LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

*click on mouse*

Make sure you tune your volume to the maximum, loud enough to wake up the dead mummies buried in Egypt (what am I crapping?)

*Close your eyes....

Now imagine yourself standing at the edge of the most beautiful mountain (think Lake District in UK)...:)

Now scream your lungs out to the opening of the track below.*

Oooh....oh...oh...

Woke up in London yesterday

Found myself in a city near Picadilly

Don't really know how I got here

I got some pictures on my phone

New names and numbers that I don't know

Address to places like Abbey Road

Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want

We're young enough to say

Oh this has gotta be the good life

This has gotta be the good life

This could really be a good life, good life

I say, "Oh got this feeling you can't fight"

Like the city is on fire tonight

This could really be a good life, a good good life

(Hell ya! When I'm feeling good, I believe that life is good!)

To my friends in New York

My friends in L.A. they don't know

Where I've been for this past 2 years or so

From China to Paris to Colorado

Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out

Sometimes there's issues that don't out

We are God of stories, but please tell me

What there is to complain about?

When you're happy like a fool

Let it take you over 

When everything is out

You gotta take it in

Hopelessly

I feel like there might be something I'll miss

Hopelessly

I feel like the window closes oh so quick

Hopelessly

I'm taking a mental picture of you now

'Cause hopelessly

The hope is we have so much to feel good about...

The first verse:
Waking up in weird places not knowing where you are heading is like living life without knowing what will hit you. 
The song is about taking the journey in life and learning to live with whenever that comes your way; remember to embrace it with happiness, suck in the happiness and go on living!  

Because at the end of the day, we are living a good life! And we should be grateful.


It's a song you sing at the moment in life where you feel like you are floating on cloud nine, where you feel so happy that nothing can get in the way to kill that spirit. 


The second verse (My favourite verse):

"Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out

Sometimes there's issues that don't out

We are God of stories, but please tell me

What there is to complain about?

When you're happy like a fool

Let it take you over 

When everything is out

You gotta take it in

And even if there are issues, well, that's just life because life is no fun without one or two bumpy rides on the way, right? Yes, we are God of stories, We live to tell, most of the time, we complain and vent...but seriously, think about it...we are living pretty good lives...

I have nothing to complain about, perhaps more to share. :)

Basically, I love this song because it reminds me to be happy and to appreciate the good life I'm living.

Themes of freedom and traveling around without any worries are encapsulated in the lyrics and listening to it just give me a sense of freedom. 

When you want to isolate yourself from the crap that's going on around you, try listening to this song. Haha.

(Still my favourite country band)

So this song was originally sang by Rascal Flatts but I'm currently addicted to Tyler Ward's version man!

Awesome remake. Check them out!

Till next time!

With Lotsa Love

TC

THIS SONG DID CHANGE ME FOR GOOD

Kurt and Rachel did a splendid rendition of this song from Wicked, the Musical - "For Good".

I knew I like the song the first time Rachel and Kurt sang the song in the episode "New York" but what happened was that I fell deeper in love with this track after I screened through the lyrics because it is one that is so heart-felt and personal to my life.

But I bet most of you can relate to this song - directly or indirectly.

I am sure that there's one person who you'd think of when you listen to this song - most probably, that person had brought a significant change in you, made a difference to your life, shaped your beliefs, etc.For me, when I hear this song, I think of all the people around me - mostly the people I love, but also the people I dislike. At the end of the day, this song reminds me that every single person whom I've had the pleasure to meet is destined to meet me for a reason. Whether I like the person or not, their presence in my life is for a reason or reasons. They are 'teachers', 'role models' and they are the 'lessons' to be learned.

I believe that everyone in this world is on this Earth for a reason. Perhaps, they are made significant for someone else. Although you think you are stupid or dumb, you could be someone else's role model for other things.  And I guess (or try to believe) that God will always make us special in our own ways. I can't recall if this is a quote I read somewhere, or if this is just a statement I came out with myself, but I believe that "you might think you are average, but you might be special to someone else" (something that goes along this line).

