busy as a bee and busier than the beaver...

Things just fall into my priority list, and all are equally important. I never been so busy. And to add into it, I'm not in a very good mood most of the time.

My Thesis preparation is in deep pile of unarranged, jumble up and blended mess. Currently redoing my Literature review and constucting my methodology. My elective course, Comparative Literature (a course which I was forced to register) has two novels to read (No internet notes available) and a folio to be completed by the end of April. I'm also right now assisting my Lecturer to handle a tutorial class of 24 students. The class preparation and marking of their essays is a taxing task. But what to do, I need the money.

Two days ago was my court hearing again... stayed there from 8am till 1pm. It was a total waste of time because the judge for the case took a day off and the case was transfered to another judge. You can only imagine the anxiouness, it overwhelms me - couldn't sleep as the day drew near.

I'm living in Bangi now, some of my friends always insist me to come and see them everytime they come to KL. They thought Kuala Lumpur is the backyard of Bangi, they thought Kuala Lumpur is just across the road. They thought Selangor is like Penang (small island), they thought Bangi = Kuala Lumpur and obviously they thought getting to KL using the public transport is only RM1 like in Penang when in actual fact it may cost you a set of McValue meals with a sundae ice cream. Whenever I ask them to "Come-lah to Bangi" they reply "Bangi got what?".... we got kastam black market...

One can see that i havent been updating my running blog. Haven't got the time to run. When I got time to run, it rained. So far, since my last blog run, I only trained 3 times, and dun even got time to blog about it.

Oh ya, The wifi router in my hostel brokedown (rumours say it was hit by lightning)... everything i do is heavily dependent on the internet... without it, work will be slowed down or stopped.

Can't write much, got things to do, I'm taking the opportunity to post a blog as i'm currently staying in my aunty's place in Bandar Kinrara, wifi signal strong here. I guess God saw my mess and trying to restore order... the timing was right, my Uncle and Aunty went to New Zealand and needed somebody to take care the house. This means:

1. Wifi - Now I can do my work.
2. Location - Bandar Kinrara is near to Taman Bukit Jalil, I can collect the number and also go for the Larian Amal easily.
3. Transportation - No problem. Uncle and Aunty leave me 3 cars to use; Ford (4x4), Vitara (4x4) and an Audi. Not forgetting my bike. 4 vehicles... can open "Rent a Car" business already.
4. Training- finally, got to do my training today, did NOS training 2Km x 3:

Lap 1 - 11mins 54secs

Lap 2 - 13mins 10secs

Lap 3 - 12mins 50secs

Now back to work...

Welcome Back Surprise by UKM.

I'm back in UKM. In my flat. Writing this blog. Yes, UKM finally made our place, (yes, our humble rundown flat) a WIFI ZONE. It was requested by all students who stayed there for the past one semester and now it was granted and installed. Not bad for a public administration, kinda fast. I thought they will never do it. But now it's here, I'm thankful and Praise the Lord!

Now with the wifi available in my hostel:

1. Save money. No need to go to Internet cafe to check emails or Old Town coffee to receive wifi.


2. Save Petrol. No need to go all the way to my Bilik Siswazah to access on-line Journals already.


3. Save time. No need to wait until tommorow everytime i finish running. I straight away update my blog about my run in my bathroom... :-)

The signal is very strong. You know why? because the wifi router is just right infront of my balcony.

From the depths of Hell.

I was supposed to write about it right after it happened but the incident was too dramatic and traumatic to write. Now after 3 weeks had passed, I’ve finally found the words to write what had happened. So here it goes:

It was showing some signs that it will soon rain while i was on my way to my hostel right after class. it was time for Lunch and i was a little hungry already.

I was contemplating whether should I 'bungkus' or eat there. But I decided to eat at the ‘medan selera’ near my Hostel at Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 1 because I wouldn't want to pollute the world with the Styrofoam wrapping my food.

It rained. Later, the weather got worst. It rained so heavily and the wind was blowing fiercely. This went on for like 30 – 40 minutes non-stop heavy rain. Soon it started to flood the drain. I began to notice the manhole unable to contain the water underneath – vibrates. Yes, the smell was horrible but that was not the worst part of the story.

The heavy rain, I presume flooded the drain and also the underground sewage pipe hole. And because of that, it drove out lots of RATS and COCKROAHES from the pits of hell!!!

Well, where would you think such creature will go when they are floated up by the heavy rain and fast rising flood? Where else if not into the food stall which I was eating, obviously it’s because the place I’m eating is sheltered, dry and the best of all for the dirty creatures – there was FOOD!!!!

