second time this week...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

It was the second time of the week that I got to work with school students. This time it was with primary school students, Year 5 to be exact. We arrived last Friday at SK Pengkalan Tentera at about 8.30 am and the kids were already waiting for us. How cute! I was the facilitator of Group 6. The kids were talkative and active, sometimes hyperactive. Handling them was fun - even though it required me to be just as active as they were. Plus, I got a new nickname: 'Kakak Chicken Dance'. Sadly, I didn't have the chance to take a photo together with the kids of my group. Sorry guys!


my life in 7 words [cont.]

Thursday, October 16, 2008

(This post is a continuum of my previous post titled my life in 7 words)

As promised, these are the 7 words that describe life:

"Seven? Not even enough for the intro."

MATRES '08



Matriculation Chemical Engineering Seminar 2008 (MATRES '08) was held on the 10th until 12th of October 2008. It is to expose matriculation students to our Chemical Engineering & Natural Sources Faculty. This is actually my first time joining a programme organized by the Chemical Engineering Society or commonly known as CHEST.



I was the only first-year student in the committee, which means that I was the youngest (but not the smallest) of the bunch. In fact, I was the same age with most of the matriculation and secondary school student. In the beginning, I hardly knew any other member of the committee. Being the only newbie and not really knowing how things work around here yet, there was a slight fear that I wasn't fit for the task. Thankfully, all the other members were very helpful and I eventually enjoyed the gruelling work of a Documentation & Publication committee.


first exhibition by EN-GENIUS!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Another three group from Miss Farah's K27 class made a presentation today. Every TE students had to make a presentation in the form of an exhibition. We must choose an item and be able to explain it technically during the exhibition. My group, En-Genius, decided to choose Kamal's 'HP Deskjet F4100 All-In-One' as our item. My group was supposed to present at 11.00 am so all the team members gathered at 'Starbucks' at 10.00 am and add the final touches to our props. We prepared and practiced and by 10.45, together we all walked to the Sports Complex which is quite a distance. We had fun during the presentation. Information understood, people were convinced. Even Miss Farah and her friend planned to buy one. This only means that the presentation was a success. Thanks to all En-Genius members and especially Miss Farah.

dilla | christine | anis | miss farah | eqa | kamal

the preparation

At this very moment...

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Used tissue paper are all over my desk
(got infected by my roommate, I think)

I'm in the middle of a carrefour

(as in crossroad, not the supermarket)

I have tonnes of work to do

(preparation for my quizzes, tests, finals, exhibition, presentation and whatnot)

My ATM card is still blocked

(I entered the wrong pin number twice! what was I thinking?)

I must study for tomorrow's test

(lets not forget the presentation)

I feel like seeing my family

(because the last time I saw them was during the Ice Age)

my life in 7 words

Thursday, October 9, 2008

The idea to publish this post originally came from my sister, Aa, who is insanely interested in weird, funny, brain-twisting, neuron-straining stuff. The topic came up while we were hanging out one day in Brunei.

I said : Define your life in SEVEN words.

She answered : "My life is 'a balancing game of decisions and results'. There, 7 words."

I asked my other sister, Wawa, for her definition of life in just SEVEN words and her answer was short, simple and straightforward :

"crazy.imperfect.tough.wonderful.bitter.anxiety.emotional"

Those were their answers. What is yours?

How would you sum up your life in exactly 7 words?

You can answer by leaving comments for this post. Feel free to be as expressive, creative and honest as you can be.

My 7 words?

I'll post the 7 words of my life in exactly 7 days from the day this post is published. Until then, enjoy defining your life in 7 words.

men vs women

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

A friend sent me these jokes via email and I feel like sharing them with you. Enjoy...


WIFE VS. HUSBAND


A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, 'Relatives of yours?'
'Yep,' the wife replied, 'in-laws.'

W O R D S
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day...
30,000 to a man's 15,000.
The wife replied, 'The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...
The husband then turned to his wife and asked, 'What?'

