We are the Same!

Earlier on this week, my family and I headed to Lake Mongers to enjoy the picturesque view. Lake Monger is a beautiful itself. It is almost perfect and too good to be true. I came across this place last time as I drove onto the wrong highway and somehow I ended up driving past this paradise. Lake Mongers, situated at Leederville, is truly spectacular and it has a huge grass area for families and friends to idle the day away.

As we were enjoying the scenery, I came across this inspiring scene. I quickly took my iPhone and snapped this inspiring picture that has inspired me to redefine, rediscover and reemphasize that, WE ARE THE SAME. Racism should not happen in any multicultural society.

This picture is truly wonderful. A little Aussie kid having fun by the lakeside. He was running towards  and chasing after the flock of ducks and swans. However, the thing that captured my attention is not the mischievous and hilarious actions. (I used to do that too when I was young) Instead, I was stunned by how these ducks and swans blend together. Among each species, they have their own feather colour. However, both different animals from the same family, different colour, different appearance yet they make good mates. They had fun hunting for food together, swimming in the lake together and even flying together.

Truly amazing and inspiring.

Man has the most complex brains of all living souls. Man thinks maturely.

In this context, we should be like the flocks of ducks and swans, despite our different skin colours, races, religions and backgrounds, we can still be friends for we are the same. There isn’t much differences between you and me. Scientists categorise all of us as one – homo sapien. We are truly one. We are human beings. We are the same after all. We do not want to be discriminated neither we want to belittle others.

There is the message: After all, we are the same. There is no reasons for us to let racism roam freely in our society.

Live well, laugh often, love much =)

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::LEON HA::

My Long Gone Little Hand

My little hand that my grandpa used to hold when I was young as he gently explained to me little fine lines on my palm.

My little hand that my grandma used to grip firmly when she took me out for window shopping and lunch at All Joy or Hong Kong Noodle House.

My little hand that my maternal grandma used to hold and hit gingerly if I was her mischievous little grandson.

My little hand that my dad used to hold firmly too when he allowed me to sit on his lap and drive his car illegally.

My little hand that my mum used to grip when we were outside the house.

My little hand changes so much ever since then as time elapsed.

The little hand gradually increases in size as each day passes by. The little hand grows to be stronger as life marches on. The little hand learns to do more thing and becomes skillful as life sails on. The little hand is magical now, it can do so many things which I cannot imagine myself doing when I was a little kid.

I miss having my little hand being hold by my loved ones. My little hand teaches me to touch and feel everything around me. I learn beyond touching a hot kettle and bawling loudly subsequently. My little hand teaches me to feel the love as my loved ones touch me. I wish both my grandmothers can still hold my little hand. I know no matter how much I have grown up, my hand is forever a little vulnerable one in theirs. And it feels so heart-warming.

I know someday it is time to extend this little hand to someone outside the family.

I will use this little hand to touch and feel your hand and love you. Life is about growing up.

I am in search for your little hand to hold and feel in the ocean of strangers, in the midst of labyrinth, in the middle of tropical forests, in the middle of nowhere. However, someday I will find it and I will extend my little hand and in return, I hope you will extend your little hand to me too.

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::LEON HA::

 

19 Years. Still Going Fabulous Red.

19 years ago, on March 25, in a private clinic, my mum heard the first bawl from her son. I cried for the first time, signifying the birth and addition to the HA‘s family.

19 YEARS.

Years have passed, months have elapsed, weeks have gone by, days have swept through, hours have tickled, minutes have race through and seconds have slipped away and in a glimpse, from my first cry to who I am now.

Time is incredibly fast. Faster than what you have in mind.

Amazing friends do amazing things. In fact, they are the miracles in life. Aaron, Eric, Hong Shen and Vincent secretly plotted my birthday, without my knowledge. The brilliant scheme was a success. An amazing and fulfilling Chinese cuisine last weekend at Northbridge. Sarawakians rule the night, don’t we? The highlight is of course the present. So personal and tailored just for me. There are no other words besides “touched” to describe the feeling! Truly amazing.

Michael, I could never forget you actually took the trouble to get me a wonderful present despite it was last minute. Domino’s Pizza. That is so Australian style. Thank you for sitting down today and chatting with me. Thank you for being another amazing friend of mine. I could never forget what you have done. Deep down from my heart, I sincerely thank you.

