Final Exam 2.0

I know. It's kinda late to post something about my ongoing final exam. Two papers down, four left to go. There's still SOMETHING to write about.

So, on 29 Oct, I took the BEL260 paper. It was pretty easy considering it is only an English paper. And yesterday (4 Nov), I sat down in the exam room/gym/hall for the PAD170 - Government & Politics paper. The time gap between those two papers was roughly one whole week, so you may think that I had enough preparation to sit for PAD170. Well, truth to be told, I've been studying through osmosis until two days before the paper. (Viv had to spank me, to make sure that I actually open the books, read and understand them.) I sort off regret procrastinating, the course is one of the killer subject, so obviously I had a hard time answering them. The three hours they gave us to answer the questions is not enough.

Moving on. I have four papers left: CTU151, ACC114, ECO162 & PAD160. CTU151 is tomorrow, I still haven't read a word, I don't have the book, or the notes. Nada.
Nothing. I spent my time in class doodling. Never mind, it's mostly logic and common knowledge anyway.

Next week, *sigh* three major papers. One day gap between one another. Maybe I really should be studying. I can't let my CGPA drop. I did pretty well last semester. Mom'll be pissed if there's too much difference. She may confiscate one of my privileges. (Wonder which one she'll choose: Hope it's not my vacation.)

Darn. Alright. I'll study my ass off starting today. It's only for a week. After that, its the HOLIDAYS! I'm going to be on a vacation anyway. It'll be worth it. No?

Now, how should I start?

Perplexing Human Behavior

I once heard someone said that people is the hardest subject to study. And its true, because everyone is different in every way. And we can never be sure what to expect from people.

However, we can always predict their future behavior as people seems to follow specific patterns when it comes to certain things.

These couples of weeks, I've asked myself a few questions.

Why people tend to crumble and capable to do anything to save themselves in a sticky situation?
How could someone who grows up and further their studies in the same city experience culture shock?
Why people brags about the things they do (even when its not suppose to be proud of) and exploits others just to prove that they really know their stuff?
Why do people keep acting as if they're innocent as a white sheet when the truth is they're nastier than shit?

Oh, obviously, these questions rotate around the people around me. If they're reading this, and not notice, I have nothing more to say then. You can close this blog now, as this will be a long LONG post.

I understand that people will always think of themselves first before anything else. I do the same too. But to sell someone out in the process, while you're supposed to be in the mess together? I never force any of you into anything, you were willingly (and eagerly, I must add) signed the letter yourself. You had a choice. You read the letter. And when someone threaten you a bit, you backed out, one by one, in front of me. Fine, I can accept that. Its understandable. You heard every single word he said, as much as I do. So, its on your conscience, not mine. Because I stood my ground, especially when he started to get a little too personal and insulted OUR parents. Yes, our. Just remember, he used profanity to describe your parents, and you just show your back on your parents. Oh, and I know those tears and apologies were not sincere. Because I saw with my own two eyes, the expressions, the reactions on all of your faces as soon as you walk out that door. Seriously, do you feel any remorse? On anything? At all? And today, you didn't want to come and meet the person who probably can saves all of our asses from the bloody mess? Well, at least you shows up, even though you were half an hour late. This shows how much you actually care about the whole mess. And I thought you were better than this. Oh well, it doesn't matter what I think. As long as you're happy with the way you are.


I've asked myself, over and over and over again. How could someone experience culture shock if they've been in the culture all their lives? Imagine this situation, you live in Kota Kinabalu, which is not much of a city to begin with, then you further your studies in UiTM, which located outside the township (and in a pretty much secluded area), and suddenly, you're experiencing culture shock. How does that even possible? Oh, don't use your parents' relationship as an excuse. EVERYONE has a family problem. It's a matter of how you carry yourself. Your sisters are doing fine, and they're in a bigger, more seductive, city, while you're here, in a sleepy town. What is your excuse then? They experience the same thing as you do, and has more temptation in that metropolitan city, but they manage to resist it. How about you? The "Oh, my parents are divorced" thing is not a valid excuse. You're not alone. Your parents are not the only ones divorcing in this world. Statistic said 3 out of 4 marriage fails. Just be grateful it wasn't a nasty divorce, and your parents are still friends. Worst of all, you're all grown up when this happens. Oh, just a reminder, looks is nothing compared to a good heart. So, you're pretty. I admit. And you obviously knows it (as you said it out loud yourself). But that's not your ticket to go around playing other people's heart. Luring and deceiving them into falling for you. Yes, deceiving, as you were lying about yourself. Then, you left them high and dry (literally, or maybe you didn't) for their acquaintance. Your dream is to be pursued by guys. Okay, never mind, that's every girl's dream. You want them to fight for you. Sure, the situation looks so romantic in movies. The difference between you and the heroins in the movies is, you're doing this knowingly and enjoying every bits of the moments. You're taking advantage over the blindness of love, of people that actually care about you. You lie, you cheat, you stole, you hurt. How long are you going to keep up with this charade? The truth will eventually reveals itself. And when that happens, no one can help you.