CREATION
A man said to his wife one day, 'I don't know how you can be
so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time.
' The wife responded, 'Allow me to explain.
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

WHO DOES WHAT
A man and his wife were having an argument about who
should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, 'You should do it, because you get up first,
and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee.'
The husband said, ' You are in charge of cooking around here and
you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee.'
Wife replies, 'No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible
that the man should do the coffee.'
Husband replies, 'I can't believe that, show me.'
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament
and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says..........'HEBREWS'

The Silent Treatment
A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each
other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day,
he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,
'Please wake me at 5:00 AM .' He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM
and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and
see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by
the bed. The paper said, 'It is 5:00 AM . Wake up.'
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.




God may have created man before woman,


but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

Ellen Hopkin's masterpiece

Monday, September 22, 2008


Does over 600 free verse pages about teen suicide sound like a little much? It is at times, especially as the three interconnected protagonists reveal all the trauma they've endured in their short lives -- which includes everything from sexual abuse to abortion to cutting and more.

But by stringing together short lines, Hopkins is able to make each of her characters real and distinct. I find this book very interesting. Unlike the usual paperback novels, Allen managed to capture peoples attention by telling her stories in the form of poems. Along the way, readers will find themselves really caring for Vanessa, Conner, and especially funny and warm Tony, as the troubled teens start to deal with their demons, and depend on one another.

In the end, IMPULSE is a gritty and realistic book for mature teens only. It can open the door to a lot of conversations, thanks to the myriad topics it covers. Parents who do a quick flip through the book first will feel more prepared for the discussion.

spaghetti...FINALLY!

Saturday, September 20, 2008


After months of craving, I get to eat spaghetti...finally. It was all thanks to Hachiroku Senpai and the gang for asking me to join them break their fast at East Coast Mall yesterday. Originally, the plan was to eat at Laksa Shack but due to my extended craving for spaghetti we decided to go to Pizza Hut instead.

When we got there it was already near Maghrib and the pizza parlour was fully seated. So, we went to carrefour to buy drinks and light foods. We found a soft, comfy seat right in front of Giordano. It was my first time breaking fast in the middle of the mall's wing and it was fun. Done eating, we went for our prayers at the mall's prayer room and headed to Pizza Hut. We found a table and ordered a set for 4 persons. A few minutes after taking our orders, the waiter served the dishes on our table.

And there it was. The dish I've been wanting to have since a few months back.

BEEF MEATBALL BOLOGNAISE SPAGHETTI
.

One look at it and I can't wait to get the taste of the tomato sauce in my mouth. At last, my longing for spaghetti have been paid up (and paid for!).
Hontoni arigatou hachiroku senpai!

this blur called life [vol.2]

Thursday, September 18, 2008

She drowned herself again
in the loudness of the crowd
in the craziness of despair
she loses herself there

the blur that blocks
her sight and senses
it has come again

the tears that flows
when all hopes seems hopeless
it has come again

give her an empty box
so she can fill it with her sorrows
dump the lumps of unhappiness
and throw it far away

all she needs is someone to be there
to just listen and tell her
that the rain won't be forever

all she wants, all she needs
is someone to hold her
and make sense of this blur

you're a year OLDER!

Monday, September 15, 2008

you're a year OLDER!


At the stroke of midnight of 15th September '08
MUHAMMAD AIMAN HAKEEM ABDUL RAHIM
has turned 9 years old.
CONGRATULATIONS LIL' BROTHER!
you're a year older

::9 wishes for a boy who just turned 9::
may happiness and success always be by your side
it takes a long time to grow old so take your time
don't be afraid to make mistakes because when you do, we'll be here to guide you
live your life bit by bit and enjoy every moment of it
always remember that we love you unconditionally
if you don't know where you're going, turn to us and we'll show you
keep honesty and purity in your heart
don't deny your right to laugh, love, try, hurt, need, fear and cry because that's what humans do
live everyday like it's your birthday

to aa and adib: be nice to him AT ALL TIMES. not just when you need somebody to go upstairs or play video games with you.
(i repeat, AT ALL TIMES) =p
to mama and papa: please watch over aa and adib. love and miss you guys SO MUCH!
to wawa: guess we'll be celebrating from here, sis.

