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Everytime after watching an inspiring movie, i've always wanted to do something to commemorate those true-life heroes in their own aspects but never had the chance and motivation to do so. However, since watching Oprah's Chutzpah awards, an award for all the brave and daring souls in our world today who cared and dared to pursue what they wanted, i felt that i should also do my small part by telling more people about real-life heroes which i've come across, either through books, movies, or even word of mouth.Tuesday, September 25, 2007 The award name, Weatherly award, is also inspired from a telemovie i watched on Hallmark - a channel worthy of watching beacuse of its numerous inspiring movies. It was a show called "Gracie's Choice in which a sister struggles to provide her three other siblings (and half siblings) with a decent life, forgoing even her own life and love. Furthermore, she adopts her three siblings from their mother, a drunkard and drug addict, who is an irresponsible bitch (sorry) who just wants the kids for possession sake and nothing else. For that, she went through the ardous court trials and finally manages to convince the judge that she is capable to take responsibility for her 3 brothers despite her young age. Before the show concluded, it showed the new family thinking of a surname for themselves. And yes, they came up with "Weatherly" because they went through bad weathers before getting what they wanted. I thought it was a really appropriate name despite being a bit cheesy. Similarly, my chosen "Weatherly" winners went through trials and tribulations to finally taste success. Kudos to them! Liz Murray - Homeless to Harvard The title kind of gives any modicum of suspense away, but the true story of Liz Murray, who pulled herself out of what was apparently an abysmal, drug-filled home life and went from living on the streets to attending Harvard, is nothing if not remarkable and inspiring. When she was around 13 years old, she was living in a filthy, cramped apartment with her older sister, not forgetting the added burden of a schizophrenic/druggie mom (Kelly Lynch) and brainy but drugged-addicted dad (Michael Riley). It's the kind of household where the mom regularly knocks her kids around trying to scare up some drug money, and where the family has to stand on an overturned bucket in the bathtub to shower because the tub is filled with dark, putrid water. Liz skips a lot of school, and though she's a smart kid, she can't avoid being pulled into the system, and she ends up a ward of the state, living in a violent teenage "group home". At 15, she breaks away from her home life (what there is of it) and takes to the streets, distancing herself from her long gone mom and her stoner dad. Only after the death of her mother does Liz develop the determination to better her lot in life. Virtually begging her way back into high school, she becomes a superb student, and at 19, with funding from a scholarship and a part-time job with the New York Public Interest Group, "born loser" Liz enters Harvard University. Today, Liz work as an inspirational speaker, successful but never forgetting the past. Chris Gardener - Pursuer Of Happyness With an unpromising career in selling a machine to doctors who do not feel as though the equipment is necessary, Gardener and his young son become homeless when he can no longer afford to pay the rent. Gardener, however, is presented with the opportunity to compete in a very competitive internship at Dean Witter (Large firm). Through much determination and hard work, Gardener manages to do much more for the company than the others involved in the internship, and wins the job position offered. He then goes on to become a very wealthy stock broker. Today, Chris is a self-made millionaire, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and philanthropist. Anyone who can not even pay their bills, yet remain strong is one of the best role models anybody could look up to. This movie reminds me that no matter what has happened in your past, it does not have to affect your future. If you just remain optimistic and never give up, then the sun will shine on you in no time. Gardener said that he was not going to let his son down, because his father had done that to him, and he did not want to be like that. This shows that he had the same outlook and knew that his horrible past did not have to affect what was going to happen to him. Gardener even brought humor into his terrible experience. After spending the night in jail for not paying parking tickets, Gardener had his interview at Dean Witter the next morning. The interviewers bring up his scraggly appearance by asking Gardener what he would think if his company hired someone who came for the interview with no shirt on and he replied that the man must have had some very nice pants. This scene is so inspiring, because it reminds me that you must keep your sense of humor no matter how hard life may be. (adapted from brickfish.com) As a story of perseverance and hope, The Pursuit of Happyness (story of Chris Gardener) is one of the most inspirational movies I have ever had the privilege to watch. The story of Chris Gardener has the power to inspire millions of people. Everyone who watches this movie will be sure to be touched and inspired to do the best at everything they attempt. Rosa Parks - Firm On Rights Rosa Parks was the person who lit the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States that led to so much positive change. Tired after a long day at work, she was riding the bus home. According to law, if a white person wanted her seat, she was forced to give it