I will not be able to update my blog from 18 November till 5 December.

During that period, I will be brushing my skills with my dad's DSLR and my navigational instinct. My geographical knowledge will be challenged and in good use. Physical fitness will also be put to the test.

In short, I will be on vacation.

Screaming from Within

I just came back from my aunt's place, which is just down the road from my house.

You can imagine how happy and excited I am right now. Words can't describe it. If I wasn't so paranoid and care too much what others think of me, I'd be hopping, swirling, ballet dancing in the rain under the barely there moonlight. Singing cheerily out of tune. Kissing and hugging possibly literally everything that's kissable or hug-able. Or if I'm a manga character, you'd possibly see my pupil unrealistically dilated and sparkly, and so happy and grateful that my eyes become teary.

Yes, I am THAT happy. Those kind of feelings doesn't come too often.

I'm promise I'll tell you what the fuss it about. LATER. Not in this post.

A Night To Remember

I think I have promised to upload the photos taken from UNITAR's Annual Dinner which I attended.

So, here's some.

Mr. Photographer

All credits to our photographer of the night, Mr. Hisyamuddin (a.k.a. Awie) You can check his blog at awieinside.blogspot.com.

Black & Blue

Fooling Around

Dr. Morni trying to bring it.

The Cinderella

She broke her heels. That's what she get for wishing to be a Cinderella.

P.S: Most of these pictures are taken by Kee Zul as she borrowed on of Awie's DSLR. I'm waiting for those snapped by Awie. Come on, Awie! We want more photos!

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.

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.

PostSecret

I have always been a follower of PostSecret Sunday.

And I've always liked this PostSecret - Love video compilation.

Eid Mubarak

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims of the world.


It's only the second day of Raya (or known as Eid Mubarak to some part of the world), and Raya lasts for the whole month. So, I guess it's not too late to send my wishes.

Unlike last year (and the year before), this year all members of the family is in town to celebrate the first day of Aidilfitri together. There's nothing much I can write about Aidilfitri here, I won't even attempt to, as I won't be able to find the right words to describe everything, anyway. So, you just have to check out the photos I uploaded.

To check out this year's Aidilfitri album, click on this link.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=109523&id=792998469&l=998ed060ed

Oh, I would like to take the opportunity to invite you to our openhouse this year. It would be held at my family's home (hence the word 'openhouse') on 25th September 2009, Friday. Around 7pm onward.

Don't be shy, it's an openhouse, it's not like I can kick you out anyway.

Let's End This

Oh Gosh, I just checked my own blog. And realised that for the past numbers of posts, it has been a streak of Youtube music videos.

And cheesy, cheesy musics.

This have to end. Even I myself want to barf at my own blog.

I need a better taste in music.

Anyway, let's begin the ending of these cheesy songs with a real music.



Ah. Paramore. That's much better. Isn't it?

Okay, since my previous posts has been nothing but Youtube videos. I'll write about my week in this post.

So, I have my brothers back in my parents' house. Don't worry, it's just for Raya.

I never realised how much I missed them. (I'm sure they don't read my blog. Therefore I feel safe pointing this out.) Both of them being here brings back old memories. The kind of memories that made you chuckle or laugh out loud when you reminisce.

They can be annoying at times, but somehow I don't mind it. Really. I truly don't. Even when they hijack my stuff, made me do stuff, or got me in trouble with the parents. They're my brothers, and thats what brothers do - make their sister's life miserable.

Their little teasing and constant demanding make this big empty old house merry again. Sometimes, their subconcious actions brought smiles and laughter too, and they don't even realise it.

We all have our own egos. We all don't want to show our true emotions. But we all know that we care. Eventhough we try our very best to hide them. Yes, our "I-don't-care-what-you-do" attitude is actually what give us away.

One more sibling, and the equation will be complete.

Hurry home, sister! It's not the same without the true troublemaker.



A Paramore cover to notes the end of cheesy songs in my blog.
(Well, at least for these few weeks.)

