Of Learning New Languages

I am in a dilemma! I want to pick up a new language this upcoming Fall semester but I do not know which language to pick. #FirstWorldProblem

I am now quad(and a half)-lingual but I do not intend to stop. I have always love learning new languages because I grew up knowing that language is power. Communication is so important in our daily lives that being able to communicate with people from different ethnicity, different cultures, different backgrounds in their own languages gives me the extra edge. Besides, learning a language is fascinating because through language, I hear the stories, I understand the thinking and I see the beauty of that particular culture. It is safe to say that languages allow me to be more perceptive and more sensitive towards my surroundings. And then, there are other factors like knowing what other people are bitching about you when they bitch in a different language. #TrueStory 

Anyways, back to my dilemma. What language should I learn? I am so spoilt for choices. I am actually choosing between Spanish, French or Korean. Spanish because it is one of the most widely spoken foreign languages in the world and if I were to travel to Mexico or any South American countries, it is always good to know Spanish; French because I have not picked up any European language and I would love to master French cuisine; Korean because I love almost everything Korean and I am such a BIG fan of RUNNING MAN that just in case one day I get to meet any RM members personally, I will be able to blabber in Korean. (Sweet Dreams Sorrano, sweet dreams.)

OR SHOULD I JUST LEARN HOW TO SPEAK WOOKIEE?!

I guess I will just think about it more. But for those who want to learn a new language and do not wish to pay for classes, check out these great online resources:

1. LIVE MOCHA- http://livemocha.com/

2. BABBEL- http://www.babbel.com/

3. BBC Languages-http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/

4. BUSUU-http://www.busuu.com/enc/

Au revoir. Gracias. Annyeong.

Is Malaysia safe?

Besides the Tsunami which hit the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia in 2004, and some flooding cases during the rainy season, Malaysia should top your list as a natural disaster free country.

So, being a Malaysian, we are indeed ‘sua-kus’ (in hokkien which literally means Mountain tortoise-not knowledgeable) dealing with natural disaster. During the summer exchange in Taiwan, me and my university mates were lucky enough to meet Typhoon Soulik when it arrived Taiwan. Alerts were all over the news on how strong and dangerous this typhoon was gonna be, expected to be equivalent to a hurricane. 

Now, typhoon is something we don’t get to see and even experience it in Malaysia. Most of our reactions were like

“Wow really? Let’s go out and experience it!”

“Nah you guys are exaggerating. We wouldn’t wanna spend our weekend locked up in the dormitory.”

Well, typical ‘sua-kus’ and stubborn students.

A day before the typhoon arrive, strong winds can be felt. Everyone was rushing home immediately after work. Grocery shops had more customers than usual, shopping for groceries and preparing for the worst. And that was only when we started to panic. So we grabbed instant noodles, biscuits, junk food and packet drinks as if there was no tomorrow. Nah, just kidding.

Preparing for Typhoon. 

Guys, when the locals advice you something, listen to them.

The wind was stronger than usual and basically it was raining heavily the whole day. Schools and offices were closed and certain areas in the northern region were flooded. We were locked advised to stay in the dormitory to keep us safe.

Aftermath of Typhoon Soulik – flood, cars and houses destroyed, fallen signboards and trees.

  

Well to be frank, to me, typhoon is just destructive winds and heavy downpour (thank God I was based in Taichung as Typhoon Soulik impacted Taipei the most)

Malaysia is a safe place to live in if you are looking for a natural disaster free country. However, I bet you are thinking twice now due to the recent surge in gunshooting cases.

Eight cases in a week? You have got to be kidding me!

It is indeed shocking to learn about the gunshooting incidents which had occurred over the past fortnight. Shooting and killing people in the day. The person shot might be a target or can be an innocent man. Besides that, snatch theft, rape and murder cases happening in the country leave Malaysians wonder, is our country still safe to live in?

No doubt I have been overly-cautious driving alone especially at night. I check my surroundings before getting out of the car, aware of the people around and taking possible safety precautions. But we can never predict what is going to happen to us. Malaysia is not safe, and I think it is the same everywhere. Most importantly, pray for God’s protection and blessing before starting a journey.