up. A white man wanted to sit, but she refused to yield. The white driver then ordered her to relinquish the seat and when she again refused, the police were called, which led to her arrest. This action sparked the famous Montgomery bus boycott, which led to a change in the law. Once the civil rights movement started, it could not be stopped, despite ferocious and violent opposition by southern whites. But what else do you know about Ms. Parks? Did you know that at the time that she was arrested, Ms. Parks was a secretary for the NAACP and that her husband was a longtime Civil Right activist? Did you know that she grew up without a father and that she remembered clearly the nights she'd spend next to her grandfather's gun, listening for the Klan? Or that the bus driver that pulled her off and got her arrested was the same man that had thrown her off a bus several years before? This story is one of an otherwise unassuming but proud woman who possessed great courage. Her life is one of hardship, trials and eventually great triumph. Young children of today do not understand what life was like in the segregated, racist society of the first half of the twentieth century. Lance Armstrong (taken from livestrong.org) At age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world's best cyclists. He proved it by winning the World Championships, the Tour Du Pont and multiple Tour de France stages. Lance Armstrong seemed invincible and his future was bright. Then they told him he had cancer. Next to the challenge he now faced, bike racing seemed insignificant. The diagnosis was testicular cancer, the most common cancer in men aged 15-35. If detected early, its cure rate is a promising 90 percent. Like most young, healthy men, Lance ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the seriousness of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer had spread to Lance's abdomen, lungs and brain. His chances dimmed. Then a combination of physical conditioning, a strong support system and competitive spirit took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim but a cancer survivor. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. Armed with knowledge and confidence in medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease. During his treatment, before his recovery, before he even knew his own fate, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This marked the beginning of Lance's life as an advocate for people living with cancer and a world representative for the cancer community. Lance Armstrong's victories in the 1999-2005 Tours de France are awe-inspiring, but the battle against cancer has just begun-not just for him, but for all cancer survivors and people just like him who think cancer could not affect them. He plans to lead this fight, and he hopes that you join him. This is a life he owes to cancer. This is his choice to live strong. Oprah Winfrey - My Role Model Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in 1954. She is an Emmy Ward winning talk show host and magazine publisher. In 2003 Forbes magazine proclaimed her the first black woman billionaire in the world. She has appeared on Time magazine's 100 most influential people list more frequently than any other woman, and considered by many to be the most influential woman in the world. Oprah is one of America's greatest philanthropists donating generously to charity. Not only is Oprah's personal charity giving unmatched by any other show business celebrity, but she has one of the most generous audiences in show business, raising money for various causes. Oprah was on the first national broadcast of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1986. In the mid-1990s the shows adopted a more serious format; addressing issues that Winfrey thought were of importance to women, such as infidelity, child abuse and cosmetic surgery. She often interviews celebrities on issues that directly involve them in some way, such as cancer, charity work, or substance abuse. In addition, she interviews ordinary people who have done extraordinary things or been involved in important current issues. Indeed, a role model learning from other role models. From the moment i saw her show and knew who this extraordinary person is, i knew instantly she was the role model for me. Inspiring in every SINGLE way. Jloe || 9:26 PM || 0 comments
Not because i'm gay. (i'm straight and anyway, who says gays have to be single? ha)Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Guess i have to answer this question in totality someday somehow. I get the "Why no girlfriend?!" thing pretty often, especially from nosey relatives who know nothing. The thing about adults (uncles,aunties,parents) is this - they feel curious if you don't have a gf/bf and would want you to have one, but when u're actually attached, they don't want you to have a partner cause they'll be worried etc... CRAP. Well, i usually give the "dunno" answer which works most of the time - unless they are so irritating to probe further which by then i would have sworn to never go near them anymore until i find a gf. Therefore, after this entry, i shall direct all who ask me that similar question to this entry cause i hate to feel embarrassed for not coming up with a satisfactory reply haha... So this is the answer to their queries about my EMPTY LOVE LIFE WHICH DOESN"T SEEM TO BE GOING ANYWHERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. haha Actually it's the same basic explanation i used for my lack of friends, lack of street knowledge and poor fashion sense - my studies. As i've mentioned before, my studies (in sec/Jc that is)is of utmost importance. Therefore, i didn't allow anything