M

Someone gave me a plushie. A canine plushie. I'm not sure whether it is a Chihuahua or a puppy. But either way, I'm naming it "M". Isn't it adorable? M comes in his feeding bowl. I'm placing him in the car. That's way, M will always be with me when I drive, blocking my view, annoying me when I swift to the left or right. Just like the real-life M. And of course, so that he'll always remember I hold the steering wheel in this relationship. I'm licensed to.



Speaking of canines, check the above picture. I was driving off my neighbourhood to go to the city. This dog is slowing me down. I was pissed at first, then I noticed something. It's carrying a yellow plastic bag!



Stray dog. Must have raided someone's trash. Haha. But its amusing thou, he walks all the way down with the bag.



Oh, I saw a Prius today. In Kota Kinabalu. Wonder who owns it.

Today

I found out where I learn to procrastinate.

Like Mother; Like Daughter.
I figure I don't have to give examples of my laziness. They'll be too many to list down, and I'm to lazy to type down. How did I found this out? Well, my campus is in the same area as my mom's office. So, if I stay at home on weekdays, I'll carpool with her to go to class. Today, after I showered, I noticed Mom is still cozily asleep in bed. So, I nudged her and ask if she's going to work because we're going to be late. She gave me a sheepish smile and cheekily said "Malas. Nda mo. Nda mo. Nda mo. Adeq bawa la kereta" before she went back to sleep. Before I go, I asked again, and she rolled out her tongue and said "Bye!".

My ignorant behavior toward my campus life finally caught up with me.

Ignorance is bliss, NOT!
Well, I never really cared for what happening in my campus. For these 6 weeks of class, I've only slept in campus for a week. I don't participate in any college activity. I didn't even realise UiTM's Validation process was last week. Yes. Why? Because the day I decided to skip a whole day of class for a day of fun in the sun, is the day to validate my courses.I guess sunburned back is not my only punishment for ditching, I will now have to face possible consequences for this. I'm not sure, whether I'll be fine, or I'll be fined. Worse, I may have to drop few subjects. Worst, I may have to drop ALL subjects. Meaning? I'll have to postpone my studies for ANOTHER semester.

Obviously, I haven't fill my parents in on this. They didn't know I didn't attend my classes. I'll have to face this alone. Whatever the consequences is, I'll have to make up a different version for my parents. Oh God! Please give me a good news tomorrow! I promise I'll be good and excel this semester.

Ur Majesty is back!

Bow down to the rockstar royalties!
Feizal got the Guitar Heroes back! Empress Viv is in town! Princess Cerys is still here! Time to rock!

Too bad Prime Minister Roxy has to go ashore for work in England. And Emyr Mel the Don has some business in Kuala Lumpur. Or else, the whole band can reunite and rule the show! Oh well, today's gig has been splendid. Much work need to be done, thou. Our royal skills has been a little rusty as ruling the people taken us away from Guitar Heroes. In addition, our rockstar diet, which consist of Yo-yo Pearl Milky Tea and Cupcakes, were not complete.

Be patience, Your Highness will serve our royal performance before you know it.

I don't look my age.

My mom has some guests over to the house, along with Kak Sofia. They were talking about some products when I came to the living room with their drinks. Obviously, as the host, I'm obliged to serve and entertain them. That's when one of them asked loudly to my mom and me, "Ni yang paling kecik? Brapa sudah umur kau ni? Form 3 suda ka?" (She's the youngest? How old are you now? Form 3 -15 years old-?)

I let out a little laugh and told her the truth. I'm going to be 19 in less than a week. And I'm studying Diploma in Public Administration in UiTM Sabah. To tell you the truth, I'm ambivalent by this. It's actually a pretty common remarks on my looks. I know it myself that I look younger than my age. Most of the time, I even act younger than my age. Usually, when people point that out, I even exaggerate it a little more. But tonight, I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or offended by the comment.

I was acting at my best behavior. Serving drinks, making polite conversations. I didn't do anything remotely silly or that will point out the kid in me. Why do they still think I'm 15? 15 and 19 is 4 years differences! FOUR YEARS. 48 months. 192 weeks. 1461 days. 35064 hours. Gosh.

