2009...already?


I think the year sped by a little too fast.

Too fast for my liking.

But then again it cant all be for my liking right?

I've done a couple of new things this year.


1) Like getting a job.

2) Switching into my preferred profession.

3) Ushered in 2008 by pulling an all-nighter at Tampines West CC.

-i guess that explains why im at home this year. and no i have NO desire to repeat it again this year-

4) i learned how to scuba! DEFINITELY one of the highlights of 2008.

5) i learned to appreciate my friendships even more! Thank you my AI girlies, my Chantiques and the group of Seniors. I love u and heart you so much.

6) i learnt to love and let go.

And last of all, i learnt that i didnt really achieve all my resolutions for 2008.

So come 2009 (in abt 2hrs) i will NOT set any resolutions for myself.

I'll just take it as it comes or make it up as i go along.

Whatever i feel like doing.

No pressure.


2009 is going to mark a major milestone for me i think.

I'll be a quarter of a century come APRIL...APRIL ok! *sweats anxiously*

Im NOT ready.

Im just NOT ready.

And Zak is going to tie the knot next December!

Alhamdullillah.


I'm not ready to handle 2009.

At all.

Not like how i embraced 2008.

With so much zest and optimism.

Cos somewhere in my heart of hearts...

I feel hopelessness just settling in.

And making herself comfortable.


Oh well.

Lets see how things shape up.


Fin.

Because it has been bugging me for the past few days!


Twilight the movie was utter crap!

Yes and i will say it again.

It was RUBBISH!


I think the critics have gone blind, deaf and retarded.

They're lucky the screenplay is good (though the storyline was SHITE)

Yes.

I honestly cannot believe i subjected myself to 2.5hours of sheer crap.

In the freezing cold mind u.

Im SO glad on one hand that i didnt spend any money on the tix.


HOWEVER!


I just wasted a perfectly good free movie pass.


So i decided to reserve my scathing comments of the movie cos probably the story got lost in the screenplay.

But no!

The book was pretty much crap too.

And i wasted $50 bucks on the rest of the books.

*Yeah, stupid me got "conned" into buying the book thanks to the sister* So annoyingggg!

I thought it was just the first book.

The 2nd book started to look up though, then the ending was a bit nonsensical.

And the 3rd book was just RUBBISH.

I was howling more with laughter at the ABSURDITY of the plot.

The complete insanity at her consistent RAMBLING.

Why!?

And this part i REAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLY don't get...


HOW CAN SHE EVEN GET GOOD REVIEWS FOR ALL HER BOOKS!!!


I havent read a book this bad in such a LOOOONNNG time so u can imagine the outburst.

Can you really blame me?

I have been exposed to better books my entire existence.

Emma by Jane Austen is freakin awesome next to the whole Twilight series.

The DaVinci Code movie was so much better than that movie.

And i didnt even LIKE the movie!

Dan Brown, J.K. Rowling, Jhumpa Lahiri...you all rock my socks.

S*tephenie M*eyer...really...wat creative writing class did u take?

I'm amazed ANY publishing house wanted to publish u at all.

Much less make a movie out of it.

Okay...enough of the scathing review.

*58&^%$(*&(&%%#347678*(&^(&*&()*&_)(&_)*%$#*


Fin.

Bali - Day 2

I just wanted to upload some photos of day two but i forgot that i didnt take that many in the first place.

So here goes...

We woke up for subuh then went back to bed cos subuh in Bali is at 4.45am!!!

Not to mention we had a reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyy loong day previously.

We were up playing Pictionary till abt 1.30am.

Seri and myself went back to our room at the end of the hall.

Yes, it was very CRUEL.

They separated the four of us! Not even an adjoining room was available.

The moment we reached our room, Seri crashed out mere minutes of her head touching the pillow.

I had been having problems sleeping a few days before the trip which still carried on when i was there.

So while Seri was sleeping peacefully, i still took about 15-30mins before settling in which was close to 2am.

After the short respite we had, we woke for breakfast *in all our kopet glory*

We got to the breakfast table ard 8am and had a hearty meal for our upcoming journey for the rest of the day.

It was a good thing that we packed in a big breakfast cos we didn't have lunch till about 3-4pm later that afternoon.

After the heavy meal, the four of us took a walk along the sidewalk towards the nearest supermarket to get some essentials.

It took a good 10-15mins to and from the shop, back to the hotel to shower and get dressed for our fun filled water activity day.

We had agreed to meet Rudy our guide at ard 9.45am at the hotel lobby to head over to Tanjong Benoa with another family flying in from S*ingapore (however they were I*ndian Nationals).

We waited for quite a while cos they were stuck in traffic and then they also too a GREAT long while to check in.

Why is it that when THEY *see above* go ANYWHERE in the world, they are PAINFULLY slow.

To the point of leisurely-ness!

Even our tour guide commented so!

-Well that's another gripe for another day-

Ouh well.

Onward with the story.

We all piled into the van for another 45min journey to Tg Benoa and all the 4 of us managed to get 40 winks.

The moment i opened my eyes we were less than 5 mins frm our destination.

We were greeted by a very tanned Balinese man who gave us a menu of sea sport activities with a brief description.

*Side-note: We had initially just wanted to snorkel and look at the pretty fish from a glass bottom boat*

But LO & BEHOLD! the moment the words "SCUBA-DIVE" escaped his lips, we all looked at each other in silent agreement that this was OUR choice!

I could hardly believe it!

For 400,000 Rp we would be diving amongst the colourful sealife for half-an-hour with our diving instructor!

400,000Rp is roughly equivalent to SGD54!

Not only that!

We also took up the video and photo package for another 120,00Rp.

Though some may argue that it is a little pricey (or not), it was definitely $$$ well spent.

I could not have been happier and excited to dive.

I had only been snorkelling both in M*alaysia and once previously in B*ali and i looked forward to this amazing experience EXCITEDLY with my girlfriends from Uni!

It was DEFINITELY the 2nd highlight of the trip.

The 1st being suli's "not-so-secret-admirer" at Uluwatu, Mr Kumis with his hand around her shoulder and his head leaning on the other unoccupied shoulder

LMAO!

I still roll with laughter at the memory :))

Ok back to our diving experience.

We werent the only pple diving that day, the mother and father from the Indian family that joined us too.

So it was a cosy company of 6 plus the 2 very nice diving instructors, Arjun and Dicky and the guy steering his boat and his son *i think*

We took a less than 10min boat ride to the dive site.

We were told that it was abt 3-5m deep.

Before we began the actual diving, our main instructor Arjun gave us some simple instructions on how to use the mask and the regulator and how to breathe using the regulator.

You THINK its easy but its not.

I was lucky enough to have snorkelled which gave me a leg up on the use of the regulator

The 3 girls weren't so lucky.

We were also taught some basic hand signals and what to do in case water came into the regulator and mask.

