I give up on titles =p

Yesterday evening had intensive training for this weekend's volley ball match. Got home way passed Maghrib. 2 hours of rigorous practice. After weeks of playing, your hands don't get bruised or swollen anymore. Trust me. It's the first two rounds of game that swell your hands, after a while you'll get accustomed to the blow.

Time spent playing with the students and teachers in a friendly match make me think of the things I'll miss being a teacher. I love this job. I love these kids. They adore you so much and you love being with them too. Works maybe stressful around admin level n all, but when you go in the class and look at these kids, hilang segala penat lelah. Their success worth all the effort you put in.

We started our semester examinations last Monday.

Why do people like to chew sweets or bubble gum for that matter?

Discipline is one thing. Personally, I don't mind students taking sweets in the class. Strictly sweets only, neither lollipops nor bubble gum. The sight of something sticking out from your face irritates me. Only little kids look cute eating lollipops.

I was just wondering how the students can consume packets after packets of sweets. I'm a sweet tooth myself esp ice creams, chocs, cakes and ice blendeds. Oh, the new mini Cornetto Tiramisu flavour is a must-try.

I don't enjoy soft drinks too even Coke. This reminds me of a friend who is a Coke addict. She has got to have her daily supplement of Coke. She takes them religiously. And she's a health inspection officer!

Back to the sweet story. It's during exams season the intake of sweet seem frequent. Sweet wrappers are torn every 10mins. Maybe they want to avoid falling asleep or they're bored, but imagine when everything is so serene and quiet and the sound of sweet wrappers torn apart is quite disturbing. =P

I do keep Clorets or any other strong mint tablets in my handbag. And they usually take quite a while to finish. They come in handy after a plate of nasi lemak or mee kari.

The school now has wireless connections. Gila best! hahahaaa... =D

Pesta Ibadah Bermula...

1st Rejab falls on 26th July,2006. =)

It's a beautiful day

[ringing in my head: Beautiful Sunday-Daniel Boone]

After last night...

Sometimes you need to re-visit the past to find ways to move forward-DZ.

Bersama kesusahan ada kemudahan. Selepas lapar, ada kenyang, selepas haus ada kepuasan, selepas berjaga malam ada tidur lena, selepas sakit ada kesembuhan. Tiap-tiap yang hilang pasti ditemui, dalam kesesatan akan datang petunjuk, dalam kesusahan ada kemudahan, dan selepas kegelapan akan muncul sinar terang.

Jadilah orang-orang yang mudah melupakan kejahatan dan sebaliknya mudah mengingati kebaikan orang lain.

(Petikan La-Tahzan)

Then I got this in my mail today:

HUMAN BEINGS ARE SUCH SMALL CREATURES, AREN'T THEY?
SO DON'T BE TOO WORRIED ABOUT EVERYTHING,
TREASURE EVERY MOMENT, DO WHAT YOU WISH TO DO.....
BROADEN YOUR VIEW, BROADEN YOUR MIND,
DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE BOTHERING YOU,
DO TREASURE YOUR LOVED ONES, LIVE SAFELY AND PEACEFULLY,
ALWAYS BE HAPPY TO WELCOME THE COMING OF THE NEW Day.......

ENJOY THE SUNSHINE ...
ALWAYS LOOK AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS.....

BE POSITIVE BE CONFIDENT!

Oh well, I'm a lady Virgo after all. ;)

And heartiest congratulations to Kak Teh for her big day had arrived. Founder of SentralStation, initiator of many platforms, a mentor, a friend, much admired blogger by many. May you have many more of these accomplishments and bigger days down the road Kak Teh.

Not-so-centered

I'd usually look forward to trips back there, catching up with friends. This time around I'm not quite sure why the anxious feeling. Some bad vibes. But, my instinct as a rule sucks. My last trip there, I didn't go back to the forbidden zone. My tummy lurches. I think I might even have cold feet (literally). I always do. My hand goes really cold (!) at the prospect of facing edginess. Sound inflated, but I have a faint heart. Next time around I have to spend at least two good days there. Weddings usually excite me but this time I don't quite know the trepidation. The last wedding I attended moved me to tears, and I have a feeling this next one will make we weep. Weddings are always beautiful and what else better to offer but a silent prayer that the couple will embark on a happy life lasting journey together.

