Dallas...here I come...

Bye! Chau! Adios! Jumpa lagi! Sayonara! ta-ta...

I'm off to Dallas in couple of hours..on my 2nd roadtrip with me driving..hehe..hopefully, it'll go nicely..lol... so, bye for now..I will upload soon....tata~~~

Freedom

~`FREEDOM`~
No more finals,
No more exams,
No more assignments,
No more projects,
No more work,
No more datelines...

Hello freedom,
Hello movies,
Hello internet,
Hello everything FUN...
Hello Christmas season
***
Christmas Fest 2008 was fun, simple and successful. I'll let the pic speak for themselves.. =)

Emcees: Michael and Mampion practicing

kacau them with photos.. =p

again~

pic!

candy not wanting her carrots AGAIN..hahaha

crowd

Ozark Handbell Choir

Korean Children Choir

Chinese Children Choir

Satsang Band

Scripture Readings: John & Helen with lil' Samuel =)

Oh ya, curi my friend's tie too..hahaha...

***

Just for laughs.. XD

I just got this in a mail, and I thought it was hilarious..take a look..what makes a Malaysian a Malaysian..

***
***

1. You can name all the players from the the English Premier League, but ask you to name one football player from Malaysia , one name also cannot come out.

2. When StreamyX come, you complain StreamyX too slow. When Maxis Broadband come, you complain Maxis Broadband always disconnects. When WiMax come, you complain Wimax too expensive. In the end, you say StreamyX still the best lah.

3. When toll price increase, you complain. When petrol price increase, you complain. When you go Starbucks buy RM10 coffee, NO COMPLAINTS.

4. When you cannot find parking in a shopping mall and have to walk very far, you complain. When you go inside the shopping mall and there's SALE , run from one end of 1Utama to the other also NO COMPLAINTS.

5. You are always late. And the excuse you give when you're late is always either: (a) traffic jam (b) no transport or (c) cannot find parking.

6. You have a parent who force you to take science stream in high school, study engineering in Uni, then when you graduate, they ask you to forget everything you learnt in Uni and do commerce.

7. You know someone who can specially develop an angmoh accent when speaking to a American / British / Australian.

8. You complain against the government in kopitiam, you talk loud loud. Leave anonymous comments on blogs, you also talk loud loud. Attend ceremah by DAP, you shout loud loud. Then when Opposition organise a protest and ask you to go, you dun wan. Scared later kena tangkap by ISA.

9. Every year on the 30th April, you are one of the people below queueing up last minute to submit your tax return at the IRB.

10. When you pay RM10 for something that costs RM1, you blame the Chinese.

11. When a government service is too slow, you blame the Malays.

12. When a building is not good and collapsed, you blame the Indians.

13. When a Chinese student won a scholarship, you say 'Wah! Very clever hor?' When a Malay student won a scholarship, you say 'Aiya! Of course lah!
He Malay mah!'

14. When an angmoh stranger kiss you on the cheek to say hello, you very happy. When a Malaysian guy kiss you on the cheek to say hello, you slap him.

Gossip...

Gossip
is not a nice thing to do
is not a nice way to treat others
is bad for health
is pollution
is noise
is bad for everyone
is stupid and useless
is a waste of time
hurts others
or make me mad
.
.
.
Why can't you talk to me?
Why can't you be straightforward?
Why can't you even try to know me before you JUDGE me?
If you don't know me, do what the picture below says!
Oh, maybe you can't read..
Or maybe you're just ignorant and old and brainlessly insensitive..
maybe, just maybe..

I'm sick and tired of people who only met me once or twice and by saying "hi" judge me to be all sort of stuff..I still don't get how one can go to a sacred holy place and talk behind someone's back without any sort of truth or evidence..I hate people who are just so close-minded and stupidly insensitively ignorant..I mean, if you're really that bored, go get a hobby! Go TRY make a friend..(although it would take a miracle for that to happen)...just leave me alone or I won't play nice sweet innocent girl anymore..you ALL are getting on my very last nerve..

I am brought up in a modern society and differently..I was taught freedom of speech and to fight for what I believe is rightfully mine..and that means standing up to no matter what you age is..I do not care. If you can't use your cerebrum to think straight, then buzz off..get off my radar..
..as if finals is not hectic enough..

brrrrr.....

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

It was FUN

It was PRETTY

it was COLD

Not till you have to wake up 3.30am, standing in the cold in your pajamas, waiting to get back to bed, hopefully before the sun rises....



ahhhh....i hate stupid fire alarms.......

Christmas Carol 2008

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

It's hitting you once,

It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town

It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand

So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!

Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.

yay

Guess what happened today?!?
.
.
.
.
.
NO..
.
.
.
I did not get a new car
.
.
.
.
.
Yes!
..
I got my US driver's permit today!! yay~~~

Freezing Cold month....

So, Fall is here and trees are turning again..oh yes, it's that season again! When trees start to go botak! lol...I find it still amusing to see how one day it looks green then red then BOTAK! hahaha...

But IF you think Fall is not cold, You're so WRONG! It is freezing this year for some reason. Maybe because of the hurricanes this year..it's usually about 3-5'C and extremely windy.. So, I am wearing winter clothes in Fall! How crazy is that? haha...wonder what I'll end up wearing in Winter. What's more amazing is those ppl ("guai lo"s) are still in shorts and t-shirts and jacket only...make me look like "soh-poh" only...

And then came Halloween..I painted pumpkins and got a lot of candies..and no, I did not go Trick-or-Treat..It was FNL..hahaha... ^_^"

This month's been insanely hectic. I need a vacation already..looking forward to Thanksgiving Break, but not really either...that would mean more exams are on the way...sigh... =p

Yay~~

Woo hoo~~
***
I'm so happy for Sheryl..hehe..she got admitted to U of A too..haha..
so much for her worried emails..lol...
congrats!
oh, and rill, congrats in advance with water baptism...
=)
***

birthday

One year ago, on the same weekend, Yoko and I had our birthday celebration together..this year too! It was a pleasant surprise party..Lucas had colored banners [kinda] of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRIE/YOKO" pasted on the kitchen cabinets and birthday cards by the Chuas. We had dinner and then pistachio cake made by Ashley. It was delicious. Again, we're sitting on the same table in the same house, celebrating our birthdays together once again! =)

After making a wish..we blow! hahasame birthday girls, different group of people ^_^

again!

what are you guys trying to do with the knife?? O.o

Ashley! thanks for the cake

Last but not least, Ho gave us a splendid karaoke session with youtube background..lol..look how content he is! lol

***
Being 21 doesn't make me feel any older, any wiser or any big difference. People said it's when we can legally drink in the States but what's the big deal of drinking? hehe.. Anyways, apart from the Chuas celebrating for us, I went to Asian Fusion for Curry chicken rice, met up with several friends, and the most awesome part is when my family woke me up so early in the morning to sing me my birthday song! Oh, and I love my gifts from home..I have to go look for a pretty pretty frame for it now.. =)

cultural difference

The world is huge and cultural difference makes everyone unique as they are. Growing up in a multicultural society teaches us to be appreciative of other cultures, and learning to live in harmony. But, being abroad right now is not that easy when you meet people who are from a monoculture society who judges everyone else based on their culture. They do not appreciate other culture or want to at least try understand and accept other culture. I am not asking anyone to HAVE TO accept my culture but I mean, at least try to see things from my point of view too. I have my culture too, and I shouldn't be the one who HAVE to accept whatever you think or say. Ok, let me explain this to those who are confuse by what I am ranting about this time.

[Disclaimer: I am not prejudice of another culture but certain people of this culture has been doing nothing but proving this point which frustrates me a lot! If you are going to be offended, I advise you to walk away, or in this case, click away?]

I met several ppl from China who had judged me based on their culture of what women do and what ppl should do and not do at certain time. Not only by action but my knowledge of the "authentic" chinese culture knowledge and practices. They get offended because apparently I am not chinese enough and I am not what a girl should be. Let me say something here: You can't tell me what I CAN and CANNOT do as a female. You CANNOT tell me what I should know or what I should become.

• Firstly, I am MALAYSIAN. I am partially chinese but that doesn't mean I am Chinese chinese. Ok? I do not, and i say DO NOT, cook clean and stay home for anyone. I do not sew or cook for guys. I am NOT inferior. I am not any less smart than guys. I am not to be expected to act like the girls in China. I am MALAYSIAN. I am not to be expected to HAVE to accept everything in your culture. I am only partially chinese by my ancestors [not even sure how many % that would be! I am not 100% chinese but I am 100% Malaysian.] I wash and clean after myself, not GUYS. I know what I can do in my life and you cannot convience me otherwise. I will not comprehend people who tell me otherwise! I'd been working all my life to prove otherwise and I am not giving in to anyone!
• 
  
• Second, you do not convience me of my identity. I am Malaysian, not Chinese [chinese as in from china]. I was born and bred in MALAYSIA, not china. I have malaysian identifications and I am Malaysian no matter how much you try to convince me I am not!
• 
  