Social networks are fantastic, namely Facebook and Twitter. Countless birthday wishes, some so personal and warm and even some tailored to Fabulous Red‘s style. I spoke to Dushan today, saying that I have not said so much ‘Thank You‘ for the entire year than today. Social networks are fantastic. And of course, I still thank you all here, once again. Twitter, thank you for giving me to a figure closing to 300 followers. I am truly amazed by all my followers. Thank you.

Lovable family members. Thank you Dad, Mum and Sis. I had an incredible and wonderful evening. We went to an Italian restaurant in Leederville and had an unforgettable evening. We ordered some greens, chips and pastas. Truly scrumptious Italian fares. Billion of thanks to Dad and Mum for getting me an electrical shaver. I really do consider myself not really the techno-savvy kind of person when it comes to certain thing. Still, it must have cost them to buy it in Australia. Of course, I knew my iPad 2 is making its way too! I love you Dad and Mum!

Traditions are beautiful and priceless. This is why we keep it up in the family. From taking two hard boiled eggs on the morning of the birthday to red packets with auspicious values in it, I reckon we Chinese has the most amazing and rich culture in the world. We are in Australia. Yet, there are no reasons to let our beautiful traditions fade away. 19 years. The tradition and culture will continue and they will be passed on.

Honourable friend. There is only one whom truly deserves this title. He is the one who surprises me the most and the one and only who pushes the day to the highest point. True Mathematicians know how to maximise thing. In my own world, he is a true Mathematician, a truly amazing and successful Mathematician. Thank you so much for still making it a humongous surprise to me and as I was on the edge of giving up hope, I know he will never let me down. Truly honourable.

So honourable that I have to post a Twitlonger, tailored for him too, just as he personalised the telephone call for me. Speechless. Touched. On cloud nine. Over the moon. Lifted high up in the air. Miracles do happen by the way. And I am glad you are one of the miracles in my life. I have always honoured you. In return, you have cherish our genuine friendship. This is why we can keep our friendship alive, ignite the sparks and shine like the fireworks.

I have said plenty of thank you in 19 years.

But this thank you is personalised for you, NEIL MCNAB. Thank you for making wishing me happy birthday a pleasure.

19 years has passed.

Life marches on as usual. But I believe, in the coming 19 years and more, FABULOUS RED will continue to stay as what it is now. And even be more refined and well-defined as years to come. FABULOUS RED lives on. On Twitter, on WordPress and everywhere. Wherever there is LEON HA, I will leave the footprint of FABULOUS RED.

Follow Leon at Twitter!

::LEON HA::

Celebrate 19th on Twitter!

This year, I’ve decided to bring birthday celebration to a whole new level. Yea, I’ll be celebrating with you all on Twitter! Look at what I have just tweeted!

This is a #HAPPYBIRTHDAYLEONHA offer! Throughout the whole day, #March25, follow me on Twitter. I’ll follow back! http://j.mp/grB17V LH

I’ll deliver my promise. Meanwhile would you all keep the birthday wishes rolling in?

MYSTERY REVEALED AT LAST!

We’ll be making a special phone call to my best + honourable friend – Mr NEIL MCNAB! I am looking forward to talking with him over the phone today! And of course don’t forget #McNabfied on Twitter!

Follow Leon at Twitter!

::LEON HA::

I Wonder

There are lots of thoughts and questions flying all across my mind right now. I am curious. Curious to know how the future may turn out to be. Curious to know what tomorrow may hold. Curios to know how the next minute is going to be like. Who would ever know what would happen to our friendship after half a year spent together like this?

I have a fear too. I fear that I move on too fast as time elapses. I fear that I leave behind so many important things in life. I fear that I lose the sparks between us as time advances. I fear that when we meet again next year, nothing much could fall out from the lips. I fear that I maybe the one who swift through time and forget about you.

I know. People often commented that a friendship built upon a strong foundation will have a strong bond and hard to break it. As I always believe, as life marches on, we experience different things in life. Many things in life will affect the way we behave, the way we think, the way we perceive things, the way we respond to external stimuli and many other ways.

As I tap my fingers on the computer and on the table, I wonder how our friendship will turn out to be after we embark on our journey after 25 November. I will be working diligently to realise my dream – to graduate with honours in Mathematics. I will be too striving hard as I stepped out the society. I will have to focus on my personal life as each second tackles. I have so many things lying in front of me.  You will be happily enjoying your retirement, idling away your time since you told me you have not got any plans yet. Nevertheless, I do keep my finger cross that I will not forget such a good friend like you.

I’ve thought about it.

Life has to march on. Time eventually will run out no matter how long the time is.

