Pieces of Me: WallFlower

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADAM!!!

2009-02-13T02:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my dear brother...
CHRISTOPHER ADAMS.

Being the youngest in the family, he is always the apple of our eyes. He is not exactly that "manja" kind of boy eventhough he is the youngest. He is turning 14 years old this year...on 12th February 2009.

Let me share with you a little bit bout my lil' bro..well, not so little anymore..he's a big boy now. ahakz! When he was young, he likes to play this computer game called "comfy land"..haha..he was just 3 years old back then.. but now his favourite game are Counter Strike, War Craft, Dota, Need For Speed....and more. Being the eldest in the family, i can say that i'm a protective and caring sister. I remember i ever scolded my neighbour's children for making adam cry when he was younger...hehe..! I tend to treat my brothers...everard and adam like as if they are little kids although they are all grown up now...OMG! Recently, i'm more laid back and supportive towards them.. hehe.

Adam has always been the peace maker in our family. He barely complains and is always willing to help out. I give him credits for being supportive too. Last sem break, when I was back home, i treated him Big Apple and we hang out at The Spring. It was a really good time with him, full of laughter and various stories...he updates me on what's happeining around him. He calls me Kakak since he was very little until now. When he was 5 years old, I remember he took one of my teddy bear and make him his very own "bantak busuk" 'cause previous "bantal busuk" was no longer avaiable. He left it somewhere when we were on a family vacation. *LOL*

I usually spend my time seperately with both of my brothers... means to say here that, maybe today i hang out with adam, then the next time im hanging out with everard. I find it more interesting that way. I can focused on each of them while catching up with their lives event and happenings when I'm not around in Kuching. There would also be time for all the 3 of us hanging out together. We go to church together and our recent favourite leisure time would be food hopping! haha... We had so many sweet memories together! I miss those days growing up with them.

Well, this post is especially dedicated to my dear brother...Christopher Adams.
PS: Wishing you happiness and good health always. May your faith in the LORD be strengthen each new day as you grow up with HIS blessings upon you. May your wishes and dreams come true ya? All the best to you. Never give up hope and dare to achieve your goals in life. I love you dear bro. Love always, Kakak Chelle.

That's Adam and me during sem break..he was wearing my hat..haha! We were on our way to Boulevard.

another post of me and my dear bro, adam..he is all grown up now...i miss him alot, especially now that i'm far away from home.

Natural Tattoo...

2009-02-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

During CNY break last week, i accidentally knocked my hand over something hard.. "OUCH!" and it was indeed painful..but i couldn't remember what it was... However, i just ignored the whole incident as i was caught up in something urgent at that moment.

Less i realized that i was injured. When i got back to PJ, then i notice a "pretty ugly" mark on my hand which was in a combination of various colours...blue, green and purple. It was a result of an internal bleeding or also known as bruise on my right hand. Bruise can be very contagious if it is not treated well. It is an internal bleeding where tissues are torn which causes your blood to clot inside your skin.

A little info bout bruise: A bruise happens when a part of the body is struck and the muscle fibers and connective tissue underneath are crushed but the skin doesn't break. When this occurs, blood from the ruptured capillaries (small blood vessels) near the skin's surface escapes by leaking out under the skin. With no place to go, the blood gets trapped, forming a red or purplish mark that's tender when you touch it - a bruise. Bruises can happen for a lot of reasons, but are mostly the result of bumping and banging into things - or having things bump and bang into you.

With that, here is a picture (taken last weekend) of my hand being marked by a "natural tattoo" as a result of blood clotting beneath my skin... Although its rather painful, it looks kinda cool somehow.. hehe. Now, my bruise is cured as time goes by and the mark is fading away slowly...YAY!

Room Raider-My Own

2009-02-02T00:28:00.000-08:00

SIMPLE & COZY

Before i left for campus last weekend, i took a few random snap shots of my room's view and items back in PJ, KL. I usually stay or sleep over in this room during the holidays only. With that, my room is generally simplea and cozy..nothing fancy... Each item in my room are truly precious to me though... feel free to check it out.

Firstly, this is my single size bed. With a few pillows on it and there goes my lovable SpongeBob. hehe... Meanwhile in my dorm's room, i have Patrick! hehe... Perfect bestfriend match!