to distract me, not even the "wondrous" idea of love could tempt me. That's how focused i was - or boring i was. Not that i'm emotionless, but i didn't see the point of risking my studies for a thing called love which might not even last (maturity issues during those days?). Plus, i wasn't exactly a desirable guy. The total opposite in fact. If all guys were put into a "desirability" hiearchy, i'll definitely be right at the bottom. Why? 1 - I looked really geeky and scholarly (according to many people). Ok, directly to bottom 20% 2 - I'm not a outgoing person, not totally very sociable. hmm...Bottom 15% 3 - I'm quite bitchy - which can be seen as an effeminate trait with trace of bastard/slut gene Bottom 10% 4 - I'm effeminate Oh my... that's bad. Last! So yups. i'm just not qualifiable enough to be a decently good boyfriend. But even ugly, weird people can find partners right? Then why can't i? I was certainly not desperate for a gf, and even though i don't qualify for one, no one qualified for my standards as well! haha. Honestly, i don't know what's my standards, but it's not that high since i don't think a barely qualifiable guy should have the right to set such high standards. Girls in school didn't like me for who i am and i obviously didn't like them. People who can see through all my conspicuous flaws i will definitely like and hope to treasure for a long long time if not forever. Therefore, to Wendy, Germ, Krystelle, Fiona, YH... all you gals and all my good friends out there who cared about who i was (and not how i was) when you are with me, a BIG THANK YOU. I know how bad i make you all look on your "friend-able" quotient with such an undesirable friend but thanks for sticking with me no matter what. Alright, if i don't have the mood for love when i'm studying, what about now? Well, i'm in the army and i don't get to meet a lot of girls. And if they're girls they're usually older, much older, than me. And i won't want to have a relationship with a fellow colleague. Ok, i should really stop, the thought of it makes me wanna gag. Outside work? Well, same problem, few friends = less opportunity to meet new friends = super duper low chance of finding gf. GEDDIT? Most importantly, i don't wanna rush into any relationship when i'm not ready. Well, as they say, whatever will be will be. I shall not ponder further into this but keep a positive hope that love, TRUE LOVE, will come knocking in time to come. In the meantime, i'm standing behind the door, getting ready for that day to come. Jloe || 11:08 PM || 2 comments
Apologise for the lack of good meaty entries recently... Sometimes i guess i need things to be over for a certain period before i reflect on them.Friday, September 7, 2007 Well, it's no secret, at least to myself, that i don't have many friends. My pursuit for good results had led me to forgo the only thing i speak so greatly about - relationship. More specifically, friendship. Years have gone by, in primary, secondary and junior college, and i have again and again made many good friendships and witness it break at the same time. Well, break is too harsh a word. More like the friendship turned into nothing more than an occurence of history, with no meaning and no future. I'm not proud of that and i know i shouldn't be. Whenever i hear of people saying they lack friends, they should look at me first. At least they are living a pretty fulfilling life, with no lack of activities to do, and most of them with their self-proclaimed "limited" group of friends. Look at my statistics: no of friends i can turn to to confide my feelings: 2/3 no of friends who i can go out with on a regular basis: hardly any no of friends who i talk frequently to: 1 + an alternating 1/2 others I makes me feel sad and worried when i think about it. If i die tomorrow, how many people will know and care about me? Thing is, i personally don't think i'm that nasty a person to have such few friends. Well, i can be sarcastic and a tad too boring, but i'm one that appreciates friendships! So then why do i have so few good friends i can confide in and very few friends who would confide in me? I was talking to a friend previously on our same sentiments and experience when it comes to friendship, although i must say her experience cannot be as empty as mine (i win hands down). We both want to find gd and true friends. And it's sad whenever a person whom you had hope in becoming your good friend does not turn out to be equally interested or committed in the friendship as you are. You're just another friend. and for your information, most people have many many friends (except me). It's very depressing to know that and makes you feel empty. As though you put in all the effort to make things work but the friendship doesn't seem to bloom. i had one too many experience in this field that i've become numb to the fact that maybe i'm just supposed to have few friends in this world. I'm just happy enough that i have good friends already. But i feel very envious everytime i see a big group of friends going out and having fun - i do wish for such a interconnected friendship but all i have now are individual friendships with each good friend. And i feel very pathetic when i see so many people come in to your life and leave just when you think they might stay. Too hopeful? Maybe. Not that i've given up being hopeful. I'm just not "hopeless-ly" hopeful. I still believe i can find true friends but i leave it all to fate. When the time comes it will happen. It's just like my attitude towards love. I'm not desperate to find any girlfriends because i believe the time will come. No point rushing into a relationship just because you want one (because it's a