Movie review: Big hero 6

Big hero 6 is your typical hero-saves-the-day Disney cartoon. The story started with a young boy named Hiro, who is a 14-year-old robotics genius. His older brother, Tadashi, invented Baymax, a healthcare robot. After Tadashi's death, Baymax became Hiro's companion along with Tadashi's university friends, GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred. Hiro found out someone was mass producing his invention, microbots, which is a swarm of tiny metal robot that can take any form your mind desires. Hiro, Baymax and his friends decided to go and find out who was the man that stole Hiro's invention and his intentions.

Microbots

It is quite a funny yet touching movie. I was laughing throughout the movie but the ending of the movie was so touching that I had tears in my eyes. There are certain subtle messages in this movie that I can see. It's a movie about love, friendship, sacrifice and forgiveness.

From top: Hiro, Aunt Cass and Tadashi

The brotherly love between Tadashi and Hiro was very clear. Tadashi was always trying to keep Hiro out of trouble and worried about Hiro's safety and future. Meanwhile, we can see Hiro's grief when Tadashi died in the fire. It was obvious he loved his older brother very much. We can also see the love of their aunt, Aunt Cass. Their parents passed away and they were raise by Aunt Cass. This love is shown through physical touch (hugs) and words of encouragement and comfort.

From left: Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Hiro, Baymax, GoGo Tamago and Fred

Then there is friendship. GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred were actually Tadashi's friends. But they welcomed Hiro and became friends with him. They were willing to risk their lives to help Hiro find the villian (or the Mask Man that stole and was mass producing Hiro's microbots). Through their actions and support, they showed their love and care for Hiro. Even though they disagreed with Hiro at one point and Hiro said some hurtful words to them, they still went back to find Hiro and never stopped being friends with him. This is what I call true friendship. Friends that never gave up on each other even on bleak times.

Baymax and Hiro

We see Baymax's sacrifice towards the end of the movie. For me, this is the most significant and touching part. Hiro and Baymax became really close friends even though Baymax was only a robot. Somehow, Baymax was like another Tadashi for Hiro. Baymax, a robot, cares so deeply for Hiro that he (or it) is willing to sacrifice itself so that Hiro can be saved. Sacrificial love is the most significant love.

The Mask Man

Last but not least, forgiveness. Hiro found out that Tadashi's death was not accidental and that the Mask Man was the murderer. This caused Hiro to go into a rage and he wanted to kill the Mask Man to avenge Tadashi's death. This is when Hiro's friends stopped him from doing it.  Through Baymax and his friends, he realised that Tadashi wouldn't have approved of his actions. Tadashi wanted to help people not harm people, hence the invention of Baymax. In the end, Hiro forgave the Mask Man as he knows nothing good will come out of his actions. It will only caused more hurt and harm not only to himself but to the people around him. He didn't kill the Mask Man. Instead, he helped the police catch him and put him behind bars.

It's hard to forgive your enemies. But revenge is not a good option also. Baymax asked: "Will killing the Mask Man make you feel better?" We should also ask ourselves this question. Again I say this, nothing good will come out of revenge. It will only cause more hurt and harm not only to yourself but to the people around you.

Even though the movie is a little cliché, but the animations are really good and the message it brings out is clear. I would rate this movie 8/10. =)

Story - Broken promises

Hello, my readers! My sincerest apologies for not updating my blog for a long time. Been extremely busy with assignments and stuffs. Now that I have a little time to spare, I think it's time to do a little updating. Here is a little short story. Enjoy! =)

She looked out the window. The sky was darkening, the wind was blowing and the tree branches were shaking. She can hear the distant rumble of thunder. "It's going to rain soon..." she thought to herself. Then, she turned her attention to her laptop in front of her. "It's time..." she whisper softly to herself.

2 years... I have to face it... I cannot let this continue to haunt me...

A trip down memory lane. She typed in the website address slowly. Her fingers trembled. When the website appeared in front of her, she closed her eyes and cover her face with her hands. "I cannot do this..." she told herself. "Yes, you can!" another side of her urged, "You have to do this!" She moved her hands away from her face and opened her eyes. His photo on the screen looked back at her. She took a deep breath and plunged into the sea of memories. The memories she has kept locked up tightly in the most remote part of her brain. Now, she is opening it and letting it flood her brain again.

2 years ago... 

"Hey!" A simple greeting. The beginning of a wonderful yet disastrous short friendship. She, an innocent young girl who can't wait to see the world around her. He, a charming young man who has just stepped out into the world and discovering the world around him. She, bright and happy. He, serious and brooding. An unlikely pair, but somehow they clicked.