That's my new green sweater and my pink tropicana life backpack...getting ready to go back to campus actually

Here's my study+computer table..as you can see, there are a few acessories on it... I have Java Script and CSS web design refference book for my Computer Programming subject. Beneath those two books is my Mechanics of Material book... Second Semester of Civil Engineering degree level is getting tougher....

Here are among my favourite accesories... Love all shades of pink accesories...

and not forgetting my favourite unique seashell and beads necklace from the philippines and my christmas gift body shop perfume..."the aztique".

Last but not least..here is a box of soft toys which i have received from friends on various occasions, namely; Valentines day,Birthday, etc... throughout my school days...

KAMI

2009-02-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

KAMI

I could not sleep last night so i had decided to watch KAMI-the movie, a Malaysian movie to be exact....which was given by a friend in a form of DVD. When i was in matriculation college last year, my dear roommate actually introduce me to KAMI -the series. At a glimpse at it... it totally caught my attention. KAMI was on aired on 8tv back then in 2007. From there, i watched the whole series which mainly revolves around the teenagers life of 2 boys and 3 girls..and hey, it reminds me of my very own favourite tv-series, ONE TREE HILL...Hehe. So friends, do check out the KAMI-the series and KAMI the movies as it tells us simple messages though the scenes but has deep meaning to ponder about.

KAMI was produced with the aim of promoting underground or indie music from local malaysian bands. There were local bands and gig performances in the series. This awesome series is a collaboration between Nokia, Redfilms, Monkey Bone Records and 8tv. The soundtracks of KAMI are generally from well reknowned Malaysian local band like Meet Uncle Hussain, Bittersweet, One Buck Short and more. Well, KAMI-the movie portrays the reality of teenagers life in this modern and ragging era. It was the continutaion of the KAMI-the series. It revolves around the lives of five fragile teenagers who are struggling in their lives as they are entering young adults. Like any other teenagers, they have to go o school, study..then they have to face examinations too and of course the need for entertainment like hanging out with friends, movies, and attending gig performances. But most of all, they need attention and unconditional love from their family members especially their parents.

The cast reveals the complicated yet hideous problems faced by teenagers nowadays. These tideous problems includes broken family, married parents commiting adultery, lack of parents love and attention, turning to drugs to ease frustration and failure, financial problem which leads to becoming a runner by selling drugs, caught up in cyber romance, fighting and bullying cases, being compared with the other siblings and achievements not being approved or apreciated by parents which eventually causes their children to feel down-hearted or having low self esteem to express their talents.

TAGGED!!!

2009-01-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

Total boredom..perfectly describe my mood right now. so yeah, i answered this tagged questions. check it out pals! to all my friends that i have tagged... do reply dis tagged ya? hehe... its quite fun knowing each other better this way.

Rules & Regulations
* Do not copy answers.
* Tag questions must be 100% same.
* Tag people before doing the tag

I tag:
1. Daniel Ezra
2. Airol Shafiq
3. Jojon Sidney
4. Moses Paul
5. Cadence Isis
6. Rebecca June
7. Norlizaa
8. Ben Ooi
9. Sheila Ann

How do you know 1? (Daniel Ezra)
= he was from st joseph's school, just opposite st teresa's. so i met him in my secondary school days..haha. however, we became friends after we left our school days.

What would happen if you never meet 2? (Airol Shafiq)
= well, i would never know him if i never meet him... and our misunderstanding wont happen.. im sorry. everything happens for a reason.

What would you do if 3 & 4 dated? (Moses and Jojon)
=haha..no way! both are taken already and both r in a steady relationship...

Would 5 & 6 make a good couple? (Cade and Becky)
=couple in wad sense? they would make good friends la...not in a relationship of course. they r both girls!

Do you think 7 is attractive? (Norlizaa)
=sure she is..she's pretty in her very own way.

Would you date 8? (Ben)
=hmmm...date him?no idea...well..he's a future doctor in UM now. He's a very nice friend.

Tell me something about 9. (Sheila)
=she's one of my best friend! Love her to bits. She's very outspoken, sporting and fun loving. She also does the unexpected at times.hehe..way to go sheila....