"... doakanlah kebahagiaan dia..." I always do. =)

I came across an e-mail from a fellow blogger. She had this to say and I was really grateful to read it again, "There will be days you wake up and move on easily, there will be days when suddenly something triggered some thoughts but whatever it is, emotions are something we shouldn't really entertain sometimes. rather than it be our weakness, work to make it our strengths. like focusing on family and career would benefit no one but you and your close love ones. keep on improving ur self as well. keep on praying... "

I miss her rantings. Maybe it's just the mood swings lately. Works been killing me mentally and weariness get the most of you. With a month's notice handed in, I have to execute some advance works and rush through the limited time frame I have. So many things up my sleeve it cracks me up. Wait till by the end of next month when I jump into what awaits. I'm young; I can still enjoy the adrenaline rush and the pressure that lies ahead. I should learn to take a step at a time. I worry too much... I know. So, I've been reminded by many about this particular weakness of mine, but no one say it like he does. No words touched me more other than his. A decision, a corollary I have to learn to live by, to dedicate life to other pursuits.

I don't have dreams or nightmares, unlike some others, so am I less affected? I appear willful and I still make decisions with all the sensibility I am known for. No one can detect if there's anything wrong (unless if you're reading this now). Of course nothing's wrong. Just feel like blabbing away. I would feel better venting out. Again, it's mainly because of the mounting tension at work and getting things done that's causing this. I'm overdosed with Hot.fm selections too I guess. Light n Easy ain't a better choice either. Neither is Mix.fm. Hits.fm is a no-no too. My mp3 lists are bad, bad for the poor heart too. So, what can I do? I manage to finish a book. Even re-read some books. They all brought flashbacks. I went for a movie. I've been out nursing my emotions with some gastronomic (mis)adventures top with servings of cornettos and vienettas. The almond tiramisu in The Junk was to die for though. Next round must try the pavlova. heheheee... I'm surprised the scale did not detect any extra pounds. Oh, now, I can't wait to indulge in the Mega Sales jalan-jalan and looking forward to some play at the theatre too and more gastronomic advantures. =)

Finally updated the links. heh. Next best option now? Watching Dinotopia. And next week re-runs of DHW Season 2 that I'm so left out on. =D

Day In, Day Out

Typically, I arrive in school before 7am. Monday my class ends at 3.50pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, classes end at 1.30 pm however we're packed with meetings, extra classes, curricular activities stretching our afternoons till 4.30pm or so; and for the past 3 weeks I've been attending volleyball practices 4.30pm till 6pm. The practices are meant for the upcoming state's level match next week to be held in Kota Samarahan. Nervous? Heck I am.

With the (approximately) 30mins drive, I usually arrive home by 6.30pm.

Such a routine. I wonder how I will like my new job later. I've yet to complete the medical check ups and several other documents required. I've not manage to steal any time with all the on-goings in school.

Mum's been baking cheesecakes. Five orders these two days. She specialises in a few varieties so far. I'm so glad I bought her the recipe book for last Mother's day gift. The cheesecakes are to die for and she's baking some every single week. If she's happy, I'm happy. Though her time spent baking would cost me home cooked dinner. =P Jokingly I told Mum we might need another oven and more baking trays by the end of the year. Silap-silap tambah lagi satu fridge. Mana nak station ntah.

She's been making pineapple jam to make some tarts for us to bring over to Miri next month. Time does fly really fast ay, soon it'll be August then September.

Out of boredom and craving I decided to make kuih bakar. There was one time when I could not miss this kuih for breakfast. Hari-hari beli. Below is the simple kuih bakar version. It tasted original. =P

Kuih Bakar

2 egg
6oz sugar (you may substitute it with gula merah)
140g flour
1/2 cup coconut cream (Ideal Milk's Santan flavour is a good alternative)
40ml pandan juice extract (it is always good to use pestle and mortar but the lazy me just blend extra lots of screwpine leaves with some water)

1. Beat sugar and egg till sugar is dissolved.
2. Add in flour, coconut cream, pandan extract and mix well.
3. Pour batter into a baking tin. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.
4. Preheat oven for 3mins at 180°C. Bake for 30-40mins.

Kuah Rojak

½ kg sugar, plus a good dose of gula merah
½ bottle chilli ketchup (di-suggest brand Life)
½ bottle soy sauce (di-suggest brand Tamin)
¼ tin petis udang (guane nak kata nieh? shrimp paste kan belacan? heheee...)

Bring everything to a simmer under a slow fire till you've achieved a desired consistency and thickness.

