kaibigan @ kambingan

sometimes ago,

Popong, me and Dawn were seated at the back of a car. Jane was driving and Fread seated beside her. Popong were lolling beside me, and me and Dawn were talking about something totally forgetable matter (i cant recall it now). btw, she was sleepy too. its a very hot afternoon, and we've had a huge lunch a few minutes before. Jane and Fread were babbling about something like "....Melbourne to Sydney, kita naik flight la... dari Sydney... jetstar..... Virgin..." "....erry"

Me (the superstar of popping interrupting questions): Jen, mana kita mau naik ferry?

J: huh? kau cakap tidak jadi pigi Bako

D: kita pigi Bako?

F: ihhhh.. tiak maulah. panat pigi Bako

me: huh? tidaaaak... yang di Australia. mana kita mau naik ferry?

J: Australia? Ferry?

(here, we were almost talking simultaneously)

F: mana ada naik ferry? kita pakai flight la.

P: (with eyes shutted) huh? kenapa mau naik ferry?

me: (now, very confused) bukan ko sama Fread cakap tadi naik ferry ka?

J: kita ada cakap pasal naik ferry?

F: (grinning) kita cakap pasal Blackberry bah tadi. Astaga! Togou!

me: huh? Blackberry? ko dengar dorang cakap apa tadi? (looking hopelessly at Popong and Dawn)

P: saya dengar McFlurry

D: saya dengar Blackberry, tapi McFlurry pun ada juga

will i eventually go insane playing along with these idiots?

(i miss you guys so much. i keep on rewinding my mind on the above situation (the version i keep replaying in mind). each of you have the rights to deny/retell your own version) haha.. happy weekend kaibigan. God is awesome good!

BOOK: Stones into Schools

If you're a longtime reader of this blog, you might realize, most of the books mentioned here in this blog are fictions. and i have to confess, yes i mostly read fictions. because its much easier to read and entertaining (ooo.. dont we all love the idea of lite& easy?). and i dont need to keep on checking details and facts, absorbing the ideas and thinking about the contents (as i tend to do, reading non-fictions).

By reading fictions, we let our emotion rules. we dont really care about the facts, as long as its marginally believable, the plots gripping and the characters have character. we're hooked.

i have another thing to confess, i have problem reading autobiography. i just cant decide how to categorize them. but, i do read them and loathed most of them. some of the autobiographies i truly enjoyed were: A Malaysian Diplomat's Diary and Out of Africa. enough to say, i dont buy much autobiography. so, its not a surprise i missed Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. i bought his second book (mostly because somebody else co-wrote it) 'Stones into Schools' and deeply inspired by the efforts of this guy.

what he did was amazing. an ordinary guy, trying (at first, just to return kind favour) to do something small, contributing with what he have with passion and ended up doing extraordinary humanitarian efforts in the tumultuous regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. His mantra " if you educate a boy, you educate an individual, but if you educate a girl, you educate a community". He completely won my heart over.

note to self: keep on doing those baby steps...

what's that? Elephant?

Edmund's Elephant

During the weekend, i read (finally finished) Othello and re-read Rob Yeung's The Rules Of Entrepreneurship. on it's slip cover, i jotted 'November 2008, KK'. old eh?

in the wake of my attention to entrepreneurship, i tried writing up a business plan. but, ended up, not convincing myself. the numbers are just too much too handle and the whole ideas are mind boggling. or to put it in a milder words: difficult to attain. argh! passion can wither when the going gets tough.

but then i remember a childish question of 'how to put an elephant into a refrigerator?'. answer: open the fridge, shove the elephant in, then shut the fridge. obvious answer? No. we, adult, have trained our mind to think in more complicated manner: how to chopped up the elephant? how to get an elephant in the first place? how to get a larger fridge to accomodate the bulk of an elephant? etc. now, think, is the question of how to put an elephant into a refrigerator even relevant?

in 'Othello', Othello suffered and died because he made the mistakes of making too much assumptions rather than, going to the source of his problem and he trusted the wrong person. Lesson? dont assume. get clear facts, reasoned and respond. we go back to that issue of an elephant and the refrigerator. we 'assumed' 'elephant' is an elephant, or/and the 'refrigerator' our normal refrigerator. assumption almost always leads to murky situation, which always ended not the way we intended.

