The world is cruel, and the only morality in a cruel world is chance.

I recall a story my father frequently used to tell me. 

He would always start this particular story with the same question: Son, do you have faith that everything will be alright?

I remember the first time he told me that story was when my mother had passed away from illness, while I was still a little boy mourning the death of a parent.

And when I would shake my head in between the tears streaming down my face, he would cup my face in his large hands, and force me to look at him, looking at me with his knowing eyes, he would say I was wrong, and that everything will in fact, be alright.  

Here is the story:

It starts with a man.

This man was like any other, let's call him Joe, as he is just another average Joe.

Joe lived his whole life in a helluva city, where life a rat in the sewers was more pleasant than being human.  

You get the picture.

Most would sell their souls to get out of this place as soon as they can, but for Joe, he is so used to the filth he no longer notices it.  

See, Joe's father always told him, "Don't forget your roots," and for Joe, his roots are all planted deep in this city.  Generations and generations dating back to the founding of this city, when it was still a place people believed that was filled with hopes and dreams.  

Unfortunately, that time has passed.  

For Joe, he never got to experience the luscious lands and modern buildings.  When he was born, the city has already rotted, and the beauty that was once casted has made its final curtain call.

Needless to say, growing up was tough for poor ol' Joe.  In a world so crumbled and isolated, it doesn't take much for anybody to snap into insanity.  

You may ask what is insanity?

Well, let's just say police from other departments wouldn't set a foot into this town.  Stories that travel outside the city are often labelled as urban legends.  The place is a sure win for having the most bizarre and twisted criminal cases ever recorded.

Joe had one best friend, and his name was Thomas.

They found each other at the age of 10, when Joe was being mugged by a group of homeless.  Desperate for a decent meal that night, they took out guns and harassed the poor boy until he wet his pants.  

And then Thomas showed up.  He was different than many boys, you see.  Despite his frail size, there was a glimmer of madness in his eyes that made grown men look away with unease.  
It was the eyes of a person who has lost so much that no matter what deed he may do, it will only act as a gain.  

"Go away."  his' voice was rather deep and raspy for a youthful boy.

"Take this, and get out of here."

In Thomas' hand was a bundle of bills.  Though they were old and soggy, it was more money than the muggers have seen all night. 

He tossed them to the side and like hungry dogs, the three grown men charged towards it, completely forgetting about the two boys.

Thomas might have just saved Joe's life that night.  

Of course, it took a while for Joe to learn mysterious Thomas' name.  The boy refused to give his identity upon the several meetings they had.  Why?  Well Joe wasn't too sure. 

"I don't have a name."  was all he said when asked.  

"I'm unsure of who I am, and I know the name my parents gave me does not define me anymore."

Looks like it's better to leave it than to push him for it.  

But in time, the boy revealed himself to be Thomas.  Joe recall a change in voice when the boy whispered his name.  For the first time, Thomas' whimper made Joe see through the brave face that he puts on.


(.... to be continued)

Endure, Master Wayne. Take it.

I have failed.


My heart aches.


I took every precaution there is except the thing that got me is ultimately the smallest thing imaginable.


For the longest time I tried to fix it.  Wash it.  Mend it.  Until both my hands, down to the fingertips, were red and swollen. 


I put everything I could possibly offer on the table.  


I gave it everything.


Blood.  Sweat.  Tears.  and more blood.


I have never worked so hard in my life.


There is no hope.


Life is so unfair.


*Whine whine whine.  


*Grumble grumble.


Okay...
it's back to business as usual.  I'm Lindadada.  I never give up.  No matter how many obstacles are in my way.

Choose between one life or the other

The only thing in the world that can give my chocolate addiction a run for its money is my coconut addiction.

Coconut, pandan, coconut, pandan, coconut

That is pure bliss.

I'm a happy cat.


In other news,
It's been 2 days since the Dark Knight Rises shooting in Colorado.
Everytime I turn on the news, no matter what channel, that story never fails to make headlines.
Where is batman when you need him? 
The killer claimed himself to be the joker. And believes he is living out a movie, and feels no remorse for what he has done.
To the mind of one that is insane, it's curious where the line between fantasy starts and reality ends.  


This story will always bring me sorrow.
My heart goes out to the victims. :'(  
It's a sad sad day when the movie theatre becomes a place of crime.
Batman would be ashamed.

It's about what's fair

i'm so addicted to sweet sauce i can't stop putting it in everything i eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You wanted me, here I am

went window shopping today :) 


so much fun hehe 


went into a petstore and saw the cutest kittens.  Ahhhh.  So so so so so cute!  I've never seen such energetic creatures.  They look like they are in pure bliss when they are being scratched on the chin. =D

You crossed the line first, sir

Linda - 0; sewing machine - 1 


The sewing machine I have at home is too small to do any productive sewing.  And it requires the aid of two men.  


