Inner Beauty is the True You

  Claire is a girl who diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at eighteen months old. She doesn't have any friends when growing up because everyone thinks her disability is kind of "disease" but that doesn't mean all the teasing and the rejection crush her cheerful spirit and her kindness because her parents taught her that inner beauty is the most important in the world.

  Claire just finished her college and started her degree at a local university. Yet again, her friends aren't much. One day, Claire dropped her books while walking to the university's cafeteria. She was about to pick up the books, a boy student came over to her aid and helped. "Thank you. I'm sorry for the trouble," Claire said as she looked up to the student who helped her. "I always see you around on campus," the boy said as he handed back to Claire. "Oh really?" Claire said with a blush.

  "What's your name?" Claire asked the boy. "My name is Austin. What's yours?" Austin asked. "Claire," she said. "Nice to meet you Claire!" Then came a clique of popular girls at the university dropped by. The head of the clique, Mandy, apparently claimed herself as Austin's "girlfriend". "Austin, what are you doing with this girl?" Mandy asked giving Claire a cold stare. "Just helping her out, Mandy. Come on do you have to be mean to everyone on campus?" Austin said.

  The scene in front of Claire made her uneasy. "I better go. I'm late for class," Claire said hurrying away for her next class. "Later, loser," Mandy said followed by the laughter from the other girls. Although Mandy is beautiful on the outside but the inside she is a mean and cruel towards other students especially the nerdy ones and students with special needs like Claire. Just left 10 minutes before class, her best friend, Clover, was waiting for her. "Claire, where have you been?" Clover asked. "I was at the cafeteria," Claire said. "I bumped into Austin while I was there," she added. "Austin? Mandy's boyfriend?" Clover asked again. Claire nodded her head in agreement. "Don't care about Mandy and her popular clique. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. What's more important is the inner self. Not the outside," Clover said.

  "That's what my parents tell me all the time," Claire sighed. As they wanted to talk more, it was time for their lecture. After two hours, Clover and Claire headed to the library as their daily routine after each lecture. They bumped into Austin when they were about to enter the library. "Hey Claire, can I talk to you for a second?" Austin asked. "Sure!" Claire said as they walked to a corner. "I'm sorry about Mandy and her clique today. It must be hurtful to you," Austin apologized. "No, no it's okay. I get used to it," Claire said with a smile. Austin felt guilty about the incident earlier. "Do you wanna to go to the movies with me this weekend?" he asked. "Sure, why not? Which movie you're watching?" Claire asked. Austin said he is watching Beauty and the Beast. "I thought it would be an amazing movie to you," he said.

  Claire agreed to go out with Austin this weekend but she thought about Mandy.  "What about Mandy?" Claire asked. "Would she be jealous?" Austin said:"Mandy has a girls' day out on the weekends so I'm not worry about it.  I'll pick you up at 7pm?" Austin asked. "Yeah, okay," Claire said. After that they both parted ways. "Did Austin just ask you out?" Clover asked as they both headed to their usual study place in the library. "Yes, yes he did! Why?" Claire asked. "You know, Mandy," Claire told Clover that Mandy and her clique always on a girls' day out on the weekends.

  As the weekend approached, Claire was excited about her night out with Austin. Dressed in her best, she waited for Austin to pick her up at her dormitory. A knock was heard, Clover went to the door to open as Claire was getting ready. "Claire, Austin is here!" Clover said. "Coming!" Claire viewed herself into the mirror one last time as she adjusted her yellow headband. "Have fun you two!" Clover said as she looked on her best friend leaving with Austin.

  When the movie ended, Claire always visits the book store. "Do you like the movie?" Austin asked when they entered the book store. "I totally love it! The Beast proves himself that to break the spell, he has to learn to love. The look on the outside doesn't matter, it's the inside is the most important," Claire said with excitement. "That's why the movie suits you," Austin said. As they passed by a cosmetic shop, Austin stopped in his tracks. "Austin, what's wrong?" Claire asked. She followed Austin's direction and saw Mandy and her clique were at the shop. They were about to leave, Mandy saw Austin in an instant. "Austin? What are you doing here?" Mandy asked. "I'm with Claire to watch  Beauty and the Beast. The movie I wanted bring you but you have your weekly girls' day out. I had an extra ticket, so I brought Claire instead,"

  Mandy was shocked, "Austin, I'm your girlfriend! You should bring me instead!" she yelled. "Maybe it's the best choice to bring Claire because you won't stop mocking and teasing people around you! I had enough of your nonsense for one year! We're through!" Austin said as he and Claire quickly left the place leaving Mandy in tears. "Austin, you shouldn't do that," Claire said. "It's okay, I broke up with Mandy. Now I realized what is the meaning between pretty and beautiful," Austin said. "You're kind, brave and courageous. That's the girl I want and that's it's you!" he added.