• You can't expect me to behave like you! I have my culture and practices too. People get upset at me or misunderstand me just because I have my views. I embrace different culture and growing up in a multicultural society have taught me how important it is to integrate and get along with others well. I do not like to be judged based on just some other culture w/o my own culture being understand. Hey! my culture is unique too and it's not inferior to yours! From my point of view, I think that if you can't accept another culture without expecting others to be the same as you are, you should just return to wherever it is you are from. Studying abroad may not be suitable for you at all! But then again, the world is becoming dependent on each other. We will, at some point, have to interact with other culture..no matter what occupation you are in.
• 
  
• Do not judge me based on things you do not understand. Do not expect me to be the girly girl..I am taught to be an independent and modern girl. Chores are to be shared, if everyone does their part, everything will turn out fine, don't you agree?
• 
  
• Take time to learn about other cultures and you will be surprised how much more you can learn from someone else. Not just languages, but their thinking and practices..it's fun and informative! I love to learn but I get offended when some people think that their culture is superior and should be practiced by everyone. EVERY CULTURE IS UNIQUE! that's my point!

Why would someone think that their culture is superior? Why do some brag about their culture instead of share it with the world? Our cultures make us who we are, out identity, our characteristics and our personality. It makes us who we are and that makes each and EVERY one of us unique!

Malaysia is a great example of a multicultural society. People say christians and muslims can't get along, but look at us, we'd been living under the same government for 51yrs now. My neighbours are Muslims. I have friends who are of different races and ethnicity and religions. We go to the same school, eat the same food and yet have different cultures under one roof. We celebrate every culture, so, why can't you? That's what I miss the most in Malaysia, our multicultural yet harmony society! Trust me, embrace other cultures and learn about them. Do not expect every one to be the same as you are. Do not expect every asians to be the same (chinese from other countries have different culture than chinese in china!) and you will see, there will be more to life than just your culture. Life would be better and more fulfilling. God has created each and everyone of us in HIS image. None of us are the same. Look at your own country, are there any one the same. Not even identical twins have same characteristics or beliefs, do they? So, why judge others when you can celebrate diversity and embrace others? Be open minded and learn! Trust me, it will make life better, for you and me..

Week 2 of school..dreading..

Goodbye carefree life..and hello books! sigh..It's the beginning of my second week in class and I'm already buried in my books on the WEEKEND. I had a long weekend this week [not because of merdeka, but labor day here] but I stayed in my room all the time. Didn't go to football game this year coz' I don't really enjoy it..so, it was all study, homework, movies, tv and computer games..lol..and I'm still studying..sigh..I need a break already! ahhhh.......but I did get to watch my childhood favorite yesterday on tv.."chity chity bang bang"..oh, the memories..haha..I used to watch it several times per day until I messed up my recorded version..lol..it's been more than 15yrs since I last watch it.. =p

Ok, back to my books..

Summer is Over

As you can tell, I went to Disney Land, Orlando, FL this summer for vacation! haha..after so much working, I'm finally off to vacation and relax, or so I thought. It was not your ordinary carefree vacation, but definitely an unforgettable one. Car wreckS [almost], fights, dramas, hatred between 2 friends, selfishness and true character of a person are shown...oh, hurricane escape too! All I can say is that I am grateful that I am back safely in one piece. I truly Thank God for His protection and blessings. I managed to be unharmed, safe, calm and yet have fun through all that that was happening around me. The sense of calmness can not be expressed by words, only that I know by heart that it was Him watching over me, protecting me from all harm and dangers. Disney land and Universal Studios was awesome! It was fun [when I wasn't in the middle of their fight.. ^_^" ] The beach was not as pretty as I thought it would be like in the movies. It looked like PD to me, worse...they had chewing gum in the sand! ewwww....disgusting!!!

here are we, smiling for once..sigh

trying to have some fun out of all that..hahaat the beach, wanting to go home badly before hurricane hits us and I just want them to stop!

Oh ya, after 2 days of driving and almost getting killed numerous times, I am definitely HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY to be back in Fayetteville..can't believe I just said that, but I am...hahahha....

***
Anyways, class started this morning and everything is fine. Oh, Diego is back! yay~~ mine you, he's my best friend..but he's not in yocum anymore..sigh..so much for our weekend hang outs..lol...oh well, we'll figure something out..