The situation was similar with a cheap “B” grade Horror Movie – “The Attacks of Rats and Cockroaches”. Rats were on the table… cockroaches were crawling up customers pants (by the way have you seen white cockroaches before? Ya, it came out from the depths of the sewer to say HI).

It was raining, customers cannot run away. The restaurant workers were helping the customers to calm down. And the workers thought it was a good idea to kill the rats and cockroaches by hitting them with a steal rod. Bad idea. The smell of dead, wet and bloody rat made customers puked.

As soon as the rain slowed down, I immediately went to my motorcycle. Started my bike, and guess what popped out from my Jaguh’s exhaust pipe – a rat. Probably seeking dry and warm place to rest. And I think I squash one underneath my tire as I rush my way out from that place, I heard a squeaking sound in pain.

Just as I thought everything was over, as I was unpacking my bag, a cockroach crawl out from my bag. That “SiewKeong” was History.

Just watched Ratatouille two days ago. Many watch it as a comedy, to me it was horror.

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Time

In less than 24 hours, i need to hand up my 50% assignment project.

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I only got the introduction finished.

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I got about 19 pages to go.

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and i'm blogging about it.

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What a shame...

Berjimat

This is my body soap (PROTEX)...

For only RM1.00, I bought it since 1st of January 2008 and it lasted until now.

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This is my Shampoo (Sunsilk)...

Bought it too on the 1st January 2008 for only RM3.50 (Price tag still there) and still got somemore.

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Trust me... i smell quite okay.

Campus Life: Food

Living in the university’s campus is like camping. You know that you are not going to stay there forever, but you wish to stay there forever because it’s fun, friends all around you, sleeping late, doing things that we not normally do at home, freedom... pretty much like camping.

Maybe I’m speaking this for myself because some people dislike camping and would not be able to relate with what I’m saying here. But that’s okay.

Usually while camping, one needs to save a lot. You cannot eat as much as you want – this will lead to insufficient ration. So, one will need to stock in proper food supplies and plan your meal. In campus, it is also the same thing. Without a control rationing to our daily meals, it may lead to obesity lifestyle, and also financial instability.

Now, I can testify to you that I failed in that area while I was in USM Penang. I did not plan my meals properly. What can I do, I had a room-mate who had an endless supplies of junk food. To make matters even worst, around the perimeter of the university there are five 24-hours Nasi Kandar stall. I think the biggest health threat to me in three years while in USM is eating Subaidah’s Nasi Lemak Ayam 5 days continuously at 3 in the morning.

The sin of gluttony... guilty as hell.

But... it is different now in UKM Bangi. I eat one meal per-day, usually lunch. And if I’m hungry, instant noodle will be use to ‘menahan perut’ (before that I check if it’s enough to last until end of the month). It’s all about planning, now I know that the cheapest instant noodle is Mee Sedap (The ‘sup’ one not the ‘goreng’), it is only RM2.20 for 5packets. Beat the hell out of the rest in term of price.

Side track a bit: My first time eating instant noodle here was funny. After preparing hot water, i poured into my bowl with the instant noodle in it. After waiting for 3minutes, it’s finally ready to be eaten.... and then I realised... I don’t have... Chopsticks or even fork and spoon.

In UKM Bangi, there are still Nasi Kandar stall around, not many but a few, scattered around, far apart from each other. But it’s a drag to travel to the place because it’s inconvenient – huge roundabout, one way street, parking and the ‘Pegawai Keselamatan’. So, it’s better to wait in your room and hope some of the students walk past your room shouting “NASI LEMAK! NASI LEMAK! BURGER! BURGER! SERINGGIT SAJE! SERINGGIT SAJE!” who normally won’t come.

Campus lifestyle is very much like camping... careless and we leave everything to chances.

Kerja Keras, Kerja Lembut, Kalau Malas, Disumpah Maut...

In Three weeks time my semester will end. This also mean that i will have around 3 months semester break before i go back to UKM for my 3rd semester.

As I get older, holidays during study break are no longer a time for you to relax and plan for a trip to Genting or what so ever. It is a time for you to look for a Job.

Two reasons why i need to get a short term job:

1. It's very malu / uncool to ask from my parents pocket money now that you are 24years old (When i in need of some cash, i won't ask them, i pray that they will ask me if i got money or not.).
2. I need job experience. Graduating with a master's paper will be as good as graduating with a degree if i don't have a lot of job experience, especially if one want to jump into the academic / teaching field.