We used this kuah rojak recipe during one of our attempted business venture in our uni days. It goes great with guava, pineapples, cucumber, watercress, rose apple etc.

I can't find my lab coat for tomorrow's lab work!!! ishk, what if I have more labs works to do in the new job? Where to get a new one? My Bro's one is also missing. Mana lah I campak mine dulu ek.. uhuk...uhuk...

Anyway, I bought some potatoes to finish off the minced beef in the freezer. Should it be Shepard's Pie or Bergedil?

This is a blog belonging to a homosapien of the XX species so you have to pardon all the food discussion. =D

It's bothering to know

This post I assume is sensitive in some ways. Internet as a widely used medium made me felt it is just something I want to portion out. In no ways am I having any personal gain from this. Just to share with some readers.

Frankly, during poles apart situations, at different times, we have heard these:

◊ A certain individual or organization will receive monetary benefits if he/she/them manages to convert Muslims to Christianity.

◊ A certain individual or organisation will also receive fiscal profit if he/she/them able to convert Christians to Islam.

Shocking? Quite? Not so?

As far that I know, by the very little life experience I've gathered, NONE of the above happened. Not in my surroundings, at least. I've received strings of e-mails, heard enough stories during home groups and usrah meetings. If either of the two sides were in my position to hear what I hear, I'm sure they are quick to snap because none of it is true. Any one can testify to have heard (or even received) substantial of money exchanging hands because you manage to convert people or when you yourself went thru the conversion? First hand information/testimonial? From the horse's mouth itself NOT through the grapevine account. Until there is someone who can testify to this post, those allegations remain unsubstantiated and pretty much groundless.

Why then do we have such accusations around us? You know what the other said is not true about your missionaries/ da'wah so what makes you think what ever 'news' you heard about their side is also true? How to counter all these attacks? Personally I think it is fitnah on both parties; which is a low act of degrading and mortifying.

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil...

Assistance such as food, drinks, shelter, love, care, aren't we all doing what just needed to be done? Whether it is actually a form of luring, wallahualam. But, I believe whoever works in the name of his/her religion does it with utmost sincerity. Don't you think so? Would you claim to be sincere yet expects worldly rewards?

I beg to stick to the works of hidayah. It is HIS sole charge to give or to take it back from you. Nauzubillah min zalik.

I'm just as sad to hear all the slandering. It shouldn't be when we all claim peace is the goal of humanity. I have no idea what this post may spark. I hope nothing.

I am weak and meek; I may not know things I should be knowing. I humbly apologise if you're hurt in any ways. Please do approach and we'll try to understand our individual reasoning.

I wish you well and be blessed by HIS grace and mercy.

Meanwhile, I'm leaving you with this... heheee...

"I think there's a spy among us....." heheheeee...

Making Choices

The letter from SP* arrived yesterday. huhuuu...

I'm torn in between two professions I adore equally. I'm not the choosy type see. Thus, every time I manage to nail my applications in various fields is because I DO have interest and passion to succeed in them. Bukan saja-saja apply, thus making it difficult each time to say no at the end of the day.

It is quite easy to develop the love for something I do, that I surprisingly still scored in non-related applications such as finance and even investments. Nanie said I am 'valuable'. To that I 'just had' to texted her saying, "well, I don't seem valuable enough when I was assessed at one of the most critical stage in my life. what happened no one knew the amount of damage it did to my sense of worth". She replied saying "orang Melayu mudah lupa". I kata "kenangan that pahit masakan boleh dilupa". Reading La Tahzan, still, who can help not feeling substandard. Life. Oh well.

All my 'working' life, I've been a teacher. It's been almost 5 years since my first teaching experience.

Option A: In this line of work I will be able to put into practice my degree. Isn't that what every undergraduate dreamt of doing? I enjoyed what I have learnt over the course of 3 years. The travels, the paperworks, projects, are exhilarating even to just think about it.

Option B: Basically, pursue in the education field. The love for the kids.

Both options have their own perks and downsides. Not exactly downsides, sebab what doesn't face obstacles kan?

At the end of the day it is MY call. It's a tough crossroad.

Mum had advised.

He had his say.

InsyaAllah, I'll perform istikharah.

Maybe an opinion or two? =)

Lingo Boon

The windfall of knowing several dialects is; you'd know if people tengah kutuk you. =P

Undermining your own organization while it is you who needs to push a little further and take that extra mile.