I may have to start wearing makeups for the opposite reason. I'm going to wear them to look mature. Yes. MATURE. Not old. If I want to look younger, I'll just go out barefaced. It'll take four years out of my age.

Photographer For Hire

As you may know, a very good friend of mine, Kristine Emmanoelle (or Krissy to the close circle) had shown her interest in photography. Ever since she got her Canon DSLR camera for her 20th birthday, she's been playing with her baby (yes, she calls her camera "baby"). From ants to buildings and people, she's been making the moment permanent through the shots of her camera. Capturing the moment has become her obsession. She wants to bottle up the emotions through the lens of camera so that she can share it with everyone and make the moments last.

Now, she wants to capture that special moments in your life, so that you too can look back and reminisce the good times that you had.

Here's some sample of her works. All the models are her friends and family, willingly pose so that Krissy can sharpen her skills and sense with the lens.








For RM100 for a session, you have the privillage of enjoying Krissy's touch in photography. She'll gives you the best 50 shots in a CD, so that you can your favorite, and print them any amount you like. Her package is negotiable, of course.

For any questions or information regarding Krissy's service, you may contact her directly through her mobile number (+60195851681), her e-mail (awkward_lines@yahoo.com) or her blog. You can also submit any inquiries through me, I'd be happy to help.

Oh, don't forget that we're based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. So, if you're somewhere outside of KK city, and wants her service, we have to negotiate the transportation.

You can check out more of her works at her photoblog or Flickr.

If those links doesn't work, try these:
http://k-emmanoelle.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/k-emmanoelle/

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.

Sapal

One may wonder what's the meaning of the post title - "sapal". What language is the word originated from? What the definition of the word? Well, to tell you the truth, I don't know. I'm not even sure if its even an actual word.

How did the word came to me? Well, all the credits belong to Krissy, whether she likes it or not. See, she came up with the word last night. By accident. And from her reactions last night, she hates it.

Okay, maybe you don't understand what the hell I'm trying to say, so let me break it up to you. Fel, Ari, Yan, Krissy and I often held conference chat on Yahoo! Messenger at night and treat it like a talkshow. It was my idea, and I usually play the role as the host of the show, just to spice things up a notch. We have different topic every night, its all depends on what's the latest buzz in our lives. Last night's topic was about Krissy's latest photoshoot sessions with F, A, & Y.

You probably still wonder, what the hell does all this have to do with the word "sapal"? Well, I believe it has everything to do with it. See, there's where it all started. It was actually a silly typing error on Krissy's side. She wanted to tell us that she'll be off the show for a moment because she has to answer a phone call. She was typing in hurry and typed "pasal" incorrectly - "sapal".

So, while Krissy was entertaining her caller. Fel and I wasn't being kind to her. We sort of cheated, as she wasn't there to defend herself. We started to mock her spelling error. Using the word "sapal" in every sentence in any way we can think off. It's started as Krissy's middle name. To her alter-ego's name. We used is as a noun, adjective, adverb, verb, conjunction & etc. Like I said earlier, in any way we can think off. All in Malay, of course.

Five minutes gone by, and she's still not back for the show. So, it started to turn ugly. I started the contest, "Who can use the most "sapal" word in a single sentence in Malay? and make most sense out of it". There's no rules, apart from it has to be in Malay, and we're allowed to change the word a bit by adding imbuhan to the original word "sapal". For example, menyapal, disapal, kesapalan, sesapalnya.

The result, as you can imagine, is hilarious. And Krissy is furious about it. She doesn't think it's funny. I'm pretty sure she's even more angry if she read this (and I know she's read this). I would like to post some of the sentences we came up with. But if I do, I don't think Krissy will ever forgive me if I did. Unfortunately for Krissy, I doubt that Fel and I will let this go easily. We haven't tried to use the "sapal" word in English yet. Sorry Krissy!

