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..] =)