I have been doing nothing that can really be called 'important' lately.
The reason, as usual, I am in the middle of a battle of me against Me. We have been doing a lot of reasoning, the focus was on the future. It started somewhere early this month, 'pop', there was an idea of straightening my life in term of financial and official affairs.
To say the least, I never indulge myself thinking about my next life plan. It was always life on the run for a short term projection and long term; the blueprint of everything was up there in the box of my brain. Rarely in my life any plan was jotted down on a piece of paper.
But as one can always do something for the better of oneself because as I realized, the life agendas are getting bigger by day but the number of my age keep increasing. Thus, I am intending to be one who plan. I hope to minimize the war of my mind by putting any plan in written somewhere so that it can be obtainable in the anticipated time frame. Thinking a lot sometimes take a lot of time to get something done.
It is sort of having an aim, design the way to achieve, follow the scheme but if it does not happen as expected, I will re-engineer the process in a short notice. I call it a flexible outline. The final point is to get all my many dreams to become realties while I still alive or if not, someone can take care of it. But I do not plan to be so hard on myself because life is always unexpected, and by the way, what is life if one cannot enjoy it.
And for a start, I got my self a planner last week. What a way to excuse myself of going out for shopping? *wink* Thanks Mirza!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Source of inspiration
Book is regard highly in my family but in the early days, to buy a book was not a norm. One factor was the price which would be easily outdone by newspapers.
Living in the family of lower class income, I understood the situation then. Having enough meals on the table everyday was far more important than purchasing a book. Sensibly, sleeping with empty stomach was worst than to not have a single book in the house. Indeed, because children need enough nutrients for the growth of the brain. Adding to the fact that source of knowledge is not only limited to the books, to opt out the importance of book and treated it as a luxury was the appropriate choice then. Hence, my childhood’s reading materials were filled with newspapers and text books of my aunties who were living next door and in their secondary schooling.
Since studying science was considered high class and of course, costly during those times, I was left with no choice to fulfill my free times but to read history text books, Malay literatures (such as Hikayat Malim Demang) and something on economics. And yes, that was because my Aunties, both were art’s students studying history and economics and it was expected to find those books in their houses. At that time, I was around 8 years old.
Being exposed too young to histories of Malaysia and world, it becomes one of my subjects of interest. Not because it is natural for me but because I always yearned for a story. It was easy to remember histories by taking it that way.
The first official history class that I took was when I was in Sultanah Asma Secondary School. I still can recall vividly my history teacher who was also a tennis coacher. During those classes, he would stand by the window with a book on his right hand and the other hand was in his trousers pocket. As far as I can remember, he never look at to the book. I guess the book was there just to make him felt more comfortable. Standing, him slightly facing the window made him look handsome under the morning silhouette. He rarely made eyes contact with the students (all girls). Nevertheless, his cool and calm personality brought out a distinguished gentleman persona around him. We respected him very much. I never witnessed him raised his voice or heard, but once, any story of him coming out of character, and that story still very absurd to me to this very minute.
He used to read (or more correctly, to profess because words just flow out of his mouth) us the history lesson in the class (there was no usual teaching process) and we then obediently wrote every sentence down on our notes book. Though the processes of listening and writing surely had bored some of us to death and made few slept through, but I was not complaining then, or now. It was all good for my SRP examination because he simplified the story and made it easier for us or to me in particularly to understand, remembers and then scored the examination. Yes, I am talking about study to pass examination. Certainly, among the best things about being in the best school was that I can gained access to the best teacher who knew the best about which questions would usually coming out for the national exam. I had straight A’s as a result.
Many people have been preaching about Malaysian schooling. Obviously, there are many good points of studying; real study, not just to pass an examination. I agree of that to the core. However, if we look at ‘knowledge’ carefully, it is not the matter of how the teachers teach but how the students churned the information. Teacher is not there to teach people to think or behave, parents are responsible for that. Teacher is just a guide, a source of inspiration. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.
I believe that there is a thin line of Malaysian education on study to pass examination and study for the sake of studying. Do you think that all the mat rempits will love to study if they need not sit for examination?
Here in Japan, we have several creams of the crop of Malaysian students who were sent here with a scholarship and yet still not being able to bring themselves to study. Can we then blame the Japan teaching system? This system had successfully brought out millions of scholars and some of them are Noble awards receivers.
My point is that we should not treat any social problem in Malaysia just by simply looking from a single point of view.
All the successes that I had were not mine alone because they belong to my parents, ancestors, extended families, friends and the last but not the least, my teachers. The image of flying Mathematics notes book across the room going through the door of my primary school class still touched me dearly until today. Nevertheless, my late teacher, Cikgu Habsah was still my first source of inspiration.
There was a case where I was slapped on the back of my body by my English teacher for not being able to spell ‘chocolate’ but it was a shame for me, so that I cannot bring myself to tell my parents about the whole incident. It popped out of my mouth several years back while we were talking about my teacher who happened to be blood related. But no, I was indebted to them forever, no looking back in anger for me.