"I like you!" he blurted out during a meet up after a month of knowing each other. He blushed. "I mean... um... I like you... as... a, um, friend! Yea! A friend that is a girl!" he stumbled over his words, trying to cover up. She smiled mischievously, feeling very much amused at his flustered face. "I like you too. As a friend. A friend that is a guy." she said cheekily, amusement written all over her face. He blushed harder, speechless.

He showed her the blog that he created. "Here. When I am away, we will communicate through this blog. You write about your day and I write about my day. Deal?" She smiled. "Sure!" He caught her hand, holding it tight and said seriously, "I promise to be with you through everything. I promise to take care of you and protect you. I promise."Promise. That's a big word, you know." she teased him. "I know. I am serious." he said. She looked into his eyes and believed him, giving him her heart.

Present...

She shivered. That friendship survived a few months. She looked at all the blog post that he and she had written over that few months. Full of promises for the present and future. But... Yet... Slowly, a tear slide down her cheek. She was too innocent. Now, she is left with nothing but a broken heart, broken promises and bittersweet memories.

The best way to heal a broken heart and forget the sorrow and hurt is to face it. During these 2 years, she has grown up. She might still be innocent but she knows better now. She is now exploring the world around her. So fascinated and amazed at what the world has got to offer. She has kept those memories locked up tight but she knows sooner or later, she will have to face them again.

She put her face in her hands and wept. How many times has she cried over this boy? She looked at his photo again. "This will be the last time I cry about you..." she thought. She will never let him haunt her again.

That night...

"I am sorry... I just can't..." he said.
"But, why? You said..." she cried.
"I am sorry..." he said.
"No..." she sobbed.
"Goodbye." he said.
"..... Bye..." she whispered brokenly.

Present...

She shook herself mentally, bringing herself back to the present. Her face wet with tears. She barely remember what was said that night. All she remember was the sadness, hurt and betrayal she felt.

For quite some time after that incident, she lived like a possessed person. His words haunted her. His entire being haunted her. His broken promises kept repeating in her head. She never let anyone get close to her. Nor does she trust anyone easily. She closed her heart to everyone, living in the past, trying to mend her broken heart.

She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. She came to her senses after a while. She seek comfort from her friends and family around her, immersing herself in events and activities with her friends and family. She swept up all his memories and dump it in the drawer and locked it up tight. But from time to time, the memories will leapt out and loom over her like a shadow.

"There is always an air of sadness around you, love." her friend observed one day. She just shrugged her shoulders, saying nothing. "The best way to overcome a memory that haunt you is to face it." her friend said gently. She looked at her friend, not knowing what to say. "I know it's hard and painful. But you cannot just let it be and not do anything about it. It will keep coming back. It will stop you from moving on. Face it once and for all and it will not come back and haunt you ever again." her friend said, "You will be at peace and you can live again." "Are you sure?" she asked softly. "Yes. It's just like a physical cut on your hand. You tend to it, it will become better. But if you don't, it will become worse. You understand?" her friend explained. She nodded her head. "I know you can do it. You are a strong and brave girl. Whatever it was, you will be able to face it and get over it." her friend encouraged her. She smiled softly, nodded her head and giving her friend a hug.

Here she is, facing the memory of him and their past together. Much to her surprise, she felt like a heavy weight was lifted from her shoulders. She felt more at peace and calmer. She realised she will never have to run or hide again from the memories. She has overcome it all. Now, she can live. She sniffed and smiled. Then, she shut down her laptop.

I promise...
Sorry...

"Promise."

De-stress-ing/updating

Yes, I am seriously de-stress-ing. Taking a short break from studying for my mid-term exam which will begin an hour and a half later. I know I haven't been updating for quite some time. Been extremely busy with assignments, church, work (like actual work WORK), etc etc. This semester is quite hectic and heavy. Quite a lot of theoretical subjects. Come to think of it, practically ALL the subjects this semester is theoretical! A vast difference from last semester, which was a practical semester. I guess my brain got lazy. Time to reactivate the brain! =P

This is just a personal post. Nothing much. Just sharing about my university life. I agree with the people that say that university life is the best time of your life. I really enjoy every minute of it. Even though it is stressful and hectic sometimes, I really have fun. Time really flies when you are having fun. Now I am in my 2nd year. A sophomore. No, I am not a diploma or foundation or pre-u student. I am a degree student. So, when I graduate (3 years course) I will have to start working. Unless I continue studying. Which I don't think I will. (heeeeeee.....)