  Claire could feel her cheeks turning red. What Claire's parents told her is true. It's the attitude and the inner beauty reflects one's true self.   

First Day of Univerity (22/3/17)

  After a four-month break, it's time for me to head back to university. Today I'm heading back to Sunway University College for the first time as a university student. We reach the campus at 8.10am, I take a good look at the campus, nothing has changed much at the foyer. I head to the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) academic office since there is nothing to do at the foyer.


  As I'm about to take the lift, I bump into Ms. Haslina. " Hi, Ms. Has!" I say. "Hi Kar Marn, it's so good to see you again!" Ms. Haslina says. I tell my mum that I'll go to the third floor. While we are going up, Ms. Has asks me which course I'm pursuing. I say: "I'm pursuing BA (Hons) Communication at the university under the School of Arts," She says:" How wonderful! Congratulations!" She gives me a motherly hug. When the lift reaches the floor, my parents head out to the registry office to settle the university fees.


  I reach the third floor, Ms. Has tells me that she has to make a move as class is starting real soon. I head back to the study room of the MUFY academic office. The place had been my companion for three months when I was doing my third semester in July. It brings back a lot of memories! The new students didn't know I was an ex student but the lecturers are happy to see me again after four months. At 8.50am, I head out to the corridor waiting for my parents to get some "important work" done.




  I spot Ms. Helen James, the MUFY coordinator. "Hi Ms. Helen!" Ms. Helen turns around, "Hi Kar Marn, how are you?" I say: "I'm doing good!" She asks me whether I'm back for university degree. "Yes, yes I am!" After a short chat, she goes to the study to have a chat with my parents. I look at my watch, it's time to go down to sign myself for up the university programme. The foyer is packed with students and the line is so long to get yourself sign up. After signing up, I take the lift at the North Building to Jeffery Cheah Hall at level 4.




  While waiting for the orientation, I have a chat with my two new friends, Derek and Regine from Penang. At one point, Regine reveals that Derek sings. My face immediately lights up and asks him "Do you want to sing together one day?" Derek says: "Why not? Do you sing too?" I nod my head. I mean singing is my passion, it would be great to have a duet! "Do you mind sing a few verse for us?" Regine asks. I sing the chorus part of Start of Something New by the cast of High School Musical. Derek is quite surprised, "Wow, you have an amazing voice! How did you learn to sing that well?" "Well nothing much! Just constant singing at home that's all!" I say.




  After all the speeches made by the Vice Chancellor and Professors as well as the staff of the campus, it's time for a break. At 12.30pm, the students are back to the hall for the next activity. The Sunway Dance Club (SDC) put a performance of dance for us to lighten up the mood. The song they dance to is Shape of You by British singer, Ed Shearan. Later, the Sunway University Student Council (SUSC), organizes an amazing race for us to get know each other more.


  I'm on Team Dodge. Each team consists a group of ten. We are given an hour to complete the task but we need to do accordingly that is stated on the list. We go through the whole campus! There are two things:
1) It's a good exercise
2) You'll be sweaty after all that running and walking


  I try my hands on water bottles flipping but none of them turn out well. By the time we head back, everyone is tired and exhausted. The introduction of clubs and societies which take up the ending time by half an hour. I head down back to the foyer to wait for my sister. While waiting for my uncle to pick us up, I had a small chat with Shu Yie, my senior. Little did I know, a mini St. Davidian (my high school) reunion.


  My university life is about to begin, there are more to come.