What does my name mean? **无聊**

True or not? Sounds kinda true huh? lol.. ^_^

Tr What Sherrie Choong Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

One year have come and gone

One year ago, during this very day, I was busy checking my documents and passport, my luggages, making sure that I have everything I need and want..then I will be online trying to confirm my housing and all those stuff..I was getting ready to board the plane and leave my family behind and try to achieve my dreams. Getting on the plane was not easy. Family and friends were all there to see me off and I was really grateful for it. I was nervous and excited..As I boarded the plane in KL to Singapore, I met an old school friend who was the air stewardess..she gave me some food and drinks for my overnight stay at the airport before heading off to HK-Chicago-Fayetteville..everything happened really quick. I had an experience I will never forget with the BO guy sitting next to me for almost 24hrs..pengsan..haha..The first family I met was the McCords. I am truly grateful for them. They have made my transition really smooth. They helped me move in, get through my first semester, Christmas and other stuff..and not forgetting, Suzannah always[ and I mean ALWAYS] check up on me to see how things were going and she would take me out and meet people.. =) Her family had been like my family over here..and it's a blessing and I could never ask for more..

Ironically, I spent my first few days in the States with the McCords, I ended my first year period with them too. I spent last weekend with them. We went to Branson, MO- Silver Dollar City and we had lots of fun! I cooked curry chicken and "tua cang neng" [onion omelette?] for them and I got to see Dave and Allison and the kids too.. Lauren is so big now..she is so adorable.. =) Jackson is so sweet and funny..although I still have a hard time understanding him..haha..but overall, I would not change a thing that have happened this entire year I'd been away.I would never give up anything for the entire experience I have so far.. The dramas, the people I met and the places I'd been..everything helped me know myself better and grown into a better person [i hope la..] =)

Upward Bound: end

Upward Bound is finally over! 6 weeks spent with 130 kids was initially hard and unbearable due to certain stress. As time passes by, 6 weeks seemed to come and go just like that. I got to learn everyone's name and talked to everyone..even got to really know some of them. No gonna deny, high school seem to have a lot of drama which i'm happy to be out of it, but there are just really great kids in UB and I am gonna miss them. As I watch them pack and get ready to go home yesterday, it wasn't easy. I am gonna miss them..most of them at least. Awards ceremony was alright but then later, the departure of the kids were an emotional one for most people. Hugs were passed around..me getting picked up by the kids once or twice was normal.. =p Prom was awesome. I got to dress up and the kids put some make up on me..i thought it was a torture..haha..sorry, emilee..the mascara was getting on my nerve since i'm not use to it..but then again, I got to dance all night with the boys and look pretty! =) [Thanks megan for finding me the dress.] Floor party was alright and Branson was fun! Overall, I had tons of fun. This summer has been great and it would never been the same if I never applied to be an Upward Bound mentor..I hope I'll get to come back again another summer..The slide show sums up all our fun and laughters... =)

i just had to post..kawad PBSM SABKL~~

Week 4

Week 4 of Upward Bound is over and Week 5 is here already! time really flies and I wish it would slow down sometime. I'm having so much fun doing this job that it doesn't feel like a job anymore..haha..so, anyway, here are some updates:

***

We had a theme dance last week, and the theme was Halloween. So, everyone had to dress up. Some of the girls managed to convinced Joseph to go as a girl. So, they straighten his hair, put some make up on him, nail polish, dress, leggings and flip flop! haha..some might say "what in the world is he thinking?" but seriously, I admire his courage in doing that! hey! you're only young once, right? why not have fun? haha..at least I thought so. All the mentors dressed up as well, did a runway show and then dance dance dance...I went as a school girl..haha...


Joseph and I
Kevin, Me, Sam, Mirey
Amber, Kevin, Danielle..can you spot me?? =p
the kids dancing...

***
So, this weekend, the mentors [US] got tired of cafeteria food and decided to make curry chicken rice! Ingredients are santan, curry powder, chicken, potatoes, carrots, ginger, onion and water..don't know why we had oil in the pic..haha..
Got James to de-bone the chickens, chop into small pieces, peel potatoes, and get all the ingredients ready..haha..me? I cooked curry and rice le..haha

Kevin and Sam looking.. ^_^"


ta -dah...my curry chicken rice..non-spicy one..sigh..

so, anyway, after an hour, I had dinner plans with some friends at Hunan Manor..haha..Jeniffer belanja ma! don't ask me y, coz' I makan only..lalala..after dinner, the weather became horrible. Look at the sky...it looked like a tornado was coming but we had heavy t-storm..sigh..horrible horrible weather...have to stay in and do nothing..

***
I am having so much fun now that it's week 5! 2 more weeks and it's all over..oh ya, I watched "Wanted"..it's a really good action movie, at least I think so..haha..but got some "R-rated" scenes..but overall, the action and effect were nice! haha..what else have I watched? RV, Wall.E, Hancock, Ironman..I think that's all..or more? haha..but RV was awesomely funny..hahaha..laugh until cannot tahan..rill, you should try to watch RV..oh, kungfu panda also nice!!