling you “Cut the crap,

don’t fuss. Let your body and mind adjust to changes.”

It doesn’t feel like November in this country, truly.

Even though I have caught up with beloved family and

some dear friends ….

The pikupuff and kudapuff & I at Rootz. Seems a lifetime ago that Lot 10 was as happening.

With piku & kuda at Rootz. Seems a lifetime ago that Lot10 was as happening

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From left - Ro, Sharm, Arjen & Jasbir. I <3 this family. xo

…

I’m still thinking about two trips that have taught and inspired me

greatly this year. That’s the best thing about travel – when you

keep learning learning learning. I’ve learned so much from

America that I’ve been bursting with ideas since I got back.

Out of all the places we went, I must admit, I got most inspired

and learned most from New Orleans. (Yes, even though I

am dying to live in New York for a year or two)

I have to tell u ALL about this story ... but u must wait :) This is in New Orleans, with a woman who invited me into her home after I gawked & stared at her home for quite a bit LOL. She knows Brad Pitt ;)

Have to tell u ALL bout this story..but u must wait :) This is in NO, with a woman who invited me into her home after I shamelessly gawked at her home for ages. She knows Brad Pitt ;)

Ana & I ... at the Meatpacking District, NYC

Ana & I ... at the Meatpacking District, NYC

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My dear roadtrip buddies & I in Washington DC, at the end of our adventure. Sigh..

In front of Abe Lincoln's Memorial

Someone (unknowingly) became my model in front of Abe Lincoln's Memorial

And before that, a quieter, more reflective time …. I still remember this …

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At Long Lamai, Sarawak. I bathed in this river with my young friend Victoria (yes, Victoria :) for company

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That's her on the left & her cousin Kristiana, in front of their house

For those of who have not seen it, I wrote some articles on my

Penan and Long Banga trip which came out in The Nut Graph in October,

before I left for the US. You can read about them here , here and here .

But there are definitely more pictures I wish to share, here, soon enough.

Sometimes though, it aches to see these pictures. I remember how I felt

when they were taken.

Sometimes I feel more like the real me when I am away.

Some random points before I end:

-  Sometimes in this country of ours, I wonder if certain dastardly acts are

pure and intended evil &/or corruption, or if a big part of it is people just

well … f*cking up. Seriously.

A series of Ooops, Aiyaks and a startling acceptance of Kebodohan

Melampau or Ape-ape sajelah. Perhaps it is ‘Fight Ineptitude’ we should be

aiming for.

-  Is it normal to suddenly get turned off by friends when their heads

get too big? But you were so much more attractive & lovelier when

you were more humble, sweethearts.

-   I’ve been thinking (or having to face thoughts) about bullying,

intimidation, revenge and forgiveness for quite a bit recently.

It’s made me seriously question what I believe in, and whether I have

the strength to commit to principles I hold dear.  I never, ever thought

I’d allow myself to be bullied. Would/have you?

-   I really miss having dogs. Think it’s that unconditional love thang.

xo

Stuffing up in America

Yes folks, I eat when I’m happy, and I’ve been a-pigging it out plenty.

Wolfed down an awesome serving of Southern (well, Nawlins) Fried Chicken

AND a beignet a few hours ago.

The lack of updates is basically because I don’t live my life

on the Internet. Lah.

But some pictures and points today, that I can do.

It’s been amazing so far, this lil road trip.

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With baby PJ in LA, before we headed out East.

Look at those eyes. She’s a mini Dakota Fanning, this beauty.

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Angie was in my last post, here are my other two roadtrip buddies -

Marc & Anis. How cute are they? ;)   These three have been

so wonderful. They have also been encouraging when it comes to

eating more, 

talking to men (ahem)

and indulging my murderous moods. 

 

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We have been driving a lot. But taking in all the gorgeous scenery,

and singing all kinds of songs on the way.

This is a sunset on the way from Phoenix,

Arizona, to Fort Stockton, Texas.
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In New Orleans. I’ve been so inspired by this city, truly. And to think

we were initially going to skip this one – I would have been devastated!

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Live jazz and blues at the Apple Barrel bar, a little delight (and

dubbed as Frenchmen Street’s best-kept secret!) that

kept our grateful attention after a night of some misses. Musical heaven,

totally recommended.
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This one deserves a posting or two all on its own.

A creation of the Make it Right project at the Lower 9th Ward in NO,

one of the worst affected areas. I’m all abuzz about what I’ve

been learning and thinking about Katrina, New Orleans, loyalty,

and love. Can’t wait to write about it.

Soon … soon enough :)

For now, it’s time to menghayati the travels to come.

 

Oh, random piece of info: I’m going to watch ‘Where the Wild

Things Are’ very soon! Yippeekayayyyy :)

Beyond excited because it seems like I’ve been waiting forever for

it to come out. I think I just may explode with joy

after watching it – and if you never hear from me again

it’s because I have died and gone blissfully to dreamyfilm heaven.

xo

 

 

 

PS-  Thank you so much for your e-mails, sweetness & suggestions,

you know who you are, and I’m most grateful. Will reply soon &

do give me your addresses – I’ll send postcards ;)

I love these girls

Today, we saw Amy and Dion Tang marry against the backdrop

of a beautiful ocean view in Sabah.

He cried when he saw her walking in,

and had to steady himself as he read his vows.

She was crying too,

and as for us girls… Oh we were all in tears already the moment

we realised Dion was crying with joy.

We were shameless crybabies.

Happy, happy tears, all of us!

It is quite something else to witness your friends in such love

and happiness, who were best friends for so long,

now officially husband and wife.

 

I’m in such a good, chilled out mood … and am (touch wood)

in less agony than I was yesterday … so here are some

shots, taken just a while ago.

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Ames looked so beautiful *sigh* :)

Unfortunately I cannot download pix yet so

these pictures will have to do.

All these girls are now either married, in the midst

of marrying, or going to marry their loved ones

very soon! I   A D O R E  these girls … it was so good

to reunite :)

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My heart was just bursting with joy, really,

to be with these girls and boys again. I’m feeling so much

better just because I’m so happy seeing all of us

together. 

I’ve missed you all so.

Why can’t we all live closer together?

 

 

Thank you to the Dearees, what a beautiful wedding,

and looking forward to the madness tonight.

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Tang! 

xoxoxo

The Month of Ten

Beware, grossness alert.

 

Below are just the few bite marks on my legs and arms

right now. White cream is for the allergy and itchiness

and has steroids in them. [Please refer to past tweets/replies

if blur about this :]

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The start of October was supposed to be the

fresh, big bang start that I had envisioned.

Truth be told I am nowhere near fresh and the only

thing exploding outta me are these horrific bronchial coughs.

And if that isn’t enough, I chipped my tooth on Thursday

and I’ve had very little sleep for the past few nights because

the coughing keeps me up.

 

Nonetheless I refuse to be miserable in spirit,

good things are a-coming and here in October!

Am at Ames and Dion’s wedding in Kota Kinabalu.

(Well it’s technically in a few hours)

Can’t wait to see her in her dress, I know it’s gonna be awesome!

 

I’ve missed this London lot. They are a complete riot and a half.

xo

I got bitten

I came back from Borneo on Saturday a little

depressed.

After a week of fresh air, the rainforests and some

truly beautiful people, somehow highways,

air conditioning and the Internet 

all feel a little bit alien right now. 

I know I’m going to get right back into it …

but maybe I don’t want to?

 

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With Penan children in Long Lamai, Sarawak. This picture was taken by

Langkau Fiction, whom I am now pleased and honored to call my friend.

 

More on this coming up.

xo