Writing this just frustrate me a little more. (Okay, that's an understatement.) I'll continue to elaborate more on the last two questions in the next post.

Happy Reading! (Or maybe not)

Saya Kamu

I made this today. During CTU151 class, just right after my presentation.

If you've been reading my blog, or a friend of mine, you should have known that in class, I doodle. And gossips. And sleep. But mostly doodles. I even bought sketch books.

If you can understand my "art", great. If you don't, never mind.

This one during the seminar. (You know, when my BEL lecturer lashed out)


In ACC114 class.


During PAD170 or PAD160 lecture.

The Dress

Well, you didn't expect me to upload the full length picture of the dress I'm wearing tonight for Unitar's Annual Dinner. (Yes, yes. I know. I'm not a Unitarian, why am I attending? My mom asked the same question.)

This is just a sneak peak. I will upload later, okay? The event is tonight.



So, instead, I'm going to tell you about my weekend.

Usually, on Fridays, I only have one class - ACC114 at 10am. But the lecturer told us in advance that there'll be no class this week as she has something to do (I wasn't listening, her class give me major headache). However, we were told on Monday that we'd have a replacement class for PAD160 at 8pm.

Therefore, since I have a whole day free, I set a date with the girls, so we can try own our dresses and decide on the accessories and other girly stuff. (I'd spare you the details). I was planning on going to campus around 6 or 7 later on.



From the photos, you can see that we went out.(D'oh). Not to search for dresses, they already searched for them frantically around Kota Kinabalu, literally went into every boutique in town to find the right dress. Luckily for me, I'm not required to do so, as my mom loves to buy me dresses, even though I don't wear them. (She's kind of glad I'm going to this dinner, because that mean I FINALLY wear them. Some still has price tags on them.) If I have to go around town and look for a dress, I rather not go.

After helping me decide on my dress, Nana said we have to help Awie choose his outfit for tonight. He wanted to wear a vest. Shia Labouf's red-carpet looks. So, i suggested Bingo Man in Citymall.

So, all five of us (Nana, Mimie, Dayang, Kee & myself) went to pick him up at his place using Nana's car (which afterward, we ask him to drive instead). And the car overheated. Which explain why we're in a playground. It was next to the petrol station we stopped in to refill the water in the radiator and let the car cool down for a bit.



We spent quite some time searching for the right vest. After finding the nicest one, we spent more time on finding the right colour and pattern of a long sleeve shirt to match the vest. Then, we reward ourselves with a treat from freesh cafe. (which happens to be not much of a treat as the yo-icecream was yuck.)

Oh, forgot to mention. The replacement class was also canceled at the last minute. And Kee manage to persuade me to go to a party with her last night.



So, today (Saturday, October 15) I have to accompany my mom to a wedding in my neighbourhood around 12 to 1pm (She just told me last night). Then I have to get ready for the Unitar's Annual Dinner (and I just realized I left my dress in Nana's place)

On Sunday, I have HBU 126 tests. Yes, testS. One where I have to march all day according to command; another is the theory test which only takes about 1 hour or so.

P.S: I have a presentation to prepare on for CTU on Monday (Which I should really improve) and an assignment to submit on the same topic (which I haven't even started.)

It's one busy weekend.

Too Much

Have you ever gone through a feeling where everything come crashing down on you, without warning, without mercy, in a speed you'll never be able to keep up?

That's what I've been experiencing lately.

I thought it was just due to the event that took place in my life, followed by the mood-swings caused by hormones and menstrual cycle. (Yes, I'm aware that this might be a little too much information) However, its been a while, and I'm still feeling gloomy.

I definitely don't understand it. And I'm extremely annoyed with the fact that I'm easily annoyed with nonsense. (I just realized the irony after re-reading this.)

I'm complicated enough without these emotions tangled up in me.



It's not like I have a streak of bad lucks or occurrence going on. Sure, I wrecked the bumper of my parents' car. And was (or maybe still) having a feud with a lecturer. I also realized that acing my financial accounting course is a lost cause, I'd be lucky if I'm able to pass that course. Not forgetting that our final exam is just around the corner, and I'm not prepared AT ALL.

I have good things going too. My parents' reactions toward the damaged Mercedes-Benz is not what I expected. They took it well, too well actually. Sure, they are a bit frustrated, but they didn't scold, scream, lecture or take away my privileges (especially the Eurotrip). My friends are awesome too, they keep me entertained. They're cool with my moodswings and don't take it to heart when I annoy them a little too much.

Yet, I still feel ... I can't even find the word to describe it.