I had my short stint as an English Teacher in a private college before i went off to UKM. That opportunity was somehow by chance i got it because it was a church member of mine who recomended. Now, if i decide to teach in colleges again, no colleges want to hire a teacher to teach for less than 3 months. They would like a teacher to be commited for the whole semester.

Last semester break i worked in an advertising firm as a copywriter. Not bad. They paid me RM500 a month. So, this semester, i am determine to do something else which will strengthen my resume eventually.

So now, the problem is: WHAT ELSE CAN A PERSON WHO GRADUATE FROM A LANGUAGE DEGREE DO?!?!

5 - 11

Yes, 5 - 11

It's 5pm till 11pm.

That was the time I was locked out.

No Wallet, No Handphone, No Key... Just Me.

I accidentally locked myself out... Thank God i got my jeans and shirt on... cause i was thinking it will be worst if i only got my Tuala on only.

It was the loneliest 6 hours i ever had.

It's the day i'm glad i survive...

Spot me

Try to spot me in this website!

http://www.ukm.my/ukmportal/News/berita_gender.html

Graduation

I dedicate it to my family...

To her

and to my PKA comrades!

Thank You for making this a memorable one!

Budak Cina di Kawasan Melayu

Saya seorang budak Cina,
Menetap di sebuah Kawasan Melayu.
Walaupun...
Berdiri seorang tanpa dihina,
Bagaikan kemboja yang sedang layu.

Saya seorang budak Cina,
Tidak dilayan, tidak dipandang.
Jadi...
Jiwa ini haruslah merana,
Atas nama perjuangan yang tercundang.

Saya Seorang budak Cina,
Ingin bersuara, ingin berdebat.
Tapi...
Harapan melayang, kemarahan dibina,
Di kawasan melayu atau kawasan sahabat.

And so it begins...

Got here on the 20th July 2007 @ 10pm. Nice place with fully furnished room - Kitchen, Bathroom, Study Table, TV!!!, Bed, Cupboard, Sofa and a refrigerator.

My first class experience as a Master student was good also. I like the way the lecturers handle their teachings and believes, unlike Dr. Suzana from USM. They are more open and notes were uploaded free in their website.

Enjoying my experience here so far...

I got a job.

I'm going to earn my own cash next month (JUNE) as an English Language Teacher. The interviewer insist that we call ourselves Lecturer / Facilitator not teachers.

Now, Listen to me you rich scumbags

I'm so excited...

Just Like That

"Sila berhenti menulis. Masa telah pun tamat."

No fireworks. No loud cheer. No Auld Lang Syne. And No proper goodbye... It ends just like that.

There goes my University Life.

My next Journey: Loneliness

Teachers Cheaters!

It was a tough paper. I was literally juicing my brain to remember whatever last fact i studied the night before the exam. I look dejectedly on the answer paper infront of me.

"Why... it's only half page filled. And most of it - Crap!"

3 hours paper... and after 1 1/2hour fly past me, I got nothing else more to write. It's either I'm too bloody smart or outrageously Obtuse! Often, when I'm in a delicate moment like this, (burst into tears - hopeless) I usually look around the exam hall - maybe it's because I'm looking for inspiration.

Inspiration.... yar right. What i saw was people were CHEATING IN EXAM! Talk aboutinspiration - INSPIRATION TO BECOME AN EXAM INVIGILATOR.

To make this issue even worst is that those cheating are TEACHERS. This course paper i'm doing is called HXE 302 - Linguistic II and yes it's a tough paper at least according to me.

The teachers are actually going through this programme by the Education Ministry - to ensure that all teachers in Malaysia to possess a degree. So, all of them are around 30 years and above - OLD COW. I'm shock to see that through my 3 years of class with them, they had behave in a very immature manner. Unlike a 30 year old adult AND UNLIKE A PROFESSIONAL TEACHER.

I try not to generalize all Malaysian Teachers like that, there are a handful of teachers in Malaysia who are dedicated and worthy to be praised - infact i know some of them. But the teachers i saw through out my 3 years class here definitely tainted my picture of teachers in Malaysia.

Now Back to the main topic - so, i saw teachers cheat! Talk about the living evidence of hypocricy: They each will go back to their own schools and telling their students "JANGAN MENIRU ATAU MENIPU DALAM UJIAN!" but here in an institute of learning and in a major exam - they cheat without any guilt stricken feeling.

