"We are the only ones we are running from," I Never Wanted To by Saosin.
I haven't mentioned this in my blog yet, so I guess it's high time I did before people start accusing me of keeping secrets (what people??).
I have been re-elected as the B. Ed. TESL Cohort 2 Cohort Leader, the captain of a 62-strong team of different people of differing backgrounds possessing different qualities.
I'm actually not too keen on taking up another whole semester as the Cohort Leader again. A (sort-off) farewell speech was given by me here. If you read it, I said that I wanted as many Cohort Leaders as possible. But now the possibility of having 5 CLs has gone down to 4, given that next semester brings a new face to occupy the post. Plus, I cant compete for a position in the Institute High Council elections next semester. And I was just beginning to imagine myself as the Institute Big Kahuna (YDP). Oh well~
Regardless of my reluctance of taking up the job, I will still have to do it so, I'm going to have to give it my all or nothing. So check it y'all, in order to avoid work swamped on me for everything, I will ingeniously go where no Cohort 2 Leader has gone before, that is forming new posts such as the Transportation Manager, Spiritual Adviser, Tech Dude, and Wizardry Chief, besides the subject leader for each subject to aid me in my various works that I may have to do.
AND, so that next year's tenure would bring about more style, I should seriously consider making a Blazer for myself with the words "Master Chief" engraved on the back of it. And people will need to address me as such, even lecturers.
Howzzat??
Cheers!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Year-end Break Is Here
"Stop stalling, make a name for yourself," London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines by Panic! at the Disco.
And I don't know what to do.
I have just officially finished my 3rd semester as a TESL (foundation) student. Up next, 8 more semesters of good TESL (degree) fun!
At least I hope it'll be fun. It would sure suck if it didn't.
Okay, I'm digressing from the topic here, so let's get back on track. As I said, the foundations are over and I don't know what to do to fill the 6-weeks off that I have before I enter my degree years.
That's not entirely true either. I actually do have a few things planned for myself this holiday. They are:
1. Read the 6 books/novels that I have at my disposal.
2. Learn the "Gee" dance.
Cool dance huh?
Other than that, my diary's completely open. My brother suggested I learn to play the piano. I could steal the unused keyboard that's at my cousin's house, but then who's going to teach me? I suppose I'll have to teach myself. But then again, I'm quite a lazy person, so we'll just have to see how it goes.
Any suggestions, anyone?
p/s- my brother's taking his SPMs this year, so if you decide to come over, don't you dare disturb my brother's study time, or else I'll be forced to gently tap your behind right out of the house. Comprende?
Cheers!
And I don't know what to do.
I have just officially finished my 3rd semester as a TESL (foundation) student. Up next, 8 more semesters of good TESL (degree) fun!
At least I hope it'll be fun. It would sure suck if it didn't.
Okay, I'm digressing from the topic here, so let's get back on track. As I said, the foundations are over and I don't know what to do to fill the 6-weeks off that I have before I enter my degree years.
That's not entirely true either. I actually do have a few things planned for myself this holiday. They are:
1. Read the 6 books/novels that I have at my disposal.
2. Learn the "Gee" dance.
Cool dance huh?
Other than that, my diary's completely open. My brother suggested I learn to play the piano. I could steal the unused keyboard that's at my cousin's house, but then who's going to teach me? I suppose I'll have to teach myself. But then again, I'm quite a lazy person, so we'll just have to see how it goes.
Any suggestions, anyone?
p/s- my brother's taking his SPMs this year, so if you decide to come over, don't you dare disturb my brother's study time, or else I'll be forced to gently tap your behind right out of the house. Comprende?
Cheers!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Villain Dilemma
"There is more to this, I know," You're Not Alone by Saosin (pronounced "say ocean")
Here we are, watching the hero chasing the villain down. We see the hero dodging the countless bullets that the villain is generously firing towards our saviour. Here, the villain tries his utmost to kill our hero, shooting 1009 of the 1000 bullets at his disposal, but ultimately fails to even scratch our hero in pursuit. Here, the villain doesn't care if he kills the hero, heck, he would even be thrilled to be rid of the hunk.