SENANDIKA ramadhan hangout [part 1]

Last Friday (12th September '08) SENANDIKA had it's RAMADHAN HANGOUT. It was my very first Senandika Hangout. I haven't been to any beaches in quite a while so this trip was really making me excited.


At exactly 6.15, 6 cars started their convoy from UMP - all headed to the Ramadhan bazaar at Jaya Gading. The plan was to stop there and buy kuih-muih so we can break our fast in the car while on our way to Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1. We managed to arrive at the mosque just in time for breaking fast. We ate, did Maghrib prayer at the mosque and continued with the agenda.


At around 7.50 we were ready to invade Ana Ikan Bakar Restaurant, Tanjung Lumpur for our main agenda. A group of senandika members were already there. Syafiq A, Bob, Bad and Syafiq C had to join us at the restaurant because they were waiting for K to close up Kami The Stall - a drinks stall at UMP's BazRa. Kak Izni and Kak Thiya had to join us a bit later too. The food was nice and we ate a lot. Senandika members really conquered the scene.


Done eating and creating havoc at the restaurant, all 8 cars made a move to attack Teluk Cempedak beach. It was my first time being there too and I happened to like the artistic atmosphere. Street performances, sand bottles, seashell bracelets, batik designs, paintings and portraits. It was enjoyable walking through all those things. And once our feet touched sand, the party begins...

SENANDIKA ramadhan hangout [part 2]

Because there are so much to share about the hangout, I had to separate it into 3 parts. This part tells what happened when we got to the beach. We got to Teluk Cempedak at about 10.30 pm. Frankly, the moment Bro Peedot's car was parked I couldn't wait to get my feet wet. Everybody was excited to get to the sandy beach. So, after walking through what I called the Walk of Art, we headed down to the beach.

I headed straight to the waters and played with it for a while. I guess this is my first time being at the beach at night. The sound of the beach was truly relaxing. I took the chance to record the sound of the waves so I can listen to it whenever I feel like going to the beach.

To add to the excitement, Kak Izni bought Big Apple donuts. It was as if she knew I'm craving for Big Apple donuts these days - very understanding. Hehehe~


To spice up the night, we played a few games which included musical bottle. It's called 'musical bottle' because we use somebody's mineral bottle as the rotating object. DJ and Syafiq A handled the music and whoever held the bottle the moment the music stopped had to act out a scene or a character given to them. The funniest was the part played by Bro Azril as a transvestite trying to hit on a man (played by Bob). I've never seen him in that character before and it was hillarious. Kudos to Bro Azril for playing that part well. After a while they changed the game to 'truth or dare' mode and this time Bro Azril and Rani handled the music. Several others received the honour to choose between truth or dare.


After the game we went for our prayer and spend some time to have a drink or snack. A few of us had to go back early because they had events the next day. Bro Peedot, Syafiq B and I got McFlurry for ourselves. We tried the new Mudpie McFlurry and asked for extra chocolate only to regret it later. It was yummy but its sweetness was too intense. While enjoying the sweetness of the cold, creamy ice we received a call from Syafiq A. They told us to hurry back to the beach for a surprise. So, we went back to the beach and saw beautiful candles lit on the sand. It happened to be the lantern festival season and the lights were very beautiful.


What makes it even more beautiful was when Bob bought some candles and Syafiq A, Bad, Aini, Wani and Nani made their own candle lights in the form of a heart shape with a flower in it. That was very sweet.