Reminiscing

A loud bang on the door shook me off my dreamless sleep and on to the floor this morning. Surprised and confused, not to mention pain as I fell on my back hard. Immediately after composing myself, I opened the door, wondering what was the emergency for anyone to knock on the door so hard, only to found Mummy standing on the other side with a mug of coffee in her hand, who merely said, "Hantar Mama pergi airport."

My reactions to that was; to rush off to the toilet to wash my face and brush my teeth; to change my clothes; to get the car ready; and to place my mum's luggage in the trunks. I forgotten that she's going to Johor today, and didn't know what time was her flight; so I got ready so swiftly, thinking she's going to be late to the airport thanks to me. If you ask me, I'd say I handle things pretty well, considering I just woke up. (My close friends would know that I'm a cranky person if I'm woken up from my sleep) However, I did almost drove off without my mom in the commotion. Fortunately, I realized that she wasn't in the passenger's seat nor downstairs of the house. I went to her room, and found her sitting on her bed, watching TV.

Anyway, half an hour or so, she was ready to leave the house. On the way to the airport, she saw an ad on the billboard for the "Smiling Fish" sardines. She let out a chuckle and I asked what's so funny. Obviously, I didn't notice the billboard. She said, "Smiling Fish" only instead of reading it in English (smile-ling), she pronounced it "smi-ling fis", just like how your read it in Malay. I laughed, because I know exactly what she was thinking. You see, my brother Z used to pronounce it that way when we're kids.

It didn't take much to bring back old memories. My mum suddenly remember all the word he used to pronounce wrongly. Z used to call our old BMW car "B-M-da-da-u". Ha-ha. He always liked that car. Still does, I assume. That's not all, he also pronounce biawak (lizard) as "bini-awak" (which means, your wife.) I wish I could list down all the words here. But that would be a long list, and I have to refer to my mum. Oh, and he's going to hate me for it.

Z has always been an adorable kid. Adorable chubby kid. And a sweet brother. When we were younger, he was my closest siblings. (Intan was in her rebellious teenage phase) We always play together, and he always back me up. I assume he likes being the big brother, the sense of power to protect his baby sister. I still remember that one day, he refused to go to the kindergarden, because I will not have anyone to play with at home. Isn't it adorable? As a result, I followed my parents to send him to kindergarden everyday.

My mum and I had breakfast at the Asian Delight Cafe in Terminal 2. There we talked about our old memories; the hyperactive tomboy-glamour Intan; the preserved silent geeky N; the chubby cheeky Z; and me, of course, the curly haired shy girl who hid behind Mummy and frown every time anyone wants to get near her. We're a handful bunch of kids, all right. Intan alone is hard to handle.

Gosh, I miss being kids. And I miss my siblings. We may not be tight and keep in touch often, but we care about each other. Or at least I do. I can't wait to go to Kuala Lumpur and have our usual arguments.

Ka'amatan

The word Ka'amatan is derived from the root word 'tomot', a Kadazandusun term for harvest. Thus, Ka'amatan refers to the paddy-harvesting period, which involves a series of traditional rituals culminating finally to the Ka'amatan Festival.

Over the years, the Ka'amatan Festival has evolved and transformed into an epitome expression of the multi-cultural souls of the indigenous peoples of Sabah. Through the month of May, Ka'amatan celebrations are held annually at the family, village, district and State levels.

Kota Kinabaly City Tadau Ka'amatan Carnival 2009 will be held 14-16 May 2009 at Lintasan Deasoka (Gaya Street), Kota Kinabalu. The 3 days district level celebrations is organized by the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and activities are planned.

