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Malaysia's Independence Day was supposedly celebrated two days ago, a day which was supposed to bring every single Malaysian together to celebrate 58 years of independence, a day marked to be of such great importance in history. But where is the celebratory mood? What happened to the "Tanggal 31, Bulan 8, '57" and "Burung nelayan dan juga petani" verses that we used to memorize as little kids in school? What happened to those little flags almost every car would have on top? How did we come to the point where the value of our Ringgit keeps falling, demands for the Prime Minister to step down keeps rising, prices of things keep rising, and politicians still play dirty even when they've been caught red-handed? How did we come to the point where we're called "Bodoh" or "non-patriotic" when we wear yellow shirts and walk the streets peacefully because all we've ever dreamed about is to live in a country in which its government actually cares for its people?

I'm nobody. I'm no one.
Who would want to listen to what I have to say? Who needs to? Nobody.
Why should I even be bothered? No reason.

That's just it. I am just a nobody, not anyone worth listening to. I've not been through half of what others have been through, I've never run away from the Japanese, from bombs, from disaster and turmoil ; I don't need to. I don't know half of what politicians are talking about most of the time, nor do I know how to run a country. But what I do know is this : I am a Malaysian who has had that gnawing feeling inside to put what she has to say into words and let it all out.

First off, what the heck is happening to Malaysia? Why are there so many problems arising at once? When is all the lying and manipulation going to end? Even in deep depths of trouble, our politicians still have not learnt their lesson ; stop the bribery and corruption already. When is it going to end? When Malaysia falls to its knees and people die from starvation? This country doesn't need more money, it has plenty, it just needs its leaders to stop using the money for crap and actually use it for the country's good. The root of every economic problem we are facing today is the government. If we had a clean government to begin with, Malaysia wouldn't be knee-deep in debt this very day. Nothing is going to change the way Malaysia is and is going to be, unless the entire government brings its scrub and bleach and start cleaning itself. No, not just the Prime Minister, deputy, nor one or two officials ; everyone in the entire cabinet.

And what happened to Malaysia being a democratic country? Oh right, we never were. For decades, people's opinions have just been flushed down the drain. Whisper a single wrong word and boom, off to jail. Where is the freedom of speech and human rights? Why is it that when most of us don't have the ability to say it out in words thus we do our very best through peaceful street demonstrations, high ranked officials and elites fire back at us, calling our actions to be "BODOH"? You say that there are other ways to voice out our opinions? What other ways? What other ways could possibly bring any different of an outcome? You say that we aren't "patriotic" or that we don't love this country by joining demonstrations. If we didn't love and care for our country, why would we bother to even participate if not for the hope of the betterment of the country. When any single word that carries a threat to the stability of the government is uttered, people are captured, scorned, and warned. Textbooks are taught to never be questioned, newspapers and cable news reports are the only news that are to be trusted, and injustice towards different races should never be brought up nor thought about. We have been constantly restricted of our rights, never allowed to do anything that could hurt the government.

No I am not an anti-government, nor am I a pro-opposition. I'm merely a nobody who doesn't want her country to sink and be nothing but a wasteful piece of land filled with idiots who let another bunch of idiots control them like puppets with strings.

The question is this :
When is it our turn to truly be able to speak up? There are thousands of voices more worth listening to compared to politicians' daughters, tonnes of souls never getting what they want for their children because they can never voice out. Every Malaysian deserves to be heard. Everyone deserves to have their opinions laid out for the world to see, good or bad. I'm just part of the "everyone" team. And this is not the end, it is merely the beginning.
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Hey guys! I've been away from blogging for quite some time now (I blame life). I wish I had nicer things to talk about, which I don't, but here's an update on my life, just so you know I haven't been lagging behind in the blogosphere on purpose! 

As I've mentioned in my previous post, I've only recently moved in to university, so life has been hectic with the moving and settling in. *Phew* I'm glad it's all over and I'm finally settled in. Then comes assignments and tests and all of that boring yet tiring stuff. My sleep has been getting lesser and lesser these days so yay for no sleep! 

Then comes the pressure that rides on the back of assignments and tests for free. I'm trying my very best to enjoy university life, though at times it seems impossible, coz you know, the "once in a lifetime YOLO" thing. I guess I need to plan for more blog posts to come, I can tell you're bored already. Anyway, life in the city, as expected, is hectic. 

That's it as an update, which was 99.99999% just about university, but expect more posts to come. I'm still alive, I promise.  
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In an attempt to head towards healthy eating, I've spent many of my mornings at home eating homemade granola. Yes, I know, since when did I even care about my health? Never. I opt for granola with eyes half opened more for its taste rather than its nutrition really. Though not the most healthy breakfast option ever, it does fill you up rather well and tastes good. Bonus! Plus, it is easy to make at home from scratch. Double bonus!

Question of  the day : Why make it yourself when you can get it off the shelf ?

Simple. You control everything that goes into your breakfast, preservative or not. Thus, making it a healthier option compared to commercialized ones. Keep reading to find out how I make it.