My vivid imagination doesn't help either, all they did were to make things more confusing and complicated. And my mind wanders a lot, at the most unappropriated time. Even when I'm driving, which is dangerous, as the drive from campus to my parents' house is approximately half an hour during off-peak and I like to drive fast. There has been quite a few times I almost drove off the road, once with mom on the passenger seat (you can bet that she freaked out and lectured me all the way home).

I'm in a phase where I feel like eating, constantly. However, I don't feel like having Yo-Yo's Peppermint Milky Tea with Pearl and Tuah Baker's bun. I want to get some pizza, but i no longer feels like ordering Pizza Hut's Hawaiian Chicken. This is also a rare case where cupcakes doesn't make things better. Little Italy's Fettuccine Carbonara doesn't seems so appetizing anymore too. There's not much choice left for a picky impulsive eater like I am.

Usually, at times like this, I'd either go to the beach or Signal Hill. Just sit there, and enjoy the view. But the weather doesn't allow me to do so, and I don't feel like being alone.

I don't want to go home; but I don't want to stay in campus either.

I don't want to be bothered; but I don't want to be alone.

I don't want to stay in my room; but I don't want to go out too.

I feel like crying; but I don't think I can force it out.

I want to sleep; but I'm not sleepy at all.

I call my friends out; but I don't feel like talking.

The weather is either too hot or its raining too heavily to do anything.

I pull a brave face. Pretended nothing happened. But its all a lie. They didn't notice this at all. I'm starting to think I should be in the entertainment business, seeing how good an actress I am.



Either that, or I'm going mental.

Photo courtesy of SecretZen.com

No Profanity Intended

Well, yesterday was a day well spent. All credits to a certain person that is amazingly reasonable and understanding.

As some of you may know. There is an Malaysian Policy Seminar held in Federal Administration Complex co-organized by UiTM Sabah from 6-8 October 2009. A few of my classmates, including myself, are selected to participate and be a part of the facilitators in this event. Therefore, the faculty had issued an exemption letter for us from attending classes during the event.

A lecturer however disagree strongly with our participation with the said event as it is time-wasting. On Tuesday night, he called our class representative and demanding all of us to attend his class the following day regardless our other obligation. Noticing the conflict, we discussed this matter with our reporting lecturer, Dr. AP, during the event who told us to go with the original plan as we have an authority letter to not attend the mentioned class.

The next day, our decision to miss his class has been seen as an act of rebellion as we didn't obey his order. He genuinely think that the seminar is a waste of time and irrelevant to us Diploma of Public Administration students compared to his English class where he teaches us how to write a book on the "fabulous life of P.M.R.M." or "P.M.R.M.'s amazing family".

He then called the class representative who happens to be one of us, and elaborately, descriptively and passionately express his opinions and thoughts on this matter. And rather loudly too (thou this is an understatement) causing her on the verge of tears. Seeing how serious this problem turned out, as he also mentioned that that will be our last class, we all abandoned our tasks to rush back to the campus.

As soon as we reach the campus, we went straight to the class. However, we were told that he has left. Therefore, we went up to his office, with intention to maturely talk this thing over, but only to get the door slammed on our face. We waited for an hour, but he still won't see us. After talking to Dr. AP, we decided to just go back to our respective rooms. We were also told to not go back to the seminar, as it will make things worse with P.M.R.M.

We were rather disappointed to not be told so, as the day's presenters were the highlights of the events, with topics that are interesting and mind-opening. Furthermore, most are event related to what we learn in class. We were hoping that this seminar will increase our understanding with the subjects.

Today, even though P.M.R.M. said that he will not be teaching our group anymore, we went to his 8am class nevertheless. We turned our backs on the seminar. As expected, he did not show up. We all just stayed anyway, since we have a 10am class nearby. While heading to the next class, we noticed that he was in the area, and not looking upset at all.

Anyway, from now on, we'll just go to class as scheduled whether he shows up or not. If the university questions our attendance, we will just say that we did attend the rest of the class, its the lecturer who did not attend. (UiTM has a strict attendance policy) We also wrote a formal apology letter, explaining our reasons with the exemption letter attached. We also sent a carbon copy of the letter to the course coordinator and the campus director.

Note: This post is written in formal ways to avoid unnecessary profanity.

Ibnu Khaldun

I bet the title got you thinking what am I doing writing about the prominent Muslim philosopher.

Well, I'm curently gathering information on Ibnu Khaldun and his contributions to Muslim civilization and the world in general for my CTU151 presentation tomorrow afternoon. (Our professor gave us the assignment since the first day of class, I just started around 10pm today. *wink*)

I do want to write about him. What I noticed, actually. See, as I was reading through the notes about him and his biography. I noticed the date where his journey begins. Which is when the great plague swept over Spain.

Come on, people. Does this ring any bell? Nothing at all?

Here's a hint. "Save him! Do everything you can! Save him!"

So? Still don't have it?

Okay, okay. I'm going to tell you the answer: Edward Cullen.

Carlisle Cullen saved Edward during the plague.

Remember now?

