RULE 2: DON'T FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE.
"But that's the thing about Mary-Kate: She alone makes and breaks the rules for her life. I remember in high school - I think it was for prom or a winter formal - my sister wasn't happy with a kimono-style dress she was going to wear. So she did the only thing she knew how to do. She made it her own - visible staples and all. She possesses that rare gift of individuality; she doesn't need approval from anyone or anything. I trust her to always call it as it is."
- Ashley Olsen on Mary-Kate Olsen
Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
I don't regret buying that big, thick, $70 book at all. Although in the whole book I only really read and looked back at that page. What I love about that paragraph is that Ashley could actually identify that prominent feature about Mary-Kate that made Mary-Kate ... Mary-Kate. On the way back home from school with Nadia, I wanted to know what people could identify and know me by. The emcee girl? The girl guide? The Nadia look-alike? She told me that people used to look up to me as pretty, intelligent and lady-like (I'm anything but that, I assure you). Used to. I have to admit, I felt hurt. But what's new, right? I went deep into thought and didn't pay attention to what Nadia went on about (sorry, Nadia). Nadia knows me too well. She continued: "There's this thing about you - you're eccentric but in a good way - there just won't be another Maliah Zubir."
That touched me. I still thought about it until I got back home. Eccentric and unique but corrupted. I'm still on the path of self-discovery and I thought if I wanted to find out who I am and who I want to be, I should start by looking back.
I dedicate a part of my room for my memoribilia. But I don't let anybody look at it; it's like my secret. Everything you see up there is part of it. Sango from Inuyasha. Sailor Moon. I'll admit it now: I used to be a BIG fan of anime in Pri 6. Don't you find Japan a divine country? I love all that creativity and culture. Yuni, if you still read my blog, I still keep that note you gave me on 29/02/08. I love that note. It's a very touching note. Khairunisa Othman, you may not know it but I really, really, really love the be-a-utiful birthday card you made for me in Sec 1. I don't care if you think you can't afford me a gift; it really is the thought that mattered. I look back and I see what I take for granted. Maybe now I have to be careful.
Do I now know who I am and what I want to be? No. But I'll keep on looking up to people who do. Oprah Winfrey. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Barack Obama. Ben & Jerry (the one and only; I have a book by them too, complete with ice cream). Jay-Z. Even Farreha.
Thank you. I'll be on my way now.