What else to talk about? I hate theoretical subjects. I love doing practical stuff. Textbooks just make me sleep, I am telling you. This is why I am suffering a bit in this semester. I am trying to keep up my CGPA. So I cannot slack off. Took so much work and effort of "shoot up" my CGPA last semester. So I have to continue to keep it up. Trying to achieve a first class honours when I graduate. So that I don't need to repay my PTPTN load. (What? I need the money to buy a car! *innocent look*)

I am really thankful for having a group of supportive friends in uni. We are studying the same course but majoring in different field. We have only 1 class together each semester. But that doesn't make us any further apart. In fact, we treasure our time together even more. To my group of lovely girlfriends, thank you! I would have given up long ago if you guys weren't here for me. Uni life is so much more colourful when you meet and make the right friends. We grumble together. We suffer together. We work together. We play together. We have fun together. Our motto: Ride together, die together! I know, sound like some musketeer slogan. LOL!

All I can say is, life has it's ups and downs. We just have to learn to live with it. Stress or no stress, we still have to continue living. Just embrace life and live it to the fullest. Study hard, work hard, play harder. =P

Alright! Time to get back to studying. De-stress-ing/updating time over! Let's go and get this exam over with! =D

Be happy - a moral obligation

During a conversation with a friend, he said this: it's a moral obligation to be happy. That statement stopped me short. I looked at him with confusion written all over my face. What does he mean by that? Why is it a moral obligation to be happy? We have the right to be happy whenever we want to be. How is it that it's a moral obligation? Since when being happy has become an act of considerations of right and wrong, namely, a moral obligation?

As I thought about it, I came to realise his reason for making this statement. We humans are an emotional bunch of creatures (do excuse my description of us humans if this offends you.. xD). We are easily affected by other people's emotions. Agree? Let me give you an example. When someone around you is feeling down or upset, you tend to be affected by it to some degree. It's true.

So, how does this make being happy is a moral obligation? Well, there are bound to be times when we are upset about something and there are people around us. Don't you think it is a moral obligation to not show your negative emotion just to keep the mood of the people around us up? Wouldn't it be awkward for those people around you if you put on a black face for them?

Think about this: you are in a social gathering. Everyone is happy and having fun. Suddenly, someone walk in with an extremely pissed off face. Can you feel the mood going down already as you are imagining this scenario? Some people might think, gosh, what a party pooper. This is exactly what my friend meant by saying that it's a moral obligation to be happy. That person could have come in to the social gathering with a smile even though he or she is not happy. Just so that the atmosphere of the gathering will continue to remain light and happy.

Whenever I am with a bunch of friends, I really hate to see someone feeling down. It makes me feel uncomfortable and not at peace. I felt so guilty for enjoying myself while that person is feeling down. It doesn't seems right to have fun when someone is feeling down, you get what I mean? Thinking back, I remember the countless times I show my negative emotions (that was when I was younger, okay.. I was young and immature.. xD) when I am around people. I feel so bad about it now because I am making all those people around me feel awful and uncomfortable.

My friend gave a very good example. A husband and wife are in the middle of a huge row. They are screaming at each other, really angry. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Immediately, they put on a smile and open the door to greet whoever that is at the door. They did that just so that the person will not feel awkward or bad or uncomfortable because they are considerate about other people's welfare.

I totally agree with my friend. How true it is that it is a moral obligation to be happy. We should be more considerate about other people's feelings. One of the bad side of us humans is that we are selfish and self-centred. We can't be bothered about other people's welfare when we are so mad at something or someone. We also want other people's sympathy, so we show our negative emotions. Admit it. That is one of the reasons we show our negative emotions. I know that was one of mine. (yes, I am shameless.. hahahaha..) 

But all this while, it never occur to us that we affected the mood of others when we are so inconsiderate. So, let us stop being inconsiderate and start to put others before us. I find it hard to be happy when I am not. Well, my strategy is that if I really can't pretend to be happy, I would go to a place where I can be alone for a while. Until I am more emotionally stable then only will I rejoin the human society.

There is always time for you to be upset when you are alone. Or with your closest friend or family. But please, do try to be considerate about others and not affect others with your negative energy. It spreads really fast. Trust me when I say this. I know far too well. (yes, yes.. I started it.. =P) Maybe there are people that can ignore it. But not everyone has that ability.

Think about what I wrote. I hope you will come to the same conclusion as I did. It is a moral obligation to be happy. 

The true winner

My church's anniversary is coming up and my pastor's wife asked me to be in charge of the children's presentation (much to my horror.. =O). I wouldn't say I am the best choice but what to do? I just finished my Performing Arts subject last semester. That means I have a teeny, tiny weeny little bit of experience in stage performing that includes acting, singing and dancing. I let them choose what sort of presentation they want to do. The choices are drama, dance or sing (what else? lol...). They chose drama (horror of horrors.. *screams*). So, I started training them.