My Ideal Partner

Yes. That's the title. Your eyes didn't deceive you.


Wait, hold on. Before you start with some wrong ideas, no, I'm not writing about my own image of an ideal partner.

I just found out that we have to write an essay about it for our English class.

I'm dreading it, of course.

I'm secretly hoping that we have an exception since we're required to attend (more like facilitate) a seminar next week. I don't want to write about this topic.



However, if I have to, what do you think I'll write?

Disaster Gone Wrong?

I wrecked my parents' Mercedes-Benz last night.




Just by going out of the driveway of my aunt's house. I hit the gate. Don't worry, there's no harm done to the gate.

But I can't say the same for the car.


I was expecting some outrage from my parents. You know, some screaming fits, yelling out "You're not allowed to drive for a month!" or "You won't get anymore allowance for 3 months!".

Well, on contrary, when I called my dad out to check out the damage I've done. He just said "Hmm. Bah. Kasi keluar dulu kereta ni." Then he went back inside to continue where he left off.

Then, I went back inside, feeling absolutely guilty and anxious to hear what my punishment(s) would be. I sit down quietly with them only to find out that they are talking about our Eurotrip this coming November-December. I was like, "Oh no! Are they going to cancel it? Am I going to be left behind?" (Note: My parents and I haven't bought our tickets)

I start to listen a little more intently to their conversation. Ignoring Zorro the kitten who's been trying to play with me. Apparently, they were talking about how to get to Paris, Switzerland, Prague etc. from London. My dad said we can drive or take a train. Then my uncle asked him, does this mean he's coming. (Note: My dad usually the one driving whenever they have a trip together) He said he's not since he has other plan. Then my mom turn to me and said "Well, Aqilah and Roxy can drive then, there's always GPS."

At that point, I didn't know what to think. Aren't they suppose to NOT let me drive after I crashed into a gate? I even pointed out to them that I did just so less than 10 minutes ago! (I know, what were I thinking pointing them out?) But Dad was like, "Meh. It was an accident."

You have no idea how relieved I was at that point.

This week has been a... I can't even find the right word. Let's just say it has been a hell of a week for me, okay? The weather has done a great deal of job to reflect my mood. The stormy night, the heavy rain, the cloudy sky, earthquake and tsunami. I feel a lot better after being off the hook from any punishment for totaling the front bumper. But the weather is still cloudy, so is my mood.

My poor friends. They have to endure my terrible mood. My witty jokes have been a lot meaner, and almost crossed the line where it says "evil". I've been a LOT more annoying. Been bugging them like crazy. Being cranky for nothing. Arguing a lot. You know, the sudden mood swing. (Kan Nana?) The darn flu I've been having is not helping either. It just make things worse than it already is. Not to mention I skipped yesterday's classes without a valid MC. (I don't feel like having an appointment with my doctor at this moment)

I wanted to end this. This is not good for myself nor the people around me. In order to do that, I must have some girls night out fun to drive these (emotions? sadness? feelings? anger? what?) away. And I can't do that being cooped up in the hostel nor the house.

Which is why, I can't wait for Unitar's Annual Dinner next weekend!

The question is, is this mood of mine going to last until the night come? I certainly hope not.

Please Don't Leave Me

Gotta Love P!NK

Anyway, on an unrelated note, i've pulled an allnighter tempting to understand my PAD160 - Principles of Management assignment.

Note: Tempting to understand.

Yes, I still haven't penned my part of the assignment yet. I would not admit defeat to plagiarism (yet!) eventhough the clock is ticking. However, I now have a clear view of what they're all about, so I should be able to write them. Especially when my inspiration starts to kick in, I would be typing non-stop.

A personal message to my PAD160 lecturer:

Dear Madam,

The reason why we never seems to pay attention to you in class is because your voice is so small, even mouse have difficulties to hear it. In addition, its boring. Oh, don't be a perv and favor the guys over us girls. They make more noise than us, and they sleeps in class!

P.S: Please, next time, give a CLEAR instruction on the assignments.

Love,
Your students who will ace your class nevertheless.

Meet Me Halfway

Yes, I do realise I've been posting lots of YouTube Music lately.

I'm supposed to be doing my assignments now, I mentioned about them in my post on Sunday. But, to tell you the truth, I don't seem to be making any process. My head is filled with other things.

3 assignments, none near finishing, all to be submitted next Monday.

Let the FORCE be with me.
(Star Wars quote)

Lemon Tree

Like "OMG! I haven't heard this song in AGES!" (try to imagine I saying that line with the bimbo kind of attitude)

Yeah, I haven't heard this song in ages. This song was popular when I was still in kindergarden! But somehow it popped into my head during my financial accounting class. (The lecturer were distributing our test result, I passed, suprisingly) My mind couldn't focus to anything this week. And this week, FOCUS is what I absolutely NEED. My assignments are still no where near finishing, and the dateline isn't going to wait for me.