Personally, I  interpret that there's also the message of 'acceptance' in the lyrics of "For Good". A friend's acceptance of the person you are, and a friend who doesn't mind your weaknesses, but helps mold you to be a better person. 

In  a nutshell, this song reminds me to be grateful because I have people around me who loves me for who I am and cares for me, and these are the people who has shaped who I am, and helping me become a better person. 

If I were to name the names of people who have changed my life, I'd present you with an endless long scroll...

But of course my parents would be on the top of my list because I've known them since birth and the huge part of my life is the way it is because of them and what they've provided me with.

I have a home, I have had a pretty awesome life all because of them...

My colleagues, my boss Stefani...

I would say my current employment has changed and shaped me the most.

My lady boss, has been an inspiration in so many ways and I've learnt so much it's beyond me. Of course there's so much more to learn but the one year journey I've had on the 'green' ship has changed me and helped me grown as I step into the adult world with more responsibility.

In my company, the captains accept me for who I am, but try to bring out the best in me. 

I am most lucky to be able to meet the bunch of people I'm working with currently. There's no doubt about it. And like the song lyrics..."I believe I've been changed for the better"....although I still could work on the edges haha.

And to all my closest bestest buddies in the world King Kong, Jessie....my pillars of strength and listeners of my ridiculous requests and tormenting vents.

They are the people who practically know me inside (not literally) and out....

I really don't feel the need to fake it when I'm with them.

In fact, I believe King Kong is the one who has seen the ugliest side of me and still accepts me.....

I think she probably might be able to mind read me soon and sometimes, it freaks me out because I think she actually knows what I'm thinking. 

These girls are like my big sisters whom I try to model (although, barely successfully)

Both of them are in my life for a reason and really, in some ways, I think I'd be most sad to lose them as friends.

So, I'd take this chance to dedicate this song to my parents, my colleagues, bosses, and my two bestest buddies because all of you I've been changed "For Good".

And to those whom I really despise, I dedicate this song to you to because you've helped me learn who I DO NOT WANT TO BE. 

(Elphaba): 

I'm limited Just look at me - I'm limited And just look at you

You can do all I couldn't do, 

Glinda So now it's up to you

For both of us

Now it's up to you...

(Glinda):

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason 

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led 

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them 

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

 But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you... 

Like a comet pulled from orbit 

As it passes a sun

 Like a stream that meets a boulder 

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you I have been changed for good 

(Elphaba): 

It well may be 

That we will never meet again 

In this lifetime 

So let me say before we part 

So much of me Is made from what I learned from you 

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart 

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend... 


Like a ship blown from its mooring 

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird 

In a distant wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better

But because I knew you 


(Glinda): 

Because I knew you 


(Both): 

I have been changed for good 


(Elphaba): 
And just to clear the air 

I ask forgiveness 

For the things I've done you blame me for 

(Glinda): 

But then, I guess we know 

There's blame to share

(Both): 

And none of it seems to matter anymore 

(Glinda):

Like a comet pulled from orbit 

As it passes a sun

 Like a stream that meets a boulder 

Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba):

Like a ship blown from its mooring 

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird 

In a distant wood

(Both): 

Who can say if I've been Changed for the better? 

I do believe I have been Changed for the better 

(Glinda): 

And because I knew you...

(Elphaba): 

Because I knew you... 

(Both): 

Because I knew you... I have been changed for good..

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

I SAY I LIKE "WHO SAYS"

This is an exhibit of a simple, but good song.

Okay, if you are thinking Rebecca Black, erm, rethink

Well, I have nothing against Rebecca Black; I mean her song is quite childish, but well, it's quite fun to sing along.

But let's not go there.

Let's talk about Selena Gomez. Her first few singles were not my cup of tea to be honest.