A.K.A. momma Peng and me. 


One of us would hold the sewing machine down and press the "on" button, while the other moves it across the sewing machine so it stitches.  
Naturally, the sewing machine is supposed to move the fabric across on its own, but since the fabric I'm using is so thick, it doesn't move.   At all.
The reason why one of us has to hold the sewing machine in place is because it wobbles.  It's too darn light. 


So here's the thing, one of us would ready ourselves with the fabric, and the other would say "ready?"  the other would nod, and then one of us would scream "AND ACTION" and press the "on" button while the other stitches away.  If the stitcher wants the sewing machine to stop, she'd scream "CUT" and the other person would press the "off" button.  


I'm tempted to film the entire process of making the sweater, it's beyond hilarious.  


It's hectic in the Peng household these days, I tell ya! 

Kevlar biweave, reinforced joints

OIIII, EVERYONE KEEPS FEEDING ME AND FEEDING ME!


I appreciate it so so so so so so so so much and I love food to death, but my stomach can only hold so much T.T


I really do wish for an infinite sized stomach.  


I really really do :( 

Rack 'em up

YES THERE'S A CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM TONIGHT!!!!! 


*EXCITED*


UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HOURLY!
==========================================
*update:
there is not going to be a thunderstorm... 
should've known better than to trust the weather network.. 
scum... :@
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In other news...
It's Friday the 13th!!!


And it also the 7 month-aversary between two really cool people. (EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT THE 13TH ANYMORE IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE WORLD sniff sniff).  


Anyway, happy 7th months kitty cat, I look forward to the many more months we will enjoy together in the upcoming jolly times.

What you do with all your money?

The weather keeps getting nicer and nicer!  


And I just keep getting more and more work!!! 


So far my class isn't too horrid.  I'm managing, so I'm rather pleased with myself.  I'm too distracted by everything to properly sit down and actually do work, but considering my midterm is next week, I should settle the heck down.


Today I was on 41st when I saw an old lady carrying a lot of groceries.  And since I love grannies so much, I couldn't help but go up to her and ask her whether she needed help carrying them.  The look in her eyes when I offered her my assistance made my heart melt.  Looks like that are what keeps me going.
If there is anything in life worth living for, it is the look of absolute gratitude of an elderly.  We had a nice talk.  She was very, very lovely.  She talked about how she lived with her granddaughter, and how her hips have problems.  She said I could visit her daily, considering she is alone a lot and sometimes feels lonely.  Of course, I said I'd love to.  :)
Since I have so much time on my hands these days, I also think I'll take a trip down to the old folks home not too far from my house and sign up to volunteer for a bit.


In other news...
Mother just came home from grocery shopping...
AND SHE BOUGHT COCONUTS AHHHHHHHHHH~ LOVE HER!!!!
Now, the difficult part....


UPDATE:
YES WE GOT THE COCONUT OPEN. <3

fate has brought us together again, you tasty little thing

NOTE: Man I sure am taking more and more photos aren't I? :D

Rise

She looked up and saw the most unimaginable sight.

Jaws open, its mouthful of teeth that was once white is now stained by the blood.  With the eyes the size of a man's head, it can scan the entire city with one glance.  

Screams of terror bounce off the tall buildings of the city.  The blue sky that one would normally admire is now a cage with the inescapable echoes of agony and the smell of decaying flesh trapped amongst the people. 

This dragon too, let out its own cries, but of those of an overpowering predator.  Once every so often, it will let out a roar that makes the walls tremble in feebleness.  

She ran away as fast as she could, but a force strong as an earthquake suddenly made her fall.  She turned around to see the dragon standing at its full height.  It towered over even the tallest skyscraper.  Its sheer size alone, was so majestic that even the most cowardly man in the world cannot help but stop and gaze in awe at the twisted beauty of this creature.  If she had a choose a moment in her life to die, she would choose right this moment, right now to this sight.  

Gotham Needs To Be Destroyed

I want to live in castles in the sky! ~~~

Let's Put A Smile On That Face

HHEHEEH EHEHEH EHEHHEEE

too happy to type.

=DDD

too excited to sleep.

too filled with giggles to do anything other than.. laugh? 

But my bed calls for me! 

In other news... 

       

thy gorgeous face of the angels
dang it, I should've added whiskers! 

I'm Not A Monster, I'm Just Ahead Of The Curve

Last night I was rolling around in bed, unable to sleep.  The typical night where I watched boring videos in hopes that they will put me in a snoozefest.  But of course, sleep didn't kidnap me.


Because it's so hot these days, I like sleeping with the door open so there will be better circulation.  


So I hear my mother get out of bed.  "She's probably going to the bathroom," I thought nothing more to it.  But then nope, I didn't hear the bathroom door open.


What I heard instead, was praying.


Um...what?