What’s 1’s favourite past time? (Daniel Ezra)
= His favourite past time...? Hmmm..that would be playing counter strike and dota.. n hang out at coffee shop wit friends?

What language does 2 speaks? (Airol Shafiq)
=Malay, English, n yes..Bahasa Kelate.

Who is 3 going out with? (Jojon)
=with a guy of course..her boyfriend.

How old is 4? (Moses)
=im not sure..i think he's turning 22 this year.

When was the last time you talked to 5? (Cade)
=talk to her face to face? last friday...before CNY break.

Who is 6’s favorite singer? (Becky)
= hmm...her favourite singer would be...who ya? Maybe Leona Lewis? Miley Cyrus? or David Cook? she listens to all kinds of music genre...

Would you date 7? (Norlizaa)
= a date with norlizaa? nothing romantic..just a lunch date... we're both girls!

Is 8 single? (Ben)
= I'm uncertain bout his status..mayb yes..mayb not.

What’s 9’s last name? (Sheila)
=Sheila Marie Ann Ryan..thats her full name to be exact.

What Hurts The Most?

2009-01-15T08:35:00.001-08:00

Recently, i have made this blog more like my personal diary..perhaps, you can consider it as an online diary. I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts and feelings by blogging... I believe sharing some worth while experience would be good as we can share ideas and opinions on it.

WHAT HURTS THE MOST?
for me, it was being so close with someone who will eventually walk out of your life...

Anyways, that was from my point of view. Have you all ever heard of the song Rascal Flatts-What Hurts the Most? It was a hit in all radio stations worldwide in 2005-2006. Back to back hits...3-4 years ago. Well, it is once again my favourite song... after experiencing something which had changes part of my life. This song kind of reflecting my feelings at this very moment... Yes, i am hurt....

Sometimes in life, you cant always have what you want...and it all depends on which situation you are going through. What happened to me back then was very complicated... but yet, I'm still happy to be able to live through those memorable moments.

Imagine this situation: A little child was strictly forbidden to go to the playground... somehow, he manages to find his way out after he went through many obstacles...finally he plays cheerfully at the playground. Can you imagine how happy he felt at that moment? Total freedom and satisfaction after his stuggle. All his sadness and fear are vanised instantly...he just wanted to enjoy that moment he had at the playground. For he truly appreciate and cherished those happy moments..

That's how i felt back then... I was confused of my own feelings. My feelings are all mixed up that through leaps and bounce.... I had to give up for good. It means here that, I'm lifting up my hope to God. I believe He always know's whats best for me at the end of the day. I have to set my priorities right and it was a very tough descision. I know that only time will heal me. I pray that (someone special to me) will be blessed with a beautiful and a prosperous life and yes, a succesful career in the near future.

So dear friends.. i conclude here that. LOVE is not all about being there for each other but it is also sacificial... As the saying goes, "if you want to love, you have to risk getting hurt.." Isnt' that true...? Something to ponder about...

Rascal Flatts
What Hurts The Most lyrics

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don’t bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I’m not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I’m ok
But that’s not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin’ to do

It’s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I’m doin’ It
It’s hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I’m alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin’ with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

Not seeing that loving you
That’s what I was trying to do

Second Chance?

2009-01-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

English has always been my favourite lesson of the week after a whole bunch of 80% calculation+ 20% theory of my civil engineering subjects.. This is only lecture where i get to sit back, relax and enjoy my lesson without thinking too much on formulas and laws.

However, in English Lab today... I have discovered something very meaningful. It touches my heart and i felt how it actually surrounds our daily life. We were asked by our lecturer to be in a group of 5 members and we had to prepare a slide show on expressing our opinions. The topic of the opinion was:

Does everyone deserve a second chance?

After my group members and I share opinions on this topic... we strongly agree that everyone deserve a second chance..and i really emphasized on this.. YES! everyone deserve a second chance. I would like to share on my opinions and my friend's as well on giving SECOND CHANCE.

I feel that it hurts when someone u LOVE and TRUST betrayed you in one way or another. It is a human nature to failed each other and we can can never run away from making mistakes..

IMPERFECTION

perfectly describes us...human beings.

