I'm back

The vacation is over, I'm back in my hometown of Kota Kinabalu.

*long and deep sigh*

Don't get me wrong, I love Kota Kinabalu, I love Malaysia. I'm one of those people who can get a little defensive (okay, maybe sometimes a little TOO defensive) about the city I grew up in. You know, when some obnoxious Peninsular Malaysian start making rude and ignorant remarks about it. Or other foreigners. Like "Oh, Isn't Sabah the poorest state in Malaysia?". The worst of all, "Aren't Sabahans (or Borneons) live on trees?" and they were serious. I usually reply, "Yes, but it's the monsoon seasons, so we're not taking our chances with the weather, especially with the parabola on top of our house. So, during these time, we have to settle for the 2-story bungalow, instead. *grunt* Oh well, at least we could maintain the elevator and lifts in the treehouse in the mean time."

Still, I have to admit that I was reluctant to return here. You would to, if you were put in my shoes. It's the environment. It's a vacation: no responsibilities, no deadlines, no worries. Who, in the right state of mind, would want to end that?

Not me, of course! (Especially when there's dashing guys with charming accent and fine arse in the picture! Gosh, I miss them already!)

We reached Kota Kinabalu around midnight. After unpacking the massive loads of luggage, I pretty much passed on my bed till 6pm the next day. Yes, I was asleep for 18 hours. If my tummy didn't make so much noise, I'd probably still be asleep for another couple of hours. Jetlag.

That was 12 hours ago. I'm still awake since then, and its 6am now.

I'm turning nocturnal.

Last Minute Packing

I'm hopping on a plane tomorrow, but I only start to sort things out today.

Mom's going bezerk.

And I just realised, most of my winter clothes is pink. Darn it!

Going through the checklist all over again. But there's still too much stuff.

So far, 2 large luggage bags, 2 cabin bags. Did I mention they're all red? My bagpack is full of gadgets: laptop, MP3, GPS, DSLR.

Right now, I'm more worried about my Facebook apps: Farmville, Cafe World, YoVille and others.

Urgh.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adorable without Trying

Noer

He's my 24 years old brother. The second child and first son of my parents. One of the tallest in the family, as he is almost 6-foot tall. A pretty much laid back person, who likes to stay at home, do his own thing and listen to his hardcore metal music. He's a quiet person, but very passionate in his interests.

We were talking over dinner (or shall I say breakfast?), and then we started talking about Noer and all the unplanned funny moments he did. We had quite a laugh.

So, I'm going to tell you some of the funny moments with Noer while he's in town for the holiday.

***

He hijacked my magenta room. Rested easily & comfortably on my pink bed while using my red vaio which he laid on my laptop stand.

For the WHOLE day. (He may have intended to sleep in too, if I didn't manage to get rid of him)

***

Mom: "Ko mau biar jak rambut ko camtu Noer?"
Noer: "Jadi? Macamana juga? sudah gini, gini la."
Mom: "Yea la, tapi macam..."
Noer: "Macam Korea!"

***

Mom was talking to Noer in the kitchen.
Note: They were both at each end of the room, and not facing each other.

Mom: "Noer, (talking about school)"
Noer: "Eh eh, suka betul dia ni main-main"
Mom: (thought he meant me and continue talking about school)
Noer: "Ee, manja juga dia ni tau."
Mom: (continue talking about school)
Noer: "Bising juga dia ni kan. Pegi main jauh sana. Jaga anak!"

Mom was shocked and confused. She looked at Noer, and realised he has been talking to the cat all this while.

***

Noer was on the stairs, putting up color lights in our front yard, when I saw a cat on the driveway. So, I said "Eh, kucing mana lagi nie?"

He immediately jumped off the stairs, and chase the cat down the driveway while yelling "kkuuccciinngg!!" and waving his hands in the air.

***

He randomly peek his head at the door of a room we're in and goes "CHAK!"

***

Yes, he received too much of the Chinese genes. Nevertheless, still my brother. Will update more in this post as the days go on.

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.)

Chippendales Dance

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THAT is definitely what I needed to cheer me up.

Do you recognize one of the Chippendales?

Yes, that's my brother!

Thanks to my brother's friend who posted this in Facebook, and tagged my brother who co-starred in it. And his girlfriend who pointed this out, and made sure I watch it.

I had quite a laugh.

Oh, he is going to be so pissed with me.

Never Ever

The 10-days Raya break has begun.

Aqilah Zaiyanie will be A.W.O.L. for a few days to hibernate and replenish her energy which she had overused last weekend during Zombie Week.

Don't expect any updates these few days, unless something major occured.

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.

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.

Hot & Cold

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.

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.