Laman

Mar 30, 2015

The power is in your palm

I cried like a baby watching this. Footage 00:52 crushed my heart, especially when Strawberry the orangutan signed "People take care of me now..." 
Soon after, I learned more about products that are not using palm oil. Since I cannot join rangers to fight deforestation and animal poachers, reading labels is the very least that I can do.

ps: Have a look on this Palm Oil score card list that I found. And please share with me if you have a better reference... before it's too late. Because the power is #inyourpalm.


Mar 26, 2015

Heart-break

The past weeks been hard. But I wont go into details. And when I stumbled upon this picture, my sensitive soul breaks. 

This very second, I am taking a moment to pause. Just stop thinking about myself for awhile and just pray for anyone, anywhere, any human being, and or animals wherever they may be that is in need of comfort. 

May you find a friend, a glimpse of peace, faith, hope... and eventually, Love.
Source: Here

A North Korean man waves his hand as a South Korean relative weeps, following a luncheon meeting during inter-Korean temporary family reunions at Mount Kumgang resort October 31, 2010. Four hundred and thirty-six South Koreans were allowed to spend three days in North Korea to meet their 97 North Korean relatives, whom they had been separated from since the 1950-53 war.


Mar 20, 2015

Three's a charm: Things I learned from my dogs

And am being dead serious.
Soon enough, my instagram account will be assumed as my dogs's account (Mahoni and Marilyn) as there are more pictures of them in there than mine. I personally think that they are the most interesting things that I have in my life so far and they simply are gorgeous in #selfies without having to pout. And, #nofilter needed.
And I understand fully why I am doing so. Take a closer look to why you are doing what you are doing, you may learn a thing or two. I am now realizing three main things I learned from my dogs.
(I actually am learning hundreds but let us stick with three for now)
  1. They are smarter than most people I know. We know exactly what relationship with certain kind of people will bring. We know what dynamic is going to work and what is not. You know he is not the one. You know she's going to wear you down. But, trying our luck to be proven wrong, or right, we keep pushing it. You are fully aware that it's a toxic relationship, but you keep coming back for more. Because, you know, "Maybe this person will change." Or if you are lucky, maybe this is just a phase. If you are downright delusional, you will think "Maybe, my body will develop some magical immune for his or her behavior."  The worse: "I am here to change him." Who's been there? (*raise hand*confession). Mahoni (a mutt), is a smart paws. Her hunting drive tells her that snakes are dangerous. So, to date, she killed three for me. We found them falling from the trees on an empty land behind our garden. But, once Mahoni learned that chasing and biting big frogs will end up making her vomit, never once she tried to hunt them down again. "What's in it for me?" she thinks. Geckos on the other hand are fun to chase (extra benefit: strong legs, cardio) and will give no side effects. So.... 
  2. Uncompromising level of discipline. Marilyn (Labrador) is obsessed with, ehm...well... everything. But most especially, food. However, no matter how hungry (she thinks) she is, after you put her filled with dog food bowl on the floor, she will sit nicely. Just sits there... until you asked her to "Shake-hand" or "High-Five" and you say "Okay!". Only then, she will finish her meal in seconds. I trained this myself. So, I was surprised to know that she behaves the same way when my sister feeds her. Or my mom, or my brother. Anyone. Raised by teachers (grandparents) discipline has always been my main course. But there were times when I was still in college, I would not come early to a class if I think "Ah, this credit is easy for me to pass.". I will only be there 15 minutes earlier if the class or the lecturer was a tough one. Even when I know my grandparents golden rule was "Always be ready in your class 15 minutes earlier before everyone else.". I took it personally, I compromised. Marilyn does not. Even if you put steak on top of her bowl to lure her already drooling saliva. 
  3. Their unconditional love. If I need to explain to you about dog's unconditional love, you may want to come over to our house. 
Sleeping. Done teaching me a thing or two. 

Mar 18, 2015

Sophia, the youngest feminist to date

Sophia Trow (8 y.o) and her mother, Jane, went to a Clarks retail store in England to purchase a pair of Stomposaurus shoes. It's "just" and awesome collection, featuring little dinosaurs fit for any adventurer or a Ross Geller wanna be. 