Last Sunday, I gave them an exercise to give them an idea on what is characterisation. To cut the whole long story short, one of the kids, a girl, gave up and started crying without trying because she thinks it's too hard to do. (I really hate it when kids get whiny. I mean, they chose it. So they should endure it. It's not like I didn't warn them it's gonna be hard and the process won't be as fun as they think it is. *sighs* here we go again....) After dismissing the rest of the class, I sat down beside her and talked to her (with all the patience I have.. *sighs* took a lot to not yell at her and talk to her nicely.. then again, they are just kids.. but then again, cannot pamper them too much.. oh, Lord, give me wisdom!). I needed to tell her a few times to stop crying and talk so that I can understand her and she finally told me why she wanted to quit. Like I said before, she thinks it's too hard. That's when I started to lecture (ahem.. xP) her.

There will be obstacles and problems that will come our way as we continue our journey in life. When things get hard, do we run away and give up? Do we hide ourselves and hope the problem will go away? No. We face it and we go through it. Sure, there will always be failures but that's part of life. We won't become successful without failures. (sounds cliche, I know.. but it's true.. success comes after a fall! =D) Most importantly, we shouldn't give up without trying. How would you know something is so hard if you didn't try to do it?

We shouldn't think that we can't do this or we can't do that. Instead, face everything with a teachable heart. Nothing is easy in this world. But there isn't anything that is too hard either. When things get tough, ask for help. That's when we put down our pride and ego and accept other people's guidance and help. A lot of times, we screw up because we are just too proud to ask for help. (mmmhmmm.. totally understand this,  man.. xD)

Sometimes, after trying, we might find out the problem isn't all that hard at all. That's when a sense of achievement and confidence come in. When our self-confidence is boost up, we will be braver to take up more challenging things, knowing that we can overcome it. See, one good thing leads to another. But before gaining all these good things, we must first be brave enough to take that first step of faith into the unknown. Stepping out of our comfort zone to try out new things or solve problems that we think are hard for us.

So many times I wanted to give up when things get tough and discouraging during my Performing Arts class. Maybe my natural stubborn streak and refusal to be a loser kept me going. I stayed on and preserve. On my final showcase night, I tasted the sweetness of victory and achievement when the audiences clapped and hooted. I found out I had gained a lot of self-confidence in this class and being able to do things that I would never do in my life. I gathered my courage and took that first step of faith into the unknown and I am glad I preserved. I can happily tell you that I have grown and learnt so much in that class.

It's okay to grumble and complain a bit throughout the whole process. It's alright to cry once in a while when things get really tough. Remember to stand up again when we fall down. That's one of the key to success. If (dang, what's his name again.. gah.. I need to go Google it out.. ><) Thomas Edison gave up after failing for the 3rd or 4th time, do you think we would have light bulbs to use today? Keep on trying until we succeed.

The true winner isn't the person that have a natural talent in something and won some competition. 
The true winner is the person that try, never gave up and preserve until the end. 

Agree? =) Anyways, after spending some time yapping at the girl, she finally agreed to try again the following week. That's my girl. =)

Sometimes, we just need to have a little faith, bring out some confidence and courage and just do it (wow, Nike commercial.. xD). Don't give up without trying. That would make you the ultimate loser. At least try first. If you really can't and give up, at least you can say that you have tried.

Don't give up! Have faith! Be courageous and confident! =D

YOU ARE THE WINNER!!!

Life and death

Once again, my country, Malaysia, is struck with another air tragedy. Some may say it's bad luck. Some may say Malaysia Airlines is cursed. Authorities are scrambling around looking for the people responsible for shooting down MH 17. MH 370 is yet to be found. But this post is dedicated to the families and friends of the passengers and crews of MH 370 and MH 17. To the people that has lost their loved ones.

My parents fly around constantly for their jobs. It is a norm for me and my siblings to see my parents go off to the airport. It has gotten to a point where I don't really bother to ask them where are they going and when are they getting back. I took it for granted that wherever they go, they will definitely come back. But when the first air tragedy struck, I was shaken awake to the fact that I should never take things for granted. It never occur to me that my parents might never make it back home. That is when I woke up and started to change my perspective on life and death.

Life is so precious and fragile. Death is unavoidable in this world. It's never easy when Death comes knocking at your door. Even when you have prepared yourself to the fact that someone you love is going to die, it's still hard to let go. What about those people that have not prepare themselves to say goodbye forever to their loved ones? Worst still, those people are actually expecting a joyous reunion instead of a grievous forever separation. They have a bright future ahead, so much more to live for. Yet Death comes when we least expected it.