Seriously, i'm trying to be practical here. i'm trying to get all the facts and build a solid plan for my venture. i am dead passionate about this and the mere thought of it make me more alive than ever. all i need now, is that tiny mustard seed size of faith to move some mountains. so, i'm shoving away all of my first assumption/plan and concentrate on a more factual, attainable, immediate goal.

All izz well.. all izz well... all izz well..idiots!

MOVIE: 3 idiots

i rarely watch Hindi movie. for the sheer detest of its unrealistic plots and over-dramatized drama. but, i do make exceptions. i watched "Maan" including the dancing and merrymaking songs, i watched quite a numbers of Shah Rukh Khan's Movies (thanks to my Hindi movie craze housemate during my univ days). so, i'm not that illiterate of Bollywood's goods.

in 2009, i read a film review in the Star newspaper of a Hindi movie "3 idiots". the guy who wrote the review compared the movie to "Dead Poets Society" and "Good Will Hunting" in terms of film's content--- ie: passion for education/ learning. who can resist to watch a movie as such?

recently, a good friend's wife told me in passing that she's downloading "3 idiots" because she needs her Hindi movies fix, and the latest movies from Bollywood failed to fill her. (she's in the last stage of her trimester and need all the comforts she can get). ecastically i asked for a copy!! lucky me!

her husband handed it to me last monday and i've watched the movie twice. it was good. i simply fall for Sharman Joshi, the guy who played Raju Rastogi.

the movie is basically about friendship. how good friends should bring the best and the worst in us, and in the end, accepted us just the way we are. the passion for education/ learning came as a by product of the main theme. Raju, Farhan and Rancho were roomates in the best engineering college in India. while Raju and Farhan struggled with their studies, Rancho aced all exams (not only because he's a genius but, because he's really interested in learning engineering). the movie went on about their personal struggles and how in the end they overcome. the whole movie was entertaining. and if we dig a little deeper, quite troubling.


eventhough the film did raised a lot of doubts in the quality of existing education system. in my opinion, it did not offer a better alternative in a concrete way for mass schooling system. thus proved, the ideal way is not always the best solution. but, being an idealist at heart, i firmly believe in what the film's selling, school should focus on teaching the kids to think (a la de Bono) and care less of grades. especially in primary school.



in the ideal world of mine, i'd home-school my kids.

Monday Musings

i want to make this kind of post a regular feature in this blog throughout the year

During the weekend, i read 3 crappy detective stories (i'll post the picture of the books in my January read). But the last one, ignites the imagination of my imaginative mind to really consider, opening up a retreat centre in Ranau. i called my sister (because i need to talk to somebody, who already knew, i'm a half-sane person and still love me). and because, i need some practical, down to earth opinion. i need an engineer's point of view.

She said it's a viable venture. but i have to do it on a part-time basis and i have to relocate to KK to be able to do so. and i really should prepare a neat projection, project paper. that, i think i can do. O gosh! am i really out of my mind? who am i kidding?

Long time ago (days, when i used to write long letters home). i wrote to my dad about, a little bird leaving the nest. He sent me a card: fly, as high as you can (i always believe, its a words of motivation, encouragement). But, nowadays i see the words as a challange. really? how high dare i to fly?

Maybe its about time to test my aptitude for higher altitude free falling? i mean, higher risk-venture. and i guess its a high time for me to flock with the same kin. Spending more time with the parents while time allows? thus, 2 things to muse this week: if i have to open the Retreat center in Ranau, i need to relocate, if i got a new job in KK. fat IFS.

