In Just a Moment, Everything Changes

Thoughts were running through my head, day and night, over and over again.. and it really gets me because I know that's not what I want and I'm not happy with it...so I made the decision to pursue my dream..in just a moment, everything changes...

So what was I doing since that "moment"...

November 2010

I took some time off to relax of course and start thinking what to do. First, was to apply for an AIESEC internship and I've been browsing the website to find a suitable match. I know this don't come easy so I must have the patience and determination that I'll get one good match very soon.

Then I was thinking what other interesting thing that I can do and that will make me happy. The first thing that came into my mind was stationery. I don't know for what reason, I really like/love stationery and so I started browsing different websites that sell stationeries..and they are all beautiful...So I thought...."hey why don't I start an online stationery blogshop" and that's when I began planning, getting more information, visualizing, designing and taking it step by step...and now..this is my baby.. "Paper & Clips" www.paperandclips.com

December 2010

I have been thinking to get a tattoo since ages but I never had the courage to do it. I was afraid of the pain. I told one of my friend about my intention and he recommended a friend to me who owns a tattoo studio. I agreed to go and check out the place to get more information. I remember asking the question " is it painful" for like more than 20 times.I think even the tattoo artist was fed up with me and suddenly my friend popped the questions " since you are here, why don't you do it now?" and I replied " No! Are you kidding me..I'm not ready!". The truth is, I know I'll never be ready for this...After a while, I agreed to do it. I still remember the moment I wanted to run away when I heard the sound of the machine..the sound of the machine was scary...the thoughts of the pain when the needle goes into my skin was horrible. I closed my eyes, hugged the pillow tight and tell myself to just bear with the pain. It was painful...for 2 hours I was cursing and talking nonsense..But I must say that, I felt really happy after that. The pain was unforgeable but the joy is unexplainable. It feels good when you finally achieve something that you were very afraid to try..

Another unforgettable moment was my trip to Bangkok. I'm really grateful to be invited to chair the national conference of AIESEC in Thailand. Members there were so pure, passionate and during parties..they are quite crazy too! AIESEC conferences always inspire me no matter you attend as delegates, faci or chair. Thank you for bringing the spark back into my life! and remind me again of who I am and not to forgot..I have quite a lot of Tom Yum Gung! Did I tell you that I LOVE Tom Yum? Yes I do...

January 2011

I want 2011 to be an exciting year and I want to step out of my comfort zone, to try something that I never thought of doing and do something that I never thought I will so I begin listing my resolutions. My resolutions are very simple actions that will make my life more exciting, fulfilling and gives me a different perspective. I believe these resolutions will grow me to be a better person and not take things for granted. 2010 was one very challenging year for me and I want a fresh start

So I started my first resolution - "starting yoga" right after the New Year and I'm happy that I've been doing quite a good job. I go for yoga classes at least 3 times a week. I feel healthier, calmer, and happier! Also because of Yoga, I've started to go on healthy diet. Consume more healthy food and reduce junk food (except my chocolate..)

Work wise; although I don't have a permanent full time job now but believe it or not, I'm really happy. I'm working on a few projects and more to come. One of it is a charity project. Giving to charities and giving to those who are less fortunate make me feel like a million bucks inside. It is very important that we take some time to help the needy. Give them a chance to shine..give them hope for a better tomorrow. “Our children are our only hope for the future, but we are their only hope for their present and their future”

I know 2011 will be an exciting year because it will be another chapter of my life story. Sometimes a new life story “happens itself upon us” in an instant. A change in a relationship, an illness or a promotion, and suddenly everything is different. Everything up for re-evaluation. New decisions to make. New paths to explore. The unknown to wrestle...Never be afraid to change because there are greater surprises waiting ahead of you..

To be continue...

How to Lead A Crazy and Exciting Life?

Just because you are busy with work doesn't mean that you have to pass on your interest.

Just because you are a grown up now doesn't mean that your life should be too serious

( you can be serious in an exciting way!)

So..what can we do to make our life more exciting? Party every night? Getting drunk? or Going to the fanciest restaurant for a small portion and burn a hole in your pocket! Ok ok..I'll share some good tips with you how I make my life more exciting! and for that, I thank GroupsMore!