14 May 2009 (Day One)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

7.40 pm - Opening Ceremony by Y.B. Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment

- Magavau Ceremony (Ritual to Restore Bambaazon - The Spirit of Rice)

- Choir

- Traditional Dance Performance by Sabah Tourism Board

- Singing Performances

- Visit to Rungus Traditional House

- Fireworks display

- Special appearance by Unduk Ngadau (Beauty Pageant) contestants

- Sumazau dance

10.30pm - End of Show

15 May 2009 (Day Two)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

8.00 pm - Sugandoi Concert

- Prize Presentation

10.30 pm - End of Show

16 May 2009 (Day Three)

6.00 pm - Food and handicraft stalls open at Gaya Street

7.30 pm - Unduk Ngadau Legend Presentation

- Unduk Ngadau Pageant (Beauty Pageant)

- Performance by guest artists

- Prize Presentation

10.45 pm - End of Show

I will be there throughout the three-days carnival promoting Umobile (018) with the others from the super-fun Umobile team. Umobile booth will be at booth #43, which is allocated directly in front of Pizza Hut. It's a festival; all of you have to come and join me. After all, the more the merrier! I can promise you that Umobile's booth will be the most happening, most fun, and cheerful booth on the block! There will be big bikes for shows, too!

I hope to see you there, and be sure to wear orange clothing, if possible.

Umobile: U call the shots!

Why Bali when you're already in Sabah?

I'm not writing about how Bali is much better than Sabah. In contrast, I'm writing why you should use your expense for your vacation in Sabah instead of any other islands or beaches in other places.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no different with you. I wanted to go to Bali. In fact, if it wasn't due to the swine flu (or Influenza A, as they want us to call it), I'd be packing for Intan's birthday gateway to Bali right this moment. To be honest, I'm still very upset about it. 5 days in Bali sans the parents. Only me & Intan, and a couple of friends. We'd be able to do anything we want (as long as our budget covers it, of course!) I was looking forward for it, it would be my first trip outside Malaysia without the parents. Ah, the freedom I longed for. Then, the pigs came a long and stomp on my hopes and dreams. How easily a dream can shatter.

Well, I'm not letting one small bump on the road ruin everything. If I can't go to Bali, I'll bring Bali to me. I'd make my own Bali-like experience right here in Sabah. Bali is an island, Sabah is surrounded by islands and the sea. How much different can it be? I probably can do much more here than in Bali. In addition, if I'm running out of budget, I can always run home and ask the parents for extra. (Well, in theory. I'm sure they are not keen on that idea.)

Like any other typical Sabahan, I was skeptical with my own idea. (Yes, my minds was arguing among themselves.) "Oh gosh, Sabah? But there's nothing here! Literally, nothing!" Well, it turns out, we're not doing a good job being a Sabahan. There's a lot we can do in Sabah. But (yes, there's a but) we just can't be expected to do it as the activities in Sabah are mostly outdoorsy and suitable for adrenaline junkie. Or they're more to cultural activities.

Anyway, I did a little research. After all, I need to present this to the parents so they'll approve on both; permission to go without them and the budget required. Obviously, they'll be impressed with my idea. But that still won't confirm that they'll agree to sponsor it. Never mind the budget, I can fork it out of my own account. The main problem is, getting their approval for me to go. The demerits of being the youngest is, the parents will be most protective of you. As if they are not overprotective and overbearing enough.

I always have a thing for beaches. So, it is predictable for me to search for a place surrounded by beach in Sabah. Which is pretty easy thing to do, and too many options to choose. What kind of a fool couldn't find a beach in Sabah? We're surrounded by them! So, since I live in Kota Kinabalu, I shortlisted the options to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The marine park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. All only 10-20 minutes speedboat ride from the city.

Honestly, I do not know how to choose between the islands. They're all the same to me. And I'm sure they offer all the same services and activities. And I've only been to Pulau Manukan before, and that was a long while back. So, I list down everything that I, I meant, we want to do during the trip. Water sports (scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat, ...), overnight stay, bird watching, BBQ, photography (I'm not forgetting you, Krissy.) and whatever the island has to offer, we're up for it (just after we check with our wallet.) And when it comes to this, the Internet is not helpful at all. They only show the boat schedule, and the main attractions of the islands; but there's nothing about the rates, which is the most important in our budget planning.