There was just one problem... the shoes were labeled as boys’ shoes. When Sophia claimed that she wanted them, the sales clerk immediately told her that they aren’t made for “feminine bone structure.” 
I am pretty sure Sophia rolled her eyes (like any feminist would) when being told so because she wrote the following letter (see image at the bottom)
It is reported that Sophia went on to explain, “I don’t like how girls just have to like pink and purple – I like blue and science and fossils. Clarks should learn what girls really want and do something about it.”
Supporting her strong daughter, Jane tweeted it to Clarks. “I want my children to have options,” she said. “I don’t want them hampered by expectations that tell them how they should behave as girls – I want them to be able to do whatever they want to do and become strong women." to which Clarks responded with “We are sorry to hear that Sophia was informed these shoes aren’t suitable for girls. The Stomposaurus range can safely be worn by all children. We are also developing a broader range of unisex styles which will be available from Autumn/Winter this year.”
Kudos, Sophia! And I am sure you are going to end up doing great things, like this girl, and this boy
Just wondering tho... maybe you and I would like to start a petition so Clarks would make these Stomposaurus shoes in adult sizes too?
PS: That one cute nerd: Sophia Trow and THAT SHOES!
Also, have you seen this campaign : #LikeaGirl ? (I almost cried... since, am a girl, obvs!)


Mar 16, 2015

Strangers In the Night


Strangers in the night exchanging glances
Wondering in the night
What were the chances we'd be sharing love
Before the night was through
Something in your eyes was so inviting
Something in your smile was so exciting
Something in my heart told me I must have you
Strangers in the night, two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment when we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
And ever since that night we've been together
Lovers at first sight, in love forever
It turned out so right for strangers in the night






Mar 15, 2015

Again on Chivalry

I received a beautiful card today. Just cause. But it reminds me why I am loved by him. Not that I need a reminder, but it gives such warm fuzzy feeling to know that one would actually invest time in picking the right card, picture, and carefully jot a personalized message, just for me.

For years, I have come across as a cold, reserved (sometimes), twisted (thank you, really) lady. And only few people can really get to see my soft spot. A big portion of pie chart may be categorized as my level of feminism. And most people think feminist hate men. WRONG. We adore them, and we expect so much of them, hence, us not wanting to settle easily.

We all know that years ago, we have discussed about chivalry here (yes, including what music you listen to and your shoes), and again in this post. We even talked about what we expect from your attire in this post. So that, should tell you how much we like men!
As a ...ahem, feminist, I would easily take note on your kindness and.... the nearly extinct manners labeled as chivalry, miss translated by swags as "Lame old fashioned."
Keep doing things below, please. And inherit them to your children.

Sending flowers.
This act has been labeled as romantic and downright cheesy. But let us try look at it this way: we send flowers to say thank you, houses of statesman send them as a celebratory and appreciation gesture, sympathy and message of "I am sorry I cannot be there for you but I am thinking of you." is represented in white lilies. It is Mother's Day, Valentine's, someone you know is losing a family member, your brother's first house, your parent's anniversary, your wife's first boutique opening.
It is not only about romanticism. And only certain fellows of mankind can appreciate it that way. 
And for those swags that say "Meh, we do not do that lame stuff.", well.. we get it. Flowers are far more expensive than the price of your hair gel, after shave and mouth wash combined.

Opening Doors.
When my (look like a swag but actually is the sweetest lad) brother did this for me, I said to him; "Thank you. Never forget this manner." Because, honestly, not many of guys would do the same. On the other side, how many of us ladies (or gents) would actually pause for a second to say "Thank you.", when someone hold the elevator door for you?
As for you, guy I am no longer seeing, yes... it was because you did not hold the taxi door open for me.

Never shake someone's hand sitting down.
Yes, you already are enjoying your meal when your friend's relative come over to the table. But stand up, firm shake the person's hand and introduce your name. He may be younger, or older. But you do not have time to analyze that. Your pasta is getting cold.

Pulls out chair and gives up seat.
I never forget that day when a gay dude (yes I am sure) gave me his seat while waiting for our table to be ready. I was standing next to the bar, all stools occupied. Only that gentleman stood up. I think he knew that Obama did it, Keanu did it. And I gave him my most sincere smile and a "Thank you." before sitting down, not forgetting to give my "I could kill you with my brain" look to the rest of the guys who just stare at us.

Speak in such soft-spoken manner.
We all should have zero tolerance towards men and women talking in such harsh and nasty way. Racism, cockiness, insecurity covered in "tough act/rude way of talking" are things I can smell from miles away. Sssshhhh....

Ps: To shave or not to shave :-)









Mar 11, 2015

With All I Am

Into Your hand I commit again/ With All I am For You Lord/ You hold my world in the palm of Your hand/ And I'm Yours forever...

Ps: I miss you Dad.




Mar 10, 2015

Mind Mapping

A few years ago, I posted this picture on the left, read here: My future house

Just this week, I took a snap shot of Marilyn posing in front of my bookshelf a few weeks ago, posted the picture on instagram with "What are we reading, Mama?".

Then, a few days after, I realized something... I have been storing this dream in my mind for years!

My library is not 5 times bigger and richer (yet), but it already is inside my own home. 
My dog is a she (2,5 years now), but she is a black, hold your breath... a Black Labrador.

Oh. wow. 

Way to synchronize, universe. 

And to God be the Glory, Sola Gratia.