GroupsMore offer you best deal and discounts on exciting

new things to do in town. If you are bored of going to the same restaurants again and again or if you want to try out new spa or if you just want to do something crazy like downing a 12inches burger by yourself...you got to check out GroupsMore! and don't wait anymore! do it NOW! or you'll miss the most exciting deals ;)

Some of the current deals that are up for grab...Hurry! limited time only!

Wow! I can sing my lung out with just RM 6++! Who wants to go with me? :)

Good stuff for Ice Cream lovers! Only RM 1! I'm definitely going. Woot!

Crazy crazy 12 inches monster burger! You think you can handle it? I DARE YOU!

Oh my! I already feel excited by just sharing with you! Let's keep the excitement and let's excite more people! Share with your friends and you can make your friend's life more exciting! (they might get you a few free deals..;P wink wink) So here is the deal..if you invite your friends to be member of GroupsMore (it's absolutely free!) you will receive FREE Sakae Sushi Handroll Voucher! Sushi..yummy! yummy! So..spread the goodness of GroupsMore!

Let's make our life more exciting!

10 Things That I'm Grateful For

Many of my friends are reminding me that today is THE 10/10/10 and I thought I should take this opportunity to write this note - 10 Things That I Should be Grateful For.Most of the time, we are too busy to remember or to be grateful of something we have and we take things for granted so let's take some time to think what are we grateful for ;)

1. I'm Alive

Life is a gift. Mornings are gifts. Every time when you wake up and stretch out those arms, remember to say, “thank you for the gift of a brand new day!”

2. My Family

I love my family, do you?? Without them, who am I? Imperfect our families may be but here we find the opportunity to grow, share, give and receive love. Thank you mom, dad and brother for everything.

3. My Friends

Thank you friends for being my friend. True friends are those who stand by you, who knows your quirks and weird ways, but have decided to love you anyway. I feel really bad for not spending enough time with my friends. From today onwards, I will spend more time with you guys!

4. I can See, Hear, Speak and Move

I thank YOU for the gift of sight! It's a blessing! With your eyes, you can watch the magnificent world you live in.With your ears, you can hear the waves of the ocean, the raindrops falling on the roof and hear the words " I Love You". With my ability to speak, I can utter words that can encourage, inspire, cheer, guide, comfort, uplift, motivate others. Most importantly, I can use it to say “Thank you”; “I am here for you”; and “I Love You.”

5. My Healthy Body

I'm grateful that my body is still healthy. Each cell, nerve, tissue, organ in my body is doing a great job!They work 24 hours a day to keep my body alive and healthy so that I could live my life to the fullest.

6. My Mentors

Thank you for teaching me the purpose of life, how to live my life to the fullest and guide me through the darkness.

7. My Colleagues/ Mates

I want to thank you - my mates at work and in AIESEC. They've inspired me and guide me to succeed.They are truly my inspiration ;)

8. My Lovers ( incl Ex)

Thank you for your love. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for growing me to be better. Thank you for teaching me lessons that made me stronger. Thank you for being here with me.

9. Nature

Sunrise and sunsets. Clouds and blue skies. Raindrops and rainbows. Ocean waves and soothing streams. Birds in the air. Beautiful flowers and strong trees everywhere.

10. Food

I'm grateful for the food on the table and the people who gave me those food ( the farmer, the cook, the butcher, the chickens, the cows and many many more...)

When work is your PASSION

It has been three weeks since I started my new job with Youth Asia. Many people ask me about my job and the company..asking if I've been working like a machine or if I enjoy my work there.

Honestly, I do..I really enjoy my work there ( not because my boss might be reading this). I like my work, I like what I'm doing and most importantly I love the crazy bunch of friends whom I spent most of the hours with. It's amazing how strangers can become incredibly good friends ( at least to me) in such a short period. Thank you dears...thank you for making me feel so comfortable and thank you for making it so fun for me ;).

I hear many stories especially from my friends who told me how unhappy they are with their job.The degree opened up many opportunities for them, but I don't think they found exactly what they are looking for yet..It can take a long time for some people to figure out what they want out of work life..Life is too short to stay at a job where you're not doing the things you want to do, where you're not enjoying yourself. I was lucky. I realized what I loved to do, what I really loved to do more than anything else.