CNY Gathering Round 2 at Cofeology Cafe (8/2/17)

  After the first one on CNY Day 4, we decided to have another one but this time grab a drink at Cofeology Cafe- the place where I performed last October. At first, we decided at the old Jusco Ayer Keroh but the cafe's prices are too costly so we decided to switch a place where it fitted our budget. I had early dinner at home before joining them. At 7.23pm, I waited for Yu Xuan to pick me up. 10 minutes later, the car came. I hopped into the car and we're off to our gathering. We phoned Shi Wei, who was doing some shopping at Jusco. He suggested to have the gathering at D' Puteh. We didnt know where it was. Mostly I come to Bukit Beruang for tuitions back in my high school days.

  We passed by a Taoist temple along the way and passed by a few shop lots. When we passed by D' Puteh, one look at it we knew the place was not so appropriate for a gathering. We decided to drop by at Shi Wei's place to invite his god sister along to join in the fun have but she declined the offer. It's okay! No choice, we chose Cofeology cafe since there was no place to go. The moment I stepped into the cafe, the manager recognized me in an instant. I performed at the cafe last October when they held Melaka's Got Talent. I got a certificate for that.    

  While waiting for the boys, I could hear my tummy rumbling. A dessert won't hurt right? Since it's still Chinese New Year, I guess a bite or two of cake would do the trick. I thought the cake would be medium size or a small but it turned out it was a really big! I also ordered a glass of chocolate milkshake. We also invited Shi Chong too. I also bumped into my primary friend, Her Xin. While Shi Chong and Her Xin, the rest of us just chatting what we've been up to these days. I felt a little bored because I wasn't really listening to the conversation they had so I decided to say hi Her Xin. "I'll be okay," I assured Shi Wei. "Hi Her Xin!" I greeted him. "Hey Kar Marn! How's it going?" Her Xin asked. We started to chat about university and the things we did recently. Before I headed back in, I told Her Xin to drop by a message if we want to meet up. "Okay, sure, cool!" That was easy, no awkwardness around. 

  I took a last bite of the cake and it's off D' Puteh. When we were checking the bill, Yu Xuan told us that the staff knew me so they gave us a discount. Okay, which was good.  The weird thing was I forgot to take my bag but luckily Jia Wen went back to retrieve it before the cafe closed. We went by separate cars to the place. I went with Shi Wei while Jia Wen went with Yu Xuan. It was a such an amazing feeling to ride in Shi Wei's car, a comfy ride. When we arrived, the four of us had to walk through a dark alley which was quite creepy. I can't even to look back! We went to say hi to some friends who we didn't see for three years. Joel and I even took a selfie. I got curious with the cards they were playing. Joel told me they were anime cards. 

   After the short chat, Shi Wei escorted us to the car. Before we leave, he said "You girls text me when you reach home," Before that, I even joked whether want to go a "date" for this coming Valentine's Day. "Seriously? You must be pulling my leg, sis!" Shi Wei laughed at the comment. On the way, Yu Xuan fetched Jia Wen and I home. I'm so lucky to have friends like them. 

快闪能之初 XTY Young School Musical: The Z Tornado (4/2/17)

 Astro小太阳青春电影—— 《快闪能之初》叙说两位学生—— 林闪闪（Stephanie刘佩芯 演饰）和祝快乐（Gabriel Noel Pountney 演饰）来自不同家庭背景，但是他们俩就读同一间的学院—— 梦想艺术学院。林闪闪是个开朗爽快、学习认真的学生；祝快乐则是个有点叛逆、轻微的自闭过动儿，但他出众歌舞才华，得到奥达拉院长的赏识。

  有一天，祝福倪，快乐的爸爸（温绍平演饰）到梦想艺术学院和他的好朋友奥达拉院长谈谈电视台企划即将举行的才华比赛，校方必须派出两位学生代表学院参加。奥院长要快乐代表学院但是祝爸爸坚持反对。正这时候，奥院长的八卦秘书——赵瑶晶送茶点就偷听奥院长和祝爸爸的对话。她就胡乱猜测快乐是“靠关系” 参加比赛，就是因为一个谣言，让全校轰动起来，而快乐活在黑暗中。