After the short lesson, we were strapped with weight belts and one by one, we plunged into the slightly chilly waters.

First in was shasha.

Taking the cue from her, we all grabbed the side of the boat *clinging for dear life mind you! especially when there are weights strapped around your waist*

They then put on the tank on when we were in the water.

Suli and Seri were quite nervous, seeing that they had no swimming experience.

Both had trouble breathing from the regulator.

Shasha and Suli were then led to the dive site by the instructor.

Seri and I were next into the water.

I didnt want to leave Seri alone but Dicky had already pulled me to the dive site seeing that i had already gotten a hang of breathing on the regulator.

Before i could even allay Seri's fears he whisked me away to the dive site and let me equalise as we went deeper.

Then i met the other 2 girls on this piece of coral and i waved excitedly to shasha and suli!

There were PLENTY of fish swimming around us.

I saw some parrot fish, i think it was angel fish and then "Dory's" too

But i did feel slightly claustrophobic and worried that some of the fish would bite my fingers.

It was a spectacular show of God's creation.

Ok im tired now Part 2 of Day 2 later.

-4 tired and hungry girls after a dive-

Fin.

p/s: i want my OWN e*dward c*ullen; NOT R*obert P*attinson. movie disappointed me :(

and so i bought the book.

Bali - Day One

I think i put off writing about my trip with the girls long enough.
I think there are many who are anxiously awaiting.

And tonight i've finally decided to blog.

Breaking the silence finally.

*ok more of recovering from the exhaustion hehe*

We departed frm Singapore at 7.20am.

I had to wake up at 4.am.



That in itself was a miracle.


Seri's mom sent us off at the airport.



It was nice to have at least one parent around. It felt really good!



We checked in our bags and salam-ed Seri's mom and waved goodbye and started our adventure.



When we made our way into the transit area, Shasha kept asking:




"Eh korang, betul eh kiter nak gi Bali!?"








Yeah, we were excited.




Even myself!



When we stepped into the plane, we were like, "this is it! we're heading to Bali together!"



It was awesome.



Taking off in the singapore sunrise made it even MORE beautiful!






About 2.5hours later, we landed safely in Ngurah Rai welcomed by a slightly overcast sky and a little showering rain.


But nevertheless, it was still perfect! :D



We were greeted by our guide Rudy and made our way to Grand Istana Rama, Kuta, Bali.





On the way there we did a little chatting and made plans for the afternoon to head over to Uluwatu for a little culture.

Upon reaching the hotel, the rooms weren't ready yet so we took off on foot to explore the area.



I thought we were extremely adventurous for 4 young ladies exploring new territory.



Haha, i felt so grown-up!



We happened to stumble upon this little alley with LOTS of goodies.






There were sunglasses, hats, shirts, dresses, maxi dresses, accessories, books...you name it!


I was EXHAUSTED just looking at all the gorgeous things on display!



I felt like buying them all but held back knowing it was ONLY the first day.



I only wanted to get a pair of shades, which i did eventually after a whole load of searching.



But i finally succumbed and bought a pair of leather sandals too hehe.



It was around 11-12pm and i think and we were there for a good 1.5hours.



In the SWELTERING heat and humidity (thanks to the showers earlier on)







We talked a bit to one of the shopkeepers, who happens to be muslim, md harris is his name, and directed us to the nearest McDonalds which was CERTIFIED halal.



After lunch we headed back to the hotel and checked in and rested a while before heading out again at 4pm to Uluwatu.


The fun began here.



Hehe...the kechak was beautiful!


*there were also CUTE guys around!*





I loved the way they used their voices throughout the WHOLE 1 hr show!



And how they used the chorus to re-create scenes from the Ramayana.

Quite like the Greek chorus *and so was the setting!*




It was beautiful.



The first time i was in Uluwatu, it was sooo breathtaking.




It still WAS for the 2nd time round!

I loved it so much!

After the show, we got to take pictures with the cast, and suffice to say, Suli had an admirer!

Hhhahahahahahahahah ROFL!

It was hilarious!

I wish i could put up pictures but i'll let the lady of the hour do the honours.



We then made our way for dinner at Rumah Makan Minang Sederhana.


The Kalamansi juice was POWEEERRRRRRful i tell u.

So refreshing.

And of course i had the Teh Botol as well.

No trip to indonesia is complete without Teh Botol!



We then made our way back to the hotel but requested to stop at Kuta Centre to shop at the Matahari departmental store.

Of course, we shopped AGAIN!

This time for souvenirs for friends and families.

Yes families.

Not just one family but MORE than one hehe.

We shopped right up till closing time and then left to window shop at B*illabong, R*OXY and many more shops.

I think we finally reached the hotel at 11pm.

By then we were TOO tired but still!

we managed to slot in PICTIONARY!

It was soooooooooo much fun!

And hilarious!

Trying to guess the words from the pictures was the BESTest part. We were rolling with laughter!

The player of the night definitely had to be Seri.

And the word of the night was: courgette *bleargh!* i had a hard time explaining that one.

She's really good at the game.

Next time we partner up again k Seri *winks*

Finally after an exhaustive day, we called it a night while MORE adventures awaited us the next day :))

Fin.

Goodnyte and Hullo Denpasar!


I will be in Denpasar in 10 hrs time!

My return trip in less than 6 mths!

With my gerlfrens no less!!!

I pray that we will have a safe journey there and back.

Adventures await us!

Oh Allah, pls keep me and my friends safe.

Ameen.


Pictures when i get back.

Meanwhile, all my Eidul Adha pics in Facebook

Enjoy!


Fin.

Uber Tired.


I arrived home around 9 last night.

It was a WONDERFUL journey home without the boys.

Just my sister and myself plus the parental units.

I really enjoyed my weekend at my kampung.

It was different and quite hectic.

Just looking at my grandparents pottering whizzing around doing their chores is enough to knock the wind right out of me.

Plus, it was a Raya weekend so things got busy the MOMENT i stepped into the compound.

I swept the dead and dried leaves frm the backyard.

Hung out the clothes to dry.

Learnt how to make LEMANG!

There were sooo many things to do.

Plus there was the cow to sacrifice on Eid'ulAdha itself.

3 dishes materialized after the sacrifice.

Daging masak lemak, sup daging AND daging masak kicap.

I think i overdosed on red meat that day itself.

Thankfully there was NO cooking involved the next day.

Lunch was sponsored by my Uncle George and my Maklong at Pizza Hut *thank you!*

And we also went to our tailor in Seremban to make our baju raya for NEXT raya.

I know its a little early but really, its the best way to beat the crowds and you wont get shoddy work.

I just finished doing the laundry from our trip back to the kampung and NOW i have to pack again.

I feel like im living out of a suitcase these days.

I have a mental checklist right now.

But i havent gotten down to packing yet.

I havent even decided WHAT luggage i'm gg to bring.