So I remained impartial when it comes to Gomez...I think she is a pleasant teen, but there wasn't any reason to like the stuff she's doing. One thing, I'm no fan of her Disney acts and like I said, not a fan of her songs as well.

However, her latest song "Who Says" gave me a reason to enjoy her star factor.

I heard this song some time back on the radio, liked it, but forgot about it.

Her performance on Dancing with the Stars the other day reminded me about this simple but lovely track.

Her live singing, was, well, acceptable, but the dance and the whole 'live' setting makes the whole performance a good one. :)

So yeah, I think the song is great - simple but inspirational...words are just pleasantly fitted into a few good beats that get you kinda moving. I like simple songs like these sometimes...gets you up and in the mood.

So enjoy "Who Says" because you deserve a good mood lifter and a confidence boost!

I wouldn't be anybody else

You made me insecure

Told me I wasn't good enough

But who are you to judge

When you are a diamond in the rough

I'm sure you've got some things

You'd like to change about yourself

But when it comes to me

I wouldn't want to be anybody else

Na, na, na, na, na, na...

I'm no beauty queen

I'm just beautiful me

Na, na, na, na, na, na...

You got every right to a beautiful life

Come on

Who says

Who says you're not perfect

Who says you're not worth it

Who says you're the only one that's hurting

Trust me

That's the price of beauty

Who says you're not pretty

Who says you're not beautiful

Who says...

It's such a funny thing

How nothing's funny when it's you

You tell them what you mean

But they keep whiting out the truth

It's like a work of art 

That never gets to see the light

Keep you beneath the stars

Won't let you touch the sky

Who says you're not star potential

Who says you're not presidential

Who says you can't be in movies

Listen to me, listen to me

Who says you can't pass the test

Who says you can't be the best

Who said? Who said?

Tell me who said that...

The song tells us to believe in ourselves and disregard all the negative that others might have casted onto us.

A real booster! Fun song....

Hope you enjoy it too.

With Lotsa Love

TammyC

SERENDIPITY IS ALWAYS SWEET; THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

Lee Dewyze's  was the season I skipped as I sorta lost interest.

But since his style is so similar to Kris Allen's, I sorta liked that he won. 

But I didn't expected that he was actually that good, because to be honest, he didn't really captured my attention as he was overshadowed by the likes of Casey and Crystal.....But oh well, it's not fair for me to judge since I didn't watch the show at all, and practically skipped all his performances.

I discovered his talents through Youtube when I was busy searching for Kris Allen's tracks. His  rendition of "Everybody Hurts" was what captured my attention, because it was so good! 

I began to start searching for more of his songs - but then again, his best was still "Everybody Hurts", although his rendition of U2's "Beautiful Day" did come close. 

Was pretty excited when his first single, "Sweet Serendipity" was released, but to be honest, it was only so-so to my ears the first time I heard it...not like those songs that just capture you like "WOW".

The song's melody was okay, but sadly, can't really hear the words he was singing and so, I wasn't really enjoying it. 

But like certain songs I love, it takes a few times before the ears start liking what they hear. It was while I was stuck in a traffic jam, where I really understood what Lee was conveying through this track and it strikes me at the moment that THIS IS A GREAT SONG! 

The song is meaningful and I believe it contains 3 simple messages that I believe in:

 - "Don't Worry, Be Happy"...(because...)

- "Things Happen when you least expect it"

- And I guess, it tells us to be grateful too. :)

I feel like I do live by the words he is singing; and if I get too low or sad, I'll try to remember the messages...

 "Sweet Serendipity" by Lee Dewyze

I ain't got no car

And I got one pair of jeans,

They've been stretched too far

And now they are weak at the seams

I can't say what's next

And I've got nothing up my sleeve

But I don't lose my head

'Cause it really ain't up to me

Sometimes, we might feel that we do not have as much as what others have but we should be grateful for what we have around us. We can't predict our future, what's gonna happen next, so there's no point being upset or sad about the situation we are in. The best thing to do is to enjoy what we have now and live the moment. :D 

I try to do that every day, try...I'm only human, and there's only so many days I can fake a smile and be happy and disregard all the sadness. But come to think of it, at the end of the day, being sad about a situation is the worst thing you can do because it is useless. 