If only all quarters can take more responsibilities on coaching the young ones and stop the blaming game, I can see a brighter future. I am included. If not, our country is becoming old before it becomes adult because most of the young men will die in the freak motorcycle accidents.
Living in the family of lower class income, I understood the situation then. Having enough meals on the table everyday was far more important than purchasing a book. Sensibly, sleeping with empty stomach was worst than to not have a single book in the house. Indeed, because children need enough nutrients for the growth of the brain. Adding to the fact that source of knowledge is not only limited to the books, to opt out the importance of book and treated it as a luxury was the appropriate choice then. Hence, my childhood’s reading materials were filled with newspapers and text books of my aunties who were living next door and in their secondary schooling.
Since studying science was considered high class and of course, costly during those times, I was left with no choice to fulfill my free times but to read history text books, Malay literatures (such as Hikayat Malim Demang) and something on economics. And yes, that was because my Aunties, both were art’s students studying history and economics and it was expected to find those books in their houses. At that time, I was around 8 years old.
Being exposed too young to histories of Malaysia and world, it becomes one of my subjects of interest. Not because it is natural for me but because I always yearned for a story. It was easy to remember histories by taking it that way.
The first official history class that I took was when I was in Sultanah Asma Secondary School. I still can recall vividly my history teacher who was also a tennis coacher. During those classes, he would stand by the window with a book on his right hand and the other hand was in his trousers pocket. As far as I can remember, he never look at to the book. I guess the book was there just to make him felt more comfortable. Standing, him slightly facing the window made him look handsome under the morning silhouette. He rarely made eyes contact with the students (all girls). Nevertheless, his cool and calm personality brought out a distinguished gentleman persona around him. We respected him very much. I never witnessed him raised his voice or heard, but once, any story of him coming out of character, and that story still very absurd to me to this very minute.
He used to read (or more correctly, to profess because words just flow out of his mouth) us the history lesson in the class (there was no usual teaching process) and we then obediently wrote every sentence down on our notes book. Though the processes of listening and writing surely had bored some of us to death and made few slept through, but I was not complaining then, or now. It was all good for my SRP examination because he simplified the story and made it easier for us or to me in particularly to understand, remembers and then scored the examination. Yes, I am talking about study to pass examination. Certainly, among the best things about being in the best school was that I can gained access to the best teacher who knew the best about which questions would usually coming out for the national exam. I had straight A’s as a result.
Many people have been preaching about Malaysian schooling. Obviously, there are many good points of studying; real study, not just to pass an examination. I agree of that to the core. However, if we look at ‘knowledge’ carefully, it is not the matter of how the teachers teach but how the students churned the information. Teacher is not there to teach people to think or behave, parents are responsible for that. Teacher is just a guide, a source of inspiration. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.
I believe that there is a thin line of Malaysian education on study to pass examination and study for the sake of studying. Do you think that all the mat rempits will love to study if they need not sit for examination?
Here in Japan, we have several creams of the crop of Malaysian students who were sent here with a scholarship and yet still not being able to bring themselves to study. Can we then blame the Japan teaching system? This system had successfully brought out millions of scholars and some of them are Noble awards receivers.
My point is that we should not treat any social problem in Malaysia just by simply looking from a single point of view.
All the successes that I had were not mine alone because they belong to my parents, ancestors, extended families, friends and the last but not the least, my teachers. The image of flying Mathematics notes book across the room going through the door of my primary school class still touched me dearly until today. Nevertheless, my late teacher, Cikgu Habsah was still my first source of inspiration.
There was a case where I was slapped on the back of my body by my English teacher for not being able to spell ‘chocolate’ but it was a shame for me, so that I cannot bring myself to tell my parents about the whole incident. It popped out of my mouth several years back while we were talking about my teacher who happened to be blood related. But no, I was indebted to them forever, no looking back in anger for me.
If only all quarters can take more responsibilities on coaching the young ones and stop the blaming game, I can see a brighter future. I am included. If not, our country is becoming old before it becomes adult because most of the young men will die in the freak motorcycle accidents.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Prof
He was out of the lab and the country for more than half of the time starting from the end of last month. I was like, 'Wow!' but my short holidays in the lab is coming to an end. Tomorrow onward, he will be around, pacing in and out of this room. I am looking forward for September next year to get out of this misery (and get myself into another misery? hehe!). Wait! Next year is just 9 more days to go! Horray! So, it is going to be another 9 months. Can't wait!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Of foot pain and snowboarding
The International Student Office of Tokushima University plans one day ski trip to Tottori next month.
I was looking forward to tag along. Then, something happened to my right foot. The same symptom of foot pain reoccurred. Previously, it had gone away for almost 6 months after I took few steps as suggested in one of the website including changed the exhausted sport shoes and did a special feet exercise every morning. Last weekend the pain which was known as Plantar Fasciitis came back haunting me. Probably due to long hours standing in the lab or the coldness had caused stiffness to the muscles. The later reason was intended as a joke. Sigh!