Got to keep my priorities straight. Have to let go of certain things. Forgo.

Gotta Gotta Keep My Head In The Game!
(High School Musical's song!)

09.09.09

Today is a memorable date (09.09.09). Everyone been buzzing over the numbers. Lots planned to have their weddings on this date; some successful, some couldn't due to overbooking of venue.

It doesn't mean that I'm going to enjoy today.

One Hell of a Week

Oh boy! It's going to be a long, LONG week. (or should I say "weeks"?)

Why is it going to be hell? Hmm. Where do I start?


Monday: PAD170 test. PAD 160 test. CTU 151 presentation.
Tuesday: PAD 160 presentation. ECo 162 test.
Thursday: BEL 260 test.
Friday: 2 PAD 170 assignments dateline.

Look simple enough, isn't it. Not at all. I have an average 3 class in a day. The assignments are to be at least 2000 words. Not only i have to do research on the assignments, I have to study for my tests too.

Definitely a zombie alert.

My sleeping cycle is already at it worst. I will not be getting more sleep with these on my shoulders (or brain).

Not to mention about my life outside school. Whatever the problems out there, they have to wait until I submit my assignments.

A piece of advice to all students worldwide : Proscratination is a bitch.

P/S: If I ignore your calls or messages, please don't take offence.

Operation Zombie starts on Monday, 7 September 2009, at 0100 hours.

Assignments

What a campus life without any assignments?

In fact, there's a little too much assignments given by our "beloved" lecturers and professors.

I've finally letting go of my holiday mode, and slowly trying to catch up on my long ignored campus life. After all, I may be lucky with my result last semester, but it may not repeat itself. I have to work hard to ensure that history repeats itself.

Dream will always be a dream unless we change it.

So, let's start with the course that has the most difficult (maybe not so difficult, just plain annoying) assignments.

PAD 170 - Government & Politics

So far, we've only been given two assignment. Yes, only two. Hold your judgment until I'm done elaborating.

One of the assignment is a book review; another is an analytical-critical essay.

Book Review

We can look for any book related to government and politics. it can be conceptual, analytical or descriptive book about government and politics in Malaysia or abroad. It can also be theoretical, discussing about the different school of thoughts in the study of the field. The review should be no less than 2000 words.

We have to submit our review on September 11, 2009. no review will be accepted later.

Essay

1. According to Francis Fukuyama in his book, "The End of History and the Last Man", western liberal democracy is the best form of government. He writes: "What we may be witnessing is not just the end of Cold War, or the passing of a particular period of post-war history, but the end of history as such: that is, the end point of mankind's ideological evolution and the universalisation of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government" (Fukuyama 1989, p. 162). Those who support Fukuyama believe that he is right by looking at the fact that most democratic countries achieve better economic development and political stability than non-democratic ones.

• Do you agree with Fukuyama's thesis? Why?
• What do you think are the obstacles for a country like Malaysia to adopt a democratic form of government?
• How do you explain the principle of parliamentary democracy in Malaysia?
• Does the current political situation in Malaysia reflect her commitment to such principle? Why?

2. The President of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Yong Teck Lee had attempted to table a motion of no confidence in former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Not later than that, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Wan Azizah Ismail followed suit. Both, however, failed.

• By referring to the workings of a parliamentary system, explain the reasons why both leaders failed to force Abdullah to step down through a motion of no confidence.
• What are the roles of a "party whip" in parliamentary system?
  
• What are the main differences between British and Malaysian parliamentary system?

3. Technically speaking, the president of the United States of America cannot be impeached easily by the legislative branch.

• Explain, with specific examples, why the impeachment process is difficult.
• Compare the selection and removal of a president in presidential system with that of a prime minister in parliamentary system.

4. The legislative process in the United States of America is relatively difficult and can cause deadlock. In Malaysia, a piece of legislation can be passed easily without much hassle.

• Explain, with specific examples, why it is difficult for a bill to be passed in the United States and why it is relatively easier in Malaysia.
• Do you agree with the suggestion to broadcast parliamentary debate in Malaysia? Why?
• How do you assess the quality of parliamentary debate in Malaysian parliament?

The essay should be no less than 2500 words excluding endnotes/footnotes and references. References cited must be listed and should follow the latest Harvard Referencing Style.

The essay should be submitted on September 11, 2009.

Don't fuss yet, take a deep breathe. We only have to choose ONE of the topics for essay assignment. Our professor are not evil demon trying to torture our souls on Earth. He know that we can't possibly do ALL four of them.

2500 words is approximately 15 pages. 2000 words should be around 10 pages then.

That mean, we have to write about 25 pages by September 11.

Note the date. The day World Trade Center was attacked by terrorist.

So, which topic do you think I should choose for my essay assignment? I already chosen "May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969" for my book review.



P/S: This is only for PAD 170. I have 5 more courses this semester.

