Merdeka!
Merdeka!
Happy 56th Independence Day, my dear country :)
Honestly speaking, the patriotism isn't getting any better this year, as I don't see any shoplots hanging any flags (maybe there is, but HARDLY). The drivers weren't as enthusiastic to decorate their cars like how they used to be. Plus, the water crisis that is happening totally ruined the Merdeka mood for part of the citizens at Selangor area. Rants are everywhere.
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Still remember clearly that back in high school, teachers used to organise competitions, in various categories such as poetry, essay writing, acting, drawing, singing, and class decorating. The egoism that lied in each of us made the whole atmosphere super competitive to the point 'riot' almost happened between classes just to win the title. What we'd got in the end? Just the fame and title for the winners, a small consolation prize for the losers. But what did we learn in the end? It's not about the awards, but it's the sense of patriotism and love towards our country that our teachers are trying to build on us. For that, I am really thankful to have had those experiences in my high school life.
Still can't forget that every student was required to make their own merdeka hat/cap using manila cards, glue, crayons and stapler. Hundreds, probably thousand of small flags tied by strings are used to beautify the school, to make the entire school compound filled with colours of red, yellow, blue and white. I was so proud of my school because it was really beautiful and very patriotic. However as years pass by, the spirit dies. How sad.
Celebrations at school, with friends and teachers are always wonderful. The patriotism when each of the patriotic song was sung, the enthusiasm in waving our national flags, the appreciation of culture through each traditional dance, the swaying moment upon enjoying every rhythm of the song.. all these are priceless. It's a tradition practised from a year to another, I wonder if it is still maintained until today. Life was so so simple back then. :)
Where else at home, every year, on the Merdeka's eve, I'll make sure myself to always switch on the television at least an hour before to count down together to 12 o'clock sharp to shout merdeka merdeka merdeka while have a good time looking at the fireworks display through the square box with my family.
Well, the yearly habit dies too.
Yesterday (Merdeka's eve), I did not do what I always do on the day before the Independence day. Instead, I watched a show called 'Quickiependence' by the 8tv Quickie Show and then rested my butt in front of the computer until I sleep. Surprisingly NOT, hardly any sound of fireworks can be heard here because as I said, the spirit dies... slowly. And today (Merdeka Day), I had my usual jog (my first time actually to jog during the Independence Day haha) and came back to have my breakfast while watched the parade that was going on at Stadium Merdeka this morning. The celebration was just so-so, not as great as the one 6 years ago which also carried out at the same place I guess? Neh, I couldn't remember.
Oh well, this year's Merdeka day has been a rather blissful one. Rained twice, everything was happening like normal, no holidays or whatever, it was peaceful :)
Despite of everything above said, Happy Merdeka once again, my country :) We've been freed for 56 years, all I hope is just a better nation, developing and continue improving country- free from crimes, corruptions and racism.
Enough of putting shame in whatever ways, let's us all unite to make the country a better name in the eyes of the world.
I quote Michelle Phan, "Focus inwards, not outwards."
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Anyway, I'm actually three minutes away from September hee,
Here is my September's resolution list!
- Sleep early
- Create a good habit
- Read.read.read. my heart out
- Find ways to overcome sleepy mode (very useful for future study plans)
- Outings outings outings!
- Enjoy the last 29 days to the maximum!
Aye, aye, aye, bonjour September!