But one thing I am sure. I’ll always strive hard to keep our friendship alive, keep the flame glowing, keep the fireworks bright, keep the sparks forever. And I hope by then, you’ll be one of the huge crowd present during my graduation in the near future. Besides my family members and relatives feeling proud of my achievement in university, I hope by then you’ll be there to see me graduating – for I strongly believe part of my achievement comes from your inspiration, your success and our friendship!

In 2010, I met a special friend – a special friend that changes my life.

Life sails on as usual.

Follow me at Twitter!

::LEON HA::

Neil McNab

To a wonderful lecturer who has inspired me, a great teacher who teach me to purpose of life, a truly remarkable lecturer who showed me something beyond what we learned in class or in particular Room 49, an honourable man who shares his life experiences selflessly with the people he cares, a helpful and kind lecturer who is willing to help his students during his leisure hours and in fact, there are still so much to talk about.

To a close friend who is always there to be my audience, a loyal friend for giving unfailing support and great advice, a cheerful yet sarcastic at sometimes friend whom I sometimes am compelled to be the listener, it is the mutual understanding and effective communication that makes up and strengthen a friendship, this is what we learn from friends. And also, thanks for the assuring words when I need some assurance. For the welcoming words that make me feel welcomed in a foreign land, an ocean of thanks is never sufficient.

Last but not least, to an incredible author who writes our Maths Specialist study guides. I must say that’s the first point when I look so highly up on my lecturer. It is also his success that inspires me one thing in life – You set your own goal in life, you work hard for it, your dreams will come true.

And so I present you…

Me standing proudly next to my Maths Specialist lecturer – Mr. Neil McNab!

*

Life marches on as usual,

Time elapses as second tickles by,

Whatever a truly noble lecturer has taught,

No matter how many years has gone by,

It shall be immortalised deep within,

An ocean of thanks just for you!

Follow me at Twitter!

::LEON HA::

 

A Once Upon a Time

We used to cheer with joy. We used to yell with high spirit.

We used to play chase with unlimited energy. We used to spend the weekend at the beach.

We used to chat and laugh during lunchtime. We used to do everything with fellow friends.

We used to…

There are indeed lots of childhood memories. And to different people experiencing different kind of childhood, there are infinite kinds of childhood. As time elapses, these images slowly fade away. As much as time has advanced, as much these memories slowly slipped aside from our mind. As the school homework and assignment increases, as the workload and responsibilities in workplace raises, so does the probability of our childhood memories loss themselves in space.

From the simple A, B and C we used to write as homework in Year 1 to 3-4 pages or 500-600 words-long of essays in Year 12, from simple 1, 2 and 3 in Year 1 Mathematics to complicated and brain-teasing Calculus, Algebra and Geometry in Year 12, of so many great differences in life – that is where life takes an ultimate turning point. We traded the childhood memories’ in our brain to make room for knowledge. We all know well enough knowledge is the key to unlock doors of many in the future.

From daily school routine and university life to workplace, responsibilities increase as life marches on. Who would ever thought about comparing Year 1 and college life anymore? The working class would start to reminisce the luxurious life in colleges and universities after venturing into the real world. Who would ever think about the wonderful moment when we play with our neighbour’s kids in the playground? Who have ever thought about taking a walk at the beach, reminiscing the silly yet interesting they did during childhood?

We traded. We traded our own childhood memories for the responsibilities in life as greater responsibilities promises more figures in the back account. And as time elapses, memories shall never be mortal. These days when people work around the clock, pace in and out, who would ever thought that taking a vacation could be a time you can sit down alone and recollect your childhood memories.

Childhood – it’s a once upon a time story.

We never got to relive it anyhow. Nevertheless, simple gestures and actions that come across in our daily life make major impacts on us. It suddenly makes us feel like something has been missing. Part of our past has been forgotten no matter how hard we try to recollect them.

Today, simple gesture you have shown me rekindles the childhood memories in me. It reminds me of how childlike or rather childish we were back in primary school and lower secondary. We showed our friends a cool stuff that they do not have. We held it firmly in our hands and shook it in front of our friends to show it off. The little jealousy that has sparked in our friends’ heart is reflected on their facial expression. Yes. We enjoyed seeing that. Yet, we got over it and the next day, we are friends again. As we grow, the jealousy that sparks in our heart cannot be removed so easily. In fact, they are buried deep down and calling for revenge.

And today, I could not believe that you show me how much I have left out. You show me that there is always still a little kid living in everyone of us. The never-wanna-grow-up part of us is the part that will keep our once-upon-a-time journey alive. Though they do not make up big part of us, the small yet significant part of that is the one that reminds us of so many things in life.