I think I will choose to go to Pulau Sapi instead of the other four. Simply because I never been there; it has amazing texture of rocks around its beach; there's 5 kilometres of nature trails; and during low tide, we can walk to Pulau Gaya. Oh, no forgetting the most recorgnizable and well-known celebrity on the island, the giant monitor lizards. Usually they are ferocious carnivorous hunters, but it seems the lot on the island has gotten very tame, fat and lazy. Interesting! There's macaque monkeys, too! Imagine Krissy trying to get close and take pictures of them. She jumped across the room because she spotted a cockroach before. Is she going to jump across the island?

Since the Internet is not giving more information that I needed and wanted, I guess I have to do things the old fashion way: go to the main office and ask. Darn. I guess virtual reality is not everything. I'll keep you posted. Wish me luck on getting approval from the parents!

Guitar Heroes

Not in the mood to write.

Woke up when the Sun is above my parent's roof, literally.

Mum suddenly felt like taking my niece, Cerys, out for a bite to eat. So, I sent a message to Vivienty, asking her who to ask permission from. Found out she's still in town!

Went to Pizza Hut in City Mall. Did a little shopping too.

Stop by at Aunt Mia's place. Cerys & Ezzri got along and played together. Kids. They can play together without speaking in the same language. If they can watch and understand "Pingu", they definitely can understand all other languages. The only adult I know who can understand "Pingu" is Intan.

FYI: Cerys can't speak Malay. Well, maybe only a few words.

Dropped Mum off at home before heading to Viv's place.

Followed Viv to send Mel to his music lessons before heading to Yoyo Cafe.

Rocked Guitar Heroes at Feizal's place. It's my first time. I definitely rocked!

Eclectic BFF in 1 Borneo

It's been a while since I last got together with my best friends, Feera & Soneea. So, today, we finally able to meet up with each other. The only one missing in the equation is Eja, of course. She's still in her campus in UNITEN, Selangor. She was so devastated when we sent her our pictures we took together today.

We have been out all day. I went to pick Feera up from her place in Petagas, before meeting up with Soneea in Star City around 1 in the afternoon. Gosh, I didn't even realize that I missed them so much. The Bollywood-drama-magnet Soneea Ezza. The punk-rock commitment-phobe Nurafeera.

Since there's nothing interesting in Star City, we can't think of any place else worth for our time wasting activities in Kota Kinabalu, apart from 1 Borneo. Well, we'd go elsewhere if the other choices have less illegal immigrants messing around. I have nothing against Pilaks. But if only they are able to behave themselves, I don't mind at all being around them. You know what's worst? I can't even differentiate Pilaks youngsters with Sabahan youngsters. Not just that they dress like those Pilaks, they even behave the same ways. Gosh, choose a better role models please!

Anyway, we had lunch in the food court, because we can't make up our mind where we want to eat. Then we went into almost every shop in the mall and have our own fun. Mostly, I tried to push Feera into more girly attire. We were literally ignoring all the people around us, and just do (and say) everything that crosses our minds. Three crazy girls on the loose.

I forgot to mention the events that were held in 1 Borneo today. There's an audition for "Pilih Kasih" reality show and "Bang! Bang! Boom!". "Pilih Kasih" is a Rosyam Nor's audition for wannabe actors and actresses. While "Bang! Bang! Boom!" is a Malaysian version of UK's "Just For Gags!", it's a prank show or something like that.

Soon, our legs gone weary of walking around the mall, twice! So, we decided to find a spot where we can hang out. Our version of "hang out" includes: beverages and great view. As girls, the view we all loves are, of course, the endangered species in Sabah. If you're thinking Orangutan or Bayau, I just want to say, Animals in a shopping mall? Seriously? If you're unaware, hot guys are listed as endangered species in Sabah. Or at least in our list. Ha-ha. We hung out at Dome. Not at its lot near FCUK. But in the North Atrium near the main entrance of the building. Where we can have a great view of the "Pilih Kasih" audition.

There was no hot guys (as expected, its near extinction), but it was hilarious. Bunch of inexperiences thick accent Sabahan trying their lucks. Thou, you have to give them credits for their guts. I won't have the nerve to do it. People are watching from every floor! And laughing at every go. I know, I'm one of them. Gosh, I thought there will only be youngsters trying their lucks, but there's adults too. Adults as in beliau-beliau, in the age range of 35 years and above.

