Hump Day Mask

Monday Merdeka

Two years ago, today, I wrote something in honor of my beloved country, Malaysia, as a token for it's 56th birthday.

(just in case you're curious and missed it, click on "something in honor of my beloved country, Malaysia")

Here is how I ended it:

Malaysia, you have molded me into the person I am today.
Your education system, albeit horrifyingly flawed in countless manners, have helped me with languages.
Your people, a wondrous melting pot, has taught me to learn, respect, and accept other cultures and beliefs within and without my country.
Your food, a tease to the eyes, orgasmic to the tastebuds
Your natural beauty, a hidden gem, still remains a mystery to those who those who seek discovery.
Once a strategic location in history, caused many a fight between east and west.
Once a promising country, development on the rise.
But now, you're fifty six in age, looking back on your life thus far, what have you accomplished?

_________

Today, we mark yet another milestone, 58 years, almost at it's Diamond anniversary since it's independence from colonization. Yesterday, and the day before, we linked arms in solidarity, united as one to sit, pray, eat, sing, dance, and, in our own peaceful manner, fight for change, that is #Bersih
. On Day 1, as I scrolled through my Facebook, I saw photos of almost every friend from my generation showing up in their brand spanking new yellow tees, bright smiles, and groups of friends. My Facebook feed is literally crowded in selfies of those who attend and/or some sort of proof of their presence there...

to not pick among the selfie takers, I chose these photo by my cousin instead

However, by evening, things started to slow down. A lot less selfies, but a lot more uploads of what happened during and throughout the day. Maybe batteries were dying or dead, and can be used for later when the emergencies hit. I mean, not everyone has a Power Bank *points at self*, I get it.
Then night comes. A message in my group text. B chimes:"guys, stay the night, it's not done yet." A response out of 20 over individuals, "kudos for staying".

*   *   *

Day 2 of the rally.
Hmm, oddly little photos by the same people who have either camped out or got up early for Day 2.
As the day got hotter, still photos of & by the same people....
Instead of a sea of yellow, the photos have been replaced by latte art, wines, cheeses, vacations, #longweekend
But wait, what about the yellow tees?
Out of a (Kuala Lumpur) population of 1.67million people, only 300,000 showed up on day 2, which isn't even half...
Facebook is still playing news anchor with newsfeeds of, wait..
Who are wearing the yellow tees? My friends in their late 30s and 40s.
But of course, the ones in the US, more like, New York. Which presents a virtual but spectacular view.

photo of my cousin at night of Day 2.
Stunning, can it be better?



My question this year is (so bare with me on this one):
Malaysia, you have molded me into the person I am today.
Your education system, albeit horrifyingly flawed in countless manners, have helped me with languages.
Your food, a tease to the eyes, orgasmic to the tastebuds
Your people, a wondrous melting pot, has taught me to gather and unite through diversity, and be called minions to oppose something so poisonous to the land.
Your natural beauty, a hidden gem, still remains a mystery to those who those who seek discovery.
Once a strategic location in history, caused many a fight between east and west.
But now, you're almost sixty, yet still struggling to fight for a change that is still lightyears delayed.
You're another day, another year older but in the eyes of the youth, those lattes, wines, cheese platters, or long weekend vacations are way easier than camping out in the sun fighting for change.
So all those chants, for something better, something BERSIH, was just for a day or two?

borrowed from Malaysiakini

____________

I hope to be proven wrong, and that lots of people from my generation still decided that they could enjoy their beverages and foods with their fellow Malaysians, singing, dancing, cheering, and talking on the streets in KL. And that the #instagram worthy photos was a #throwback or something.

Because how can we progress if like a can of soda we fizz out and call it a day after less than 24 hours?
If we, the future of this country, decide to take the back seat and chill out, letting the older generation do the work, then when on Malaysia's 80th birthday, how are we gonna look like?