My grandfather's death is unexpected to me too. He was so strong and healthy when I saw him a few days before he passed away. Suddenly, he died in his sleep. Just like that. Gone forever. I never get to say goodbye. It was a horrible blow for me as I was very close to him. I know that comparing this with the air tragedy, it's nothing. But still, it's grief all the same. It's still death.

In Christian context, we believe that there is an eternal life after our earthly death. We believe we will go to heaven and someday we will meet our loved ones again. We take comfort in that when we bid our loved ones goodbye. We say we will see you again someday. It's a mixture of sadness and happiness for us Christians. Sad because of the separation. But joy because the deceased has gone to a far better place and will be waiting for us there. 

But putting religion aside, how do we deal with grief? Does time really heals? For me, time only numbs the pain but will never really heal the wound. There will always be a scar left behind. I can never really empathise with the people that lost their loved ones that were on board MH 370 and MH 17. I have never really been through that. But I can somehow understand the feeling of losing someone forever. The pain and the wound that is left behind.

What had happened has already happened. There is no way we can turn back the clock and stop them from going on board that flight. There is nothing we can do to change the fact that they have died and gone forever. We cannot change the past but we can change the future. Instead of living in the past and grief for what had happened, why not we live for the future and cherish the lives that are still here with us? 

There is no point living in hatred or regret or whatever negative emotions. What is done, is done. Why live like that and make yourself suffer? Will you really feel better if the people that shot down the plane be executed for their actions? Maybe you will feel better but it still doesn't change the fact that your loved one is still dead. Change your perspective. Embrace life and live it to the fullest. Appreciate and cherish the people that are still around you. I believe your loved one would have wanted you to live a full life instead of being a walking corpse.

If you can't live your life for yourself, live it for them. Be thankful for their lives and that they came into your life and brighten your day. Take delight in all the memories and moments that you have shared with them and be happy that at least you get to share it with them. Look at what you have had instead of what you have lost. It makes things easier.

All I can say is, LIVE. Never ever take things for granted. I understand that life is so short and precious and there isn't time or space to grief for the past for too long. Instead, I LIVE. For the future. For here. For now. I always appreciate the time I get to spend with the people that are still around me. So that when they are gone, I will have no regrets whatsoever. I will not say, why I didn't spend more time with him/her? I will send them off saying, we have a full and happy long life. Rest in peace.

To all the families and friends of the passengers and crews on board MH 370 and MH 17, my deepest condolences to you all. May God bless you all, help and comfort you all through this hard time.   

Doomed to Single-dom?!

"The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment" 

- Pastor Joshua Harris, "I kissed dating goodbye"

Recently, I got the news about 2 of my female friends who are younger than me (not to say that I am very old here.. hehe..) have gotten boyfriends. My first reaction was, WHAT?! I mean, hello, hello! How can they, younger than me (ahem...), have boyfriends while older me is still, horror of horrors, single?!?!?! What is wrong with me? Am I not beautiful and attractive?? (AHEM, AHEM... xP) Why am I still single?????????? Am I doomed to the kingdom of single-hood?? (hence the name "Single-dom".. single.. kingdom.. get it?? xD) How dare they not wait for me?!?!?!?!?!

Many young people nowadays, including me, struggle with this problem, which is being single. We are all so scared that we will be doomed to be single and lonely for life if we don't get ourselves a partner now. Afraid that someday, we will be all old and wrinkly, sitting in a creaking rocking chair in some lonely, remote place with an old dog lying beside us. Classic picture, huh? But putting this classic picture aside, what is the REAL reason or reasons that made us all so anxious to find a partner so soon and so young?

Now, my first reaction was a little too dramatic, I know. I was too shock! My second reaction, however, was worry. They are still so young! (again, not to say that I am very old here... hehehe..) Can they handle a relationship? Are they mature enough to understand the "mechanics" of a relationship? Will they last or will they end up in a heartbreak? Now, I am NOT a relationship expert here. But I have made quite a number of painful mistakes to know some things and I don't want the people around me to make the same painful mistakes that I made.

From time to time, I will ask the people around me why they get into a relationship. I also eavesdropped on people's conversation sometimes. (gosh, you have no idea how much information you can get by eavesdropping on people's conversation! I mean, it's so fascinating, you know! BUT, this is NOT to say that you can learn my extremely bad example and go eavesdropping on people's conversation. I do it once in a while to get some information and I only do it when I think it's appropriate to do so. So, don't go eavesdropping on people's conversation! This is not an encouragement, okay? *stern look*) The few reasons are, 1. media influence, 2. peer pressure, 3. want to try something new, 4. ATM machine, 5. living in a fantasy fairytale world, 6. so desperate to be love by someone. There might be some other reasons I didn't list here and the reasons here might not be accurate.    