Ooooh, i just checked the payslip and alhamdullillah a healthy bonus!

Will be able to set aside some xtra savings!

*Plus satisfy my shopping craving*


Fin.

Specially for the Bali Babes


Seeing that i have to 'balik kampung' for Eidul Adha here's a list of things that you MUST bring.


Needless to say: Passport (make sure ur passport has at least 6mths validity if not u can still get an extension for ur passport tomorow)

Your trolley bag should be locked with a belt that goes around the bag.
It prevents THEFT and ensures that you wont be embarassed if ur bag decides to vomit the contents out.

U shld keep all intimates and clothes in a BIG travel zip lock bag (available at HomeFix or any DIY store). This prevents any damage to your clothes due to spillage of any cosmetics/shower gels while travelling and saves u the embarrasment if airport security decides to check your luggage.

IF you have a bright ribbon, tie it at the handles so that u can spot it when it comes out of baggage clearance because 90% of the time, all luggage looks the same. This is especially true when u're back at the arrival hall in singapore.

Roll your clothes! It saves a LOT of space.

We'll need sandals and if necessary, bring a pair of flip flops. Avoid shoes!

Keep all your chargers in a zip lock bag too!

Ensure that you have enough space in your luggage for the return trip. Especially your souvenirs! Heheh. *Garuda has a baggage limit of 20kg*

Bring a collapsible/foldup bag that u can bring along when shopping so you go green at the same time! *This is VERY handy*


And before you start packing, come up with a checklist so it will save you a lot of time and trouble!

Happy packing and Eid Mubarak in advance!


Fin.

And YOUR plans for the weekend are?


Its been a really bz week.

I spent the whole day out with my parents, youngest brother and two male cousins yesterday at W*ild W*ild W*et.

Needless to say i'm knackered.

And NO i did not swim because the RED flag is up.

BUT i did catch some cute looking lifeguards!

Yummmm.

Hahaha...i am such a shameless hussy.

And no there are no photos.

Are u kidding me? Singapore is too small. haha.

Im NOT going to risk it.

After the wet afternoon, we headed over to my aunt's place (the 2 cousins house) so that rest of them could perform their prayers.

Later after maghrib, we went BOWLING!

Did i mention i went bowling last week and the week before that?

At least i can say now that i don't suck as much.

So what else will i be doing for the weekend?

I'm going to BALIK KAMPUNG!

This time with my whole family and my Maklong and her husband.

Hopefully my two youngest cousins will be joining us.

We are gg to slaughter a cow in the backyard.

Now THAT should be REAALLLY interesting.

I'll be leaving tomorrow night.

All the way till tuesday.

And then i will immediately start packing for Bali!

Yeayness!

Eight more days!

Can't wait to go with you girls!


Fin.

10 Things I Hate About You Moment.


You know the part where Julia Stiles starts screaming up and down when she got her acceptance to Sarah Lawrence?

And she screams:


I GOT IN! I GOT IN!


Well that's exactly how i'm feeling!

Yeahhooo!!! I'm in the January intake!

I just sent in some documents earlier today and i had this moment of clarity.

Like its all coming true!

My plans took a long detour

A 7 year detour to be exact.

But thats the way it has all unfolded.

And i'm really happy that im finally at this point in my life.

At one point i really thought i was going to become a doctor.

Really.

Like a real medical doctor specialising in Gynaecology

But then when i started getting crap maths results i knew it really wasnt a calling.

And then teaching came along.

It was an exciting prospect.

I guess the reason why i was such a big suck up to my teachers was because i really appreciated how much they did for me.


sans one teacher who i STILL despise & loathe until today.


I guess i realised this early on.

And i think it helped in my choice of profession.

To some, a job is just a job but i think there's much more to it.

Have you ever just sat down and pondered WHAT you were going to do with your life?

What YOUR contribution to society would be?


Okay maybe im a freak having thought about that at age 16


But really, it helped.

I know some people are going through a transition in their lives at the moment.

I think the ONLY thing you will be happy doing would be to do something you were so called, pre-programmed to do.

Sometimes the job you ARE doing MIGHT be the thing that you were meant to do.

Its not an easy path for anyone.

It comes as a realisation as some might say.

So take your time.

Think carefully about it.

Like what they say,


If you enjoy what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.


Fin.

Hello My Lovelies!


Time check: 1250am.

I have NO idea why im still up.

Today i went a little nuts.

My sister thinks im nesting.

Cos i baked a whole batch of cookies at 9pm just now.

Haha.

I really must be crazy...

Ok, my eyes are starting to get REAALLLLY droopy.

Gd nyte.


Fin.

Crud.


Upon hearing the news that civil servants pay were to be cut,

I couldn't help but feel sad.

I mean who wouldn't?

As a first time fully employed person, who wouldn't look forward to a nice bonus at the end of the year right?

Not to mention the fact that the pay is linked to the govt's GDP.

But i guess, it is a taste of things to come.

For ALL of us.

Next year is going to be a tough one.

I. MUST. CURB. MY. SPENDING!

When in doubt, always go back to Suze Orman's rules.

If you don't have the money, DON'T spend it.

But there really is something that I should always give thanks for.

Syukur alhamdullillah that i am EMPLOYED.


Neways, i just finished cooking a whole pot of spaghetti sauce.

Yummyyy!

I smell like sauce right now.

And i do have the urge to bake.

Don't ask me why.

When i start to cook, i BINGE.

Pardon me while i wash off this saucy smell.


Fin.

Food Journal.


I thought it would be a great idea to chronicle the next few days with my cooking expedition.

And i wish i had pictures of the past two days that i've "slaved" over the hot stove.

Yesterday was mee siam goreng.

Not bad for a first attempt.

Today was nasi Lemak.

Complete with the sambal and the fish and telur and ikan bilis.

Yes i made a whole pot of rice (ok 2 1/4cups of rice)

And its all GONE!

Yes.

The rice has magically vanished!

My dad had one serving.

So did my sister. -which is RARE by the way-

I think my 3rd sibling had a serving and one for myself at lunch.

And Adam had a GRAND total of THREE helpings!!!

I'm only left with the pandan leaves and the ginger in the rice pot.

So tonight i am going to get a headstart for tomorrow's meal.

Which is spaghetti!

It is very much the family favourite.

My mom's been trying to copy the recipe but she hasn't managed to master it haha.

So i shall begin the browning of the minced meat and the sauce.

Which really isnt that hard to do.

And wat is the secret ingredient?


Of course im not telling! Hahaha


I can't wait for my day out with Umi tomorrow!


Fin.

Cooking Expedition


I am currently mother-less.

Only for a week because she has to escort a small grp of kids from her school for an IT Camp in Subang Jaya

So it is MY responsibility to cook the meals for my family (plus do the heaps and mounds of laundry and other housework) on top of having to go to school.

Bleargh.

The cooking i don't mind.

But laundry for 5 people is really not my thing.