Leading Monday

Wednesday

Check out Uncle Bugs and his creation (: 

Testing Thursday

Just finished day 1 of exams, so please be kind (:

Hump Day Bump

Not Racist
(for some reason I can't seem to embed it properly, so the link'll take you right there) 

PADUNYA CHINESE PUN NYANYI LAGU RAYA DALAM KTM!!!!! 💖💖💖💖💖 pic.twitter.com/1SMBrjeiaw

— Arisya (@sekuntum_isya) July 14, 2015

KTM Love 

The Last.

2013 is coming to an end, and yes, this seems horrid, that I'm about drop a major rant. But I'd like to look at it as somewhat of a message to a lot of people out there. Four incidents that I feel need to be addressed. So I apologize in advance if this insults anyone/ hurts anyone's feelings. Also if this is too long, I'm sorry.

Case Numero Uno:
I had been sitting on a major highway, crawling my way home. It was starting to get on my nerves so I decided it was probably better to turn off into an alternative route to get home. So, being the responsible driver I am, I flicked my signal to go and checked if there were any cars. I saw a car coming at a distance and knew I had enough time to make it, so I exited where I was. But somehow, halfway through getting out of that tight space, the guy had sped up and was RIGHT next to my car, honking and making a ruckus. I took a glance and saw his wife starring me down, and him with an angry hand gesture. Whatever, I decided to ignore it because I knew that he sped up on purpose so that he could overtake me before I took the lead (as if one car would make such a big difference), the way a lot of locals do here. Whatever. So he was in front of me, and so happens, we were heading the same route, and hit a traffic light. As there were three lanes, I decided to take the most vacant one and go on my merry way. But, I ended up on the spot right next to his and by then, he had the window on his wife's side down and was yelling in Malay, with more angry hand gestures, telling me to "GO DIE". So you can imagine how I was already feeling since the honking up to the traffic lights: nervous, yet, pumping with so much adrenaline.
My response:
I smiled, the biggest I could, and pulled my my own hand gestures, a peace sign, with my giant peace sign ring facing them.

Case Numero Dos:
I was heading out of work, going home, and decided it wasn't too early to switch into the lane that I needed to be on. So, again, being the responsible driver I was, I flicked my signal, peeked out a little and began edging my way out of the lane. When suddenly this motorcycle started charging at me, honking furiously. Being the motorcyclist he was, he swerved his way around my car, ahead of me, slammed on his breaks with and angry hand gesture, yelled a really loud "OI!", rolled his eyes and sped off.
My response:
He had already sped off, so I just sat there in, not sure if I should be mad, upset, or guilty that this happened.

Case Numero Tres:
On separate incidents, I went out with some people (who hang out in the same clan). First time, it was with A&B. We decided to go watch a movie, and wanted to get some grub before. It was a weekend, so obviously it'd be a busy busy BUSY day anywhere, everywhere. One of our orders included two drinks, long story short, the drinks never came even when we were about to leave. I can understand why it may have slipped, or if the waiter had forgot. I mean, the waiters had to take tables from numerous tables before sending them to the kitchen. On the other hand, I can also get why one would be displeased by the absence of an order. However, what came next was a major shocker. Yep, you prolly guessed it... Someone asked for our drinks, but in the least courteous way; demanding, authoritative, pissed off. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't say something to the person at the time. Instead, I did the total opposite to the waiter, and thanked profusely.
On the second food date with these people with two additions: C&D, we went for brunch. It was a Sunday, but not too busy at the restaurant we occupied. C&D had already been there a little when I got there, with their food orders in. Not long after I arrived, A&B got there. Together, we ordered our brunch. Long story short, the waiters messed up the orders somehow... I guess when three people are giving you orders and constantly changing their orders and trying to make up their minds, I can see how it'd be confusing... This time, C took charge of dealing with the waiters. Now, a little back story of C.. I've known C for a while, and in all our interactions, they've been pleasant: C was generally a great person.. So naturally what occurred at the restaurant left me speechless. C was awfully rude, demanding, and authoritative, paired with frustration and annoyance.
My response:
So new was this that I actually could not speak. DAMN IT KIM. So instead, I let C settle my share of the bill as well. Thanks C. I'm sure you know who you are. I hope you stop being so rude. 