If you know that it requires strong leg muscles to stand on the two feet for snowboarding then you will realize that having foot pain is a warning sign of better not to go.
Thus, I decided to give the trip a pass though I had been thinking about going for sometime. Yeah, last year snowboard trip to Nagano probably the last one.
If only the pain go away soon…
We never know what future bring us but usually one has to be content with what life has to offer.
I was looking forward to tag along. Then, something happened to my right foot. The same symptom of foot pain reoccurred. Previously, it had gone away for almost 6 months after I took few steps as suggested in one of the website including changed the exhausted sport shoes and did a special feet exercise every morning. Last weekend the pain which was known as Plantar Fasciitis came back haunting me. Probably due to long hours standing in the lab or the coldness had caused stiffness to the muscles. The later reason was intended as a joke. Sigh!
If you know that it requires strong leg muscles to stand on the two feet for snowboarding then you will realize that having foot pain is a warning sign of better not to go.
Thus, I decided to give the trip a pass though I had been thinking about going for sometime. Yeah, last year snowboard trip to Nagano probably the last one.
If only the pain go away soon…
We never know what future bring us but usually one has to be content with what life has to offer.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Natural born reader
I am no legend but there was a story told by my mother emphasizing the fact that I am a natural born reader. It all happened when I was a toddler, aged around 1 year old.
During that fateful morning, I was left on my own, somewhere on the floor nearby the brother-in-law of my great grandfather who was to look after me. He was sitting on the floor reading newspapers, by putting the newspaper on the floor.
The Malay houses during the 70s were made of wood, and rarely had couch to sit on to. Thus, normally everyone would sat on the wooden floor covered with a tikar.
As he was so into the reading, out of blue I was said to crawl slowly on to the newspapers. And instead of crumpled the newspapers, as any toddler would do, I look at the words written on the paper as if I was reading. At the end, he took me unto his lap and we read the newpapers together. He was so taken aback with the whole thing and mentioned this to my mother later.
So, you can see now how reading is part of me. Sigh! I will read everything as long as there are sentences written across the paper, which is well-known amongst my family and closest extended family, and my friends. Sometimes to the extend that it annoyed them.
Oppss! Forgot to mention that playing was also one of my hobbies but being the only rose amongst the thorns in the village, I was strongly advice not to crawl too far from home.
During that fateful morning, I was left on my own, somewhere on the floor nearby the brother-in-law of my great grandfather who was to look after me. He was sitting on the floor reading newspapers, by putting the newspaper on the floor.
The Malay houses during the 70s were made of wood, and rarely had couch to sit on to. Thus, normally everyone would sat on the wooden floor covered with a tikar.
As he was so into the reading, out of blue I was said to crawl slowly on to the newspapers. And instead of crumpled the newspapers, as any toddler would do, I look at the words written on the paper as if I was reading. At the end, he took me unto his lap and we read the newpapers together. He was so taken aback with the whole thing and mentioned this to my mother later.
So, you can see now how reading is part of me. Sigh! I will read everything as long as there are sentences written across the paper, which is well-known amongst my family and closest extended family, and my friends. Sometimes to the extend that it annoyed them.
Oppss! Forgot to mention that playing was also one of my hobbies but being the only rose amongst the thorns in the village, I was strongly advice not to crawl too far from home.
Monday, December 14, 2009
A perfume's tale of a single woman
Last month, somewhere along the Kawaramachi Street of Kyoto; Ila, Sue, Dr B and I stop to smell the perfumes at one of the shops. There were two perfume shops that I had made frequent visit whenever I went to Kyoto city because of numbers of branded perfumes that can be found there plus the prices were reasonable. Some of the international brands perfumes were on-sale that day. Most likely that due to koyou season (visiting/ experiencing the changes of leaves colours), the owners expected many visitors and thus decided to cut-down prices of some of the perfumes. A good business strategy I would say.
The reason I was there was to buy a perfume for my mother. When I went home last spring, I got her one but she said the scent doesn’t last long. Since she rarely asked me for anything and partly because her birthday was around the corner, I wanted to shop for a perfume with a special fragrance just for her. After going through sniffing more than two dozens perfume, I got her a Lancôme, a Miracle for her. And the verdict, she just loves it!
While browsing and inhaling dozens of fragrances, I said something to Dr B, who was at that time proposing me a few nice fragrances of the perfumes. Her answer triggered me to think and later to write this post.
It was when we were trying a man’s perfume, I said something like ‘Man’s body odor smell strongly that make them in-need of strong smell of perfume.’ Lelaki busuk, kena bau perfume yang kuat sikit.
Her reply was, ‘You’re not married yet?’ Che na tak kawin lagi?
Her response made me think of man and me. How on earth did she relate me, my statement and marriage? It was a time for self reflection.
I never think too highly of men but I do not think badly about them either. I respected men with knowledge but I do think most men odor is stink.