  快乐他到学院的一个角落。他开始问自己是不是不够好？还是对别人来说他是个内定和“靠关系”的学生？在演唱《过动的脑齿轮》，学院的校工把快乐的一举一动全程拍下再发送给奥院长。在学院的院长室，柯丝拉主任和奥达拉院长在谈论着那个学生该代表学院参加比赛。自我好胜的洪晓姬挑战开朗快爽的闪闪，看看谁即将代表学院参加比赛。但这两派人马也有同个人选就是快乐。

  当她们在议论着，快乐就无影中出现把当场的学生们尤其是闪闪骂得一头雾水！这一幕真的让观众们吓得目瞪口呆！内疚，闪闪问自己是不是做错了什么，她只是想帮快乐而已。正她在内疚中，快乐的好朋友—— 唐小虎就出现。为了不要看闪闪自我内疚，他告诉快乐的家庭背景。灵机一动，闪闪她知道要怎样帮快乐。而K-Pop Gang的晓姬为了要让快乐跟她合作，隔天在大草场等他的脚踏车经过。晓姬邀请快乐一起吃早餐，但被他拒绝。在跳车的那一幕，两人就互相看不顺眼（演唱《缘分乱跳电》）。

  被晓姬乱骂一顿后，快乐就出一个条件：他想有一个妹妹，想知道她是长什么样子。这让晓姬惊讶！他们俩到一间理发店。快乐告诉理发店的阿姨让洪晓姬做一个整形，而下星期的功课是拍一个MV。回到学院，祝快乐遭柯班主任和全班的“攻击” 令他、林闪闪、梅礼茂、洪晓姬和唐小虎都通通离开课室。快乐就梦到自己在妈妈的怀抱睡着，听摇篮歌曲—— 《希望纸飞机》。而从实现回来，原来是在晓姬的腿上睡着让快乐怀念他和妈妈在一起的时光。在朋友们的鼓励下，快乐决定要还自己一个清白。

 事情闹更大在学院令祝爸爸和奥达拉院长公开道歉。奥院长和祝爸爸在争论的时候，五个学生在屋外等待直到闪闪牵快乐的手进屋。快乐唱《希望纸飞机》给祝爸爸听。这时祝爸爸感动了！五个学生协心合力写属于自己的歌，创造自己属于的舞台。

  在电影的最后一幕，祝快乐在下课的时候向全校的学生，他不是内定或“靠关系” 来参加即将的比赛，是靠实力、坚持及梦想。无论有没有比赛，他还是会继续唱、继续跳，完成他心目中的梦想就像龙卷风。快乐最后得到班主任的肯定。

  如果错过这横冲撼动的节目，可以通过Astro On the Go应用程序或On Demand (OD)。让我们更有坚持完成梦想，形成龙卷风！你是不是也有一个梦想，但得不到别人的肯定？这部青春电影就献给Z时代闪亮时刻的你！

歌谣帮 

K-Pop Gang 

(Credits: Astro小太阳许友彬电视系列面子书专页）

Free Style Gang

大年初四：中学团拜 2017 （31/1/17）

  一年一度的中学团拜又来临了！早上九时，我从温暖的床爬起来，再去洗刷。洗刷之后，我到圆桌吃早餐。我再到客厅等朋友们的到来。我们说好早上十时正，但时间越久我不知不觉打瞌睡在客厅的长登直到讯息的音响把我苏醒过来。在群聊组里，仕维向我道歉。我说没关系，反正我睡了一阵子也不会浪费时间。既然我有精神了，我打开电视看看节目。大舅走去门口看看说：“阿文，你的朋友来了！” 我“哦” 了一声就把电视关了，再调整我的姿势。阿姨再三确定就说：“文，他们来了。” 大舅却说没按门铃。不必摁门铃，我妹妹的小毛毛就是我们的“门铃”。它一吠就知道客人来了。

   大舅走到屋外开门让我的不速之客来拜年。“祝大家新年快乐！鸿运好福气，人人有转机！” 大家说：“一样！一样！” 锡忠问：“袈文，你的阿嬷呢？” 我说：“阿嬷在厨房。她一定很开心见到你们。” 他们走到厨房送上祝福，阿嬷都笑得乐开怀！桌子已排好的年饼和饮料已大家的面前。仕维问我：“袈文，你今天去吉隆坡？” 我说：“是啊！下午二时就去了。年初八回来因为我会去敦陈祯禄的祖屋向他的后代拜年。” 智彬问我们：“谁敦陈祯禄？” 我们齐声说：“马华的创办者。” 我和宇宣到客厅的一旁拍张照，拍了几张，我们就来张自拍。我建议仕维用个自拍棍较方便，他说：“妹，没关系！” 