Puffy Puff

Founders of Puffy Puff

Oh. Sorry. This was supposed to be posted last night. But I was too, well, I wasn't in the mood to type. That's all. At least I'm honest, right?

President of Puffy Puff : Sketching & Approving Logo Design

So, for PAD 160 - Principles of Management, we were given the task of developing our own companies and designing the organization. Obviously, when you group 4 girls with vivid imagination together, we get a little carried away.

VP Marketing : Puffy Puff Brings The Taste of Malaysia To The World

Our task only requires us to understand the organizational chart. Identify the advantages & disadvantages of using such format of organization. That's it. The making-up-your-own-company part was just to add some fun and imagination to the syllabus. We took that part a little to seriously and envisioned the whole things.

The company start-up.
Well, obviously, firstly we choose what form of business we want to run. Service or product. We've chosen product. Then, what product to sell. We had a rather profound discussion on this matter, in fact, I think if we made up our mind 5 minutes too late, the company would have fallen apart before it even "started". Thankfully, Yaya backed down on her cosmetic line proposal and agree on food industry instead. Food chain is a billion-dollar industry, and everyone need food to survive. After chosen food chain franchising business, we had a little bump on the road to success. We couldn't figure out what niche market can we venture in.

Alia Bee, VP Human Resources : Manage the internal organization.

Think Globally; Act Locally.
We wanted to be different, yet acceptable. We're trying to find a niche market in the food industry. We wanted something that shows who we are to the market out there. And someone pointed out curry puff. Hey, if there can be a franchise for asam laksa, donuts, popiah, why can't we have curry puff? So, we made our franchise revolves around puff. Not just curry puff, we'll be creative and innovative. There's more than one way to eat a puff.

So, we also hold on to the phrase "glocalisation". We're going to branch out our product by thinking outside the box. We'll promote the taste of Malaysia to the world, and cures world hunger on puff at a time. Obviously, we won't be too ambitious and starts small first. We have big plans for our product, but we'll start our quest step by step. Starting with South East Asia.

Norhidayah, VP Product & Branding : Manage the product & cooperates with offshore HQ & Marketing Dept.

Playing with Food.
Like I mentioned earlier, there's more than one way to eat a puff. Curry puff is the traditional way, but can you survive by just selling one type? Of course not. People demands choices and varieties. And at the moment of discussion, it was around 11am. We're getting hungry, so our empty stomach boosted our imagination on this part. Think Choco-banana puff, like a French Crepe; Hawaiana puff, inspired by Calzone; Glutonia puff, filled with ice cream. There's more where this come from!

Since we're trying to conquer South East Asia, we try to make our puffs suit the taste of the locals. We thought of what Indian, Chinese, Phillipines likes to eat, and put them in our puffs. We made different menu for different countries. We even thought of marketing plan!

Redhayana, VP Finance : Control & manage the resources flow in the company.

If you still haven't noticed, we still haven't discussed about what the tasks required. An organization. Yes. We're too busy with our ambitious imagination. In the end, we chose to have a product/market organization since it suits our Glocal concept. And because there's only four of us, but so many position to fill, we used one of our name of one title.

For instance, my name is Aqilah Zaiyanie. Therefore,

• President = Aqilah,
• VP Marketing = Zaiyanie.

Thankfully, we only have to create the main headquarters' organizational chart. The offshore department has their own chart, and our lecturer said we are not required to make them too.

Oh, we even sketched a brand design and thought of a color theme. Not forgetting the concept of our franchise. If you still hasn't noticed, I'm into contemporary retro design.

We're Public Administration students, our syllabus train us to work efficiently for the government or any desk job. We can also venture into policy and law industry. But here we are, without any sort of formal training on marketing and business. (Okay, I did, for a month and half. But they don't.) So, this kind of says something about us.

P/S: Dear Business Studies students, can you keep up with us? xp

August

August. The month August can easily be on top of my list of favorite time of the year. Not only it's my favorite number, 8, it's also my birth month. There's lots of activities can be done in August. Furthermore, autumn season falls on August in Northern Hemisphere, which includes the entire Europe. Europe is on top of my list of places to visit. I've always loved the idea of Europe during autumn season, when all the tress are brownish, and leaves falling. Chilly weather, as the Winter draws by. I've never been outside Asia yet, but soon enough, I'll land my foot on European soil.

However, that's not the case for this year. In fact, I felt like skipping the whole July-November semester. If only the universal remote control, that Adam Sandler used in his film "Click" actually exist, I would buy it and skip this chapter of my life. Just like the Sims game I always play. I would use it more wisely and beneficiary than Adam has. Maybe this will only be the only time I'll use it, (maybe I'll fast forward or set on autopilot for my classes) I'm just dreading this semester.