Am I so reclusive of man because I am all against them and at the end left me unmarried?
There were and are many men in my life. I have two brothers, the only siblings that I have. I have too many men in life, so to speak, which included countless numbers of uncles and cousins. Oh! Those are persons that I can’t get married to.
For marriage prospects, I had met a few good men.
But I think marriage is just not on my card of destiny as yet. We do believe in faith, don’t we?
Being singles never bothers me unless someone come up to me and keeps pestering me about my marriage or her marriage. I am just not into it, yet. Furthermore, I do not want to spend my time whining about being single. I have many things to do while I am single! One of them, find my own happiness. I do not think it is wise to put all the happiness in a basket of marriage. We shall be happy by ourselves or with others. In short, if we choose to be happy, we are happy regardless the life that we are in. Read Elizabeth "Liz" Murray life story for instance. She is one of the people who are an excellent example of making choices in life.
I am afraid of marriage. Yes, of course. Why? I can see divorces take place everyday and the reason behind it does not help either. Yes, especially if you read the Malaysian newspapers and some assemblymen in Terengganu added the scarier notion of it.
What the heck with marriages in Terengganu? Body odor? Pyjamas? Those two have become common factors behind the divorces in the state of Terengganu. Dear God, please bless me. And recently, the Tiger of the Woods did make me think more than twice about marriage.
And I have a very fragile heart too. If people talk to me in high notes, it will kill me instantly. In short, I simply hate to quarrel! Yet, I don’t think in life there is perfect couple that will always agree with one another.
Above all, I don’t trust people easily. This make it hard for me to fall head over heal with someone. Afterall, falling in love and marriage are all about opening one heart. Oh! Am I such a freak? Maybe I do or a little, probably. Sigh! I just don’t know.
Am I feminist? No. I don’t believe that man is evil or woman is oppressed. We have that problem of women oppression since past centuries and thing is changing for the better.
If anyone read the history, earlier women were not allowed to vote because men of power consider that women can’t think for themselves and then not able to make correct choice. Wikipedia has it all. Beside, I don’t like the idea of feminism. I just think that human should be treating equally but the equalities of men and women are differed. But as we are progressing with the equality issues, I don’t think that will happen in the near future. Still there are many cases of inequality. If you simply ask the amount of salary Brad Pitt is getting compared to Angelina Jolie, you will get the idea. Even in the USA, the land of hope, payment of woman CEO is lesser than the man. Thus, I reserved my expectation on the equality of salary in Malaysia.
At the end I was left with a question, what sort of man that I like to be with? I don’t know. I just want someone who is kind, has compassion, empathy and full of love, to share my life with. I want to share a life, happily. Obviously, if he smells badly, I will ask him to bath in a sauna full of roses or I will gift him perfumes every now and then. Or if he still does not get it, I will just spay him with perfume every morning. Shower him with perfume, er, love, I mean.
The reason I was there was to buy a perfume for my mother. When I went home last spring, I got her one but she said the scent doesn’t last long. Since she rarely asked me for anything and partly because her birthday was around the corner, I wanted to shop for a perfume with a special fragrance just for her. After going through sniffing more than two dozens perfume, I got her a Lancôme, a Miracle for her. And the verdict, she just loves it!
While browsing and inhaling dozens of fragrances, I said something to Dr B, who was at that time proposing me a few nice fragrances of the perfumes. Her answer triggered me to think and later to write this post.
It was when we were trying a man’s perfume, I said something like ‘Man’s body odor smell strongly that make them in-need of strong smell of perfume.’ Lelaki busuk, kena bau perfume yang kuat sikit.
Her reply was, ‘You’re not married yet?’ Che na tak kawin lagi?
Her response made me think of man and me. How on earth did she relate me, my statement and marriage? It was a time for self reflection.
I never think too highly of men but I do not think badly about them either. I respected men with knowledge but I do think most men odor is stink.
Am I so reclusive of man because I am all against them and at the end left me unmarried?
There were and are many men in my life. I have two brothers, the only siblings that I have. I have too many men in life, so to speak, which included countless numbers of uncles and cousins. Oh! Those are persons that I can’t get married to.
For marriage prospects, I had met a few good men.
But I think marriage is just not on my card of destiny as yet. We do believe in faith, don’t we?
Being singles never bothers me unless someone come up to me and keeps pestering me about my marriage or her marriage. I am just not into it, yet. Furthermore, I do not want to spend my time whining about being single. I have many things to do while I am single! One of them, find my own happiness. I do not think it is wise to put all the happiness in a basket of marriage. We shall be happy by ourselves or with others. In short, if we choose to be happy, we are happy regardless the life that we are in. Read Elizabeth "Liz" Murray life story for instance. She is one of the people who are an excellent example of making choices in life.
I am afraid of marriage. Yes, of course. Why? I can see divorces take place everyday and the reason behind it does not help either. Yes, especially if you read the Malaysian newspapers and some assemblymen in Terengganu added the scarier notion of it.