The thing is, relationships that are based on the reasons above will NOT last at all. Did you see the quote in the beginning to this post? One of the most important "rule" for a lasting relationship is commitment. Along with love, trust, etc etc. The book "I kissed dating goodbye" written by Pastor Joshua Harris talks about relationships but mainly about single-hood. He talks about the dating game that most of us would play. One partner after another. Some of you might think it's okay to be like this. You won't find "the one" unless you date around! But this mentality is wrong! In Christian dating context, God has ALREADY prepare "the one" for you! Why go around breaking people's heart when there already is a person prepared for you? All God asks is for you to wait. WAIT for the right time and when the time comes, the person will come into your life. You will know it when it's the right time.

Okay. Forget about religion for awhile here. Think about this. Let's say you get married at the age of 28. You started dating at the age of, say, 24. Your lifespan is, maybe, 80 years. So, your single life is 24 years and your coupled life is (um, let's see.. should be minus right.. so, 80 minus 24 is... umm.. 64! haha.. I am horrible at maths.. xD) 64 years. Wow. Don't these numbers tell you something?? Your single life is so short! So precious! The time of your life when you are free and carefree. Nothing to worry and think about. Your money is your money. ($$$$$$$) You can do anything you want with it. Travelling, shopping, anything! Once you are in a relationship, you have responsibilities. You have to answer to your partner. Your freedom is sort of taken away. So many things to take into consideration. So, do you still want to get into a relationship so soon?

I remember struggling with my singleness and desiring to have a boyfriend when I was in secondary school. I approached a youth leader in my church, seeking guidance in this matter. She told me a very meaningful parable which I keep in my heart until this day. Imagine you are driving a car. Everyone is driving a car. You, like everyone else, is trying to find a parking spot. The perfect parking spot for yourself. Some people make wrong turns or decisions and ended up parking too far away from the mall. Some people wouldn't wait patiently and settle for the parking that is still a little distance away from the mall. Some people even snatch away other people's parking spot. While you saw a parking spot that you think is the closest to the mall, which is right in front of the entrance. You think that that is the best parking spot ever. But why make your own decision and park in front of the entrance when, actually, if you wait some more, you can park INSIDE the mall? Wouldn't that be better? 

Indeed. When you think that this is the best for you, there is actually a better than best for you that you don't know of. All you have to do is wait. Wait and wait and wait. I mean, what's the rush? We are all still young. Enjoy your single life while you still can. Going out with friends until late without being yelled at by your partner. Being able to make a trip to anywhere without having to consult or check with your partner. Spend whenever on whatever you like. Remember, 64 years "tied down" while 24 years "free like a bird".

Being in a relationship is not easy. I hear it all the time. All the people around me that are in a relationship always tell me this. It takes a lot to make things work between 2 very different people. There will be disagreements, conflicts, etc etc. They sometimes miss their single life. Seriously. But then, again, we human beings never know that what we have now is best until we lose them. We always regret when it's too late. Imagine on your wedding night, your partner tells you that you are his/her first love and asks you whether you are his/her first love or not and in truth, he/she is not your first love as you have other lovers before him/her, what would be your reaction? Imagine telling him/her that he/she isn't your first love and you see the hurt in their eyes. For me, I would be guilty and horrified. I would feel like the worst person on earth because my partner waited patiently for me while I didn't. I wouldn't want to hurt the person I love most this way and I believe neither do you.

Not having a partner now while all the people around you have doesn't mean you are doomed to Single-dom. It just simply means that the time is not right and the right person hasn't come yet. I bless my 2 friends and their relationship. I do hope that their relationship last and there will be no regrets later on. As for me, well, I will just patiently wait until I can park right inside the mall. =)

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur

I had a one-day trip to Kuala Lumpur yesterday with a university friend. It's been so long since I last visited KL. It was actually an assignment based trip, finding street art and capturing it. My friend, bless her, knows KL so well and we had such a fantastic time looking not only at street arts but other beauties of KL. I am going to show you some photos that I captured using a DSLR (Cannon 550). It was my first time using a DSLR and, of course, when you have a camera in your hands, what do you do with it? You take photos! (duh.. xP) I am just an amateur and all these photos you are going to see are really amateur work. Still learning the art of photography. =D

Street art
Went around KL and found some really interesting and awesome street art. I picked out some better looking ones. =)

Some might think that this is an act of vandalism. But when you take a closer look at it, you start to see the beauty of it. Art comes in different forms and style. This is one of them. =)

The city

So, my friend and I walked around KL. The following photos are shots of our famous Petronas Twin Towers. Tried my best to capture the majestic building. =)

The view of the city is so beautiful. Yes, it may be made out of concrete, but can you feel the majestic feeling of those buildings? Standing tall and strong there. I wished I was able to take more shots of the city but that was not to be.