And my dad told me that i should try and expand my cooking repertoire as my mom has reminded that WE should not be eating out so often since she's away for the moment.

So today i tried cooking something OUTSIDE my comfort zone.

No sphagetti bolognaise, no lasagne, no nasi goreng *i hear u sniggering Kha!*

So i tried making fried mee siam.

You must be clenching your stomach, laughing so hard to see that i can't cook such a simple dish.

I just don't do well with food that has a myriad of spices and tastes.

Asian cooking -minus chinese food that is- is REALLY challenging.

I took a while to master sambal tumis.

I CAN cook mee hongkong and laksa goreng.

But really, mee siam goreng is quite a feat.

So i succeeded to make the dish with minimal effort and a very good recipe i knicked off the net.

Not too shabby i must say.

No complaints from both my brothers so that's well done.

Haha.

So what's next?

I guess its nasi lemak tomorrow.

Now i seriously need a nap!

I've been up since 6am (on a Sunday!) to send my mom off at the airport!!

My eyes are soo heavy.

Toodles.

Fin.

Life's Little Surprises.


Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.


Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump.


Some of us are still reeling with shock and utter surprise.

I know i am.

Hahaha!

The jaws that went agape after we were all told.

It is God's will and i congratulate her on her happy news!

May you be granted good health and wealth and get to experience married life soon insyaAllah amiin!

Have i also mentioned that i will no longer teach on a contract basis but as a permanent staffer?

Yes i just got the news last friday :)

I am now waiting to enter N*IE, hopefully in January.

This is after 3 failed attempts to enter the service.

And i am a year behind the projected date that i planned.

Again.

I can plan as much as i want and execute it but it still is up to the Almighty to decide.

So i need to be patient.

And just try my best.


Oh Allah, please grant me the patience to accept the things that i CANNOT change.


Amiin.


Fin.

Feeling Possessed...


Yeah by Facebook.

Completely possessed.

I can understand why N*eil H*umphreys wrote that column about his addictiveness to Facebook.


That aside...


I've been browsing around.

And i am ashamed!

Ashamed that i've left this blog neglected.

Neglected because sometimes i wish i were more insightful in my entries rather than just spew verbal vomit.

*although it can be therapeutic at times*

I always wanted to become a journalist.

Joining the ranks of lets say, C*hristian A*manpour.

So i MUST make an effort to at least add in some commentary about life.

Insightful commentary.

I must not let my emotions get in the way of a piece that i might be writing.

I'm struggling to be a writer.

And not JUST a reader.


Fin.

Wedding Weekend

To Abg Saiful Jedi:

Tahniah on getting hitched!

I am soooo happy for you!

Both of you looked sooo berseri-seri :D

*unfortunately i have not much pics cos my digicam DIED on me*

But before it DID eventually die on me, i did get some photos.

Namely Kak Mariah a.k.a Kak Yaya and her lovely baby boy Muhd Ilhan!

-Kak Yaya still looking gorgeous-

I'm so glad i stayed on.

-Abg Saiful's sister *ex-Ma'arifian also sanding on the same day*-

-which helps explain why Kak CT was there with me-

Oh and i did get a little surprise.

I bumped into the EX.

He was also there on Abg Saiful's invitation.

It might seem weird but i felt serene.

No sadness, no unhappiness.

Zip.

There was just serenity.

I'm glad we both parted on good terms and still remain friends.

Alhamdullillah.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Fin.

In Transit.


I guess it had to happen sooner or later.

But it was okay.

I'm okay.

That's the most impt thing.


We were just two trains that happened to stop at the same station.

And now its time for him to continue his journey.

I'm still in transit.

Yup. I guess thats it.

I'm still in transit.

Cos i don't know where i'm gg.


YET.


Fin.

Suze Ormon says...


that you should NOT spend what you do NOT have.

Which means....


Maryam, you are NOT going to Rihanna's concert!


Mental check; you are gg to Bali next month!

If only i earned oodles and oodles of money like THAT $2mil. man.


Fin.

Have a BLOODY good time!




Ok all good citizens.



Do your part and show YOUR support at the FIRST-EVER blogger blood donation drive in Singapore!



I am a regular blood donor and there's really nothing to it!



You just lie there and let the good nurses take care of you! :)



*pssssst*


- you get free food after you donate your blood!-


And there are so many other freebies


(that i DON'T normally get on a normal blood donation drive)


Like: a LIMITED EDITION t-shirt!


And!


a CERTIFICATE of participation.


Now how COOL is that?




Take it from me, its the easiest way to do a good deed.


*blood you donate could easily help THREE people!*





I'm going.



Are you?



See you there!!!




For more info: go to this microsite and to find out if you're my TYPE, go here!



Fin.

Selfish?



I just typed out a whole entry -and subsequently erased it-


Re-read it and it answers my own question.


Yes i think im being too demanding and selfish.


I hate me for being this way.


I don't like who i've become.


I'm just trying to come to terms with that piece of news that you handed me.



Fin.





p/s: I don't know how to tell my parents. I feel like such a disappointment. I failed. Again.

An Ode to YOU.


You; who thinks you are so righteous.

You; who thinks that everything you say or do is right.

You; who thinks that it is alright to just say anything.

You; who does not THINK before she speaks.



For all the things you've said, have you ever considered that you hurt so many people?

"I think I have every right to comment since its f*acebook" you say.

So why do you take offence at what other pple say to you?

You speak your mind about others, well i'll say what other pple *myself included* say about you.

It is my personal, VIRTUAL, space after all.

And hey, you said its ok.


10 Things pple HATE -yes hate- about you:



1)you are CALLOUS.

2)you are NOT tactful. *at all!*

3) you are abrasive.

4) therefore you rub a lot of pple the wrong way.

5) you pretend like you're a matyr

6) your words are the COMPLETE opposite of how you portray yourself.

7) YOU have NO compassion towards others.

8)you apologise but then repeat the mistake almost IMMEDIATELY.

9) you moan and groan about yourself and expect pple to PITY you.

10) and we suspect that you begrudge other pple for no obvious reason.



Try mirroring your words to yourself.

Sound out the words before you even type them.

Think how that person would feel even if YOU think your comment is harmless.



And about that "you look like Chucky's bride...the muslim version"

hey, thats ok.

I was dressing up for Halloween.

Maybe next year i'll be Jason.

*so i'll get to SAW your head off*



Hey you should have seen this coming for miles.

Bring it on.




p/s: to think that you even work in the social services line. i'm surprised that you don't have people skills at all. is it any wonder why so many people did not agree with you when you held leadership posts? think about it.


Fin.


p/p/s: I think i've watched an episode too many of G*ossip G*irl

I'm Not So Strong Anymore.



Then:


Wrong people; wrong time.


Now:


Right person, wrong time.



I am really exhausted.


I'm truly not that strong anymore.