It's abundantly clear to me that my work needs to be my passion. I always believe that the lifeblood of an organization is to have workers who take work as their passion and who thinks work is fun. With that, one can do many more great things and the journey will be much more rewarding...

I'm surrounded by incredibly talented people who are all passionate about youth empowerment and that's exactly why I chose to work there. If you love your work as much as I do, you deserve to work at a company where people come to work not to punch a clock, but because they want to do great things, too. You deserve to work at a company where your contribution and passion are respected. You deserve to work at a company where peers meet to enjoy making a difference together.

Remember, this stuff is supposed to be fun! When we have fun, we can do great things!

P/s: Thank you J for sharing your thoughts although it was just over the phone ;)

An unforgetable experience in Sri Lanka

My inspiration comes from observing the people of everyday life. AIESEC has always been part of my life since the first day I got myself into this big family. I like meeting new people and see new things. I'm really lucky because my surroundings provided the perfect outlet for this needs. IC 2009 was a great experience but it has come to an end and I realize that I have nothing else to do in AIESEC anymore which is really weird because deep down in me...I know I still want to do something for AIESEC. Right in time, an offer came to me and I will not say no. I was invited to chair the national conference in Sri Lanka and I knew this is going to be increadible. I was counting the days that I will be there. I anticipate that my experience in Sri Lanka would bring me something new..

October 15, 2009 at 6.30am, I board the plane and I'm ready to say HELLO to Sri Lanka. My arrival in Sri Lanka was greeted by very funny gestures at the immigration counter. He spent 10 minutes integorating me. From my name to where I come from ( isn't it obvious when he has my passport?) to what I'm doing in Sri Lanka and lastly to something that I could not believe! He ask if I have an email address! It was really awkward..

Then I met with Buddi ( the MCP of AIESEC in Sri Lanka) outside the airport. Then, we head to the bus terminal to catch a bus to Badulla, the place where the conference is held. It took 3 hours from Colombo to Kandi and another 3 hours from Kandi to Badulla. The bus ride was very interesting!! It's completely different from the express buses we have here in Malaysia.

Finally after long hours in the bus, we reach Badulla. Then I had my third First Time, it was the Tuk Tuk. I've never ride on a Tuk Tuk before so it was really fun! Then we arrived to a bungalow and met with the rest of the facis of the conference. They are a bunch of friendly and funny people. Never a second I felt strange or lost. * Thank you facis *

The next day was the official start of my "Chair" experience. We had a short get-to-know-each other. It was amazing as I met people who doesn't eat Dhal, who doesn't eat grapes and who was still using Baby Bottle until the age of 14! We laughed and we joked...It was a great start and I knew this team will do something great..We arrived at the conference site in the afternoon, I took a good look of the surrounding..It was very serene. We were surrounded by tea plantations..It smells green and fresh :) Later in the evening, we met the unbeatable group of people. They are the OCs - the people whom we thanked for making this conference happen. Without them, there will not be NLDS 2009. They may look tired but I could still see the excitement in their eyes.

The conference has finally begun when Buddi said " I declare this conference open". I could hear the joy, the cheer and the incredible energy and it makes me feel so so great. Like I've said, my inspiration comes from people around me. The delegates and all the facilitators were truly inspirational. I admire their enthusiasm, I admire their passion and I admire their dreams. From them, I learnt not to take things for granted. From them, I learnt to be grateful and from them, I found a new meaning of AIESEC...Thank you guys for teaching me a great lesson :) Time flies and is time to say goodbye...I will surely miss all of them.

Before we head back to Colombo, we took a short trip to Dunhinda Falls. It was breathtaking ( facis, you know what I mean *wink*). This time, we didn't take the bus home, we took the train instead. It was another first time for me. The ride will take about 12 hours to reach Colombo..They played UNO, I read my book, we joked and we role played! It was hillarious...it's definitely a train ride that I'll never forget..

On my last day in Colombo, I had a great time. Gayanga and Niradh came and we went to Odel, the Independent Square, the museum. We bumped into the delegates, we went for Dominoes, we played pool and we tried the bowling. After so much fun, I had to say farewell to Buddi. I can't thank this good friend of mine enough for the opportunity he had given to me..It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life..For that night, our last stop for sight seeing was the buddhist temple. It was WOW! No words can explain..