Great lecturers inspire.

And today you inspire me something beyond what is expected to be learned in the classroom.

You gave me a lesson on life. Something more important than anything else.

With all my heart, I dedicated this post to you – Neil McNab.

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::LEON HA::

Like the Music Flows

Somehow today has been an awesome day. Perhaps it may just be another frustrating day for all Canning College community as we had our Mathematics 3AB or Mathematics 3CD Semester 2 exam. However, today just spelled a great day for me! Not the examination part of course.

I started the day with some spills here and there. When I went to College, I learnt that. I am no longer like someone programmed just to say ‘Hi Leon‘ (for example) when I ran into someone. As I was walking down the lounge, I saw Neil McNab. First guy I saw when I reached college. Am I astonished to learn that my first thing to say isn’t ‘Hi Neil‘ but at least a slight improvement of ‘Morning Neil!‘. Yea those English speaking days paid off! Love that!

It had been a nice time in the Learning Centre. People from across everywhere come and sit down to discuss Mathematics questions, tackling the digits and unknowns, cracking the mystery of formulae and relationships. Of calculus, trigonometry and statistics, like the music flows now on my iTunes, today had been a great day at the learning centre.

“Oh yea. Leon will be parked here until I leave.” Neil commented.

And I was like “OH MY GOSH and WTF” but he was so damn true. Oh well what can you expect from my Maths Specialist lecturer. I told you he is hilarious and sarcastic simultaneously. Thank goodness no one is around to ask questions so I got Neil all to mine to throw him tonnes of questions. Oh well, since he commented that, “Oh Leon. Here you come again. With zillion of questions.” Casually, I threw a reply at him, “Oh well, I can’t help it. Too dumb for Maths I reckon?”

Sometimes I do wonder one simple thing – Why is it so hard to break an ice between someone elder than you and ourselves? With a simple, genuine and assuring smile we can always make the world smiles back at you despite how many setbacks and obstacles that lie in front of you. Who says that Neil is someone hard to get close to? He is not as harsh as what many of my friends perceive as. I know I always have this capability of spending not only a minute or two but up to an hour talking with someone. I had quite a long personal conversation with Neil at the Learning Centre today. Longer than the last time we had our pleasantries. Great, wonderful, inspiring and truly remarkable. A lecturer, an advisor and a great friend whom you can count on to listen to your problem and share your thoughts with. A friend too whom share his thoughts and ideas with you too!

Life is always great when it is like the fluent music that plays out beautifully. Like the simple yet beautiful harmony as your fingers play around the piano. Like the fluent and melodious tone as you strike your bow across the violin.

Life, like the music flows – AWESOME and FABULOUS!

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::LEON HA::

Fabulous Red Goes 18th!

Heh I had many plans. Photoshop an art work for my 18th birthday, do this and that. Damn! Term is drawing to a close so which means examinations are all firing missiles towards me! I am really suffocating for I seriously lack of time. Now, I crave 25 hours a day again!

Anyway, despite all those barriers, still…

HAPPY FABULOUS 18TH RED BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

And thanks everyone for your comments, texts and gifts *Aaron and Eric*! Love you guys!

P/s: Update real soon when my term break begins. XD

::LEON HA::

Last Day on Earth as a Child!

18 is definitely a significant number. Once you hit this age, *drum rolls*, you can do almost anything adults can do, oh well, I could say 80% of it as international standard marks 21 as the official adult age. Anyway, 18 is simply significant enough. What things you can do? Figure it out yourself and list ‘em out! XD

Oh well, I never know that, I am now on my last day on Earth as a child! I know you may wonder isn’t it under 12 consider as child? Picture that, once you hit 18, what is the humongous difference between the stuff you could attempt while in 17 and 18? Humongous difference right? XD

Amanda came in the right time. She told me that although I may turn 18 pretty soon, I could always still treasure the childlike part of me, cherishing them somewhere deep inside. After all, I believe even adults crave the naive and innocent life of a child. Pretty true and definitely I will cherish them and this is why I keep my blog and update my Twitter so often! XD.

There is the blend of joy and sad. I believe I am over the moon as 18 means a lot of thing. I can now picture the freedom I am soon to achieve. What grieves me though, is the responsibilities that I have to take up, the sooner I need to depart from the warmth of parents *I hate doing that* and has a sense of feeling older?

Blah. Pre-18th birthday sickness much? XD

HAPPY FABULOUS 18TH RED BIRTHDAY TO ME!

*in advance, winks*

::LEON HA::