I have been weakened by all the previous blows.


But i shall perservere.


And i shall trudge on.


Solo or not.



I leave it in the hands of Allah.



Please hear my prayer.



Fin.

Not So Lucky No. 8


Eight.

Eight.

E.I.G.H.T. freakin' people only turned up for the first class.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh


Gara-gara time-tabling committee yg AMAT bodoh. Baik aku tak datang skolah hari ni kan.

Aderlah aku tahan tak amek MC demi student-student aku yg tak tau bertimbang rasa


I. feel. so. cheated.


Fin.

The Busiest Time of The Year


Term 4 is certainly the most busiest time for teachers.

I have been soooo dead tired the past few days.

Today is no exception.

I sat in a meeting that lasted like five hours.

To do some standardisation marking and in the later part of the day i had to attend the promotional exercises.

I was extremely tired by the time the clock struck 2pm.

Anyway enough about that.

I have recently become quite disappointed.

Disappointed with how the world works sometimes.

And no im not blaming God.

Its just that its hard to fathom sometimes how the really hardworking people, they are the ones that suffer.

And those that are lazy, highly disruptive and unmotivated are able to scrape through.

Trust me i was just as surprised.

Sometimes you just have to grapple with facts.

And its not pretty.

*sigh*

I wish there were some way where hard work automatically translates to results.

Today, i am glad that there is NO marking!

*dances across the room in glee*

It is TGIF and a marking free weekend!

And i'm so glad that its going to be Friday tomorrow because just like Suli, i can't wait to put on my jeans!

Wearing baju kurung every weekend was getting to be a chore.

I am SOOOO looking forward to waking up late *after subuh* this weekend!

Bak kata suli:


"sleep early, wake up late!"


Because come next week i will be marking 24 reports!

In ONE week!

Oh Allah please help me.


Fin.

Distressed.


Memang ujian seorang yg berpuasa sgt berat rasanyer.

I had another case of defiance again. Today. This morning.

I want to cry.

I want to scream.

I want to stab someone.


Help!


Fin.

Traumatized.


I shall mark this day in my memory forever.

Why?

Because today has been the most traumatic day since i started teaching.

Maybe some may share the sentiments that i have.

The frustration. The anger. The perplexing moments that you had to endure.

Not to mention trying to hold back tears.

While you're still in the same room with the kids.


Forgive me Allah for i am only Human.

Please give me the strength to carry out my duty on this earth.

Ameen.


I have been rehearsing with the kids, everyday to prepare for their presentations.

I know some of you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! presentations.

And you would kill for a chance to present.

These adolescents are NOT taking it seriously and today, i confiscated a total of 3 items; all because they were NOT paying attention while their other classmates were presenting.

Items that were confiscated:

1 N*intendo DS Lite.

*this girl had the cheek to play with the NDS even when the classroom is sooo small and she's sitting like 3 seats away from me!*

2 Laptops.


Some of them tried to be distracting to their classmates while they were presenting by putting up some funny photos on a PPT slide and then turn the screen towards the presenter to throw them off.

I just find it EXTREMELY rude to do such a thing!

Thus the confiscation.

And i almost got into a shouting with one of the boys in my class.

*What was i thinking!?*


Seriously, some people mmg PATUT kene JOTOS and JITAK.


I have to admit.

I pick on some students.

But ONLY because they are VERY distracting in class.

They are the same group of people that i confiscated the items from.

This hasn't been the first incidence of confiscation but the 5th or 6th time.

I've confiscated handphones and digicams before too.

And there is a particularly playful, annoying, irritating and not to mention INSOLENT boy in my class who NEVER seems to think he is wrong.

After the confiscation, i proceeded to scold them *in the middle of a transition between one speaker to the next*

I told them they were very rude to be interrupting their classmates like that.

The other 2 girls were silent and remorseful and had their head hung low.

This BOY, can still stare at me summore.

In TOTAL defiance!

And when i singled him out he took offence.


*Like what the?*


I was totally annoyed and miffed.

I told him to leave the class as he was being a distraction for the others and he even retorted back saying:


NO! My parents paid school fees for me to come to school.

So i said fine, just leave the classroom, i didn't tell you to leave the school anyway.

After that i ignored him.

I asked the girl to continue her presentation and he was still gg on about how his parents worked to send him to school *yakkity yakkity yak*

I just ignored him and continued.


Tuhan aje yg tau macam maner i felt at that moment.


I was chewing on my lip and willing myself not to cry after that heated exchange between us.

My eyes glazed with tears but thankfully they didn't fall on the paper and my students didn't realize anything.

This is one incident that i'll remember for the rest of my life.


Fin.

Al-Fatehah.


Dedicated to my two friends di seberang tambak, Syima and Zafirah


May Allah give you strength over the following weeks.

Losing a friend is hard, but losing a parent is so much harder.

I empathise greatly with you both.

As i read Fie's Note on F*acebook, tears started welling in my eyes just as they are now.

The moment i read syima's blog, i started crying silently in the dark.

Sometimes i remind myself of realities.

One day my grandparents whom i love so much will pass on.

And some day my parents will too.

I keep thinking will i ever regain the strength to go on.

To both of you, you are my heroes.

I'm sorry of the loss of your parent.

I may not be there physically but i am there spiritually.


May Allah place them amongst the most Pious. Ameen


Fin.

Bumbling Idiot Series. Part Deux.


Went to the photocopying machine.

Had to slot in the photocopying card to make the copies.

Took the card out from the card holder around my neck.

Held it out and exclaimed silently in my heart:


Hey, this photocopying card looks Different? Whats new?


*proceeded to slot in the card*

While the card was being slot in (card was halfway in!)...

Started to come to the realization that it was my pass card.

The one that allows me entry into the staffroom and classes.

*mortified*

Card got stuck.

Called to bookshop auntie to ask her to get it out.

Lied to her to feign ignorance and cover up shame

Saying that it was my photocopying card that got swallowed.

Auntie came in (15 mins later...didn't noe that she came in)

Retrieved my card and screamed loudly in mandarin:


"WHOSE CARD IS THIS ARH!?


Ran up to her (passing a multitude of faces in the staffroom, much to my horror)

And said, "sorry auntie, i put in the wrong card just now"


Needless to say:


P.A.I.S.E.Y.


Fin.

Bumbling Idiot Part 1.


I. don't. know. what. i. clicked. on. last. night.

But. now. my. mom. is. on. my. FACEBOOK. acct.

*shudders in horror*

-help-


Fin.

Has it been a week already!

Time is going much too fast!

I only realised this today cos my students have gotten their intensive MT and PW timetables.

2 weeks of intensive PW lessons to prepare for their oral presentations.

2 weeks starting from NEXT week!

And that will be the end of term after that!

And yes...i am tardy with all the Raya blogging.

-my atok and nenek & all their children-

-we're obviously NOT ready-

No time plus no energy to upload all the pictures.