My last dinner in Sri Lanka was very nostalgic. I met with a friend of mine whom I got to know few years back when he came to Malaysia. My dear friend, Sapumal. A friend who has 10 initials in his name! He was kind enough to bring us for dinner at the Cricket Club. After so many days of rice and spicy food, I finally had a spaghetti carbonara. It was delicious :) Sapu and I manage to catch up and we were joking of the days he was in Malaysia. After the dinner, he was kind enough to send me to Niradh's home which is about 30mins away from where we were. Thank you Sapu. Although it was only 2 hours but it was great :)

I know that I'm digging my own grave if I tell this part of the story because it is already happening when I barely do a thing! So, Niradh was kind enough to host me for that night. His mom was really sweet and helpful. His dad was very thoughtful and basically he has a great family. They treated me with great hospitality and make me feel like home. Niradh, please tell your family that I'm very grateful :)

7 days have gone and is time to say good bye to Sri Lanka. I had a great time here. I met many great people who have left a mark in my life. They've painted a picture that touches my experiences and memories. It's beautiful. I left Sri Lanka with a new hope, with new dreams and with new inspirations.. This story will be a nostalgic reminder of where I come from and hints of where I will be heading to...

This is my AIESEC experience in Sri Lanka...this is my story.. Thank you AIESEC in Sri Lanka..I wish all of you great success in life.

Look in the mirror first

I have a very interesting thoughts to share..

I think it is common that when something bad happen, your finger is always pointing at someone else. For example, when you got into an accident, you will always say that is not my fault. Either is the other driver's fault or is because of the heavy rain or is because of the pot hole or is because of the road. It is everything else but is not my fault. I'm not saying that is a sin to think this way. I find myself behaving like this too but I'm lucky to have good family and friends to teach me to look in the mirror first.

If a problem arises, one should look in the mirror first to understand why it happen. What have I done? Like the saying, " it takes two hand to clap". I have known some friends who were completely ignorant about their own mistakes or weaknesses. They never felt that they have played a part for such things to happen. It was never their fault. It's always YOUR fault. What amaze me the most is that these people, will go around and tell everyone that is not their fault. Why are they doing this? To get sympathy? Or to just prove that they are right? I really think that these people should stop being self centered and start to look in the mirror first.

For something to happen, there must be a reason. If that something is related to you, then you must have done something that causes it to happen. So please, take a good look at yourself and stare deeply. Stop pointing finger.Stop playing the blaming game. Accept the truth, learn from it and life goes on. That way, you will be happier and so the people around you.

But if you enjoy playing the finger game then don't be frustrated if you have no more friends around you. Life is fair so the decision is in your hand.

The best 14 months of my AIESEC Experience

It was a super amazing experience. It is by far the best AIESEC experience I've ever had. I had the best 14 months of the lifetime. After the conference, many people came to me and ask how I feel about the experience, about IC 2009 and what I'm going to do next. At first, I really didn't know how to answer because I was not ready to say goodbye to IC 2009 especially to my beloved CC team. I was still living in those moments.

But now, I'm ready to share with you how I feel. I'm sharing with you an email I wrote to my friend..

I feel really so grateful for the people who have supported me directly/indirectly on my journey. I had the best 14 months of my AIESEC Experience as the CCP and I can't thank god enough for sending me 49 amazing individuals to make this dream come true. Many people ask me during IC why I look so relax or at least I don't look too stressful. I knew it was a compliment and it's all because of my team. They were truly prepared and way too hardworking so I didn't need to worry too much! All the things that I envisioned for IC came true...from the songs that I wish to be played during Opening Ceremony to the settings of the Gala Dinner..It was perfect!! For this time, Gala Dinner was not a buffett! Delegates didn't need to queue for food. They get to be served and look pretty:)

I felt so emotional when I was walking in to the ballroom for Opening Ceremony. I wished the song of "Malaysia Truly Asia" to be played...and it really happened. The feeling was amazing - I teared..

14 months of struggle..challenges...difficulties...finally paid off. I promised that no matter what, IC 2009 will happen and it will be a blast. I kept my promises. The conference finish in just a blink. We spent 14 months to prepare and it took only 10 days to end. We really missed it and wish it will last longer or maybe...forever?