We passed the time playing with the water. They bought soap bubbles and we sang our heart out. Syafiq A, Bob, Bad, Rani and DJ sang Bila Rindu to me just to make me blush. Well guys, I'm sorry you didn't succeed. I actually joinned them singing. Suddenly Bad stood up and started doing an act and asked us to guess what he was doing. Then we started playing regu. That was a blast. We divided ourselves into 2 groups and the battle begun. When it came to my turn I had to sign out Pemburu Emas Yamashita. Imagine how hard that was for me. But I did it anyways. Thanks to the sengalness of the group, I had a great time.


At about 3.30 am we decided to make a move..
Next stop? to be continued..

SENANDIKA ramadhan hangout [part 3]

NEXT STOP: Coffee Street. We went there to just sit back and relax while having a cup of coffee. Well, for some of us actually. I didn't drink coffee. Although, I was rather interested in the cafe's caramel coffee and since I don't drink coffee I asked the waiter if they have any caramel tea. I was let down and ordered hot milo instead. We just sat and talked and joked around. The tempo was getting slower and slower because some of us are getting sleepy...



Then we went to De Mall to have our sahur. They say the roti canai there is good. They all ordered roti canai. Although I haven't eaten roti canai in quite a while, I just didn't feel like eating. So I just drank warm water.


We got back to UMP at 6.15 am. Everybody was tired and ready to doze off. The hangout was agreed by all to be a fun and enjoyable one. We did so many things...sweet things, stupid things, fun things. And all those things will be remembered. Thanx SENANDIKA for a moment like this...

what's new with SENANDIKA?

Sunday, September 7, 2008


SENANDIKA now has its own blog. Congratulations and kudos for the blog!
Proud to be part of the family.
(senandika sweeeet sangat!)

V for Vogue

Saturday, September 6, 2008

V. A masked character brilliantly played by Hugo Weaving in the movie V for Vendetta. I’ve watched this movie several times before and yet it never failed to steal my attention and stick me to the couch until the very end every time it is aired on television.



Apart from Natalie Portman’s committed role as V’s unlikely accomplice, Evey Hammond (she was required to have her head shaved on camera for a pivotal sequence in which Evey is imprisoned and tortured to reveal V’s identity), Hugo did a remarkable job in bringing the mask to life – a task which requires the actor to have a lot of experience and (specifically stated by the director, James McTeigue) a theatrical background. Though aided by lighting and cinematography, the actor needed to convey a great deal of emotion solely through his voice and body language, as no part of his eyes, mouth or face are visible behind V’s façade.



The movie itself contains a message which I think is relevant to the real world. A world of political chaos, greed for power and the silent urge of the people to rebel. It is no different than the world we are living in. Full of lies and betrayal, false promises and government-toppling schemes.


An excerpt from a speech in the movie (Ayn Rand influenced) from the character “V”:


“Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn’t there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who’s to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you’re looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn’t be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler. He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent. Last night I sought to end that silence. Last night I destroyed the Old Bailey, to remind this country of what it has forgotten. More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. His hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives.”



My favorite scene in the movie is the stunning sequence in which V touches off thousands of dominoes meticulously arranged in an intricate “V” pattern on the Shadow Gallery floor.


No doubt, V for Vendetta is a vividly vivacious and voluptuous volley of a very violently fun time.

what makes a good powerpoint presentation

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

1. Use the slide master feature to create a consistent and simple design template. It is fine to vary the content presentation (i.e. bulleted list, 2-column text, text & image), but be consistent with other elements such as font, colors, and background.

2. Simplify and limit the number of words on each screen. Use key phrases and include only essential information.

3. Use contrasting colors for text and background. Dark text on a light background is best. Patterned backgrounds can reduce readability of text.

4. Avoid the use of flashy transitions such as text fly-ins. These features may seem impressive at first, but are distracting and get old quickly.

5. Use good quality images that reinforce and complement your message. Ensure that your images maintain their impact and resolution when projected on a larger screen.

6. Practice with someone who has never seen your presentation. Ask them for honest feedback about colors, content, and any effects or graphics you've included.

7. Do not read from your slides. The content of your slides is for the audience, not for the presenter.

8. Do not speak to your slides. Many presenters face the direction of their presentation rather than their audience.

9. Do not apologize for anything in your presentation. If you believe something will be hard to read or understand, don't use it.