-now we have a lovely family portrait; minus the gaping mouth my cousin is sporting tht is-

I hope all of you had a lovely Raya.

I know i did.

-me and the twins-

But truth be told, i spent more time trying to affix the false lashes on to my eyes rather than savour all the good food.

Haha.

-Ustaz Darwis & Ustaz Izhar beserta Cikgu Huda; the early birds-

So pls enjoy whatever measly photos that i've uploaded for you to enjoy.

-Ms Maryam & Cikgu Huda; the checher-checher -

*i swear i love the make-up i have on. Thank You M.A.C!*

-kanak-kanak riang! AND special guest Kak Sarhani & Uthman (duduk di sebelah driver's seat)-

-MY Lovely Ladies-

-the.ones.getting.hitched.-

Fin.

Yesterday.


Yesterday, i went for the last iftar out this Ramadhan.

Alhamdullillah, this Ramadhan i've made sure that i broke my fast with all my groups of friends.

The first iftar with my secondary school besties, then the following week with some of my colleagues, the following week with the Chantiques and finally this week, iftar session with Kak D, Kak An and Hasanah :))

What was suposed to be a foursome ended up being just a threesome.

Kak An had some familial matters to attend to.

So it was just me, kak D and hasanah.

Me and the married pple.

Hehhe...so, undoubtedly, we grilled Hasanah about her new working life and of course marriage!

The woman got married three months ago and her INAI/henna is still quite visible!

Especially the ones on her feet!

Since marriage also, she has learned to wear heels!

And mind you, not 2 inch heels ok!

They were at least 3 inches if not 4.

She claimed that she wore them so pple wouldnt accuse her of being too childlike.

She wanted to look more like a married woman she said.

Hehee...the cleaner aunty at her work place was shocked to find out that she was married.

"But you're a child!" she exclaimed.

But really lah, she's still got that post-wedding glow. :))

Kak D is pursuing certification in HR.

Alhamdullillah, she is doing well in her studies too!

So, despite having familial obligations as well as work obligations, she still manages.

She's definitely an inspiration.

Kak D was also surprised to find out that i was teaching in jc.

Hahaha...she thought i was teaching in secondary school!

And this whole time i thought she knew.

I regaled to them the tales of "horror" that i experienced in class the past week.

From verbally warning them and handing them a conduct card (where conduct will affect their promotional exam results)


AND


confiscating a hp.

I was fortunate enough NOT to get punched in the stomach, unlike Aisyah Spec.

*shudder*

sidetrack: that is one EVIL kid, i kid you not!

Yeah, i had to cos while i had asked them to do their work quietly, preparing fo another individual assessment, some were TAKING PICTURES with their hp in class.

*i noticed them doing this at the corner of my eye and promptly exclaimed: GIVE ME THAT HP!*

This was while i was consulting with another group of students at the front of the class.

This is NOT the first incident where i had to confiscate things before.

I had alaso previously confiscated a digital camera.

You must be thinking, "what are these kids trying to do in class?" right?

After repeated warnings, and refusal to listen to me, i just take them away.

Now, another incident like this will warrant them a trip to the VP's office to go get their confiscated item themselves.

I also almost sent a 17-yr old to a naughty corner.

Tempting....very tempting.

So besides 14 piles of marking completed (16 more to go!)

I need to set a timed test for my tutee and bake cookies for Raya.

How? Manageable or not?

If i can bake one batch of cookies, its a MIRACLE!

Ok, now back to printing the exam paper.


Fin.

Hmmm...what do i write?


I've been pretty tired the past few days.

Lack of sleep really.

I simply can't wait for the weekend.

Catching up on sleep is a luxury these days.

I think i 'over' enjoyed my sleeptime over the last September school holidays and when school re-opened (esp. during Ramadhan) it was pretty tough.

Term 4 is never fun when you go back to school.

Be it for students OR teachers.

While the students have to worry about the exams, the teachers are busy setting exam papers, vetting them, trying to cover the syllabus, marking the papers, etc, etc.

The list is not exhaustive.

This being my first year as a so-called fledgeling teacher, i've been consumed by the hours spent sitting and just doing nothing else but mark.

I'm sure you've all probably read many, many, many, many times about the marking.

Cos really, it just exhausts all your energy.

I wish that there would be MCQ for General Paper.

*wishful thinking*

But yes i do enjoy the teaching part.

Save for the annoying and uncooperative students at times.

But overall its good.

I really-really hope that when i go to N-IE i'll be properly equipped with all the necessary pedagogical skills to carry out a more effective lesson in the future.

As a reflection over the past 2 months or so that i've taught, i realise that in order to teach a class, you need to manage it well.

I realise that i've been a bit too lenient at the beginning and now i'm paying the price for my generosity.

The next time i go for practicum, i WILL lay down a more comprehensive and firm approach to my class.

That way they know what to expect and i'll have less problems worrying about how i'll be able to finish the syllabus on time.

Now that im in the home stretch and with the GP promotional exam is over, i'll have to set my sights on Project Work yet again.


PW; the bane of my existance.

Has been since i was a student and still is as a teacher.

No doubt it has its merits, i feel that it burdens the student too much especially with a heavier courseload compared to my time.

Hope they do away with it soon.

Its really doesnt help a majority of the students.

Only adds up to the courseload.

But what i do appreciate is that its on a coursework basis.

If more of the subjects were coursework basis, i don't think it would be too much of a hassle, as many of us in university went through.


One more week of Ramadhan.

Have you made the most of yours yet?

There's still time.

InsyaAllah, we will achieve what we've set for ourselves this time round.


Happy Fasting!


Fin.

Bingeing


Yes.

I've been bingeing on Coach items this month.

Notice i've said ITEMS and not item.

Initially it was this.

A planned purchase for Hari Raya.

Which matched my shoes so it was a plus (it was PURE coincidence)

Then today, i got myself this!

Ain't it pretty!

I've been eyeing this for ages.

So it cost a bit more than what i would actually pay for but still less than the price in the shop.

So all in all.

I'm a very happy girl who can't wait to Raya already.

Haha.

What a complete turn around.

Fin.

Yeahhoooo!


To my lovely girlfrens, thanks for the iftar session yesterday (even though it was kinda last minute!)

Truly appreciate it!

All manner of topics came in fast and furious.

Not surprising since many of us were quite deprived of such wonderful quality time like we did back when we were undergraduates.

Loved the shopping and i really love Masjid Sultan and the little enclave of shophouses that always hold a myriad of treasures within.

PLUS!

We were spared from the unsightly things that one would normally be subjected to if we were to go to Geylang.

I'd rather go to a place that isn't "as happening" as some might put it rather than negate my fast.

After the post by Kha, im SOOOO glad that i haven't GONE to geylang.

Before i get myself riled up again, i'd better move on.

Actually right, i havent felt the Raya vibe yet.