What I saw:

1. I saw one teacher hiding a piece of paper (with key answers) in his socks. When no body looks at him, he slowly take it out and look at it.
2. I saw 2 teachers helping each other (Wa Wa Wa... i bet they are Pendidikan Moral Teachers, practicing the virtue of Tolong Menolong and Bekerjasama. If only both of them were different races, they are practicing the Muhibah lifestyle too.) by showing each others' answers. They even had a short chat during the exam as well.
3. Ah... This is my favourite. Teachers in Malaysia need to get their Bladder check because the teachers i know in the exam hall went to the toilet too many times. And whenthey came back to the exam hall they received great inspiration of answers because i saw them writing profusely right after their toilet break (before they going to the toilet, they were staring blankly around the hall - NO ANSWERS YET, WAITING FOR THEIR TURN).
4. And when the Head invigilator asked all of us to stop writing and started to take our answer booklet - this was the time the Teachers take the best opportunity to cheat ultimately! Usually this is the time when the hall will be a bit noisy because students will start talking right after their answer booklet were taken. Teachers who were sitting at the back will then ask for answers and start to write down watever they hear from their friends.

If one day i have my own kids and i happen to know the school that my kids is going have THEM... I'm transferring my kids to other school right away.

Solution? Teachers will need to go through a serious screening and filtering by the Education ministry.

Exam

EXAM SUCKS!!!

Thank you.

Currently, I'm staying...

In Desasiswa restu... nice place, with toilet that works, good neighbour and a room mate who can make you laugh no matter what he do (i laugh when he fart... he's so innocent about it) and if you're hungry... fear not, food is easy to find.

The only "bummer" about my place / room is that i literally have a GARBAGE GARDEN right infront of my room. Residents from the top floor just like to throw down rubbish right infront of my window.

It ends tonight

PKA Farewell Night 2007 sort of marks the end of my days in Universiti Sains Malaysia. IT has been a 3 eventful years. And I wish that i could start it all over again. Transition again... Anyway, Thanks to the committee who planned the farewell night. Thank you also to my Care Group who is always there for me. Thanks to the Family Camp Committee whom I once worked with last year.

ISh... i hate it. the thought of me leaving USM. I'm having so much fun, and now... it's ending. I guess that's life.

Everybody was dressing "to kill". So, I took the opportunity too. My Dress Theme was the "MAFIA". You know, the Godfather thingy. But it turns out to be more like Scarface... can also lah, gangster also wert.

It Hurts Like Hell!!!

I fell into a drain 4 days ago and it hurts like hell. The sharp edge drain at Restu Hostel pierced and gashed out my skin like peeling off the skin of a baby banana. Here is a closer look.

Here's another shot from a different angle:

Ouch!

THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!!!

A must watch Movie. I group this movie as a "MOVIE SEMANGAT", it's a movie which will give you a thought of enroling yourself into the army, kill at least 5 - 10 enemies at a go and then die for your country. Similar movies with the same theme are Rambo, Rocky, Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down and many more...

I went and watched it last saturday after much review and talk about from friends. They were talking about the words they use in the movie and was quoting it while were on our way to Methodist Bungalow. Desires slowly piled up through the night and i've decided "THAT'S IT! I'm going to watch it!"

First thing i did when i reached the low ground, i ride my bike back to RESTU, woke Razman up and asked him to follow me to Queensbay Mall. We watched with great anticipation. After the show, it was worth it.

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Summary of the story: (BEWARE - SPOILER)

300 spartan armies up againts a massive Persian Army. Their semangat and never say die heart (even though all 300 of them died) inspired all greek citizen to unite and defeat the persian army into little little tiny pieces.

Some Bloody Good SEMANGAT Quotes from 300!!!!

King Leonidas:Spartans!: Ready your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in Hell!


King Leonidas: This is where we FIGHT! This is where they DIE!

King Leonidas: Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.

King Leonidas: The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, that even a god-king can bleed.

Xerxes: Cruel Leonidas demanded that you stand. I require only that you kneel.


Some Bloody Good Dialogue

Persian Officer: Spartans! Lay down your weapons.
[spear flies from the Spartans meeting the Persian officer]
Leonidas: Persians! Come and get them!
[Persians sound the advance and charge towards the Spartans]
Leonidas: Give them nothing! But take from them everything!

Persian Emissary: A thousand nations of the Persian Empire descend upon you! Our arrows will blot out the sun!
Stelios: [grins] Then we will fight in the shade.

Xerxes: Imagine what horrible fate awaits my enemies when I would gladly kill any of my own men for victory.
Leonidas: And I would die for any one of mine.

Stelios: It is an honor to die by your side
Leonidas: It is an honor to have lived at yours.
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Good Show. Watch it and be bless... (huh?!?) just watch la. I'm giving this 8/10.