Alas, behold!  My beloved mother, waking up secretly in the middle of the night and praying for my father and me (Momma Peng is religious, but not crazy religious).  A rush of emotions engulfed me at this point.  How long did she secretly do this for?  And why didn't she let us know?


Now I've never met a person who dedicates herself more to her family than my mother.  No matter what happens, she puts us before herself.  Growing up, there were occasions where I have seen the unhappiness in her eyes when she works hard for the family, where she often sacrifices her joys and desires for ours, and we barely grunt a thank you (though we appreciate it with all our hearts).


I remember a few years ago, she had a major surgery.  When she came out, the sight of her frailness and paleness is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life.  I realize at that point my mother is no longer the youthful energetic woman I always thought she would be.  For some strange logic, I never thought my mother would never age.  I always thought she was the perfect embodiment of life, so full of happiness and laughter.  
But even then, within a day of coming home from the hospital, she was up and running the house again, but every move she made hurt me, for it showed she was still in pain from not properly recovering and resting.


Don't get me wrong, my father and I are not pigs.  We took care of her, and we took care of ourselves and made sure everything that needed to be done around the house was done so she need not worry.  


But the fact is, no matter how tired she is and no matter how sick she may be, she still pours every ounce of energy she has to make sure that our lives are easier, and that we are well fed, safe, and most importantly: happy.


She is truly, truly the strongest soldier, and the most selfless person I know.


She is the heart and soul of my father and me, the CPU of our family.


Now, let's skip the mumble jumble details of my thoughts.


I realize at this point I was angry at myself.


If I am able to treat everybody around me kindly, why is it that sometimes, I still fail to think about my own mother?  To put her before myself and make her life easier like the way she makes mine?


I really let myself down.  And I definitely am not as perfect a daughter as I, or other people may have imagined.


Knowing her prayers will always keep me happy and safe is the greatest feeling in the world.


After rethinking it all, I am so grateful to wake up from this earlier than I expected.  


I realize everything I can offer people is a shadow compared to how much Momma Peng can offer people.  And I only dream that I will be as amazing as she is later on in my life.


And for that, I will conclude this absurdly long, ultra "gay", mushy gushy post, and dedicate this entry to mommables. 


Truth is, she will never read this post.


This post is purely for myself, to keep myself in track of what truly matters to me.


Future LP, take note of this pl0x. 
It's been a pleasure.

xo 

past LP

Nothing To Do With All Your Strength

love

I'm proud to say I opened a coconut all on my own today.

And I did it without looking up youtube videos on how to open coconuts.

What I'm not proud of is it took me about 20 minutes, some sighs and rages of exasperation and blood loss.

But all in all, it was worth the trouble.

In their last moments, people show you who they really are

Finally got some part of my project for school done.  My group mates are super nice and funny.  I'm very pleased! 


VANCOUVER, I dedicate this post to you.  I thank you for bringing us such beautiful weather.  <3  Perfect temperature and the sky is my absolute favourite shade of blue.  


No matter how gorgeous everything is here, I'm still thinking of you, and missing you!  Seeing you on Skype this morning was so wonderful that I was dreamy the rest of my day.


Thank you for making my day awesome.

Funny World We Live In

I have officially heard from my kitty cat!  Unfortunately, it wad at 4am in the morning, thus I was full on having a snore fest and couldn't reply him!!! D: 

But my heart fluttered when I saw his messages this morning.  Knowing he is safe and well, this is a great start to my day. ^_^


==============================================================


I went to chapters!! And I bought a journal!!! :D (well technically my friend bought it for me as a late birthday present, but still, I now am the proud owner of a nice journal!!!!!! ) 
I'm going to start writing in that daily along with this blog.  I'm going to use my quill =) because a nice journal deserves a nice quill companion.  


I also FINALLY got to go to Death By Chocolate along Broadway!  I had to richest, densest cookies and creme cheesecake in my life!!!!! D= SOOO GOOD.  But by the last bite, even I felt like it was too much.  

Gotham's Reckoning

Today is the sad day when Shawn leaves.


Even the sunniest day in Vancouver will be slightly less bright without him here.  


On the other hand, Brunei will be even more blazing hot due to his radiating presence there! :D


=======================================================


I had a nice dinner tonight with some friends.  
Caught up with them about life. =D 
It was delightful.  


The weather is so strange today.  In the morning it was pouring, then it was very sunny in the afternoon.  But as I was walking home, it started to rain again.  :( And of course, knowing my luck I had no umbrella.  le hiss~


But no worries!  There's always something to smile about! And tonight, that shall be the fact that I had ice-cream!!!  =DDDD


No matter how much ice-cream I have though, a small part of me is torn because I feel the thread between my shawnkitty and I stretching more and more.  


I miss him dearly.  
And it's only been 12 hours since I last saw him.


I'm hoping with all my heart his abnormally long plane ride is comfortable, with a decent amount of leg room.