My WHOLE household hasn't felt the Raya vibe AT ALL.

Cookies and cakes havent even baked yet! Yikes!!!!

I will definitely miss Ramadhan.

Seems like its going away too fast!

Maybe my house hasn't felt the Raya vibe yet cos we havent gone to Geylang.

Arrghhhh, i really don't want to go, but my brother's and my Dad haven't got their Baju Raya yet.

And moi, i havent got my scarves for my Raya outfits.

Only one tudung for one outift.

Can i just go on a weekday afternoon so i'll be spared the annoying crowd?

Ugh okay, i digress.

Yet again.

What happened over the weekend?

My maternal family gathered again to break our fast together.

That was Saturday, and on Sunday i met up with the Chantique babes for iftar.

Whatever marking i brought home was left silently in the bag.

And now im paying the price.


>___<


I was marking and suddenly mr. sandman came attacking me again.

plus, i didn't get any proper sleep last night thanks to my sister, who's being her normal annoying and selfish self.

Grrrrr.

And now i have 3 more classes to mark, before we go for our first exchange tomorrow.

God help me.


Okay back to the endless scripts.


p/s: did i mention my school is having 2 days off (no lessons) the 2 days after Raya? JC1 Study break! Hahaha LOVELYY!!! Can complete my marking before the 1st Raya weekend :)) And no school on the 6th of October!!!! Yeaayyyyyy! Long weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So how Seri? Overseas Students Raya gathering you can definitely make use of me cos im freeeeeeee! hhehehehe.


Fin.

Quick Update.


Just a quick one before i start prepping for iftar.

Today is the mom's birthday.

I have completely no. idea. of. what. to. get. her.

Blame it on the fact that she has everything?

Fair?

I had the same problem last yr, but resolved it by getting her T*angs Vouchers.

But i can't possibly do the same for this year right?

And no, M*etro vouchers would mean that i would ADD to her already larger stash of M*etro vouchers that she already has.

She IS the queen of vouchers after all.

If only we had S*AKS, B*endels, or H*arvey Nichols.

So this yr its just a low key celebration for mommy dearest.

*if i can pay off my laptop loan to her dah bagus...NOT to mention my Education loan from her huahua*

So it will be a fuss free iftar for her and a yummy S*wensens ice-cream black forest cake for dessert

So yes,


Happy Birthday Mama...for EVERYTHING that you've done for ALL of us. No one has that much grit and determination as you do and i could only hope to be as good as you, both in my personal life as well as my working life (cos i've taken after her teaching genes)


We LOVE you many-many!


Fin.

The Bold or the Omni?

So earlier on, it was the B*lackberry Bold.

I'm suddenly giving it a second thought.

Should it be this instead?

Aaaarghhh decisions, decisions!

Fin.

Exhausted.

What is it about the fasting month that completely wipes you out?

I feel completely DRAINED.


And i have a REAAALLLY hard time getting up in the morning.


Aside from that everything else is good.


Though waiting for classes really isn't (3.10pm class only today arrggh!)


Yesterday was quite a long and drawn out day as well.


It was the first exam paper for all the JC1's, GP.


Invigilating is a chore.


And being on your feet for an hour is just WRONG!


*I can't imagine pple working in the sales line*


After collecting back all the scripts, we had to spend nearly two hours trying to account for all the scripts.


Double counting, forgetting to factor in the standardisation papers and even papers being uncounted were some of the problems faced.

Besides that, everything else was fine.


Managed to even come home early yesterday (4pm) and promptly fell into a deep slumber till 6pm.


Then after spending some time marking and surfing the net, went to bed and was awakened at 2.15am for sahur.


My mother who must have awoken, thinking it was 4-ish, proceeded to wake everyone up.


I had to FORCE myself to fill my stomach in case i'd have another bout of gastric pain the next day.


I had to do that with eyes half-lidded.


Going BACK to sleep then became a problem.


And then waking up for school became an even larger problem.


Luckily i didn't sleep through my alarm.


I really need to get a new phone.


The current one i have has been dying intermittently and hanging.


Right now, im having a PDA fetish.



With this baby, who wouldn't?



Have a great day ahead!



Fin.

Trying times...


Today has been the MOST challenging and tiring day ever.

One of my cobaan of this fasting month so far.

Today was the collection and submission of all the project work, written reports.

Having 2 classes, i had a total of 8 grps.

The deadline was set at 5.30pm.

But guess what guys?

I was only able to leave school at 8.35pm

Which means i spent like 13 hours in school today.

Enough to cancel out all the times that i got home early.

I've been coming home late this whole week thanks to project work consultations by the way.

Not to mention, i also had an iftar gathering with my PRIMARY school friends where we all arranged to meet at 7pm @ somerset.

Needless to say, i didn't make it.

I broke my fast with a cup of milo and only had a hot meal at 9pm.

And the best part was, my class held me up and Shahidah had to wait an hour and a half before i got to the mrt station.

See the inconsiderateness of these CHILDREN.

5.30pm and still no one from the other class had handed in their work.

They were still EDITING and PRINTING their work.

Then one of the boys in my class had to rush back to his house at AMK to go and print his work cos the printer could not read his work thanks to the new MS O*ffice 2007.

That was at 6.30pm.

Then i told the boy with a loud huff: Just go, im gg to be late ANYWAY (in the MOST sarcastic tone EVER!) and i rolled my eyes.

I was EXTREMELY pissed.

I was hungry, angry and frustrated.

And the best part, they did not even apologize for their tardiness.

And they're 17 year olds.

Not small children.

That really ticked me off.

I. NEED. TO. COOL. OFF.


Fin.

Irked and Seething.


I am completely, utterly, DUMBFOUNDED today.

I thought it was bad the day before.

But it was WORSE today!!!!

This being the holy month of Ramadhan, i cant imagine pple NOT taking advantage to do good and bring a little more into their life.

And WHAT did i see today on my way back from school after having to deal with 19 adolescents (who were clearly cranky and irritated cos they had Project Work to think about)???


I SAW A MAKCIK (in tudung no less) AND HER HUSBAND EATING AT A COFFEESHOP!!!


Can you believe the audacity of these orang tua?

I mean, here i am, even though i am unable to fast, I don't even go around eating publicly. I practically go without eating the whole day EVEN when im not fasting 'cos there's simply nowhere i can eat in secretly.

Even if i do want to eat, I stash food into my bag making sure not even my brothers know and eating under complete secrecy, at home, in my room, with the curtains closed.

And there are these 2 ADULTS flaunting it.


I was sooo angrrrryyy!!!!!!

In the morning i was reading about all the commendable youths taking part in RYC events and then *BAM!* in the afternoon i see these two goons!

And rest assured, that wasn't the ONLY incident.

There were 2 pakciks who sit at the coffeeshop the whole day (this can be attested cos my sister saw them in the morning and saw them again at the very same place later in the evening) and happily drinking their teh tariks.