Then,CC begin to feel emotional because they realise IC 2009 is soon going to end and is time for them to say goodbye. I didn't feel so sad about the farewell because I knew some of us are going to travel a bit together but when the last CC member left, I felt it. It was at the airport, looking at them walking down to the departure hall and I was reflecting what has happened in the last 14 months.. The next morning when I woke up..for a moment, I felt lost and weird. I feel that the meeting I had with the Director of IYC ( CC pre stay venue) was just yesterday and IC hasnt happen or maybe I was hoping it hasnt happen.

The Malaysian CCs still get to meet up almost everyday for lunch/dinner and we keep in touch with the rest through facebook or Skype. Spend hours and hours on Facebook to upload pictures and commenting them. It's so funny.. I wish you could feel what I'm feeling because is so amazing! I remember telling my CCs at the last CC core meeting that IC 2009 may have ended but our friendship and the memories we shared is forever, is a lifetime. They are not just my team mates but they are my friends. Once we are friends, forever we will be. It is indeed an experience that I can never forget and it will surely live in all of us for the rest of our life. IC 09 may not be a legacy but this EXPERIENCE is a legacy :)

Now, is time for me to move on with life. I will go for an AIESEC internship to create many more experiences and great stories for myself and the people around me.

Hope this email is not too long. Can't wait to hear from you.

With love,
Geralynn

I hope you've enjoyed the story. It is a true story and is real. I'm happy to share this with you. If at any point of time you need help/advices/guidance or just someone to listen to you, you can come to me. I'm always happy to help and share my AIESEC experience with you. I'll be off to somewhere soon to share my AIESEC experiences and I really hope many more young people out there can live such power experiences - experience of a lifetime :)

I'm so excited!

It's been quite a while since the  last post. Life has been completely busy, crazy and exciting! My never-ending work for IC09 and tonne of farewell parties & dinners have been keeping me busy and occupied but once in a while I still manage to catch some movies. The two most recent movies that I absolutely loved were Angel & Demons and Night At The Museum 2. So, No, I've not turned into a crazy workaholic yet! I'm just enjoying my work and do what needs to be done. 

Last week when Tina told me to write a welcome speech for the CC Preparation Booklet, I was ecstatic! I had a huge adrenaline rush before I could think what to say. It has been almost a year since I starterd work on IC 2009. Many things has changed. People come and go. From nothing to something. I'm so thankful to everyone who has supported me along this journey. It's only 74 days left to IC 2009 -  THE most prestigious event. 

For me, being in the team is a dream come true. From the day AIESEC in Malaysia won the bid of hosting International Congress 2009 in August 2007 up until now, it was like a roller coaster ride. The ride has been so fun, challenging, scary and exciting.  The core team has never failed to surprise me with their determination and enthusiasm. If you ask me about the experience, I will say is like a rowing race. We build a boat, raise some money, lose a rowing partner, find another rowing partner and then hit the water. Whales glide by, dolphins do somersaults and violent thunderstorms come and go. There were soul destroying days grinding through the doldrums but also exhilarating moments!

And now, with new rowing partners, we will become stronger and we will row faster. The race will be much more thrilling. However, before we could reach to the white sandy beaches with beautiful coconut trees, we will still need to go through the thunderstorms. Along the way you will find out what it feels like stay awake until 3am cutting papers or making booklets. You will find out how to remember over 50 names of different nationalities in one day. You will still smile even though you are feeling sleepy because of the sleepless nights. You will meet people that you never thought you would. There are also days where you will hear many complain and advices when you can’t decide. This journey will be a greater achievement than any yet recorded in the history.

We only spend little time finishing the preparation work before we row to the finish line and feel the victory. So, make full use of the little time left. I know, after an epic 7 weeks hard work, we will take the lead. Finally, we will arrive to the finish line, and found the least likely thing in the world waiting for us………….

It’s a legacy by you and me.

    

AIESEC International Congress 2009 in Malaysia!

Yes! AIESEC Malaysia will be hosting the 61st International Congress! Woot! So..am sure some of you are really curious with what's happening with me..what I'm doing..what I'm busy with recently..So to let you know I'm currently working very hard for this event! What is the event all about?? Sweet...here is a description.. and if you want to know more..Check out our website!