As a handmade of God, we must also able to FORGIVE each other. I believe God LOVES us so much that he forgives us from our sins and accept us in repentance. With that, we should be able to FORGIVE one another.

Everything happens for a REASON. Sometimes in life, someone we CARE about had DISOWNED our trust. Perhaps it's due to unavoidable circumstances which they leads them to failed us. Do accept their explanation in an OPTIMISTIC way and give them way to REPENT from their wrong doings. As a saying goes, HELPING others by FORGIVING is a way to help you by LEARNING from their mistakes.

Sometimes, we are stuck in a complicated situation which we cant help to handle but wait for the right time to settle everything..or in other words..to come clean. So yeah, life is not all about EMOTION but also based on SENSIBILITY.

There's a proverb saying:

Always be HUMBLE and GENTLE. Be PATIENT with others, making allowance for each others fault because of your LOVE.

HOWEVER...

If someone has betrayed your second chance...it is TIME for you to be more CAREFUL with him or her in the near future. This act eventually reflects his or her PERSONALITY. So, don't feel REGRET about giving him or her that precious chance..for you have learn and gain a lesson out of your KINDNESS.

Christmas Is'nt Christmas...

2009-01-01T23:55:00.001-08:00

Christmas is'nt christmas...till it happens in your heart...

yeah..i know...its 2009 now..but hey, christmas spirit mood is still alive in me. ahakz! like the previous years, i celebrate my christmas in KL. this year is rather grand compared to the past years...

we finally set up our very own Christmas tree at home. usually we celebrate christmas on the road..like celebrating christmas in Genting Highlands... i had fun decorating the dearly christmas tree with my siblings.

whats up in KL? of course its the extravaganza mega sale!!! shopping at mid valley..nice pic background eh? everyone was shopping like there's no tomorrow... as the saying goes, shoppe till u drop! ahakz!!

here goes me and mummy, doing our final christmas shopping at ISETAN bukit bintang. great deals were everywhere...

YES!! that's me again with my dear christmas tree..hehe.

Hope its not too late to wish all christians worldwide:
MERRY CHRISTMAS
as we all rejoice for the birth of our LORD Jesus Christ. AMEN

Welcome aboard MV Doulos...

2009-01-01T08:10:00.003-08:00

Few weeks back, I went to visit the famous MV Doulos ship which once again comes back to Kuching. It was a mind-boggling experience for me because that was my first visit to MV Doulos.

Here is the brief introduction on MV Doulos ship:

Constructed in 1914, MV Doulos is the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship. During the ship’s lengthy career, MV Doulos has sailed under four distinct names: Medina, Roma, Franca C and Doulos.

The ship has been utilised for four very different purposes: freighting goods, transporting emigrants, for cruises, and most recently in the ship’s present role as a vessel to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.

During its lifetime, MV Doulos has twice been extensively renovated and upgraded, and undergone two engine replacements. MV Doulos has been registered in the United States of America, Panama, Italy and Malta.

The meaning of the Vessel Names:

Medina: The name of a river in Texas, USA. The Neches, her sister ship, was also given the name of a river.
Roma: This name was selected because the ship carried pilgrims to Rome in 1950, the Roman Catholic Holy Year.
Franca C: Like all the ships of the Costa fleet, she was named after a member of the Costa family.
Doulos: A Greek name meaning bond servant or slave. Volunteers on board Doulos seek to serve God and the nations they visit.

and here are the pictures of my visit:

meet the siblings:
everard & michelle...with mv doulos ship

there were many flags of different countries worldwide aboard on doulos flag pole.. right in front of me that day was the australia's flag..hehe!

me being naughty..trying to act like one of the ship crew...climbing those stairs with high heels???

I supposed this is one the mini life boat for the ship crews in case of emergency... or perhaps it is for transporting other goods and stuff?

this is the scenario of bookstore in Doulos ship...it has various collections of books for all walks of life..

Hey hey...a nice book from the childrens' corner. Besides selling books, CD's and other souvenir gifts are also on sale.

Overall, this MV Doulos ship fascinates me not only because it reminds me of the famous Titanic ship but also the volunteerism spirit of evangilization of the ship crews from different countries. It was a truly fantastic experience for me.