But then, later in the movie we find that the villain has caught the hero and has put the gun against our protagonist's head. Here, we find that our antagonist has forgotten all his desperation to kill off our hero as quickly as possible. Most times we see the villain elaborate his master plan to his adversary, or explain to the tied down actor the justice of his actions. Sometimes he even manages to cut a deal with the hero and releases the hero just like that. Sometimes, the villain remembers that he actually NEEDS the hero alive in order for his plan to work.
Do you see what I see?
Cheers!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Consideration
"Ignoring any kind of prize I might receive at all," Salute Your Solution by The Raconteurs.
With the semester drawing to an end, exam time it is for most of the teacher trainees in IPGM Pulau Pinang Campus. This period is, of course, a very stressful time for the trainees here, what with all the studying and trying to catch up with all the skipped classes and sleeping in lectures to make the grade so that they would not have to go through the humiliating experience of retaking a paper, or worse still, repeating a whole semester.
During these stressful times, trainees need to enjoy the little things in life to keep their sanity. For some, it's enjoying some afternoon shut-eye, for others it's beating their roommate at a match of Pro Evolution Soccer. And for most, soothing themselves in the toilet is considered one of the most pleasurable extra-curricullar activities one could do. Yes, relieving themselves in the can would be an experience to savour. The feeling after exiting the vile grounds of the restrooms would put a wide smile on any trainee's face.
However, when a tool of a contractor decides that it would be a good idea to retile all, I repeat, all the toilets on all the four floors of a hostel block at one go, these trainees lose their sanctuary, their world turns upside down. Suddenly, they have to trek all the way to a neighbouring block about 150 metres away just to go number 2, that is if they can hold it in for that long. If they can't, then one would imagine looking for a nearby bush, or if desperation sets in, a bottle.
Sorry for the less-than-flattering imagery, but that is exactly what is happening in the Gajus block of IPGM Penang Campus as we speak. Not only have their sanitary rights been taken away from them, but they can't even shower there, so they go by the dozens to other blocks, or even the nearby Surau to cleanse themselves. I pity them, and condemn the blind-stomached (buta perut) contractor who was such a genius in devising this plan to make life plain hell for the Gajus inhabitants. A kick in the face would not suffice as punishment for their inconsiderate, appalling treat to Gajus.
I mean, couldn't you even have left ONE stinking floor for later so that the patrons could do their business in? To me, there is no excuse good enough to justify this action. Dahla depa tengah exam. Isk2..
To Gajus, I bid you all the best for your coming papers, and be patient with your condition. It will all be over soon enough.
Cheers!
With the semester drawing to an end, exam time it is for most of the teacher trainees in IPGM Pulau Pinang Campus. This period is, of course, a very stressful time for the trainees here, what with all the studying and trying to catch up with all the skipped classes and sleeping in lectures to make the grade so that they would not have to go through the humiliating experience of retaking a paper, or worse still, repeating a whole semester.
During these stressful times, trainees need to enjoy the little things in life to keep their sanity. For some, it's enjoying some afternoon shut-eye, for others it's beating their roommate at a match of Pro Evolution Soccer. And for most, soothing themselves in the toilet is considered one of the most pleasurable extra-curricullar activities one could do. Yes, relieving themselves in the can would be an experience to savour. The feeling after exiting the vile grounds of the restrooms would put a wide smile on any trainee's face.
However, when a tool of a contractor decides that it would be a good idea to retile all, I repeat, all the toilets on all the four floors of a hostel block at one go, these trainees lose their sanctuary, their world turns upside down. Suddenly, they have to trek all the way to a neighbouring block about 150 metres away just to go number 2, that is if they can hold it in for that long. If they can't, then one would imagine looking for a nearby bush, or if desperation sets in, a bottle.
