There's always goodbye and hello in life...

Tomorrow... Tomorrow... and tomorrow,
creeps in this petty pace from day to day

こんばんは！

I have been terribly remiss in my blogging, I know. However, sophomore year in college has kept me busy most times and it seems like everyday, there is always something to do. Though it's not like secondary school anymore since I get to choose my classes, it certainly isn't as easy as 1,2,3. I've realized that with the freedom to choose the subjects I would take for each incoming semester comes also the responsibility to keep tabs of prerequisites and wisely choose the subjects (not to mention, being alert of the subjects that are rarely offered so I won't get stuck when choosing the subjects later on).

Since my academic advisor would be leaving at the end of the fall semester, I really began to think of the handful of people who made a difference in my life so far in college.

My academic advisor has been really helpful, really understanding and a responsible as well as a concerned person throughout my freshman year and part of my sophomore year. He taught me philosophy and world religions, and his methods were impressive. It made classes nothing less than interesting, and never boring. So, I'd really want to thank him!

My ex-boss used to say (and I think the only wisdom he ever gave me -don't know about the others): Lots of people can have the knowledge, but only few can impart them.

I think that is very true. In my honest opinion, my advisor is such a person.

In college too, I have met friends who I am glad to associate with. They never realized how much they touched my life, and made my day. Just laughing with them, making jokes, listening to their angst and stories, laughing and feeling concerned together... it makes all the difference in the world. Even when I think 『寂しいな・・・』, they would make me feel that I'm not really alone as I like to think.

I also forged a long-distance friendship with someone from India. I can't believe how much we have in common by just knowing in each other through the fanfiction community. Before this, I've had pen-pals and they never lasted long since most of them were ignorant of my country (Malaysia is not Singapore, thank you very much. It neighbours Singapore. We're also not some reclusive island country off the map), or most can't seem to accept my religion (but no matter, to each their own.)

But no matter, I have plenty of friends who respects me for who I am, and I respect them for who they are. By the way, Happy Diwali/Deepavali, Ani. Tell me about it in your next e-mail, won't you?

The most important thing for me, with so many friends of different background, beliefs and culture, is tolerance that will eventually breed understanding. We learn to love each other for our differences because that is what makes us unique and truly us.

I'm a creature of peace. Are you with me? (Do join the club. Trust me, it's larger than it seems! Hahaha)

So there... I hope I do not offend anyone, and while I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, we can't always say what we want without fully accepting the consequences. Equivalent exchange, karma, logic, whatever you want to call it. So I do apologize in advance. Life is too short to be making enemies or fight with others.

Before I log off, I'll be saying goodnight in three languages excluding English:
おやすみなさい, bonne nuit, and selamat malam.

Before I forget, Today's Pearl of wisdom:
Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page
~ Alphonse de Lamartine, Voyage en Orient VIII

Translation: The world is a book; each step opens a page for us.

Let's chew on that thought.