Things you need :

  • 2 cups of rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup of dried nuts, chopped. (almonds and pecans) *
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened dried fruit *
  • 2-3 tablespoons of honey *
  • 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil * 
(*) Optional ingredients


Steps :
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Combine all dry and wet ingredients and mix well.
  3. Spread the mixture onto a greased baking tray, spreading it evenly.
  4. Put the tray in the oven to bake for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on oven settings, or until golden brown.
  5. Let it cool and store.

The granola lasts up to about a month and provides up to 5 or 7 servings. Ingredients marked * are optional, or according to personal taste. It's best served with milk or yogurt, topped with fresh fruits.

There you go! A fairly simple recipe for a simple yet filling breakfast. It has been my go-to meal to save time and cost. Hope you liked it!


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It is that season where high school graduates all over Malaysia move on to study away from home and I happen to be one of them as well. Some have already left, while the rest are all waiting. As much as it makes me happy to finally be able to study what I actually want to, it saddens me to leave home. Not just the comfort of my bed, but also the comfort of my parents and my pet dogs.


I leave in about a few days' time and I'm still left clueless as to what I need to pack. I've got what I WANT to pack all covered already (of course I have), but what do I NEED? Here's what I've got covered ;


  • Luggage
  • Clothes
  • Stationery
  • Laptop
  • Toiletries 

Anything else I've left out?


It feels weird, to be leaving home and having to step into the world of constant studying, assignment deadlines that could literally cause you death (hence the word DEADline), sleepless nights, and eyebags. Sleep? I'm not ready to give that up. I'd die without sleep, it means the world to me. So while I am excited, I still am worried as to whether or not I truly am ready for that sort of crazy life. Time to throw away all of those lazy habits and prepare to work my way through 4 years of university.


Sigh, sleep? What sleep.




Fingers crossed.
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Being not so much of a nail junkie as to drown myself in Essie, O.P.I, Chanel nor Gucci nail polishes, I find myself rather drawn to more affordable ones like The Face Shop, Maybelline, and even ones found at our local accessories shop. It's not so much the quality as the colour for me. Just throw me ones with colours I find rather pleasant and I'd be contented. 

Ones I tend to opt for this season are dark red/burgandy/maroon colours and even black glittery ones as well. Just when everyone on the other side of the globe are getting out of dark colours and moving towards pastel bright springy colours, I go the other way round. This won't last of course, just give me a week or so and the darkness will "fade". Me and my words.

A drugstore nail polish I've been loving recently is Maybelline's Colour Show nail polish in the shade Crazy Berry 218. It claims to be chip-free and long lasting, though I highly doubt it. It started to chip off my nails on the 3rd day, even with a top coat from The Face Shop in number 04. One to credit Maybelline for is probably the consistency. One coat is extremely sheer and uneven, so I'd recommend two or three. The good thing though is that it dries fast, and I'm all for polishes that do. There are tonnes of colours to choose from this range, from glossy to pearly ones. A good recommendation for drugstore lovers. 


That's it for an update on my current nails obsession. Till next time!
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Hey ya, Mother's Day last Sunday was well spent. Not only did my sister come back that day but also did we three have a little adventure to celebrate Mum's love and existence, not to mention that it was also Dad's birthday (killing two birds with a stone?) YAY!So here are the little bits and pieces.


Pray
As all Sundays start, we all headed for church. What better way to start a good day than to spend time doing something that has been a comfort to you for almost two decades ; spending time with God? Of course, everyone has their own way of meditating. Just find out what makes you feel peaceful and happy and make it a regular thing! I know I have. 


Eat
We started our little journey without Dad, sadly (he had a meeting) and arrived just at the exact moment our stomachs were whining. We then headed to Kenny Rogers Roasters for a little (HUGE) nibble (GORGE). Chicken and all were too delicious I forgot to take a photo oopps. But muffins and drinks made it to the memory card. 



Eating these muffins made me a little nostalgic, we used to love these as kids.

Because Dad couldn't make it, we surprised him with the thing that makes him happy :
FOOD!
It makes us all happy.


Love
A mother is full of love, she loves her children, husband, parents, family, friends, and even pets. Mum is just the most understanding, fun, cute, and loving person in my life. She gets me every time, never gets tired of being my mother, and cares all the time. It was supposed to be Her day, our turn to treat her. But instead, she got me this ;
 Meet SMURFY! (a word Mum loves)
We were cruising through the Kaison store and I spotted this little llama and was joking that I wanted it. Mum then asked if I really wanted it, which she doesn't ever do, and of course I said yes! It was a farewell gift, so that I might think of her when I'm away at uni, or so she says. Can't thank Mum enough for this little llama.


So while my day was wonderful, I'd just like to take this time to appreciate whatever my parents have done. So so proud of being their daughter.


Smurfy says Bye!
So, as is supposed to be common knowledge, our Independence Day is nearing, that is on the 31st of August which is approximately 3 days away. Sadly, there is a lack of national spirit this time around, as I've noticed the absence of flags and the presence of a monochromatic-esque tone of life in Malaysians today. It probably is due to tragic occurrences that hit our country like atomic bombs this year, namely two plane incidences. Thus, in order to instill a little patriotic spirit in myself, and also to take a break from my books a little,I've come up with a poem-ish thing. Stay and read, or don't. Either way, here it goes :