Sorry for the less-than-flattering imagery, but that is exactly what is happening in the Gajus block of IPGM Penang Campus as we speak. Not only have their sanitary rights been taken away from them, but they can't even shower there, so they go by the dozens to other blocks, or even the nearby Surau to cleanse themselves. I pity them, and condemn the blind-stomached (buta perut) contractor who was such a genius in devising this plan to make life plain hell for the Gajus inhabitants. A kick in the face would not suffice as punishment for their inconsiderate, appalling treat to Gajus.
I mean, couldn't you even have left ONE stinking floor for later so that the patrons could do their business in? To me, there is no excuse good enough to justify this action. Dahla depa tengah exam. Isk2..
To Gajus, I bid you all the best for your coming papers, and be patient with your condition. It will all be over soon enough.
Cheers!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I'm Back and Pie
"Farting is like burping through the other end."
My nose disagrees.
Yup, I have survived my foundation exams. My limbs are still intact and I'm still breathing, so I'm okay, I guess. Now I'll just wait on the edge of my seat to see if I made it to Macquarie University (excuse the spelling if it's wrong. I'm still not official).
It's amazing how 3 semesters just fly by. You enter, meet your roommate (Mesow), enter lectures, hold exhibitions, have class trips, move rooms and get a new roommate (Lan), play cards, watch movies, sleep (sometimes in class even), and before you know it, a year and a half has passed through your life. Wow.
And the Internet at IPGM KPP could not be worse, we had a whole week without it last week. I'm currently comfortably at home typing away, but I'll be back to Coombe Hill tomorrow for marching exercises.
What? Did I say marching?
Don't worry kids, No typo there. It turns out that the Institute was kind enough to plan a post-exam programme for us TESLians. Oienteering and Marching Course they call it. It lasts 6 working days, from Tuesday to Monday. Isn't the Institute just downright awesome? We were worried that all we could do was spend our mornings in bed to make up for the sleep lost from burning midnight oil for studying for the exams, but the Institute is always one step ahead of us trainees, and they proved this by introducing this cool course for us to look forward to. Fantastic.
Moving on from that dreaded topic. Pie.
I'm actually referring to PAI, which stand for Persatuan Agama Islam. What about PAI? Well, a few words uttered from a pal of mine got me thinking. And now I'm simply jotting (typing) down that thought.
Geng PAI, or in English, the PAI group (I refrain from using "gang" because of the bad connotation it brings). There's one in almost any place. Some groups are bigger than others, but they're there. And it's a good thing. They usually consist of nice people who frequent the surau and ask others to join them (to go to the surau). And it's a good thing.
BUT (yeah, there's always a but) what about the people who aren't in PAI?
Warning! Question mark galore ahead!
Why was PAI established? Certainly not to differentiate between the Muslims and the nons right? (If that were true, then there are a LOT of nons around.) Then was it an avenue for Muslims to be "Islamic" in? Then are the non-PAIs not Islamic? Or do we regard ourselves lesser Muslims, thus don't enter? Do we feel that if we enter PAI, we would have to walk around wearing skull-caps (kopiah) all the time? Would that be uncool? Do the PAIs wear their skull-caps all the time? No? Only when they pray, mostly? If we enter PAI, we would have to wear head scarves? Wait a minute, isn't that wajib for all Muslim girls? Then? If we enter PAI, can't we commit sins anymore? Do we want to commit sins? Don't we want pahalas? Don't we want to go to heaven? Do we want to go to hell? If we enter PAI, we might be considered a hypocrite? Are we not REAL MUSLIMS? Don't we pray to Allah? Isn't our prophet Nabi Muhammad (pbuh)? Don't we confess to the syahadah?
Back to the first question. Why was PAI established? Isn't PAI just a long term for ISLAM? Aren't all Muslims in the same club of Islam? Aren't we all supposed to be brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts? Aren't Muslims supposed to take care of one another, make sure we don't go astray, club or nay?
Hm, it's good to be back.
Cheers!
My nose disagrees.
Yup, I have survived my foundation exams. My limbs are still intact and I'm still breathing, so I'm okay, I guess. Now I'll just wait on the edge of my seat to see if I made it to Macquarie University (excuse the spelling if it's wrong. I'm still not official).