First of all, I dislike the classes I'm taking this semester. Well, I'm just unable to get my head around studying anymore. My laziness is on it's peak! As usual, I'm doodling in class and barely paying attention to the lecturers. Worst, I'm copying other people's work. Especially for Management, Financial Accounting and Microeconomics. Fortunately, I have some basics for my Management class, as I took the course for 1 month in my first semester here. My then lecturer was super-fun and awesome, therefore I remember everything she taught me. My current lecturers for these three courses are, what you can call, plain boring and dull. If only I could make a deal with my university: I don't have to attend those classes, as long as I maintain my GPA, and get A for each of them. To me, that's fair deal, win-win situation. Again, IF ONLY.

Next, for the Muslims, the fasting month, Ramadhan, falls on August this year. To be more specific, on the 21st of August. Two days before my birthday. And it's on Sunday, and there's no holidays on that week. So, I can't do anything for my birthday. Intan planned to take me for an escapade short vacation to Bali for my special day. As usual, she didn't run things with me first, so she didn't know I can't go anywhere, or would have the energy to do anything that I wanted to do in Bali. And Mom wouldn't let us go to Bali on fasting month, anyway. How depressing. My Bali trip has never been successfully accomplished.

Another reason is, there's Pikom PC Fair in Sabah Trade Centre on 7th till 9th August. Yes, I should be jumping with joy, being the geek that I am. But, do keep one thing in mind, I'm a student with no income, and I rely on my parents for financial aids. So, what's the point for a geek to go to a PC Fair, where all the gadgets are on bargain, and leave without buying anything? It will only causes pain on my part. I told my mom about the event a few weeks earlier, so she could prepare her budget for me. Instead, she planned for something else, she's going to Kuala Lumpur the day before PC Fair, and only coming back 3 days after. She knows I'm going to ask for something expensive, and she couldn't deny it, as it's my birthday coming up, and I should be rewarded for doing well last semester.

Furthermore, I still don't know what to ask for my birthday. A car? I don't need one, plus, I'm planning on leaving this place as soon as I finish my diploma. A new phone? Well, my current one is a bit of a mess, as the buttons are all screwed up. But, I'm not sure what phone to get. Plus, mom keep talking about the how expensive phones are overrated and not worth it. I rather keep using my current phone than buying a lower grade phone. A camera? I planned on getting a digital camera at first, but now, I'm not so sure. We have a Canon DSLR at home already, so there's pretty much no point of getting a new one. I'm not really all that crazy about photography anyway. So, what should I get for my birthday? Maybe I should just ask for a 2 weeks vacation in England. Despite the H1N1 outbreak that scaring everyone from walking into any airport. How's that?

Not forgetting, with the passing of Malaysia's most prominent director, Yasmin Ahmad, recently, there's no more interesting commercials to look forward to this Independence Day. Yasmin always manage to promote cultural diversity and unity in all her works. She made them witty, yet deep. No one can take her place. Her passing is a great loss to the nation.

Why

I have this blog for a while now. And I've always, ALWAYS, wonder what to share with the blogosphere. Where should I draw the line so that anything that I share with you will not be too much information and still respect my privacy. Do you know where's the fine line that make it okay to share?

Most of the time when I write, I'll get carried away with all my emotions and write everything that crosses my mind and heart. And after re-reading my post, I'll decide that its too much or too personal to share. So, they are never published, but remain as draft. I kept telling myself, I'll write a more brief version of it. But we all know, that won't happen as the emotions already fades.

How about the times there's something big (both exciting or bad) happens in our life, and we wanted to share it so much but there's no computer around. And by the time we got our hands on one, we doesn't feel like it anymore. The excitement has gone. Or we're just too gloomy to write it down. This is always my reason why there's often a long time period between my posts. It's not that I don't have anything remotely interesting to share with the readers. On contrary, I have a lot of things going in my life. Sometime, things are so hectic, that I don't even have time to write. (Which is why, I placed a Twitter in my blog, so you can read my status update.)

I know I won't be able to update my blog all the time. That's why there's a list of my friends' blog on the right column of my blog. They're my friends, obviously, our lives are connected to one another. If I don't update any of my sites, you can just check out theirs, and know that they'll somehow mention me. For instance, Nana's latest post will tell you that she and I had a H1N1 scare the other day. You may wonder why in the world am I not writing anything about it. Well, after knowing that you were that close to be infected by H1N1, would you think about sharing it to the world, or go to the clinic? Exactly.

So, don't be mad at me for not updating in a while. I will. Eventually. That's a promise.

The Beginning & The End

The long semester break is coming to an end. And despite what most people feel about ending holidays, I'm glad its over. I'm turning into a slob; lie on my bed most of the time. I became so lazy that I even find it difficult to go to the bathroom. I'm in serious need for activities, for both my brain and body.

In fact, I've been looking forward to go back to the campus so much that, I've organized my room and redecorate it. Which, comes to think of it, is a bad decision, as I'm reluctant to leave this room for my dorm room. And Dad didn't make things easier, by deciding to install air-conditioner in my room the day before my class start. Intan and I asked for it for years, and he turned us down. Now that none of his kids stay in the house, he decided to put up one in every room. EVERY. Including my brothers' room, which only be occupied when they're here for Raya.