10. Have a Plan B in the event of technical difficulties.

what makes a good presenter

1. Know Your Stuff

Your comfort level with presenting will be high if you know everything about your topic. After all, the audience is looking to you to be the expert. However, don't overload the audience with your complete toolkit of knowledge about your topic. Three key points is just about right to keep them interested, allowing them to ask questions if they want more.

2. Make it Clear What You are There to Share With Them

Use the tried and true method that skilled presenters have used for eons.
  1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
    • Outline briefly the key points you will talk about.
  2. Tell them.
    • Cover the topic in depth.
  3. Tell them what you told them.
    • Summarize your presentation in a few short sentences.

3. A Picture Tells the Story

Keep the audience's attention with pictures rather than endless bulleted slides. Often one effective picture says it all. There is a reason for that old cliché - "a picture is worth a thousand words".

4. You Can't Have Too Many Rehearsals

If you were an actor, you would not be performing without first rehearsing your part. Your presentation should be no different. It is a show too, so take time to rehearse -- and preferably in front of people -- so that you can see what works and what doesn't. An added bonus of rehearsing is that you will become more comfortable with your material and the live show will not come off as a recitation of facts.

5. Practice in the Room

What works while rehearsing at home or the office, may not come off the same in the actual room where you will present. If at all possible, arrive early enough so that you can become familiar with the room setup. Sit in the seats as if you were an audience member. This will make it easier for you to judge where to walk about and stand during your time in the spotlight. And -- don't forget to test out your equipment in this room long before it's show time. Electrical outlets may be scarce, so you may need to bring extra extension cords. And -- you brought an extra projector light bulb, right?

6. Podiums are Not for Professionals

Podiums are "crutches" for novice presenters. To be engaging with your audience you have to be free to walk among them if you can, or at least vary your position on stage, so that you will appear to be approachable to everyone in the room. Use a remote device so that you can change slides easily on the screen without having to be stuck behind a computer.

7. Speak to the Audience

How many presentations have you witnessed where the presenter either read from his notes or worse -- read the slides to you? The audience doesn't need you to read to them. They came to see and hear you speak to them. Your slide show is just a visual aid.

8. Pace the Presentation

A good presenter will know how to pace his presentation, so that it flows smoothly, while at the same time he is prepared for questions at any time -- and -- going back to Item 1, of course, he knows all the answers. Make sure to allow for audience participation at the end. If no one asks a questions, have a few quick questions of your own ready to ask them. This is another way to engage the audience.

9. Learn to Navigate

If you are using PowerPoint as a visual aid to your presentation, get to know the many keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly navigate to different slides in your presentation if the audience asks for clarity. For example, you may wish to revisit slide 6, which contains a wonderful picture illustrating your point.

10. Always Have a Plan B

Unexpected things happen. Be prepared to any disaster. What if your projector blew a light bulb (and you forgot to bring a spare) or your briefcase was lost at the airport? Your Plan B should be that the show must go on, no matter what. Going back to Item 1 once again -- you should know your topic so well that you can make your presentation "off the cuff" if need be, and the audience will leave feeling that they got what they came for.

row, row, row your boat....

Thursday, August 28, 2008


Like every Wednesday night, we had our RAKSI last night. In the beginning, we were all hesitant to go because of the numerous assignments and upcoming tests but we went anyways as it was compulsory for first-year students. This time, the task was to make a boat out of nothing but paper and plastic straws. We were separated into two groups and the winner will be chosen according to the boat's endurance and our creativity. It should be big enough for three persons to sit on. We started clueless but eventually enjoyed making the boat once we got the hang of it..and what you see in the picture was the result. It was not that handsome or charming but at least it did look like a boat. And it was really a memorable moment.
PS: neither of the groups won.