I love Malaysia. And I really do.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims

 “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf zahir dan batin.”

Off to Raya open house for food. Om nom nom..

How To Rip/Distress Your Jeans

Too tired of wearing that same pair of jeans? Too bored of that same look? The solution is simple. RIP YOUR JEANS.

Ripped jeans have established themselves in the fashion world decades ago as a bold, edgy yet tasteful vintage piece. They have become quite an essential piece of fashion statement in every woman's wardrobe. You can wear them to the grocery stores, to the movies, to picnics, basically to any casual events, looking cool, edgy and laid-back.

I tried ripping my own jeans for the very first time, few weeks ago. Surprisingly not difficult at all!

Here's how you do it : 

1. You only need a tweezer, scissors, and a great deal of patience!

2. First, use the scissors and make a slit on your desired part of the jeans to be ripped. It's usually horizontal. Then, make a similar slit above or below the first slit, the distance between both slits is entirely up to you.

 3. Using a tweezer, pull a few horizontal strands from the upper and lower margins of both slits.

 4. Then, gently and slowly pull the vertical strands out, one by one, as illustrated in the photos below. A lot of patience is required!

 5. Keep pulling the strands out, leaving the horizontal strands behind, until you get something like this :

 6. You may want to make a few more slits on different areas and repeat the same process. Where to cut, is entirely up to you! Be creative!

 7. You can also make little distressed areas on the jeans like this one.

8. Play around with your scissors and tweezer, add a little creativity, and you'll finally turn your once boring jeans into a new personalized fashion statement with that extra edge :)

What are you waiting for? Try it!

Till next time. Junapeno signing off!

Sunday Tea with Superpeppers

Hello! It's always nice to have a relaxing afternoon tea session on Sunday with your family and friends, isn't it? All the gossips,the debates, the chatting while sipping your favorite cup of tea. We have decided to start a fortnightly column---Sunday Tea with Superpeppers, where all three of us will come together and have a good chat about random things. We welcome your feedback too! It's always good to have some two way communication with our readers.

This week we answered some common questions on Guys and Relationships. Have fun reading!

1. Johnny Depp, Adam Levine, or Channing Tatum? Pick one and why.

Junapeno : We all love Johnny Depp for his mysterious charm and sex appeal, but he’s too quiet in real life. So I would pick Adam Levine! Hot, sexy, talented, witty, charming, and the way he gazes into your eyes (not that he’s ever done that to me) can make you float to Jupiter. And, sexiest voice ever. <3

Sorrano : None. I have yellow fever. I prefer Asian guys. LOL. Why is  Lee Byung Hun or Kim Soo Hyun not in the list?

Cayeneese : Adam Levine. He is such a hottie with a charming smile. As a judge in The Voice, he is so fun and entertaining, that is why I love him.

2. What type of guy attracts you?

Junapeno : A guy who is confident in who he is, what he says, and what he does. Doesn’t have to be extremely good looking, he just needs to be ambitious, smart, well-travelled, witty, fun, and someone who inspires me to be a better woman. I’d like a guy who would go to a jazz bar or a rock gig with me, buy me a drink, and dance with me ;)

Sorrano : I like big guys. Don’t have to be tall but they should have a rather big/muscular physique. And it should be complemented with a big personality.  I am also drawn to independent and opinionated guys. Because of some unpleasant experience, I am really sick of guys who will have the girl do everything or make all the decisions.

Cayeneese : A guy who is confident of who he is, at the same time good in jokes. Oh oh.. Musicians especially drummers do attract me.

3. What are some guy habits that turn you off?




 

Junapeno : Eating noisily. Please, I don’t need to listen to that party in your mouth! And guys, don’t drag your feet when you walk. Burping triumphantly after a meal, no matter how delicious or magnificent that meal was, is a big no no.

Sorrano : Guys who don't shave. Guys who keep moustache or goatee. Yea I am weird like that.

Cayeneese : Farting and sneezing loudly in public, cursing while they are driving.

4. Define a sexy man.

Junapeno : SPONTANEOUS, CONFIDENT, FIT, WITTY. EYES LIKE ADAM LEVINE. SINGS LIKE ADAM LEVINE. Teehee. (Okay screw Adam Levine he’s engaged T.T)

Sorrano : A sexy man is someone who loves food and enjoys eating but at the same time exercises and keeps fit.