Nature

Last but not least, the nature. You may not believe it, but nature can also be found in the city. I had a little time to talk around the park outside KLCC. It was really beautiful, believe me. I hope the photos below are able to let you see how beautiful mother nature is.

See how the sunlight trying to pour in between the leaves? Spot the birds at the last photo? The natural braid of a tree's root. The natural umbrella. These are all things that we don't take the time to see in our daily busy lives. All these little beauties pass us by and we miss it all.

Really encourage you all to take time off and just slowly appreciate your surroundings. Look around you and see the beauty of this world we are living in. =) 

Movie review: How to train your dragon 2

The dragons are back! So is Hiccup, the awkward boy who was a total klutz that became the hero of his village and the best friend of dragons. His personal and totally cute dragon, Toothless, is as adorable as before. So, in this sequence to "How To Train Your Dragon", what sort of adventure awaits Hiccup and Toothless? Read on to find out!

Hiccup and Toothless exploring new lands

Hiccup and Toothless playing around

The village, Berk, was prospering and the dragons stayed with them. Hiccup was a 20-year-old young adult, flying around, exploring and discovering new unknown land with his loyal best friend, Toothless. In this sequence, Hiccup met his mother, Valka, who was believed to be dead. A battle with an insane wannabe conquerer, Drago Bludvist had his father, Stoick, killed. At the end of the movie, Hiccup became the new chief of Berk and Toothless was the new king of the dragon, after challenging the natural king of the dragons, a Bewilderbeast that was controlled by Drago, and defeating it.

Hiccup and Astrid

Stoick, father (left), Valka, mother (centre), Hiccup (right)

When Stoick wanted to retire and pass his position to Hiccup, it can be seen very clearly that Hiccup was not happy about it. In his conversation with Astrid, his girlfriend, he expressed his doubts and worries about being the chief. I suppose we can all relate to this. The uncertainty of things and even towards ourselves. Whether we can do a good job or not or whether we are cut out for this kind of job. Many a times in our lives, we are rock by uncertainties and worries, coming to a point where we will start to doubt ourselves and our abilities.

One of Toothless' adorable moments

Towards the end of the movie, it can be seen that Hiccup took up the responsibilities and position as chief. He had to take the step out when his father died and he started to believe in himself. Of course he had the support and help from his mother, Astrid and all his other friends. A lot of times, it was our loved ones that encourage and support us throughout our lives. Good, close relationship and love are the key point here.

Drago Bludvist, the insane wannabe conquerer

It's amazing to see how Hiccup brought out his courage and strength and defeated Drago after his father's death and not willow in self-pity and regret. He was angry and down after Toothless was taken away by Drago and his father died. But he shook it off soon enough and stood up again. This is the kind of attitude we should have when we face whatever adversary in life. Yes, we can be depressed, sad, down, self-pity but never willow in all these for too long. Courage is the key point here. Take out the courage and stand up to face our trouble. Just believe in yourself and you will be a conquerer.

Toothless on defensive mode, protecting Hiccup

Toothless was also amazing in this movie. There were a lot of parts where it was playful, adorable and funny. A real sweetheart and cutie pie. But note it's loyalty and protectiveness towards Hiccup. How it would always be by his side no matter what happens and how quickly it became defensive and fierce when it thought his master and friend might be in trouble. A mere hint of trouble and it will be on it's defensive mode. Almost at the end of the movie, it challenged the Bewilderbeast not for the position of king but to protect it's master and best friend, Hiccup. Also, the love and strong bond between Hiccup and Toothless were able to break the control of the Bewilderbeast.

(Above) Toothless in a playful mode

(Below) Toothless challenging the king of the dragon, the Bewilderbeast

Don't we also have many "Toothless" in our lives? Our parents, family. Our close friends too. It was always love and loyalty that held us up and helped us through the difficult time in our lives. Our parents' protectiveness towards us and their love. How they would willingly shield us from the wind and rain all because they love us. Hiccup and Toothless were strong and united in love and loyalty. So should we towards our friends and family.