norm to have one) or even worse need one (for disgusting reasons like to cure boredom or egoistic symptoms so that you look cool) cause in the end you'll find the wrong one. Love i've concluded should never be painful, dreadful, coerced and not used for utility purposes. Back to friendship. With all that's being said, i've my own experiences the past two weeks that has made me both hopeful and hopeless about my friendships. OOC Friends - My stay at my ex company was enjoyable because of them. Well, there were times i hated them to the core but it's only when i left (one of the first few) that i realised how much fun time we had together. However, i just met them last sunday and i have to say we have run out of things to talk about. And because i was the one who left first, i felt outcasted. A meeting which i highly anticipated - some sort of a happy reunion with them turned out to be a bland outing. V disappointed. New Branch friends - these are the new friends at my new work place. Quirky and weird i may say but that's their funny points. But time will tell if they are friends that stick along for long. YH - I just met this long time friend of mine yesterday! A person i regard as a blood sister, one i can feel connected to even though we don't talk/see each other for a long period of time. Fiona - Definitely my closest friend. I'm very happy to be able to help you more often now - at least i feel i can finally put in my part as a friend. Any friend i'm gg to meet soon - i do really hope we can stay as close friends.. not just a once off meeting and we dun talk later... I can only hope. Well, as hopeful as i can be, i leave it all to fate to decide. And this hope is the reason why i can still smile. I leave you with Tyler Hilton's "When it Comes" "When It Comes" I study up my hollow Piece of wood to follow A day that doesn't come To the lucky And I realize there's tomorrow But I would rather wallow In the rain then moods that seem So pot-lucky Well I'm cruising El Paseo In my off-white coup back '65 Or I'm cruisin down my own street And my hooptie says to me You better hang on to your bench seat I'm gonna take you for a ride And I'll let you know When it comes, when it comes I'll let you know But don't stay up for me Don't wait up for me If I'm not home So I wait for fate to find me A ball of string unwind me Uncomfortable as a centerfold And I realize your behind me To help and humankind me To see my songs can be retold Well I'll be gone tomorrow Yes I'm on the road tomorrow So next time that I see you in school It won't be for too long And I'll let you know When it comes, when it comes I'll let you know But don't stay up for me Don't wait up for me If I'm not home And I want a leather jacket But only if I have the time Well, I'll comb my hair like Elvis And grab an old Gretch 59 And you'd hardly recognize me if you Saw me from behind And I'll let you know When it comes, when it comes I'll let you know And I'll let you know When it comes Just when it comes I'll let you know But don't stay up for me Don't wait up for me If I'm not home And I'll let you know I'll let you know Well I'll let you know Jloe || 12:24 AM || 1 comments
Wednesday, September 5, 2007    It's my greatest pleasure to inform you about a extremely beautiful movie called Pride and Prejudice. Ah... For your information, the first line was written with the Queen's English tone in mind but i can't suppress my feelings anymore! I absolutely love the movie!!! It's BE-U-TI-FULL!!! So amazingly great... I'm so glad that i've been able to watch two of such great love movies within the week. First it was Shakespearse in Love, featuring the stunning Gwyneth Paltrow (i love her), and now Pride and Prejudice!!! So my... how i love such romantic movies. Makes me believe that in this world people can achieve anything they want if they believe, especially love. However, i do understand the reality of it all - the world isn't that beautiful as i'd imagined or hope it would be. But certainly a dream that provides me great console to face that painful reality i must say. haha Well, i'm so in the mood to talk England! I just love the british accent and the british sarcasm/coldness! So cool (literally). No wonder London's my soft spot. Ok, let me talk more about the movie... Keira Knightley is beautiful, Matthew Macfadden is also beautiful (in the manly sense), their love is beautiful, the scenery is beautiful and the feel is beautiful!!! It's just so beautiful!!! Pardon me fore using the word "beautiful" excessively but that's the only word that fills my love-drunk brain right now! haha. Exceptionally beautiful. Please for all who have not watched it - go watch it. You'll suffer from the symptoms described above. ha. Sugar rush... need to chill for a second. Alright... it's totally a refreshing turn after a day of work. Hard day of work i must say - filled with sadness, injustice, worry and doubt. Doubt because i doubt my own abilities to handle the work entrusted to me. Worry because i'm afraid i can't do the things well and afraid of making mistakes. Injustice because my colleague feels terribly ill-treated by her bosses. And Sadness because i feel sad for her. I've come to believe that the world will never be nice to you. That's why you have to be nice to yourself. Take my words. don't let any bastards/bitches make you feel sad cause honestly u don't deserve to be treated this way. Really apologise. I'm so engrossed with the move i can't write much! I guess the hope and love from the movie has neutralised the depressing moods within me. Ok, i'm officially speechless from now on... Jloe || 9:44 PM || 1 comments |
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