What the heck with marriages in Terengganu? Body odor? Pyjamas? Those two have become common factors behind the divorces in the state of Terengganu. Dear God, please bless me. And recently, the Tiger of the Woods did make me think more than twice about marriage.
And I have a very fragile heart too. If people talk to me in high notes, it will kill me instantly. In short, I simply hate to quarrel! Yet, I don’t think in life there is perfect couple that will always agree with one another.
Above all, I don’t trust people easily. This make it hard for me to fall head over heal with someone. Afterall, falling in love and marriage are all about opening one heart. Oh! Am I such a freak? Maybe I do or a little, probably. Sigh! I just don’t know.
Am I feminist? No. I don’t believe that man is evil or woman is oppressed. We have that problem of women oppression since past centuries and thing is changing for the better.
If anyone read the history, earlier women were not allowed to vote because men of power consider that women can’t think for themselves and then not able to make correct choice. Wikipedia has it all. Beside, I don’t like the idea of feminism. I just think that human should be treating equally but the equalities of men and women are differed. But as we are progressing with the equality issues, I don’t think that will happen in the near future. Still there are many cases of inequality. If you simply ask the amount of salary Brad Pitt is getting compared to Angelina Jolie, you will get the idea. Even in the USA, the land of hope, payment of woman CEO is lesser than the man. Thus, I reserved my expectation on the equality of salary in Malaysia.
At the end I was left with a question, what sort of man that I like to be with? I don’t know. I just want someone who is kind, has compassion, empathy and full of love, to share my life with. I want to share a life, happily. Obviously, if he smells badly, I will ask him to bath in a sauna full of roses or I will gift him perfumes every now and then. Or if he still does not get it, I will just spay him with perfume every morning. Shower him with perfume, er, love, I mean.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Pizza's advice
Friends do come to me to seek opinion. I will go to them to ask for opinion, or largely, people call it advice. Whatever the names is, it does not matter because at the end of the day, the person who ask is the one making the final call.
If they come to me, all I can do is to list down all the good points followed with the bad perspectives. Weighing between the two will usually give us some insight of a few possible right directions in order to take the next step. Then, role of the adviser is fin.
Nonetheless, the next step is only the first step of the whole ordeal, a baby step. There were millions steps that need to be make in order to the journey (remember, life is a journey?). We need to realize this because while making those steps, there will be stumbled blocks somewhere along it. If we make a new start every time we come upon a bad patches, then it will take hundreds years to complete the steps. This is true in some cases in life. But then again, probably we need to start afresh, let say in the case of bad spouse? Again, the first step is only a step of millions.
A strategist wannabe plus a trait of control freak instilled by my birth right make it hard for me to be detached from any sort of problems that cross my path.
The role of adviser was never finale for me after I delivered the verdict. I used to follow closely every move made by my friends after they came to see me for the advice; tiring, both body and soul but happy because I was part of their life.
BUT, now I am done doing that.
There were sorts of people who wanted advice but that was it, no attachment afterwards. I got that thrown to my face blatantly. Sigh! And there were many cases the advise be thrown back at my face with a sneer or a laughter. It felt like you were swarmed by a hot pizza on the face, which smells tasty nevertheless hot.
My advice (again?) to anybody out there who do not sincerely need any advice, keep quite. By keeping quite, you are making big help by simply not causing any grieve to other people who is willingly want to help. Or you are exhausting the neurons of them who have been thinking for you.
Thus, I have made my mind and think the best way to give away your ideas is when you are asked for it, sincerely. Ask me baby, I’ll let you know or else, I will just keep my mouth shut.
By the way, please remember to keep the hot warm pizzas for yourself if somehow you tend to criticize the advice given to you after you ask for it. It helps. *wink*
If they come to me, all I can do is to list down all the good points followed with the bad perspectives. Weighing between the two will usually give us some insight of a few possible right directions in order to take the next step. Then, role of the adviser is fin.
Nonetheless, the next step is only the first step of the whole ordeal, a baby step. There were millions steps that need to be make in order to the journey (remember, life is a journey?). We need to realize this because while making those steps, there will be stumbled blocks somewhere along it. If we make a new start every time we come upon a bad patches, then it will take hundreds years to complete the steps. This is true in some cases in life. But then again, probably we need to start afresh, let say in the case of bad spouse? Again, the first step is only a step of millions.
A strategist wannabe plus a trait of control freak instilled by my birth right make it hard for me to be detached from any sort of problems that cross my path.
The role of adviser was never finale for me after I delivered the verdict. I used to follow closely every move made by my friends after they came to see me for the advice; tiring, both body and soul but happy because I was part of their life.
BUT, now I am done doing that.
There were sorts of people who wanted advice but that was it, no attachment afterwards. I got that thrown to my face blatantly. Sigh! And there were many cases the advise be thrown back at my face with a sneer or a laughter. It felt like you were swarmed by a hot pizza on the face, which smells tasty nevertheless hot.