Cayeneese : Self-confidence, independent and strong-willed. A gentleman who is nice and caring, and a good physical appearance.

5. Do you think girls should make the first move? Or woo a guy of interest?

Junapeno : Well i’m not fond of playing hard-to-get or any mind games. So i certainly wouldn’t mind approaching a guy and saying Hi. Done that a few times and it’s really no big deal. Outcomes were good :)

Sorrano : I will. But! The guy should reciprocate. I do not like guys who will just sit and do nothing and expect the girl to do everything. Or play hard to get.

Cayeneese : Why not. It is worth the try going after the guy you are really into.

6. Would you agree to go on a blind date?

Junapeno : Why not?  A blind date would be fun! Well, as long as he doesn’t eat too noisily or buy me lousy wine, and tell me grandfather stories about his grandfather who died of syphilis.

Sorrano : Whattttttttttttttttt. Never really had to consider blind dating but if I am 40 and single, maybe yes.

Cayeneese : Yes. Who knows something magical might happen.

7. Do you believe in long distance relationship?

Junapeno : Nope. I wouldn’t like to be tied down by a person living a thousand miles away, not being able to be with him, and restrict myself from living my life to the fullest.

Sorrano : Yes. I m a sucker for true love. If the guy is worth it, if the guy is my Mr. Right, it wouldn’t be hard. If anything, the distance will pull us closer together because I believe in absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Cayeneese : Yes. If two parties are playing their role in maintaining their relationship, I believe distance is not a factor.

8. What is your ideal date (that probably will not come true)?

Junapeno : First of all, the guy has to be spontaneous. We would go to a beautiful lakeside with a ukulele/guitar and beers, play some music sing a lil bit, drink our beers, and then jump into the lake for a swim! And then get on our bike ride to a blues-rock bar, grab a couple of drinks, enjoy good music  and maybe invite ourselves on stage to play and sing a duet! Haha. And after that, we try to sneak into a club and dance our hearts away, and after the bouncers throw us out, we get on our bike and ride all the way up to a hilltop, star-gaze and busk in each other’s company, until sunrise :) OR HE COULD JUST TAKE ME TO ADAM LEVINE’S CONCERT AND WATCH ME DROOL OVER ADAM. 

Sorrano : Guy picks girl up from her house in a vintage car. He is smart in a clean cut suit; she is alluring in a long red gown. Guy brings girl to a french restaurant for a candlelit dinner but forgotten to bring his wallet. Only has 20 dollars in his pocket. Guy brings girl to a water fountain. He asks her to wait. He comes back with hot dogs and a beer. Guy and girl eat and drink happily and joke about their misfortune. It starts raining. Guy and girl laugh more. Then stop. Then stare deeply at each other. Guy leans in to kiss girl. Then tickles the girl. They start to play in the rain.

Okay. Alternatively, I wouldn’t mind killing zombies.

Cayeneese : Flying off to any island we want on a private jet.

9. What would you do to spice up a dull relationship?

Junapeno : I would put masala powder in his tea and say, ”Oh look! Masala chai to spice up our boring relationship.” With a straight face.

Sorrano : Is this blog X rated? Hahaha. Never mind that. Anyways, I feel that to maintain a relationship, the couple must occasionally do things that are out of their comfort zone. Being too comfortable can harm a relationship because there is a fine line between comfortable and boring. To spice up a dull relationship, I would definitely consider doing something spontaneous or wild or just, out of the norm. Triking? Bungee jumping? Karaoke in public? Pole dancing lessons?

Cayeneese : Go for a holiday and try something dangerous together.

10. What is the lamest pick up line a guy had used on you?

Junapeno : I was in London just walking on the street when a  guy suddenly came walking next to me and said, “Hey how are you. Looks like we’re heading in the same direction.”

Sorrano : So I was dancing with my girlfriends at a party. A  guy came up to me and whispered in my ears:” I am rich”. I was like WHAT THE FUCK.

Cayeneese : You are as sweet as honey, I would love to be your honey bee