Oh, Sabah may be running out of good-looking males. But the other parts of the world don't. While we were sitting down at Dome's, enjoying the show, a macho looking guy with Peninsular Malaysia's slang, who has been standing behind Feera to check out what's the commotion about, asked us what's going on. Yes, I have an awesome B.Y. Radar, I noticed him from the corner of my eyes. Of course, we answered him and and small chats a little before he joined the rest of his family. And obviously, us girls talked about him soon after he left. We thought we'd seen the last of him, but we were wrong. Around half an hour later, (yes, we sat there for nearly an hour) he's back, and he wasn't alone. He was with another drool-worthy guy, whom I assume is his brother. Gosh, I wished I made an effort to dress up a little. As usual, Soneea and I joked which will get which. Feera don't get to choose, because she's always in a relationship.

After a while, well, an hour to be exact, the show gone a bit gloomy. The hot guys already left. So, we left too. When we walked around, again, we realized, we should have invited those guys. Showing them around town, as excuse. Ha-ha. They may not be Sabahan, but they are the only hot guys we've seen the whole day. Imagine that. And we were in 1 Borneo. Pathetic. It's sad to be girls in this part of the world. And what's more pathetic is, we walked around the mall once more, in hope of running into the macho siblings. It's all in vain, I guess they went back to their hotel. And we're not that desperate nor pathetic enough to look for them there. Ha-ha.

So, knowing that we won't be able to decide where to go if we left the building, we decided to watch a movie. Whatever movie showing next at the moment. "Bohsia: Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam". For a Malaysian movie, it's a great one. You must go and see it. I certainly hope the female casts' parents or family members won't go and see this movie. They acted their part really well. And there are some scene that they should not see it. I would write my own review further more on this movie if it wasn't 1 o'clock in the morning.

After the movie, I sent them both home, before I pick my parents up at the airport. I love being home alone. Wonder when my parents going to be away again?

Updates

Gosh, the last time I updated my blog was during Earth Hour, which was on 28th March. Today is April 13.

Well, during my absence from the bloggers' world, a lot had happened. I've been home alone since April Fool day. My parents are away for a vacation in Europe with my aunt and uncle. Well, not technically home alone. First of all, I wasn't home most of the time, I was at campus, studying my ass off for the tests. (okay, that's not even remotely true, i rarely study that hard or even close to it) Second, when I am home, I'm not alone.

So, I'll tell you briefly what happened through the weeks. I was banned from Mr Saiful's MAT 112 class for a week. Why? I was sending an sms to my dad in class. Oh well, not like I'm going to cry for being allowed not to come to a math class. Ha-ha.

Oh, movies. I've watched "The Confession of A Shopaholic". I've read the every book of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. The first edition. Before they changed the book titles. The movie was hillarious. It's a combination of the first two books of the series, The Confession of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (or now known as Shopaholic Goes Abroad, or something like that). Obviously, they use the main plot, but with different detailings. You know, the problem with reading the book before they made it into the silver screen is, you compare the two version too much. Or at least I do. I need to either read less books, or compare less, or lower my expectations. Gosh, I can't decide which.

I've watched "Fast & Furious 4", twice! Once with Krissy, another time with Yaya. The first time, with Krissy, there were a major distraction from the row behind us. Additional unneccessary sound effects and commentaries. For every stunt of the movie. Starting from when Letty jump from the car to the oil tank (yes, even that!) to the end where Brian and the others want to break out Dom from the prison bus. How annoying. But, me and Krissy didn't say a word about it. We were trying to focus on the movie and enjoy it. Want to know what's worst of all? After the movie end, they were complaining about something. Krissy and I didn't really bother with what they were saying, because, well, they've been talking loudly through the movie. When they were leaving, we've noticed that the 4 spinsters were actually complaining about us. Well, Krissy actually. We've realised it too little too late, or we'd fight back. They were complaining about Krissy sms-ing during the movie. They used pretty harsh words too. Gosh, they should have looked in the mirror. Wait, that won't be enough. They should get someone to tape everything they do, and watch the tape. Ladies, THAT's the reason why you're old and single. You're the one distracting people from enjoying the movie, a little light from the handphone doesn't do as much damage as your unpleasant voices commentating the movies every bloody second in a very deep Sabahan slang. Have you ever heard off volume control? Too bad Krissy and I were pretty good at ignoring assholes like them, they don't have a chance against the two of us. Krissy, next time, be more alert.