7 blunders of the world according to Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, August 23, 2008

7 blunders of the world according to MAHATMA GANDHI

Mahatma Gandhi said that there are 7 blunders of the world. Yes. 7 things that can possibly destroy the world and everything in it. It is everywhere. You can easily find one, if not several, of the 7 blunders of the world around you. What are they, you asked?

The 7 BLUNDERS OF THE WORLD are:

1. wealth WITHOUT work
2. pleasure WITHOUT conscience
3. knowledge WITHOUT character
4. commerce WITHOUT morality
5. science WITHOUT humanity
6. worship WITHOUT sacrifice
7. politics WITHOUT principle

Most of you would probably agree with Mr. Gandhi right now - after knowing what the 7 destructive things are. Wealth, pleasure, knowledge, commerce, science, worship and politics. Those are the things that we actually work hard to gain. They are the 7 things entrusted to mankind so they can help us make the world a better place to live in if they are managed wisely.

Every now and then we hear of the people who either fail because they don't appreciate what they have or ruin their own life simply because they can afford to do so. Wealthy kids doing drugs, committing suicide because of family problems. Trust me, the news gets more petrifying each day. What is more devastating is the numbers. Knowledge has always been misused by the heartless to harm others. Respectable scientists of the past devoted their lives to their scientific beliefs and researches. Little did they know that the information they obtained will be used centuries later to build weapons for nuclear wars. Killing millions of helpless, innocent people. Dirty politics led human being to battle with its own kind for all the wrong reasons.

The 7 wonders of the world makes earth a wonderful place to live in but these 7 blunders of the world will totally bring earth down in destruction. As long as we are willing to work hard and sacrifice, and have the right character, conscience, principle and morality, we can prevent what Mahatma Gandhi referred to as the 7 blunders of the world from annihilating mankind.

peace

Friday, August 15, 2008



Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and saw a stranger in the background? It makes you wonder how many people have pictures of you, how many moments of other people's lives we've been in. Were we part of someone's life when their dream came true, or were we there when their dreams died? Did we keep trying to get in, as if we were somehow destined to be there? Or did the shot take us by surprise? Just think, you could be a big part of someone else's life, and not even know it.

the black parade

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things which you think you cannot do."


I've always love jungle trekking and camping but I've never imagined myself being left alone in the jungle at night. If given the ability to choose, I would never have chosen to stand alone surrounded by the eerie silence of the jungle. But my preference didn't matter when my group of twelve first-year female students were sent out in the middle of the darkest of nights carrying only a map, a torch light and a compass. We were to find our way through the darkness and look for Osama Laden in the form of a twelve-inch bamboo in an empty, abandoned house.


Despite being the youngest of the group, I have to lead them through this whole program. Their health and performance were my responsibilities. But they were all very cooperative and considerate enough to make things easier for me.

A group was sent off every 30 minutes and our group was the sixth of ten. We started our 'Osama' hunt at exactly 1.45 am. With the map as our sole guide, we headed into the darkness. We were walking cautiously in 6 rows - two in each row. It was like a mini exodus, a black parade. The path was gravelly for the first 10 minutes. There was no sound except for the silent zikr each of us was citing. As we reached the edge of the jungle I was getting more and more anxious. I couldn't wait to get it over with. The dual line form we were in became a single one as the path was too narrow and fit for only one person at a time. I was in front of the line. Holding the torch light firmly in one hand and the map in another, I carefully led the group into the blindness of the jungle. Teamwork and tolerance kept us on the right route although we need to turn back every time we were off track.


Through teamwork and tolerance did we manage to reach the empty house on time. It was lit with dim lights. We couldn't find the twelve-inch bamboo after searching the parameter of the house for an hour. Only after that did we realize we were searching the wrong house. It was supposed to be the other house that we missed because there was absolutely no light whatsoever in that area. We had to go back to into the absolute darkness again. I was about to give up as I was already at my limits. But thinking of the other members of the team, giving up was not my choice. As said by Hannah Arendt : Fear is an emotion indispensable for survival. I knew I have to finish this dreadful journey.