I mean COME ON!!!

Even a 5 yr old child who is NOT obligated to fast can go the whole day without food or drink.

So what's their excuse?!

Period?!

Arrrggghhh!!!

I mean if u got so much free time, go and do some amal ibadah lah!

I am soooo annnooooyyyyed and tiiireeed and irrriiitttaateed right now.

I simply LOATHE and have complete DISGUST for adults like these.


Takde perasaan MALU lagi ke dalam diri sendiri? What will OTHER pple from OTHER religions say?

This is why Muslims end up getting attacked at the end of the day.

People like this make the MAJORITY look bad.

Arrghhh.

Friends, especially those who have specialised in the realm of da'wah, how do i go about approaching these pple?

I have about half a mind to go up to the vendors and tell them NOT to sell food to these pple.

Suggestions pls!


May all our efforts and prayers this Ramadhan be answered and may Allah have Mercy on us all. Amiin.


Fin.

Zzzzzzzzzz...


I am trying very hard to keep my eyes open.

Seriously.

No joke.

My eyes are half-lidded as we speak.

Having class at 3.10pm doesnt help at all.

Neither does it help that the staff room is so cool.

I really feel like dozing off.

Not that i didn't ALREADY doze off at the desk WHILE marking my paper.

Too used to the sleeping in after subuh prayers till almost zuhur hahaha.

Damn sleepy man!!!!!

Plus im not observing fast today. So im like doubly sleepy.

Can i just crawl under the table and SLEEP!

Fin.

Cold and Bleary


Have you noticed that the weather's gone all cold?

My toes keep getting wet (from all the rain) and frostbite-like (okay well maybe i exaggerate a little).

I know a certain friend who cherishes this weather *winks*

But its a little tooo cold for my liking.

The past 4 days of fasting have been good.

Managed to read the Quran a bit.

Ramadhan is definitely a gd motivator i must say.

I also broke my fast with my closest friends.

We got our money's worth at S*iam K*itchen's Buffet.

That was definitely lip-smackingly good.

And Azimah's bf made a special appearance.

Hafiz was glad hehe cos he's always been the only guy around.

So welcome aboard Almie =D

3 more dates with friends for iftar and it seems to look like its all gonna be buffet.

Is that a theme this yr?

*Carousel, Sakura, Hjh Maimunah* Yumm.

I solemnly swear that i'm DEFINITELY up to no good haha.

Anyway, today was a total rest day for me.

*Don't know whether yesterday wld count as one also *snigger*

But i've had the ultimate luxury of waking up late after morning prayers.

Getting a little too used to this.

I'm definitely going to suffer next week.

But i pray that i won't have to suffer so much.

Especially since the kids are going to have their exams soon.

I'm dreading marking another whole pile of illegible GP essays...HELP!

Today i managed to squeeze in some tv time.

Some new episodes of G*ossip Girl and ANTM Cycle 11.

Cos i'm a groupie like dat u know.

While the nights have been dedicated to worship.

The days are spent cleaning etc, etc ESPECIALLY since...


THE WASHING MACHINE BROKE DOWN!


So yes, it feels like a throwback to my undergraduate days.

Cos im washing the clothes by hand... >______<

So now...back to B*everly H*ills 9*0210!

Have a gd iftar!


Fin.

Ramadhan Mubarak & Happy Teacher's Day!

Alhamdullillah, I get to witness another Ramadhan.

Though this is the 2nd yr that i'm spending it in Singapore, i still miss fasting in UIA.

Even during the exam period.

So i just want to take this opportunity to wish one and all Ramadhan Mubarak and seek your forgiveness if i have hurt u in any way.

Please accept my sincere apology.

This year is another memorable Ramadhan.

Because it has fallen on Teacher's Day!

My very first teacher's day! :D

Though i did not receive heaps of flowers, I still enjoyed my teacher's day celebration last Friday.

The school brought us for lunch at Roxy Hotel just opposite Parkway Parade and then made our way to the Singapore Flyer!

Yup...FREE OF CHARGE!


*If you were to ask me to go to the Singapore F*lyer with my own money i would have to pass*


An exorbitant amt for a 30min ride.


Even though the landscape was

dotted with cranes and earth being dug up,

and roads being laid.


It was fun nonetheless.


And i got to meet the BF last Friday!


After a month and 20 days or so.



It was just a short meetup to pass my F*ujitsu laptop to him.


Had coffee and just walked around for a while.


He had to rush off for another mosque meeting while i was DEAD tired already.


So i cabbed it all the way home.


*Been cabbing almost everywhere lately! The pockets are feeling the PINCH!*


Hope you enjoyed the pics. Will update more when i have the time!


I am bogged down with MARKING. Wat's new? That's the life of a teacher. haha.



Have a gd first iftar today everyone!



Fin.

YAHOOOOOO!


Typing this entry on my brand new laptop!

Although i really hate (ok maybe not really hate but dislike) using V*ista but got no choice.

Aaaannnnnyyywaaayyyy


I'm now using N*E*C.

Well according to my brother, its the best brand in Japan.

But before i could come to a decision (in the veryyy, veryyy, packed COMEX), I had to look and fish around for the best bargains.

It was a toss-up between A*sus and T*oshiba and N*EC

Almost got the A*sus but it was HEAVYYYY!

And i'm not talking abt the E*E pc. Because it was too basic for my liking and had no cd/dvd drive.

What i was really looking for was portability.

Cos i really enjoyed bringing my light F*ujitsu.

Something that i really appreciate is the weight of a laptop.

Having to lug my super-heavy laptop in university was NOT fun at all!

I remember being the only one with a laptop in the early days and lugging it from Mahallah S*umayyah to H*alimah to watch DVD with the gerls.

Thankfully my very faithful and reliable F*ujitsu stepped in.

And after working really hard, and giving up a few times, it was time for a change.

And so far im loving it.

If only i knew how to change the date on this laptop.


Fin.

"DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said, 'How do I know if I married the right person?' I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, 'It depends. Is that your husband?' In all seriousness, she answered 'How do you know?' Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind.Here's the answer.

EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse / partner . You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies (unconventional behavior/habit).

Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called 'falling' in love... Because it's happening TO YOU . People in love sometimes say, 'I was swept of my feet.' Think about the imagery of that __expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU .

Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria (excitement) of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship . Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies , instead of being cute, drive you nuts.
The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.

At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, 'Did I marry the right person?' And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown . People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment.

Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could.
And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this):

THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't 'find' LASTING love. You have to 'make' it day in and day out. That's why we have the __expression 'the labor of love.' Because it takes time, effort, and energy . And most importantly, it takes WISDOM . You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.
Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage.

Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships.Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable... you can 'make' love .
Love in marriage is indeed a 'decision'... Not just a feeling.

Courtesy of Linda NJ.

Just to share. Make it work!

Fin.