International Congress is AIESEC's largest annual conference. This conference seeks to create a global platform for young people to engage in forum and discussion on global issues and leadership trainings by some world’s most experienced business leaders. This conference will bring together over 800 young leaders from 100 countries and territories.
The theme of the congress "Empowering Leaders across Cultures" aims to connect leaders across different cultures, beliefs and values to come together to make the our world today a better place. In today's society of various backgrounds, belief and perspectives, there is a strong need to build bridges by enriching the processes of discovery and understanding. By increasing the variety of individuals involved in the process, we enhance our wealth of collective wisdom and knowledge. With wisdom, knowledge and understanding, we empower young leaders to commit themselves to build a global society of unique cultures and the same time making a difference in the world today!

www.ic2009malaysia.org

What Happened in 2008?

A lot has happened in 2008 so far and of course the year cannot be completely accounted for until the new year has taken over. However, it has been an exciting year, a lot has happened. It will furthermore be impossible to cover all events of 2008, but here are the top selections that will paint a good picture of what happened in 2008!


My MCP Election

Through my veins, I can feel the blood gushing, adrenaline rushing and heart beating faster and faster every second while the race pushes me out of my comfort zone. It was an incredible experience – challenging and intense. I felt the jolt of excitement while standing before the national plenary sharing my thoughts, vision and ideas. It was an opportunity that I could never ask for more. Thank You AIESEC Malaysia for giving the chance to stand before you.

My 24th Birthday in Hong Kong

Thank you Darling for this priceless gift. Going to Disneyland is special enough, but celebrating my birthday there with you was amazingly memorable. It was a day filled with joy, happiness, fun and love. It was a great trip. I will not forget the cheap street food that we had, the train ride, the shopping spree from Tsim Tsa Tsui to Tung Chung and all the good moments we had together..I wish for more of this moments to share with you..

MC 07/08 Trip to Perhentian Island

This was our first trip together as a team – nothing about work but a bunch of crazy friends get together purely having FUN! As soon as we arrived at the jetty after the long hours bus ride, we travelled on the fast boat to get across to the island. We stop at the Long Beach and got ourselves an affordable dorm to stay. We had a great time on the island. James & I were trying hard to get our Brazilian tan while the rest were enjoying the majestic underwater world. Drinking on the beach at night was lovely combined with the cool breeze blowing in from the South China Sea. It was a very relaxing and crazy holiday that I will never forget. …

International Congress 2008 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Is my 2^nd IC after Turkey and this time I didn’t attend as delegate but CC observer! I’m very glad that I was part of the CC08 team. It was an amazing experience and I had a great one month living and working with them. It was tiring, challenging, eye opening and life changing! After IC, I took a week off for a post tour with the Malaysians in Rio de Janeiro. We visited few amazing places in Rio such as the Ipanema beach, Copacabana beach, Concorvado, Sugar Loaf. Bought a lot of Havainas and drank some Caiprinha. After Rio, I head back to Sao Paulo and stayed for 2 days in the @ Bazi’s MC house before I leave to Argentina to meet James for the 2^nd round of post tour!

Argentina was awesome! Finally we had a proper grilled meat (Parilla) dinner on the first night after we arrived in Argentina. Also thanks to Maxi! we have a place to sleep that night. On the next day, we took a long hour’s bus ride to Iguazu. The reason we go to Iguazu is to check out the Iguazu Falls! Trust me, it’s AMAZING! At night, we had another Parilla dinner in a quite fancy restaurant, cam-whored with James for hours at a bar and drank some white wine in the room (opening the wine bottle was fun! but didn’t really enjoy the wine though). Overall, it was a fun and exciting trip. Thanks James for the amazing time…It’s something that I will cherish forever.

Some of my other special moments.....

To all my dear friends, thank you for a wonderful 2008. . Thank you for giving my life wonderful rhythms. Thank you for giving me reasons to stay strong. Thank you for what you've done in my life. I felt truly blessed to have you all by my side. Me and you will never be apart maybe in distance but never in my heart, for our friendship is way too strong to let it go off.

I wish you my friends..a happy new year. All the best in 2009 and may it be another inspiring year for you. Love you all...