My advice (again?) to anybody out there who do not sincerely need any advice, keep quite. By keeping quite, you are making big help by simply not causing any grieve to other people who is willingly want to help. Or you are exhausting the neurons of them who have been thinking for you.
Thus, I have made my mind and think the best way to give away your ideas is when you are asked for it, sincerely. Ask me baby, I’ll let you know or else, I will just keep my mouth shut.
By the way, please remember to keep the hot warm pizzas for yourself if somehow you tend to criticize the advice given to you after you ask for it. It helps. *wink*
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Reading is the brain's agenda
Writing is indeed interesting, and so is reading.
The whole new dimension unwraps vastly in front of me once I open-up a book to read. I am in the story, staying a step behind the main player. At time, I try to get in touch with the protagonist and give him or my two cents worth of thought before they make their next move. I can even see how they move about in a situation or how intense the crowded room.
Of course, I make it up all in my mind but I am the director of the story. The book is merely a script; nevertheless, in the health point of view, it was undeniably a major source of vitamins for the neurons of my brain.
The reading has affected me beyond my imagination that I can comprehend. Probably because reading (for me) is like a chemical inducer that can stimulates hormones, which without doubt, under the instruction of the brain; that made me agitated, in a good way. Those are reasons I enjoy the reading.
After a while, when a book that I read becomes an object of obsession, I will try to get my hand on all the published materials by the author of that book. Thus, I am now a proud owner of a collection of books from a few distinguished authors. The hunting became haunting once I can get into the mind of the writer. This is happening when I can reach ahead of the story and in doing so dried-up the rush of adrenaline. Sadly, few names had been crossed out of my reading lists.
I am glad that I’ve found Jeffrey Archer, Patricia Cornwell, Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, amongst others.
I admit it that for me to read a book, the twists and the tales are a bigger factor more than the grammar and the sentences. I think I am too technical to have the benefit of the art of writing and the literature (though I do, to certain extend) and it is entirely my fault. I wish to correct this fault in my remaining years of life.
Nonetheless, there are a few columnists and bloggers who have a place in my reading lists. It is their ways of writing, which successfully have made me smirk or evoke a thought; let them straight into my good book.
If you noticed, the brain of mine has found a way to always stay on top. It makes sure anything which has an ability to provoke the neurons of it, such as the write-ups of these authors, is my thing. So, I have no control over my self, it is all an agenda of the brain.
The whole new dimension unwraps vastly in front of me once I open-up a book to read. I am in the story, staying a step behind the main player. At time, I try to get in touch with the protagonist and give him or my two cents worth of thought before they make their next move. I can even see how they move about in a situation or how intense the crowded room.
Of course, I make it up all in my mind but I am the director of the story. The book is merely a script; nevertheless, in the health point of view, it was undeniably a major source of vitamins for the neurons of my brain.
The reading has affected me beyond my imagination that I can comprehend. Probably because reading (for me) is like a chemical inducer that can stimulates hormones, which without doubt, under the instruction of the brain; that made me agitated, in a good way. Those are reasons I enjoy the reading.
After a while, when a book that I read becomes an object of obsession, I will try to get my hand on all the published materials by the author of that book. Thus, I am now a proud owner of a collection of books from a few distinguished authors. The hunting became haunting once I can get into the mind of the writer. This is happening when I can reach ahead of the story and in doing so dried-up the rush of adrenaline. Sadly, few names had been crossed out of my reading lists.
I am glad that I’ve found Jeffrey Archer, Patricia Cornwell, Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, amongst others.
I admit it that for me to read a book, the twists and the tales are a bigger factor more than the grammar and the sentences. I think I am too technical to have the benefit of the art of writing and the literature (though I do, to certain extend) and it is entirely my fault. I wish to correct this fault in my remaining years of life.
Nonetheless, there are a few columnists and bloggers who have a place in my reading lists. It is their ways of writing, which successfully have made me smirk or evoke a thought; let them straight into my good book.
If you noticed, the brain of mine has found a way to always stay on top. It makes sure anything which has an ability to provoke the neurons of it, such as the write-ups of these authors, is my thing. So, I have no control over my self, it is all an agenda of the brain.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Todai, Ila is coming soon!
Ila came here last October and stayed until end of November. The main reason of her visit was to sit for an entrance exam for doctoral study of Tokyo University, the best university in Japan. She is now happily joining the clan back home and enjoying the hot tropical weather.
She just sent me an offline message, 'I've got the offer letter!'
Well, many many congratulations! (^-^)....
p/s And it seems that the previous autumn was not the last autumn for you.
She just sent me an offline message, 'I've got the offer letter!'
Well, many many congratulations! (^-^)....
p/s And it seems that the previous autumn was not the last autumn for you.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Data, me and reviewers!
“I feel like I am sabotaging myself....”
“No. You are not.”
“Yes, I do sabotage myself. There are ten months left and yet I will start new experiment.”
“But, that is important. The reviewers would asked about it. Do you understand that it is important for the paper?”