I'm leaving my room, where it's MINE, with a TV, one three closet full of beautiful clothes, hi-fi stereo, comfy bed(bought last year), new a/c system, new decorations and new door paint (repainted by me!). For a dusty room in campus, I share with a roommate, an old bed, a desk, a small wooden closet, on the 4th floor of the highest block. It's not a fair trade, don't you think?

Enough about my accommodation. Let's talk about class. As you may know, I'm currently taking Diploma in Public Administration. Where we do learn about politics, government, economy & office management. The problem is, I was on holiday. And to me, holiday means holiday. Where I do not care about anything. My mind is free. Which is not good if you're taking the same course as I do. I should have keep up with the news and current issues. Because that's what we'll be discussing in class. With new prime minister and all, I don't even know what going on in the local political world, needless to say about the other nations. Darn, I will have to do a lot of research to maintain my grades. I can't risk failing.

So, what courses will I be taking this semester?

• ACC 114 - Accountancy
  
• ECO 162 - Microeconomics
• PAD 160 - Principles of Management
• PAD 170 - Government & Politics
• CTU 151 - Islamic Civilization & Thinking
• BEL 260 - MUET Preparation Course

Oh, not forgeting HBU 126 - Brass Band, to fulfill my extra-curricular requirement.

Darn, can anyone help me up to speed with the current issues? Please?

The Lesson I Learnt

You should be proud of me today. Why? I studied. No, I actually studied. No Guitar Hero, or any other form of entertainment out there that continuously luring me away from my responsibilities. Okay, maybe my handphone was buzzing non-stop. However, I studied for the paper I will be sitting this Sunday, which is CSC 134 - Computer & Information Processing.

For all of you who sits in the same class with me for this course, surely you noticed that I never come in to class with a book in my hand. Just papers and stencils. The only books you see me carrying into that class, would probably textbooks for the next class or some random novels. And you probably realize that the lecturer and I don't see things eye to eye. Truth to be told, I hate his way nazi way of teaching and vanity. He hates my guts for daring to argue with him. And he hates me even more for winning in most of the arguments. (And how did he reacts to this? By reducing my marks, of course. After storming out of the class. Yes, I was mean. I know.)

Anyway, I studied. I haven't been studying properly since the final examination season started. I was to busy for band rehearsal at Feizal's pad. Viv named the band "UR Majesty". Yes, she named our PS3 Guitar Hero: World Tour band. The point is, I studied. I read the textbook. What textbook? I just told you that I don't have the textbook the whole semester. Well, I do now. I just bought it on Tuesday. 5 days before the paper. And I only bought it after Viv told me I should. (She was worrying about my exams more than I do.) I just started reading the book today. I will not let the so-called lecturer has the satisfaction of failing me.

Okay, enough about him. It's not worth it. I started studying with the textbook I just bought 2 days ago this morning around 10.30 in the morning. And by the time I went out to buy my lunch from KFC nearby, (Home alone. I don't want to clean up after cooking.) I pretty much covers half of the content of the book already. And the book was pretty interesting, after all, I am pretty much a geek.

So, I was reading through Chapter 4 - The Components of System Unit, from the Discovering Computers 2009 - Complete Version, when I came across these paragraphs.

"Most connectors and ports are available in one of two genders: male or female. Male connectors and ports have one or more exposed pins, like the end of an electrical cord you plug in the wall. Female connectors and ports have matching holes to accept the pins on the male connector or port, like an electrical wall outlet."

"Sometimes, you cannot attach a new peripheral to the computer because the port on the system unit is the same gender as the connector on the cable. In this case, purchasing a gender changer solves this problem. A gender changer is a device that enables you to join a port and a connector that are both female or both male."

You can call me whatever you want. Horny. Dirty minded. But I still find it hilarious. This is the closest thing as sex education for the geeks and nerds. It explains the basic human anatomy. Guys have penises. Girls have vaginas. And it even tells us, which goes where. Ha-ha. After reading this, I truly understood what people meant when they say they are "turned on" or the experience was "electrifying". Ha-ha, I guess the metaphor came from electronic devices.

Oh, in the other paragraph, its explains about homosexuality. Seems to me, they're pretty open to that idea. There "gender changer" is probably similar to transexual. Ha-ha. "Purchasing a gender changer solves this problem." Yes, do a gender reassignment surgery, and you'll be allowed to marry. Or pack up and move to states that allows gay marriages. Miss California and Perez Hilton can debate all they want about it. The gizmos are on Perez's side. There's another detail that I just noticed; the book title suit it well - too well. We really are "discovering computers", complete version.

Gosh, this book are suprisingly interesting. I didn't expect to find this sort of information. I'm going to continue reading, just in case I find something else similar. I wonder what they wrote about input & output. Or viruses.