Calling for P&F week. God, Thy will be done

2011

i learnt a lots during the holidays. of putting family first, of spending more time with friends, of how small gesture transformed the whole situations, of trusting ones instinct. i did a lots of thing i never thought i could ever done, like, enjoying 5 hours trekking on a knee deep muds, cold showers at night, enjoying the company of strangers of whom i tried my best guessing what they were talking about.

i went up the hill in Bario and loved what i saw up there. i will sorely miss the evening teas, rice cake and the company of concerned aunties.

thank you, Jane, for making the trip possible.

so, for 2011,

spend quality time with loved ones

make plan and lists

but dont overdo

learn crafting

drive

swim

dive

dance

listen more attentively

pause to smell the flower

read more poems

read more of culture and history

get an ipad

bring home a puppy

finish reading the Book

get a boyfriend (macam pi membeli sana kadai saja kan? muahahhaha!)

updates:

1. plan and lists and estimated budget done for major vacations

2.beads bought for beadings

3.mimi gave me large pot of flowers.. farewell gift. i will literally take time to smell the flower!

4.i'm starting to read Edgar Allan Poe's Poems- it gives me creep.

5.i'll search for Jared Diamond's book

6.will go to animal shelter for puppy this weekend

i'll advertise for boyfriend in class next week. OOOO.. lame.

last saturday,

i turned 30. i stayed home and did what i always did on my birthday, i fasted. nothing religious in the act. it was just something i always did. (some of my friends knew i have a cry-day in a week --usually friday-- when i cry my heart out and the act makes me better. down there in my core. my soul?).

something happened a day before my birthday. it's like a heavy lesson for life from my 20's. DONT TAKE CRITICISM PERSONALLY. and when you're dealing with a woman, (especially menopausal) always coat your words with honey, and bear in mind, women are prone on taking everything personally and they're more judgemental.

where can i have Ruiz's The Four Agreements and Dasgupta's Solo?

somehow, i felt old. this, being thirty is depressing. maybe, if we let go of those usual expectations, it'll be easier. i dont know. or, should i rather, strive for that usual expectations and be what? normal? as expected?

i love pickles! or anything fermented. bosou sada, bosou gipan, binagongan, belacan, tuhau, cencaluk, kim chee, fermented soy beans, soy sauce, jeruk mangga, bambangan.. i can go on with the list. and that, i'm listing only fermented products i'm familiar with.

if you live in Kuching, the best place to scout for alien pickles is at COLD STORAGE Green Heights. they have a huge selections of chutneys, pickles and fermented products. i got myself Italian green olive stuffed with anchovy in light vinegar last monday.

and i dont have to search for place to get my favourite soda anymore. they have it there abundantly, albeit slightly pricey. i used to hoard it from Boulevard, as sometime they have it, but, most of the time, they dont (usually they only stock-up on that black can Schweppes). and really, who can blame the pekerja to give me a blank look when asked about Schweppes bitter lemon? (my sister, whose addicted to Coca-Cola also gave me the look - and we were together in our campus day when i first encountered and fall in love with this blue can). how can she not know?

. Schweppes! bitter lemon

if you have read up to this paragraph, you might probably wonder whats my point. i have none. i just miss home so much. its crushing my spirit. so, i have to write something uplifting. and what better to muse but food? and a cool place to get some cool food!

November read

just so i have a post.

my favourite : To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

some weekends are better than others

last weekend was certainly one of my best this year. Popong from Sibu, Jen from KL flew in Wednesday (Hari Raya Qurban) and friday night, Fread and Dawn came from KK. Saturday, we sunburned ourselves in Serikin.

The highlight of the weekend was Noel's Birthday party on saturday's night! too many good things to mention (and i dont have a picture to share). enough to say, from now on, i'm a converted baking enthusiast! O i so love the moist carrot cake (and i never ate anything sweet with cinnamon).Dy, your carrot cake was the only exception.

and the plan for 10 days DownUnder?! guys, i AM in.

kaibigan, kasi up stamina okey? mesti berjalan dengan sangat bersemangat merayau-rayau di Wat itu..

when words failed to describe the outburst of feeling you felt when that boy ran to his grandpa and said "you bought everything for me?". and you knew part of his history. and looking at apu's, nenek's and mommy's faces (the struggles they may have been through). and realized, this is love. this is the feel of being loved.