I love this movie and how it brings out the message of life. It might just be a cartoon but the message behind it is meaningful. It taught me to be more appreciative towards the people around me, my friends and family. How they love me, encourage and support me and willingly sacrifice themselves for me. The subtle way this movie brings out all these messages is really awesome. I would totally recommend you all to go watch this movie when you can. Totally worth it! =)

Movie review: Maleficent

It's amazing how true love can be defined in so many ways and the movie "Maleficent" was able to wake us all up with a different but equally touching and sweet ending. It has again captured the hearts of audiences with its classic yet twisted story of the famous fairytale "Sleeping Beauty". Only this time, the "evil" fairy Maleficent takes the spotlight instead of the fair Princess Aurora.

Maleficent, as everyone knows, was the evil fairy that cursed Princess Aurora, that on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spindle wheel and fall into an eternal sleep. Only a true love's kiss can break the curse and wake her up. In this movie "Maleficent", Stefan, Aurora's father, started out as a peasant boy and met with the magical creature Maleficent. The human kingdom where Stefan lived and the magical kingdom where Maleficent lived were not on peaceful terms. Stefan and Maleficent became best of friends and as time goes by, Maleficent's heart was stolen by this human. On Maleficent's 16th birthday, Stefan kissed Maleficent and claimed it to be a true love's kiss. But that was not to be as greed and ambition took over Stefan.

To be the successor to the throne, Stefan has to bring the head of Maleficent to the king. But he was not able to kill Maleficent. Instead, he stole her mighty wings and this was the beginning of bitterness, betrayal, hatred and revenge. Stefan became king and had a daughter who we all know as Aurora and Maleficent cursed her to avenged for herself. Stefan then handed over Aurora to the 3 good fairies to look after and Maleficent watched her grow from a distance. In the end, it was Maleficent's kiss, not Prince Philip's that woke Aurora. Thus, we can all see that true love is portrayed different in this movie. It was Aurora's daughterly love for her "fairy Godmother" Maleficent and Maleficent's motherly fondness of Aurora that broke the curse.

Angelina Jolie did an amazing job in portraying Maleficent. In the beginning, Maleficent was a sweet, young and innocent fairy. Her beauty and strength gave her the air of confidence and grace. Her eyes were soft and pure and full of joy and life. But after Stefan's betrayal, her eyes became hard and cold. Many a times, it was the look in her eyes that convey to us the story and her true feelings deep down inside of her. Her eyes, though hard and cold, still gave her the air of grace and power but this time towards the darker side.

Maleficent before Stefan's betrayal. Protecting her kingdom from King Henry, the king before Stefan.

When Maleficent arrived at baby Aurora's christening uninvited and face Stefan, though her eyes were mostly full of hatred and vengeance, there were a subtleness of hurt, betrayal and pain in them; a girl with a broken heart. As Aurora grew up, Maleficent look after her from afar. The hatred, bitterness and coldness remains but a change was beginning as the story moves on. A certain look of fondness and long forgotten love and joy was slowly creeping in. But it was still subtle until the end of the story.

Maleficent looking at Aurora from afar.

At the time when Aurora was 15 and came in full contact in Maleficent and Maleficent allowed herself to come in contact with Aurora, even though her manner was still cold, distant and hard, it can be seen in her eyes that Aurora brought back the joy and life into her dark world, melting her harden heart and restoring her broken soul. Aurora became that ray of sunshine in her dark world, slowly bringing back the softness from her youth into her eyes. Regret and lost was felt when Maleficent found out she could not revoke the curse.

Maleficent talking to Aurora.

The curse took hold of Aurora and the pain of losing yet another person that she loved so much and this time it was her own doing can be seen full blast on her manner and her eyes. The tears signify how much she cared for Aurora and her fondness and love for her. She lost the sunshine of her life. Behind that cold and hard manner, there was a vulnerable side of Maleficent. The regret, pain and lost was felt so deeply. But joy, fondness and love leapt into her eyes as soon as Aurora opened her eyes and said "hello, Godmother". The hope and joy can be seen in her manner and her eyes. She believed in true love again.

At the end, though her manner was still somewhat lacking the initial eagerness of life and was more towards a dignified quietness, but the look of contentment was there. Her world was no longer dark and her broken heart and soul was restored by this bright ray of sunshine. The softness and joy was back but a certain subtleness of lost and pain can still be seen. Was it because of the death of Stefan? Who knows. When she sore high into the sky with her mighty wings, the freedom and strength was restored.

At the end when Maleficent's wings were restored, soaring high up it the sky.

Again, true love is not limited between a man and a woman. It comes in many forms. In the movie "Frozen", the true love between sisters was portrayed. "Maleficent" portrayed the true love between a mother and a daughter. Society and media nowadays have limited our understanding of true love. Now it is time for us to breakthrough the traditional thinking and bondage we have tied ourselves in and understand the real meaning of true love. "Maleficent" has properly portrayed one of the many sides of true love. I think it is a movie worth watching.