CHORUS:

And I'm doing just fine

I'm always landing on my feet

In the nic of time

And by the skin of my teeth

I ain't gonna stress

'Cause the worst ain't happened yet

Something's watching over me like

Sweet serendipity

My dad said the other day, looking back, didn't we make it through all our hardships?

Yes, it wasn't the easiest times of our lives - we struggled and we fell and we learned and we've been sad, we've cried....but at the end of it....didn't we pull through?

That's the thing about life - we just need to get through that particular rough patch. There's always a rough patch but we only need the patience and the strength to go through it. 

It's true that I feel that I'm doing just fine although there were a couple of times, I've felt so low that I felt I can't climb back up. But just like sang in the song, I know there's something or someone out there watching over me and every time, I made it through; we made it through. One thing I always force myself to think is that "Everything is temporary, you won't be sad for too long".

I don't ask for a lot

No nothing more than I need

Because I love what I got

Don't need to play the lottery

I just want to be strong at the end of the road

I don't want to hold on

I want the strength to let go

I have my requests but at the end of the day, although I do feel sad sometimes when I don't get the things I want, I've learned to be thankful for all the great things I have. I really do love everything that I've got, and really, I shouldn't be asking for more. :)

And if there's one thing I ask for more than anything, is the strength to go through every day - strength to go through the problems, the challenges, the things I hate, the people who get in the way...strength to face all of this and still be happy. 

And the most important of all, it is true that we need strength to let go because I feel that it there is one thing that's hardest to do, it is to learn to let go. Letting go is really tough although it seems easy saying it. 

CHORUS

Don't look fate can only find you

You can't choose for something to surprise you

Set sail without a destination

Just see where the wind will take you

You never know when you're gonna fall

But I'm not worried

No I'm not worried....

Yep, that's how I live life sometimes - no planning what-so-ever...

I just go by the sway of the winds, I guess it's bad in some ways, but sometimes, I feel that planning too far is a waste of time because you just don't know what will happen anyway, and chances are, things might not even turn out the way you planned. So really, why waste time planning when I can just live the moment? 

That's how I have always opted to think. When people ask me, where do I see myself 30 years from now...I can't really give a definite answers...there are so many things I want to do, and I guess I can only tell them what I will try to do and do whichever that presents the opportunity at the right time.

I've learned that there's no point pushing things, no point wanting desperately for something....don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm asking you not to fight for it, or not to work hard for something; I'm just saying, you'll have to learn to let go when the time isn't right. I have learned that sometimes, things might not work out the way I want it to be (for example, I still did not manage to be a journalist, as I aspired to), but in the end, things are working out for me in different ways. And I'll never know what will happen and what I'll end up doing 10 years from now.

So the best thing to do is live the moment and wait for your sweet serendipity. It comes quite often. :)

Enjoy the video. I really love it. Very nicely done; simple but nice to watch. 

With Lotsa Love

TammyC

FINDING MY WAY IN 2011

This is an example of a song in which I just casted aside for no particular reasons, mainly because I generalized most of these songs as the same - sounds great melodically, but with lame lyrics about love and so, I never really bothered to give them a chance.  I guess the fact that we are not very good in Mandarin also fended me from these types of songs - I usually never bothered to listen to the lyrics in particular.

It started off with me teasing my sister for listening to songs like these (all music, no substance) when she played it on her computer. She then told me that this is a very meaningful song. She explained that she too teased her friends during Karaoke session when they sang it, before she realized how meaningful this song is.

Can't help it but give it a listen because to be honest, the song does sound nice melodically. 

Then I realized that my sister is right - the song is really meaningful and inspirational. 