  我们拨电话给嘉雯是否可以过去她拜年。她说：“方便啊！” 我通知妈妈和阿嬷：“我们去嘉雯的家拜年。” 穿上鞋子后，带着夸包在身边就出发去嘉雯的家。我和仕维乘坐智彬的车子；宇宣就乘坐锡忠的车子。我们先去，锡忠和宇宣待会儿到目的会合因为锡忠到饮食中心购买午餐。智彬的车子里播放着Astro的贺岁歌曲，一路上我唱出来。“哇，妹！你会唱很多首。你是怎样记得？” 仕维问我。我说：“哥，有时到YouTube翻找就慢慢把它们记起来。” 他说：“原来如此！” 

  宇宣和锡忠到了，我们三人从车子跳下来。我们在组屋的底楼等待嘉雯的到来。不久之后，嘉雯姐弟俩迎面而来。她的弟弟在玩小炮炮令嘉雯拉他的耳朵，再拿一个小炮炮抛在弟弟的脚边。仕维拿一个炮炮抛在我的脚边，我吓得后退几步。“电梯到了。” 我第一个进，其他才跟着进。嘉雯的弟弟也在里面玩炮炮，她又拉弟弟的耳朵。弟弟在二楼的四面八方抛炮炮。我们问：“你不拍邻居投诉吗？” 嘉雯说：“别管我弟，他是这样的。” 我脱下鞋子，再到神桌前向观音菩萨三鞠躬。萧妈妈回来，我们向她说：“新年快乐！” 她捧着一盒的肉干给我们品尝。我们再拍一张团体照！

  大约下午二时零三分我们回家。我期待明年的团拜，希望可以看舞狮。

农历新年2017（28/1/17）

  “年初一换新衣，公鸡门外喔喔啼……” 我的闹钟在耳边响，我按“停” 扭，再从床跳下来。是的，一年一度的农历新年到人间了！我到洗手洗澡让我更活力充沛去迎接鸡年。我的生肖是牛，所以今年的幸运颜色是黄色。我身穿一件黄色的裙子。前几天，我到网上看看所有的黄色衣物但是裙子都没有袖子，还有一些是暴露的让我伤脑筋两个星期却找不到。幸好新年的前几天找到我要的裙子。洗澡之后，我到主房间换上新衣。我走出去向家人“炫耀” ，个个都赞我：“哇，阿文，你的眼光不错啊！” 

  全家人已经起身准备迎接新的一年。我吃了早餐，我到房间打开平板电脑再登入社交网站送上新年的祝福。大约中午十二时，三舅把我们叫出来向阿公阿嬷敬茶。虽然阿嬷曾经说过不必敬茶，可以直接说声“恭喜发财” 就行了。传统还是继续传下去，以后我们的这青年的一代可以保持它，不要让它消失。小舅和小舅母敬茶后，就到我们孙子女啦！我说：“不如让虹瑾领先吧！” 阿嬷问：“为什么？” 我说：“因为今年是鸡年啊！而且她今年是'主角'。” 今年由虹瑾表妹来领先，因为她属鸡。

  三舅母说：“哇，阿瑾，由你来领先所有的孙子女啊！” 后来就到春生表哥、我、春兴表弟、妹妹、金花表妹和虹研表妹。敬茶仪式完毕，妈妈先第一个给我红包。二舅、三舅和小舅就陆续给我红包。每年不能少的全家福合照！小舅把手机放在自拍棍子把温馨的画面拍下。我和妈妈通过视讯聊天室跟爸爸说一声“新年快乐” 。我们去马六甲青云亭。