“Yes, I understand. The problem is it will not going to finish in one week.”
Again and again, I have this problem with my dear Prof. He stood on his ground, wanted me to add more and more data. And if you understand, not every experiment is doable and can be finished in a short time. In my case, it will take at least a month. After that, the writing of the article, the corrections by him (it will go on and on like playing table tennis, until he said, I think this is OK) and review of the English language (by the native speaker) and finally, submitting. Next, wait for the yes, or no from the journal editor which will takes two months the least. And if yes, more added data will be asked. If no, changed the presentation (which means, rewriting) and continue the same procedures starting from the Prof approval. Ten months time are not enough to get the paper published.
I am laying low...Tsk! Tsk!
“No. You are not.”
“Yes, I do sabotage myself. There are ten months left and yet I will start new experiment.”
“But, that is important. The reviewers would asked about it. Do you understand that it is important for the paper?”
“Yes, I understand. The problem is it will not going to finish in one week.”
Again and again, I have this problem with my dear Prof. He stood on his ground, wanted me to add more and more data. And if you understand, not every experiment is doable and can be finished in a short time. In my case, it will take at least a month. After that, the writing of the article, the corrections by him (it will go on and on like playing table tennis, until he said, I think this is OK) and review of the English language (by the native speaker) and finally, submitting. Next, wait for the yes, or no from the journal editor which will takes two months the least. And if yes, more added data will be asked. If no, changed the presentation (which means, rewriting) and continue the same procedures starting from the Prof approval. Ten months time are not enough to get the paper published.
I am laying low...Tsk! Tsk!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Menulis blog berbahasa Inggeris?
Kenapa saya menulis blog dalam bahasa Inggeris sedangkan bahasa Melayu saya lebih baik dan teratur. Jika kita imbas kembali hasil keputusan peperiksaan SPM (sekiranya masih ada kaitan) maka bahasa Inggeris saya sangat ketinggalan. Mungkin juga di sebabkan itu, saya hanya belajar di dalam negara selepas tamat peperiksaan SPM sedangkan ramai teman-teman dihantar ke luar negara walaupun keputusan SPM hampir sama. Namun, sehingga bila atau kenapa saya perlu hidup di dalam situasi yang selamat dan menulis menggunakan bahasa Melayu?
Menulis blog berbahasa Inggeris adalah sesuatu yang melangkau keupayaan seorang manusia yang bernama saya. Berasal dari sebuah keluarga yang tidak pernah berbicara sesama sendiri menggunakan apa sahaja bahasa asing kecuali bahasa daerah samada dialek Kedah secara am atau dialek yang lebih terpinggir, Pokok Sena, bahasa Inggeris adalah bahasa luar atau bahasa penjajah. Cuma kini, dengan teknologi yang hampir kebanyakannya berteraskan bahasa Inggeris, maka sedikit sebanyak perkataan-perkataan itu menjadi mesra di telinga. Malah ibu saya juga sudah mula ber'Good night' atau 'Bye-bye' sebelum memutuskan talian telefon. Bagi saya tiada yang salah. Manusia yang mampu berbahasa selain bahasa ibunda adalah seseorang yang mampu berbicara dengan orang asing dan akan dapat menimba lebih banyak ilmu hidup. Justeru itu, kini di Jepun, saya sendirian terasa terasing kerana kurang mampu meluahkan kata-kata dengan teman-teman berbangsa Jepun kerana kekangan bahasa.
Kembali kepada persoalan pokok, kenapa menulis dalam bahasa asing? Jawapan itu sekiranya dikaji, yang tersurat dan tersirat sudah ada di dalam dua perenggan pertama. Untuk menjelaskannya, saya katakan bahawa saya ingin fasih dalam berbahasa Inggeris. Hanya dengan menulis di blog, saya mampu lakukan kesalahan dan kemudiannya membaca dan membetulkannya berulang kali. Mungkin tidak ramai yang percaya bahawa setiap teks yang panjang itu saya tulis di Microsof Word, diperbetulkan oleh software milik Bill Gates itu dan disiarkan di alam maya ini. Di dalam suatu tempoh tertentu, saya akan membaca semula dan membuat penambahanbaikan di dalam karangan tersebut. Oleh itu, saya menjadi juruedit kepada penulisan saya sendiri. Ya, cara yang murah dan mudah dan mungkin salah. Yang pasti, ia telah memberi saya banyak peluang untuk membuat salah dan menebus kesalahan walaupun tidak semua. Pastinya belajar sendiri tanpa guru mengambil masa yang lebih lama untuk menyedari kesalahan itu. Sehingga kini, saya masih menunggu ulasan dari mana-mana pembaca yang sudi memberi dan menunjuk-ajar setiap kesalahan dalam penulisan saya.
Di akhir kata, saya menulis hanya untuk meluah rasa. Bahasa digunakan untuk meyampai kata. Blog ini menjadi medium percuma!
