Distractions

OK, so I've been busy in the past two days doing stuff. Stuff that would make me happy, but then when I think about it, I realise that it's not really happiness I'm experiencing. Just some distractions from the problems that plague my life right now.

But it's not bad at all to have these distractions. It helps me forget about the things that bring me down, even if only temporarily. I mean, if you knew what's been happening to my life in the past 8 months, you wouldn't be pleased either. You'd be depressed and constantly cranky and sad. That's what I've been like a lot.

So what did I do? I spent money. Yeah, I usually don't, because I know how necessary it is to save up. I have always wanted to save money to travel the world someday, but I figured it's not happening anytime soon (soon being defined as within the next year or so) so why not get some stuff I want? So I got myself some videos to watch. A wrestling PPV video, a Chinese movie titled SPL (which I've seen in the cinema, and it was brilliant) and the David Fincher serial killer film, Se7en. It's unfortunate I couldn't find the DVD for this movie, the quality would have been better.

Oh, and I watched two films at the cinema too. The Invasion, Nicole Kidman's new thriller about an alien virus, which was just so-so. And the animated film Ratatouille. Check out the trailer above, it's hilarious. The animation is great too. I recommend this film to anyone, no matter what age you are.

By the way, I've renovated FF, nothing fancy, but it's a nice change of scenery. New month, new look. Though FR will remain this way for a while. Have a good September.

Today

It's my country's 50th birthday today. August 31st. Back in 1957, our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman stood amongst his fellow countrymen at Stadium Merdeka and shouted Merdeka 7 times, to signify our freedom from British rule. For your information, the word Merdeka means independence.

The government has been waiting for this day all year, preparing it, for the significance of 50 years of independence can't be treated the same way it has been the years before. This year is also Visit Malaysia year, so everyone has been putting in a lot of effort for the tourists. The government has also done their part in promoting patriotism amongst us by reminding us the meaning of independence through the newspapers and TV ads (some of which are quite funny), as well as encouraging motorists to fly a flag on their vehicles. In other words, it's just like every year. But perhaps this time, it should mean more, not just because it's been 50 years, but also because our youth needs to remember it. Otherwise, Merdeka is only going to be a word that means "public holiday", and that's not right.

To be honest, I usually celebrate Independence Day the same way every year: at home. I would sit at home and watch the parade. Doesn't sound very patriotic, does it? Well, it's not that I don't love and appreciate the fact that I'm Malaysian. I do. But I hate crowds, and standing in one just to watch a live parade is hell for me. I think that as long as we love the place where we live, and we can appreciate the prosperity that we have, in comparison to what other less fortunate countries have, and learn to respect our own people and the government, and believe in our hearts that we'll fight for our country to the end, then that's patriotism to me. If everyone can believe in that, then we will be strong indeed.

So what will I do tomorrow? I'm going to spend my time at the mall, I think I've got some shopping to do. I am sure most people would be doing that too. I mean, just because it's Independence Day, doesn't mean we have to spend the whole day waving flags haha. Well, it's a good day to be out. So I'm going to enjoy myself, I hope.

So bring out the party hats, dust off your flags, put on your best shoes and keep your spirits high. Happy Merdeka to everyone.

20

A Special Wish

Today is a very special day for a very special person. I would like to wish my dear friend and little sister, Rhea Arcilla, a very Happy Birthday;)

Dear sis, thank you for your friendship all these years. I hope you will have a wonderful birthday celebration today. This song is for you;)