when friends come over,

say goodbye to your diet, say hulo to late night gossips and cover your ears when swears criss-cross.

and please, try not to be too overzealous on converting them to your religion (ie: books, sewing, crochet) not everybody love the concept of a quite evening WITHOUT a TV. get real, its not zaman batu.

most of all, let them play with your friend's cats and feed them well. (the human and cats)

you can let them sit on your living room floor if you dont own and sofa. its ok to let them sleep on the floor also. and let them use their backpacks as a pillow. provide enough air abok for this purpose. it'll do the trick. (the JUNK proved to provide stiff cocktails- bring them there). you? keep on sipping shiraz.

Hinakah aku kerana tidak memiliki set TV di zaman moden ini ?

Lucky, Lucky

saya sayang dia dia sayang saya

The caption on his shirt really funny, come to think of it. but the wearer's good looking face somehow make the caption seems serious. or does it make it more hillarious? super-indon. muahahaha!

I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and funnily, the author kept on telling the readers the caption on the heroine's T-Shirt (i lost count- my favourite was: Armageddon was yesterday. today we have a serious problem). its not funny story. its intensely savage.

Somehow, over the weekend, i managed to read (in order) House Rules-Jodi Picoult, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who played with Fire - Stieg Larsson, Spot of Bother- Mark Haddon and To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee. and 25 first pages of Moby Dick.(aww.. the last book will take me a month if not more to finish) and i will re-read all those books, starting with To Kill a Mockingbird.

how do i rate them books?

1. To kill a mockingbird - i dont know why i never want to pick this book before. this is one fine book. honest, simple, wholesome. (i see my dad in Atticus, and mighty lucky to have En. Mujat as a father-Pong, you should read this book)

2. Spot of Bother- i think highly of Haddon first book -The Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. this second novel not quite up to the first's level. but its good. very good actually. hillarious, insanely humane, touching. (my family seems ordinary compared to the Hall's family). i cant wait for another Haddon's in the future.

3. Stieg Larsson's books. i'd seen the movie. "Män som hatar kvinnor". and i was blown over. i even like that unknown actor who played Kalle Blomkvist (upss... sorry.. ya, sure all these times we only knew them Hollywood). i usually will love the book version better than the movie. but, in this case, i have to say, i LOVE the movie more!. the setting was perfect, the actress was superb. even the rape scene looks real! and that- super savage. do, go to youtube and find the trailer. so, now i have to have the last of the triology, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. btw, i like the 2nd novel better. more feeling, more resentment. (have you ever wonder, whats all those books lined up on IKEA's displayed racks- now, i have a glimpse of their literature, i'm awfully sorry i cant read those) (pong, you should read this to show GATAN that he is famous in Sweden.. all those places ended with .....gatan)

4. House Rules- normally, i'd cry over Jodi's. not this one. i am still a big fan of hers. and no plan on dropping her from my must read list. but after more than 10 books, you began to see the pattern and its not as exciting nor eye opener anymore. one of the main reason we read is to open our eyes to new possibilities, ideas and perspectives. if the technique became stale, its like eating stale bread. satisfying, but not deliciously satisfying.

book for december's cart. ya, i made a budget list for books to buy. i need to save money for our March Holiday!- 1. Larsson's final triology of The Girl. 2. Solo by Rana Dasgupta.

Lucky is the best word for having a family you trully love. one, that, if you have a choice, you'd picked them anyway. Lucky is the best word for finding in the million heaps of people in the world, few rare good friends. and we treasure them, because we knew, we cant be in a winning streak forever.

p/s kaibigans! its november! peringatan pertama.. muahahahaha!

on higher ground

me on high

i was in Miri last week for my DKP10 convocation. i tried to upload pictures here. but, its tooooo darn slow. so, i used FB instead (i have to admit, the act almost choked me up)

dont ask why i was on high in Miri. dont even think of asking the whom with.

a good company can make you high. you know you're in a good company when you talk with ease, laugh more and when you are not talking, its a comfortable silence.

ya. i'm thinking of you guys. cant wait for our november party!