I decided to share this song on the 1st of January 2011, because I think personally, it is a good song to start a new year, the perfect song to greet an older me - a song to push me forward and embrace whatever hardship or challenges that are about to come my way in 2011.  

I guess I suddenly thought of this song as I was driving towards Wangsa Maju yesterday to meet my college friends. It has been more than a year since I went back to the place I had some of the best memories - my college life where I met some of the best friends, whom all I've developed great affection for. I realized how grown up I've became since. I remember being the freshly out of Secondary school 17-year-old, waiting to embrace whatever college has to offer. Then it was a series of learning how to cope with the new environment, new people, new style of studying, basically a whole new life.  

Then 22 brought us all to Liverpool where we embarked on another great life journey. There I found another batch of great friends, whom I shall also treasure for life and whom I will love dearly. Great  and happy moments passed very fast because in a blink of the eye, I found myself thrown into the world of grown-ups, working and making a living. 

There were so many tough times that I've waded through (although compared to many, my 'tough times are really peanuts) and I believe that there'll be more times like that in which I'll feel like not going on anymore. This song is a reminder of the fact that as we grow up, we have to learn to face the challenges ourselves and move on a step at a time. 

It's about discovering yourself as you grow up and mature as a person, about chasing your dreams and finding the path in life that leads you there - thus, a great song to get me motivated for 2011!!!! 

Due to the fact that I'm only about 50% Mandarin literate, I'll try my best to explain this song in English.

My Way by Hins Cheung

Yi zhi zai yun niang, Yi zhi zai pan wang

Baba he mama, wei yi de li xiang

Er yue di yi tian, yi jiu ba yi nian

Wo di yi ci dui ta men zha le zha yan

I was waiting in my mum's womb and I was my parents hope and pride,

February 1st, 1981 was the first time I said "hi" to my parents

Deng dai kuai dian guo qu, duo shao ge ming tian

Xi wang zhe ge bao bei kuai kuai zhang da yi dian yi dian

Shen ti yao jian kang suo you de shi qing dou ru suo yuan

Baby zhang da yi hou jiu shi xiao xuan

My parents waited eagerly everyday 

Wishing that their baby boy will grow up fast and healthily, nothing else mattered

Their son's name is Xiao Xuan 

CHORUS
I will find my way, I want a different way

After the wind and rain,

There'll be a brand new day

Xiao shi hou shou shang you ren xin tong, shi luo you ren an wei

Xian zai yu dao kun nan zi ji jiu yao xue hui mian dui

When you were small, 

There'll always be someone to comfort you when you get hurt 

But now when you meet challenges and difficulties, you will need to learn to face them yourself

I will find my way, I want a different way

Nothing will stop me now, No matter what they say

Kun nan yao yong wo de jian qiang he nu li yong gan mian dui

Xian zai yong xin qu zhui, gan jue jiu dui

I'll find my way

When faced with difficulties, I will need to persevere and work hard to face them myself

I will need to chase and pursue my dreams passionately and follow what my heart says 

Yi zhi jiu zhe yang, zhao wo de fang xiang

So this has how it has been, trying to find my direction

Bu li hui bie ren qi guai de yang guang

I disregard how others viewed me

Zhi dao you yi tian, wo hu ran fa xian

Until one day, I realized that

Meng xiang yi jing zai shi xian,

I'm getting closer to achieving my dreams

Deng dai kuai dian guo qu duo shao ge ming tian

Kan zhe zi ji yi jing man man zhang da yi dian yi dian

Wo de sheng huo ying gai rang wo zi ji xue hui zhang wo

Xiang xin zi ji, bu pa feng yu zai duo

As days passed and I realized that I've grown up little by little,

I should grab hold of the opportunities and decide my own fate,

Believe in myself, no matter what comes my way

REPEAT CHORUS

Ain't the song beautiful?

HAPPY 2011 EVERYONE!!