Ushering 2009!!!

2009-01-01T03:15:00.000-08:00

All the memories we had...all the ups and downs in life...of an amazing year of 2008 has come to an end

With that...HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 EVERYONE...!!!

May this new year of 2009 brings us good health, joy and happiness and of course prosperity. Do usher this new year with optimistic resolutions and great zeal to live a better life. Have an amazing and blessed year ahead! God Bless Us all with beautiful lives.

Hey Ya Kids- Christmas Party!

2008-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

On 29th November 2008, the St Joseph's Cathedral Children Liturgy's teachers successfully organized the Pre-Christmas Party for the Sunset Mass Children Liturgy's Group. The party was held at the St Joseph's Parish Gallery from 2.30pm-5pm. Although it was raining heavily that afternoon, the party still went on smoothly and the children were very excited with the programme organized by their teachers. I attended this event eventually to help out my mom, which is one of the teacher of Children's Liturgy. Well, it was an amazing experience for me because i naturally love children and it was fun to play games and hang out with them during the party.

Check out a few pics taken from this event:

This is the registration counter. All children are required to register before the party to reconfirm their attendance and to get their name tag and souvenirs. Guess who's that woman wearing the black blouse? She's my mom.. Say hello to Teacher Anne. Hehe.

Here are the other teachers..these teacher were asking the children simple question based on their bible studies. Those who answered correctly were rewarded a gift..YAY!

Meet Teacher Anita...giving these children inspiration from the Holy Bible teachings. She also explained the meaning behind the puprle banner with beautiful paintings on it... It was done by the Children Liturgy's teachers..how creative...don't you think so?

The music team in action who plays vital role to cheer up the children with christmas songs...

Hooray...its game time!! The children were divided into two groups and to form a circle each. One of the game played was the Passing Parcel!

Meet Rev. Father Albert Jacob (wearing whilte shirt). A freindly yet lovable Irish man who loves children and had attended this children's party as well.

Last but not least, it was time for the children to enjoy their mini meal. They were served hotdog and kentucky fried chicken each... and a cup of ice Vico. "Bon Appetite" kids!!

Camp Empowered 2008!!!

2008-11-27T05:54:00.000-08:00

EMPOWERED MINISTRY:
"...a generation of young Catholics, who are excited about GOD, in love with JESUS and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT..."

Here's a brief introduction about the youth ministry i usually joined and belonged to when i'm back home is the Empowered ministry. Firstly, the Empowered Ministry is official name of the St. Joseph's Parish Youth Ministry, Kuching. With these amazing verse from the bible: This is a generation of those who seek HIM, who seek your face O GOD, psalm 24:6, perfectly move this ministry with great zeal and enthusiasm to gather especially the young people to grow and strenghthen their faith in GOD.

Another exciting event organized by the Empowered Ministry besides their weekly Bible Sharing and Youth Gatherings, Easter Rally Concert, Roadshows, Dinners and etc.. was the Empowered Camp 2008. With different approach from the previous Camp One Way, Camp Empowered has it's own uniqueness. The camp theme was: The Kingdom Revealed, Matthew 25:34. Overall, it was a mind boggling experience for me!

Here are quick sneak peak on the camp site and some activities held during camp:

This is the official emblem of the Empowered Camp. A very creative design of emblem which potrays deep meaning of the whole camp expereince.

The registration of this camp took place in front of the Youth Room at St. Jospeh's Parish Centre. All camp participants should register by 8am. During registration, we were given our name tag, mineral water n camp kit which contain the camp schedule, rules and regulation as well as mini stationaries...

Final inspection of camp participants in the bus..hehe..i was seating 2nd seat from behind.

After more than 2 hours journey from Kuching, we finally arrived...Sematan...hmm..to be exact, its one of the National Service Camp Site. We had our camp there. Since the camp had this kingdam and castle concept, so the Camp Committee decided to named this camp site "The Prince of Peace" Camp Site...cool huh?

Here are the camp committee members!!! Warmly welcome us with their colourful royalty robes..hehe. We were then divided into various groups. Mine was Alohay Mauzi, which means: "God of my Strength"...

Here's the beautiful lake i passed by as i was ushered to my "chamber" or fondly known as dorm...