Case Numero Cuatro:
It's lunch time, my colleague and I went to get food. The system works like this: you grab a table, have someone sit there/something there to reserve it before someone takes it away from you. Then you go to the counter (there are two guys standing together), you give the first guy your order and the table number, pay at the cashier (this is the 2nd guy with the cash register), and they'll bring the food to you. So I had my colleague sit there while I ordered the food. It had been a while since my last visit, so I forgot about the table number, and had to kinda slide a little out of the line to check my table number. Then, as I did that, the lady behind me figured it was a good time for her to swerve around me and jump in front of me to pay for two packets of take away items.
My response:
I waited till she was done paying, and tapped her on the shoulder. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi aunty, I know you're in a hurry, we all are, but its not very nice to jump queue la..
Her: Yeah, I know. But I'm only over there (pointed at her table) and I only needed to buy this very quickly.
Me: Yes, aunty, I know, but next time, don't jump queue la, it's not very nice...
Her: Yes, I know. Do you want this? Just take this la.

Me: Aunty, it's okay, that's not the point. Next time, just don't do it again okay?

Her: Yes. Next time. Just keep it to yourself!

Honestly. When I think about it, I'm starting to ask myself if I was like this before I left the country. I probably was. Demanding and shit, especially at eateries. Shit, never again. 

Since the 3rd incident, I promised myself, never, ever, ever again will I sit aside and watch injustice happen. And to whoever is reading this, I hope you too stand up for injustice, whether it's as simple as telling an "adult" that she should line up, or if it is throwing up peace signs at rude drivers, or even standing up against your friends for the way they're treating an inferior. Do it. Many of us, myself included, have lived in the shadows of others, brushing things off, saying "it's okay, they're like that", when we know deep down it's unethical and completely rude. So I hope all of you reading this, will join me in standing up and spreading the message. And by that, I also mean that you deal with the situations with maturity, with respect, to raise neither your voice, nor your fists no matter what the person does. 

I hope your 2014 rings in more joy, garners in more respect, and that all those beautiful wishes come true. It's a new year, new me, and I hope, a new you too. 

Love,

Kim. 

56 Years Later...

There are many things I can name about Malaysia

Things that I absolutely dislike

But let's not dwell into the negative

For growing up, I was taught to think positive

After spending years abroad

Picking up on some critical thinking

Expanding myself on more cultural understandings

Learning the ways behind painting and drawing

Not to mention the late nights in my room dwelling

At times I had mad mad cravings

Sometimes it'd be Pan Mee, others Wantan Mee

But instead all I had was Maggi Mee,

And packet drinks of my favorite "milk tea"

I sure paid a huge fee

On campus, the closest thing to home really

Were the Malaysians that surrounded me

Proclaiming, exclaiming, and disturbing our surroundings

Laughing out loud, speaking Manglish

Occasionally, we'd slip and the word "thambi"

Or was that just me? Prolly was just me.

Excuse me for I'll regress.

For this I must confess,

I have an innate love for durians..

Oh what I'd give for just another taste.

But anyway having spent 4 years of my life in the west,

I began to appreciate the abilities

That my country has bestowed upon me

For one, is my Chinese primary school education

That's where I learnt mandarin,

Jumping on the cantonese band wagon

Actually, it was from all the bullying

In the language that I didn't know

But that's not the thing...

Bahasa Melayu, 地方研究 (di fang yan jiu),

The trilingual subjects that they used in teaching

Made Malaysians truly one of a kind.

Before I move on to politics,

Somewhat of a sensitive topic...

For once I shall be blind

And talk instead of the fruits of our tropics.

Malaysia, you have molded me into the person I am today.
Your education system, albeit horrifyingly flawed in countless manners, have helped me with languages.
Your people, a wondrous melting pot, has taught me to learn, respect, and accept other cultures and beliefs within and without my country.
Your food, a tease to the eyes, orgasmic to the tastebuds
Your natural beauty, a hidden gem, still remains a mystery to those who those who seek discovery.
Once a strategic location in history, caused many a fight between east and west.
Once a promising country, development on the rise.
But now, you're fifty six in age, looking back on your life thus far, what have you accomplished?

Happy Merdeka Day.