Menulis blog berbahasa Inggeris adalah sesuatu yang melangkau keupayaan seorang manusia yang bernama saya. Berasal dari sebuah keluarga yang tidak pernah berbicara sesama sendiri menggunakan apa sahaja bahasa asing kecuali bahasa daerah samada dialek Kedah secara am atau dialek yang lebih terpinggir, Pokok Sena, bahasa Inggeris adalah bahasa luar atau bahasa penjajah. Cuma kini, dengan teknologi yang hampir kebanyakannya berteraskan bahasa Inggeris, maka sedikit sebanyak perkataan-perkataan itu menjadi mesra di telinga. Malah ibu saya juga sudah mula ber'Good night' atau 'Bye-bye' sebelum memutuskan talian telefon. Bagi saya tiada yang salah. Manusia yang mampu berbahasa selain bahasa ibunda adalah seseorang yang mampu berbicara dengan orang asing dan akan dapat menimba lebih banyak ilmu hidup. Justeru itu, kini di Jepun, saya sendirian terasa terasing kerana kurang mampu meluahkan kata-kata dengan teman-teman berbangsa Jepun kerana kekangan bahasa.
Kembali kepada persoalan pokok, kenapa menulis dalam bahasa asing? Jawapan itu sekiranya dikaji, yang tersurat dan tersirat sudah ada di dalam dua perenggan pertama. Untuk menjelaskannya, saya katakan bahawa saya ingin fasih dalam berbahasa Inggeris. Hanya dengan menulis di blog, saya mampu lakukan kesalahan dan kemudiannya membaca dan membetulkannya berulang kali. Mungkin tidak ramai yang percaya bahawa setiap teks yang panjang itu saya tulis di Microsof Word, diperbetulkan oleh software milik Bill Gates itu dan disiarkan di alam maya ini. Di dalam suatu tempoh tertentu, saya akan membaca semula dan membuat penambahanbaikan di dalam karangan tersebut. Oleh itu, saya menjadi juruedit kepada penulisan saya sendiri. Ya, cara yang murah dan mudah dan mungkin salah. Yang pasti, ia telah memberi saya banyak peluang untuk membuat salah dan menebus kesalahan walaupun tidak semua. Pastinya belajar sendiri tanpa guru mengambil masa yang lebih lama untuk menyedari kesalahan itu. Sehingga kini, saya masih menunggu ulasan dari mana-mana pembaca yang sudi memberi dan menunjuk-ajar setiap kesalahan dalam penulisan saya.
Di akhir kata, saya menulis hanya untuk meluah rasa. Bahasa digunakan untuk meyampai kata. Blog ini menjadi medium percuma!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Control freak? Nayyyy....
Certainly no one knows how impossible the characters of my dear Prof are. Only a few of the lucky ones who have and had been living under his supervisions understand the conditions.
He is not a bad person but just simply impossible! Can you guess the numbers of times he walked in the room and make a quick glance at my laptop’s monitor, in a day? The answer is almost 20 times per day and during some other days, countless. Call me a control freak? I might not even at the entry level then, or at par.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Gen-X is still around...
The world collectively put me as one of those that belong to the generation X. Yup! I was amongst the teenagers who saw the birth of Hotmail or even Google, and the making of young billionaires in the years of dot-coms bubble which later bursts. And that was also the time when people started to learn that marriage can be initiated by the internet.
Now, when my world is limited only into two places; home and laboratory, the internet once again comes to my rescue. Oh! How can I live without FB and YM! Sigh!
Now, when my world is limited only into two places; home and laboratory, the internet once again comes to my rescue. Oh! How can I live without FB and YM! Sigh!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The not-so Ice Queen
Practical thinking is first-class but still when it comes to heart matter; I am not in the position to say otherwise. Yes, if it is heart, no practicality work on me, hence, I am saying nothing of sort. Sigh!
Hey! That is heart. Literally or not, you need to see heart doctor right away. Never miss a minutes because it may save your life. Never take for granted anything that comes into your possession, be it life or love.
But the again, I always admire people with practical thinking. They make outstanding strategists but may be seen as cold as the Ice Queen. However, if we throw-in enough empathy, they are actually the good lawyers.
Hey! That is heart. Literally or not, you need to see heart doctor right away. Never miss a minutes because it may save your life. Never take for granted anything that comes into your possession, be it life or love.
But the again, I always admire people with practical thinking. They make outstanding strategists but may be seen as cold as the Ice Queen. However, if we throw-in enough empathy, they are actually the good lawyers.
*smile*
Brain runs amok
I am writing an article at the moment, a scientific paper for journal publication. The brain section which contains the Queen Mother’s language once again has to re-organize themselves into a scientific manner. The words and sentences should be crisp, clear and direct to the point, no more beating around the bushes and above all, dry and serious. And those things made my head runs amok and thus, I am having headache for two consecutive days.
p/s Oh! How I miss reading Dina Zaman and Mary Schneider write-up at this moment. And yes, I am headless for the time being.
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