The second time I watched the movie, it was great. Somehow, every audience was absolutely pleasant. There's hardly any extra commentaries from the audience. Everyone seems to gasped, laughed, screamed, or any other expression at the same time. How great was that? If I wasn't so tired from marching under the sun and in the rain earlier that day, I would have truly enjoyed it. The movie was awesome. Total must see, and cash-worthy.

Speaking off marching under the sun and in the rain, we had HBU tests. Extra-Curricular activity. Where we march, march, march and writing test on march, march, and common knowledge. It took all day. From 9am to 6pm. 1 hour writing test. 2 hour lunch break. And the rest? March. March. March. March. March. And we marched again. My whole body ached. Wait, aches, because it still does. It was hot and sunny in the morning when we marched, and it was raining in the evening, when we marched. Gosh, why, oh why, do we need to learn how to march? What use of it, in the real world? Even if Malaysia in a war, we can't do much by marching, can we? Imagine us marching to the enemy's camp. If they want to force us to learn, at least teach us something that we can actually use. Bloody waste of time and energy.

Oh gosh, I don't remember what else had happened. I don't have my planner with me now. Guess this will do. Anyway, I'm totally anxious to see Intan tomorrow! She's coming to visit me here! Okay, maybe not just me. Her BFF too, Sylvia, its her birthday. Now that I noticed, maybe its not me at all. Darn! Reality sucks! Oh well, at least I get to see her. It has been ages. The last time I saw her was, erm.. Okay, maybe I overreacted a bit. The last time I saw her was last week. But, it was just for half an hour, when she got a flight to KK. (she's a stewardess, if you didn't know) The last time I spent a day with her (now that's more like it) was when I was in KL for Viv's reception. Which was in January. See, that's a long time!

Okay, I better get going. I need to study for my coming exams. Wish me luck! (in trying to study)

A Day With Mum

It's Sunday. Of course, I spent it with Mum. My Sunday is Mum's day. The reason I'm still stuck in Kota Kinabalu; so that I can accompany her. So, at least I have to spare a day for her. It's not like I have any other choice.

My mum is in property development. She rarely miss any exhibition or seminar relating to it. There's IPEX, which I think stands for Internation Property Exhibition, in Sabah Trade Centre. It's boring, of course. But I'm used to it. Thanks to Mum. As usual, we took every brochure from every booth. Mum's research data of the competitors. I think it's bloody pointless anyway. Because Mum probably going to refer them for one month only, then she'll put them in the corner of her office, and let them collect dust.Well, there's one interesting thing there. The Edible Architecture Contest. It actually exist in Sabah, let alone Malaysia. I thought I'll only be able to see them online through the monitor of my laptop. Or when I visit a western country. Let me show you some of the pictures of the creation by Malaysian students. Can you believe the first prize is RM 1500.00!? Wow! And some of these "buildings" are actually pretty impressive, and similar to the real ones. And 100% edible. Well, I'm not sure about the edible part. But they're 100% made of food products.

Spagetti Eiffel Tower

We're not sure what this Eiffel Tower made of. Crackers?

Crackers, Jelly, Carrots, Dough, Candy & others Taj Mahal.

Licorice, Candies, Crackers, Jellies Beijing Bird Nest.

Cracker London Bridge. Look pretty rundown to me. Remind me of the song, "London Bridge is Falling Down".

Crackers & Grain Pyramid.

These are only some of them. You don't expect me to take pictures of all of them using my camera phone. Did you?