The girls' royalty chamber...can guess which one of these is my royalty bed? =)

and yes...the royalty bathroom...

Introducing my beloved group members: Loreitta, Faith, Cliff, Allan, Sherman, Amy, Janice, Matthew, Didi..and last but not least, my beautiful group fascilitator: Cherylene or also known as Chu.. this was taken in the royalty's dining hall...makan time bah.

Our first session was conducted by Mr Martin Jalleh..he flew all the way from Ipoh, Perak. He is a really amazing man which inspires many hearts of the young and old. Regardless of age, many were touched by his talks and motivation. Its good to meet up with him once again after the last camp in 2005. Yes! He still remember me..but no so well though, he called me Paulynn instead of Michelle..lol.

Here's the King and Queen of the Empowered Camp...hehe. Their job is just to officiate the opening and closing ceremony of this camp..haha. All campers were "crowned"...just before camp is over.

The Family Nite was organized at St Joseph's Parish Gallery as soon as we had our Youth Mass. Here parents and their children who attended camp get togther and had dinner. It was a truly amazing nite. My group and I performed a simple verison of Dikir Barat with a recitation of poem especially dedicated to our beloved parents.

Parents applauding happily and were truy impressed by their childrens perfomance...

The best group goes to: Alohay Mauzi!!! Yay! we won the game session and our group has the best flag design too!

Alohay Mauzi: Group Flag

Meet Princess Michelle ...with the camp emblem..and of course with my royality crown. LOL.

In conclusion, this short-coming camp has left me an unforgettable experience. I believe that God's love is unconditional that He gave His only Son, Lord Jesus to redeem the world, John 3:16 and Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. John 14:6. God's love is first love, sacrificial, steadfast, affirming and humerous! Let the Kingdom of God revealed for we are His chosen race...His Inheritance. AMEN!

Kuching Beach-Pasir Pandak

2008-11-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Cool afternoon breeze at the beach of Pasir Pandak was really calming and peaceful.. with distance of 25 mins drive from the Cat City... indeed away from the hustle n bustle of city life. Pasir Pandak beach has its own very attraction of tranquility although rather desserted and not really well known if compared to the Damai Beach or the Sematan Beach in Kuching.

There are a few island around the beach.. Geographically, this beach is pretty attractive. Well, my friends n i were seating under a shaded area of a tree while enjoying my mushroom chicken mee... it was our lunch or so called "picnic".Hey, it was a spontaneous plan.

What a sweet afternoon... Right in front of us were a few kids with their parents bathing in the sea... not far from us were a group of guys having their mini barbeque bash. There are a few simple stall which serve burgers, drinks and mini snacks. Overall, nothing fancy bout this beach..its just simple. No fast food outlets or high-tech fascilities. However, everyone seem relaxed and happy still...

Here are a few snap shots from my humble phone of Pasir Pandak beach... hehe

so friends out there..do consider to visit Pasir Pandak beach. Eventhough it is not as outstanding as the Teluk Chempedak Beach of Kuantan or the Port Dickson of Seremban, Pasir Pandak definitely offers tranquility which rejuvenates your mind and soul with simplicity.

Smashing Strawberries

2008-10-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Based on my reading on a health magazine,I came across a very interesting article on the…sweet, succulent strawberries. They’re the fruit of love and passion not forgetting very high in nutrition.. Despite their great flavor, strawberries are also amazingly low in calories

In ancient times, strawberries were believed to posses healing powers. Fresh strawberries are a proven nutritional powerhouse: They’re an excellent source of vitamin C, and their red pigment, anthocyanin, and a lesser-known plant compound called “ellagic acid” seem to fight cancer on several fronts by inhibiting cancer cell growth and causing cancer cell death. So no need to go looking for these disease-fighting compounds in pill form. Less did we realize that mother Nature intended for us to get our nutrients from delicious, fresh foods!

Sweet Relationship...

2008-10-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

Mutual respect

The key is that your BF or GF is into you for who you are: for your great sense of humor, being caring, fun-loving etc... Does your partner listen when you say you're not comfortable doing something and then back off right away? Respect in a relationship means that each person values who the other is and understands and would never challenge the other person's boundaries.