We got to the creepy abandoned house and started searching for 'Osama'. This time we were able to get inside of the building. There were lots of old furniture, drawers and cupboards. There was a calendar still hanging on the wall which stated the year 1887. After circling the building countless times we were grateful to finally found the so-called 'Osama' and headed to the base camp. It was 4.00 am when we reported to the commander. It was so late and the hunt took a long time - not to mention a lot of energy - but it was so worth it when we finally held the twelve-inch bamboo.

I couldn't sleep for the rest of the morning. Before heading back to UMP we took our chance to visit the museum nearby and had a blast of air batu campur and keropok lekor before hopping on the bus. Thinking back, I realized that the 'journey through darkness' has opened my eyes to a whole new level of capabilities. As I have once stated in my previous post:


'It is only when you're tested that you discover who you truly are and who you can be.'


story of 'nurul afiqah'


story of 'nurul afiqah'

From: mocqachinno, 14 minutes ago


story of 'nurul afiqah'
View SlideShare presentation (tags: te)



this was a presentation for my english class. we had to make a short presentation about ourselves. i decided to talk about how i got my name


SlideShare Link

this blur called life

She loses herself in a song
doesn't want to be found
lets her worries fall to the ground

plays it louder again and again
doesn't want the tears to begin
to just forget the places she's been

if only these notes
were a cure to her pain
for the tears that still remain

no voice speaks loud enough
it seems she's heard it all
now she puts up this wall

in hopes that someone
will tear it down
and forever wipe off her frown

it's not what she wants
as tears stream down her face
she's lost something that she cannot replace

all she wanted, all she needs
is someone to hold her
and make sense of this blur

guys actually..

[this is a reply to Khalilurrahman's post about girls]

guys...
if you treat him, he'll say you are in love
but if you don't, he says you are proud
if you dress nicely, he'll say you are trying to impress him
but if you don't, he says you are from kampung
if you don't love him, he will try to possess you
but if you love him, he will try to leave you
if you don't let him kiss you, he'll say you don't love him
but if you let him kiss you, he says you are cheap
if you break your promise, you can't be trusted
but if he breaks his promise, he is forced to do so
if you hurt him, you are so cruel
if he hurts you, you are too sensitive
so how on earth can we trust them??

never say YES when you mean NO

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

"Say no to a thousand things so that you can say yes to the few that really matter."
Redzwan A. Rahim


Saying 'NO'. I always have a problem with that. Every time someone asks for help or wants something from me, no matter how busy or unavailable I am I don't know how to say NO. It gets me all the time. Sometimes they want to borrow something that I need or I care about so much that it would worry me if it is in other people's hand. Still I couldn't find the strength to say NO. I just couldn't bring myself to let down a friend when they needed help. Each time they ask for help I would think...'What if it is me that is asking for their help? How would I feel if they refuse to help me?' and that thought will automatically block any sentence that consists the word NO from coming out of my mouth. There are times when the things that I lent them got lost or broken but I tend to think it was an accident. They didn't mean to lose or break it on purpose. So I'll tell them that it's OK. A friend once told me not to be too lenient about my possessions. Those are my things and I have the right to say NO but I just don't have the heart to do it. I know I have to somehow learn to say NO but it takes time.

this blur called life

Thursday, August 7, 2008

She loses herself in a song
doesn't want to be found
lets her worries fall to the ground

plays it louder again and again
doesn't want the tears to begin
to just forget the places she's been

if only these notes
were a cure to her pain
for the tears that still remain

no voice speaks loud enough
it seems she's heard it all
now she puts up this wall

in hopes that someone
will tear it down
and forever wipe off her frown

it's not what she wants
as tears stream down her face
she's lost something that she cannot replace

all she wanted, all she needs
is someone to hold her
and make sense of this blur

fight or flight?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008



When confronted by our worst nightmares, the choices are few. Fight or flight. We hope to find the strength to stand against our fears. But sometimes despite ourselves, we run. What if the nightmare gives chase? Where can we hide then?