30 reasons why I love Malaysia

Some time ago, Wai Nyan suggested that I write this (since it's Malaysia's 50th Merdeka this year). He suggested 50 reasons actually. I tried. But got stuck by the time I reach 30. Maybe I'll add if I can think of more. =P

For the longest time, I've been procrastinating (but National Day is coming in 2 days' time. Can't do that anymore!) So, here goes, my beloved land. This post is for you.


Reasons to love my country:

1. Food - Colour, spices, variety. You name it, we have it.

2. Multi-racial - It's not easy to live together in peace but Malaysia is really quite harmonious compared to other multi-racial countries.

3. Rich culture - The cultural heritage in this country is very captivating. That's why we see so many tourists during the festive seasons.

4. Holidays - While we're on the topic of culture and festive celebrations, how can I not mention the numerous holidays in this country! Love 'em.

5. Fashion - Yes, I know our fashion is no houte couture here. But hey, don't you think batik and nyonya kebayas are really lovely?

6. Language - Because this is a multi-racial country, most of us can speak/write more than 1 language. Definitely comes in handy when you wanna criticise 'ang mo's, just use a language they don't understand lah! Ahh... dialects = mos codes.

7. Islands - We have one of the most beautiful islands in this country.

8. Mount Kinabalu - Be proud. We have the 2nd highest mountain in South East Asia.

9. Orangutans - One of the smartest in the animal kingdom.

10. Exotic meat - Ever eaten crocodile meat? Dog meat? Cat meat? Monkey brain etc? Find it on a Malaysian's plate.

11. Forest habitat - About 70% of Malaysia consists of tropical rain forest. I'm proud of that fact. Psst.. Singapore has no forest! (Booo...) =p

12. Water - Yup. We have enough clean water for consumption. Ahem, don't need to buy from other countries.

13. Cool caves - We have the Largest Cave in the World - Mulu Cave in Sarawak. And also numerous small ones that are formed over 40,000 years ago!

14. Sabah - Yes. I'm biased. But a country with a state like Sabah must be loved and appreciated.

15. Petrol - Darn. Hate the price hike, but truth is, petrol prices here is still one of the cheapest in the world.

16. Cost of living - Consider quite manageable. World's most expensive country to live in ranking: 1. Norway, 2. Denmark, 3. Japan.

17. Weather - Apart from the occasional haze, weather here is pretty straightforward. One season only.

18. Passport - One of the most flexible passports in the world. Hhmmm... must plan my next holiday trip.

19. Natural resources - That's why our country is considered 'rich'.

20. Hot springs - This is a crazy land with natural saunas. Some are even free! That's why I love it.

21. Religion - Freedom of worship. Can't complain. Compared to other staunch muslim countries, we have much more freedom.

22. Tropical fruits- Ahh... Durian, Mangoesteen, Banana, Langsat, Pineapple... Slurp*

23. Pirates - Not the ones on the sea but the 'angels of entertainment', supplying your daily dosage of TV series and movies.

24. Twin Towers - The world's 2nd tallest building, the world's tallest twin towers.

25. Ringgit Malaysia - Our currency made a 'comeback' (well, sort of) after the disastrous economic downturn in 1997.

26. No war - From 26 - 30, it's all quite self explanatory.

27. No killer earthquakes

28. No typhoon

29. No sandstorm

30. No volcanic eruptions

Mercy.

My heart resonated with a picture I've stumbled on the net.

Sometimes, I feel exactly like that baby seal at my workplace.
Sigh... O poor soul of mine, if Ye my light, salvation and strength, whom shall I fear?

Why, oh why?

I think I'm tired.
It's so hard to blog without motivation.

Don't know why but I keep feeling I have other things to do,
even though I'm not exactly doing anything.

Not making any sense, I know. Maybe because it's just an excuse.
Funny thing is, I don't even know why I'm typing away now.

As in the case of many things in life.
I realised how much I tend to act depending on how I feel.

Sigh. Totally hate that side of myself. Sounds like someone who has no discipline. Whatsoever.
Coupled that with an 'even more serious issue' and what you get is a prolonged hiatus of blogging inactivity.

That 'even more serious issue' is called - sense of insignificance.

Particularly today, I feel extremely small.
Totally insignificant.
It's one of those days that I'm thinking:

"What have I done today that has added value in anyone's life".
"Is advertising even important? Can it free Taliban hostages?"
"Can what I blog about make any difference in anyone's life?"
"Why are biographies of others' lives so much more interesting than my own?"

I'm quarter of a century old.
And I'm starting to get restless about life.

E.g.
If I read about some young high school dropout earning 3 zeroes more than me selling organic vegetables in his father's farm, I feel as if someone's punched me in the stomach and wrote "This is what you get for being a writer!" on my face. =(

And if I see someone around my age, waving her hand with a ring sitting on the 4th finger, I feel like pulling my eyeballs out and have someone send me to the monastery.

Crap! I'm so not thinking straight right now. Can't blame me!
A wisp of smoke from someone's nostrils just rested on my head.


Conclusion:
For clouded judgment, be a writer in an advertising agency.

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