Trust and Honesty

You're talking with a guy who is your coursemate and your boyfriend walks by. Does he completely lose his cool? Or keep walking and greeted you with a smilebecause he knows you'd never cheat on him? It's OK to get a little jealous sometimes,jealousy is a natural emotion. But how a person reacts when feeling jealous is what matters. There's no way you can have a healthy relationship if you don't trust and be honest with each other.

Support.

It's not just in sad moments that your partner should support you. In a healthy relationship, your significant partner is there with a shoulder to cry on when you needed him or her whether in good or bad times. Being there to support you partner is vital to enhance your relationship. By supporting each other, you'll get to understand your partner better in one way or another.

Fairness/equality.

You need to have give-and-take in your relationship, too. Do you take turns choosing which new movie to see? As a couple, do you hang out with your partner's friends as often as you hang out with yours? Things get bad really fast when a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get his or her way all the time.

Separate identities.

In a healthy relationship, everyone needs to make compromises. But that doesn't mean you should feel like you're losing out on being yourself. When you started going out, you both had your own lives (families, friends, important commitments like your studies.. etc.) and that shouldn't change. Neither of you should have to pretend to like something you don't, or give up seeing your friends, or drop out of activities you love. And you also should feel free to keep developing new talents or interests, making new friends, and moving forward.

Good communication.

You've probably heard lots of stuff about how men and women don't seem to speak the same language. But what's important is to ask if you're not sure what he or she means, and speak honestly and openly so that the miscommunication is avoided in the first place. Never keep a feeling bottled up because you're afraid it's not what your BF or GF wants to hear or because you worry about sounding silly. Just create a good conversation and enjoy each other's company.

Chocolates good for brain?

2008-10-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

CHOCOLATES...mainly made from cocoa is indeed good for ones brain and bring various benefits to ones healthy yet happy life style. Don't worry too much of the fat contain in chocolates..Why don't you cut down on your french fries or fried chicken? Eat up chocolate moderately as it also enhances good mood!

Several recent studies suggest that some types of cocoa contain substances that could enhance blood flow in the brain and improve brain function. Although it is a little distressing that the conference at which this breakthrough was discussed was sponsored by Mars Incorporated, the candy maker, it did point to compounds known as Flavanois as to their ability to keep the brain healthy and prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

Scientist in England believe that drinks containing this compound could be used to treat vascular impairments in the brain. After consumption of the liquid, it was noted that there was increased blood flow to the gray matter, which is part of the brain stucture, for two to three hours.

Healthy Diet vs Cigarettes

2008-10-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Trying to quit smoking? Here's an interesting fact: Did you know that healthy diet spoils taste for cigarettes?

A research and study has been conducted on approximately 200 smokers. The result obtain was 45 per cent of these smokers said that coffee enhanced the taste of cigarettes, while 44 per cent and 11percent that alcohol and milk had the same effect.

Food that spoilt the taste of cigarettes are milk, fresh fruits and vegetables and filtered water. Smoking is highly habitual behavior... it is a hardcore interest which is hard to let go of. Anything that can worsen the experience of smoking can help one to break the habit.

Being Me: A Bidayuh Girl

2008-10-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

Bidayuh is the collective name for several indigenous groups found in southern Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. The name "Bidayuh" means 'inhabitants of land'. Originally from the western part of Borneo, the collective name Land Dayaks was first used during the period of Rajah James Brooke, White Rajah of Sarawak.

The Bidayuh constitute one of the main indigenous groups in Sarawak and live in towns and villages around Kuching and Samarahan division. They are the second largest Dayak ethnic group in Sarawak after the Iban.

Predominantly Bidayuh areas are Lundu, Bau, Penrissen, Padawan, and Serian. The area in which they live is mainly of the Sarawak River and hilly to mountainous forest, traditionally worked by rotational agriculture and well known for its paddy hill plantation and hunting based around farms populated from parent villages situated on the hills for protection. These were common during my ancestors’ days… Nowadays, most bidayuh are leading modern lifestyle.

Nowadays, almost all the traditional long house villages have been replaced by individual houses. The distinctive architectural and cultural feature of the Bidayuh is the headhouse, now adopted as a symbol.