  去年，我把脚扭伤。妈妈把“轮椅” 拿出来，但得到二舅的反对。妈妈说：“二哥，你知道阿文是不能走长路途的。” 二舅母说：“玉兰，让阿文走。” 妈妈说：“二嫂，我看不要啦！这也省下时间。” 阿嬷就说：“带去吧！” 妈妈把我的“轮椅” 放在大舅的后车厢。三辆车子一起出动到青云亭去。我在后座要和阿嬷、妈妈与妹妹挤坐，阿公坐在副驾驶位置。在途中，妈妈把太阳眼镜给我套上去。到了目的地，我们车子泊在马六甲培德华文小学。虹研姐妹看到我戴太阳镜不禁惊叹：“文姐，好酷喔！” 我们就步行去青云亭，我坐在“轮椅”。 

  阿姨说：“哇，文，你很爽啊！” 我说：“当然！” 青云亭人山人海，大家都到来这儿向神明祈福让新的一年有转机。长辈们去先，而晚辈在一旁等待。虹研姐妹俩到门边的狮子雕像摸一摸头和嘴里的球，我告诉她们：“会给你好运。” 妈妈走来说：“走，带你去祈福。” 我一跃而起就走进亭里向观世音菩萨祈福。阿姨说：“带你去向马祖祈福。” 我问为什么，妈妈说让我的学业运有转机。我也在当场遇到小学直中学的同学—— 俭星。我们到对面的佛堂祈福，但是要脱下鞋子才可以入进。三舅的鞋子被偷一次，虹瑾说：“三伯母，我不要把鞋子被偷！” 

  我们直接走去雷州会馆祭拜祖先。虽然我的贯籍是广东，但妈妈的贯籍是雷州。我们下一站去钟家氏拜年。大约傍晚四时五十分回家休息。虽然忙碌的一天，大家过得开心。

  在新的一年里，让我们用坚毅不屈的精神去接受每个挑战。只要不放弃，人人有转机！（Astro本地圈）。

  祝大家鸿运好福气，人人有转机！

大团圆2017 （27/1/1/17）

  一年一度的新年除夕到了！全家人回家，阿公阿嬷最开心！由于有两个洗手间，全家人回家一定会是你推我挤的。为了不要像往年一样，我一起身就马上冲去洗手间洗澡；大年初一不可以洗头发，只好在除夕把它通通都洗干净。我洗澡后便换上衣服，我的头发当时还湿透透，不只不觉衣服也沾湿了！阿嬷走过洗手间说：“文，去换另一件衣。待会儿对身体不好。” 她又再拿一件干的衣服给我穿。

  不久之后，妈妈和大舅回来了。妈妈看到我头发湿淋淋说：“文，去把头发弄干。” 我只好打开饭厅的风扇，把头发吹干。我看到一辆银色的车子就说：“三舅和三舅母回来了！” 我在一边听新年歌，边吃午餐，三舅母就念我一番。小舅和二舅也陆续到家了。我已在房间在玩平板电脑的电子游戏。屋子里突然间热闹起来！我最喜欢的气氛。傍晚时分，我到各厅收看电视节目。因为今天是除夕，电视有不少的新年特备。但新年特备较晚。

  我收看《The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course》时，突然间阿嬷说：“吃团圆饭啦！” 我走到饭厅，看到桌上的菜有鱼丸、虾、烧肉等等。我吃饱后，我到客厅收看《MY Astro 人人有转机贺岁音乐剧》。他们把所有的七首歌MV串烧成音乐剧。我也把歌词背得滚瓜烂熟，舅舅们说：“哇，你每一首都会唱！” 续贺岁音乐剧，就是一年一度的倒数活动！今年的倒数活动在森美兰芙蓉举行。不能到现场的观众朋友可以在电视上收看直播。据说，有一个来自乡下的青年人—— 阿鸡（阿财林健文演饰）到首都吉隆坡创大世界。为了要过更好的生活，阿鸡被逼要离乡背井，留阿鸡妈（钟丽珍演饰）一个人。他有一句话是：只要不放弃，人人有转机。

  一路上，他遇到挫折和困难，但他还是不放弃！一直向前，直到他达到梦想！我们也可以像阿鸡一样—— 一直向前，永远不放弃，就会有转机。倒数活动的尾端，电视上的艺人们开始倒数新年的到来。他们唱从鼠年直鸡年的贺岁主题曲。我们也在这时候开始迎接财神爷的到来，希望年年财源广进！

  祝大家除夕夜快乐！