Some people are just plain rude whilst they know nothing about the operation. ssheeesshhh......

For The Soul

I'm sharing a site that contains one of my personal fav quran recitations; by Sheikh Masyari Rasyid Al-Afaasi. I'm still half way downloading. The other recitations that I enjoy are from Sheikh Saad Said Al-Ghamidi. I just bought his mp3/audio CD recently. =)

Enjoy.

My True Colour

Your true color is Black!
Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them - your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness - trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

What's Your True Color?
Brought to you by Tickle

Well, since I had the time, and it's been a long while since I did any quiz, and it seems my sense of worth needs a lil boosting; so I took this quiz.

In one of the interviews I had this year I had to sit for a personality test too. According to the officer who supervised us; it was to ensure we are placed into the right departments with the right kind of service to be rendered. Last week, I heard the final list of candidates has just been sent to the K.Pengarah for approval. Oh well...

There's a belated Gawai celebration later at 1030. Now, I want to enjoy some yummylicious brunch. There's volleyball practise this afternoon then tonight I'm meeting some of the girls in Chilax. Chilax's juices are marvellous. Perhaps will try to take some pics tonight and upload them esok. =)

Have a nice day y'all.

Snippets of accounts

The atmosphere is not that conducive to prepare an entry, with Ungu-Demi Waktu playing at the background. hehee... it was some night.

Nevertheless, it has been quite a week (last week). Touching home ground I was met with many pending workload. The night of arrival itself I had to play co-host at a small dinner party in my aunt's. The following night was ex-classmates outing. Following, I had to turn down invites for coffee. I can barely keep my eye lids open by 8pm.

Friday itself was the school's sport's day. I was one of the teachers in charge of the first aid a.k.a. emergency unit. When you thought that not much of excitement could occur, you have dozens of students fainting leading finishing line, blistered feet, all the usual cramps, and one case whereby the student was doing a high jump and slid onto the ground upon landing on the mattress. Ouch!

We had a few comical scenes as well. Among the highlight was of course the 3000m participated by all the geng-geng lembut. They can really swing their booties ay. heh. They have some kind of stamina. Cheering never seems to ceased.

Attentions were also drawn towards the pocho-pocho performance. The pocho-pocho song was also very.......... tempting. heh. Makes you wanna rumba or in its originality... gelek. =P The song was sort of a fusion of dangdut and keroncong. Words alone doesn't do justice to the song and dance.

Am a lil over the budget so have to re-plan some things ahead. There're four more kain to be tailored into kebaya and baju kurung. The previous ones are ready but are not for Raya. I have no resistance when it comes to clothing and scarves. These two remedies I can't shun away. I am one fussy lady when it comes to tailoring what I wear. Either I like it or I won't wear it at all. Well, you have to feel good about your appearance kan? I don't consider this shopping aspect of mine a flaw; I am still thrifty in my spending. E.g. I didn't buy the jubah I set my eyes on since am not planning to wear it anywhere soon yet. =P So much for trying to keep $$$ for the August Mega Sales. Nak ke Kelantan some more. And Baini was already making suggestions to visit Butik Alia. I am pretty tempted to get a jubah from that boutique as the prices quoted by Baini was reasonable.

The escapade was a jiffy no doubt but am glad I made it. It was nice to be surrounded by close friends, and dwindling the aching feeling of being apart for such a long period. In any ways, long distance is definitely not advisable. =)

6 more weeks... Then end of the year break... Still counting...

Maybe there will be some upbeat changes?

Baini is leaving this morning. Took her out for coffee two nights ago to bid her farewell. We tried this new place Patience Daily. Their food portions are humungous! The iced choc was to die for. This is one thing I love about Kuching, the lists of selections for eateries are endless. There is always some places that I've not tried.

News knocking at your door ain't always pleasant. But, I remind myself that I have lots of people who cares as much and I just couldn't be bothered. Heck. There are more to look fwd to.

The workload always seems to be piling. Habis satu ada lagi. Am not complaining, just that I don't have time to blog and I'm missing this form of therapy. Lots of things I want to jot down, but I can't afford the pleasure of spending 1/2hour in front of the pc nowadays. This morning is an exceptional, and yet at the back of my mind, I AM thinking about the marks I am about to key in, I have class in 20mins time and my food is still heating in the oven.

Oh, I'm so looking fwd to the Rainforest Music Festival this weekend. Yeay!

Have a nice day. Toodles.