It's amazing how 3 semesters just fly by. You enter, meet your roommate (Mesow), enter lectures, hold exhibitions, have class trips, move rooms and get a new roommate (Lan), play cards, watch movies, sleep (sometimes in class even), and before you know it, a year and a half has passed through your life. Wow.
And the Internet at IPGM KPP could not be worse, we had a whole week without it last week. I'm currently comfortably at home typing away, but I'll be back to Coombe Hill tomorrow for marching exercises.
What? Did I say marching?
Don't worry kids, No typo there. It turns out that the Institute was kind enough to plan a post-exam programme for us TESLians. Oienteering and Marching Course they call it. It lasts 6 working days, from Tuesday to Monday. Isn't the Institute just downright awesome? We were worried that all we could do was spend our mornings in bed to make up for the sleep lost from burning midnight oil for studying for the exams, but the Institute is always one step ahead of us trainees, and they proved this by introducing this cool course for us to look forward to. Fantastic.
Moving on from that dreaded topic. Pie.
I'm actually referring to PAI, which stand for Persatuan Agama Islam. What about PAI? Well, a few words uttered from a pal of mine got me thinking. And now I'm simply jotting (typing) down that thought.
Geng PAI, or in English, the PAI group (I refrain from using "gang" because of the bad connotation it brings). There's one in almost any place. Some groups are bigger than others, but they're there. And it's a good thing. They usually consist of nice people who frequent the surau and ask others to join them (to go to the surau). And it's a good thing.
BUT (yeah, there's always a but) what about the people who aren't in PAI?
Warning! Question mark galore ahead!
Why was PAI established? Certainly not to differentiate between the Muslims and the nons right? (If that were true, then there are a LOT of nons around.) Then was it an avenue for Muslims to be "Islamic" in? Then are the non-PAIs not Islamic? Or do we regard ourselves lesser Muslims, thus don't enter? Do we feel that if we enter PAI, we would have to walk around wearing skull-caps (kopiah) all the time? Would that be uncool? Do the PAIs wear their skull-caps all the time? No? Only when they pray, mostly? If we enter PAI, we would have to wear head scarves? Wait a minute, isn't that wajib for all Muslim girls? Then? If we enter PAI, can't we commit sins anymore? Do we want to commit sins? Don't we want pahalas? Don't we want to go to heaven? Do we want to go to hell? If we enter PAI, we might be considered a hypocrite? Are we not REAL MUSLIMS? Don't we pray to Allah? Isn't our prophet Nabi Muhammad (pbuh)? Don't we confess to the syahadah?
Back to the first question. Why was PAI established? Isn't PAI just a long term for ISLAM? Aren't all Muslims in the same club of Islam? Aren't we all supposed to be brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts? Aren't Muslims supposed to take care of one another, make sure we don't go astray, club or nay?
Hm, it's good to be back.
Cheers!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Indefinite Hiatus
"It has to be so lonely to be the only one who is holy," Playing God by Paramore.
Introduction with a few pictures of recent events:
Raya Fest '09 performance: Salam Dunia
Raya Fest '09: With Chrisblitz.
KRS Leftenan Mudas.
Kelab Siswa Budaya dinner.
So y'all must be wondering about the title huh? Yeah, I'm gonna be on blog hiatus indefinitely until further notice. It would be uncharacteristic of me to not brief you with the reason for me taking this decision, so keeping true to myself, here they are:
1. B. Ed. TESL Foundation final exams in two weeks.
This is the big one, the one that will determine if I go off down under or just stay under. Although I only have to pass to go to Australia, I can't help but feel a bit shaky coming up to this one. *sigh*
2. Blogger blocked by Websense.
The Institute thinks it would be in the best interest of the teacher trainees if they weren't on blogger, or read blogs. A few months ago, I would have cussed and sweared. Now, I'm just disappointed.
3. Writer's block still unclogged.
I'm feeling really REALLY down 'coz I STILL can't write as good as I know I'm capable of. It has dragged on into my essay writing in Language Development class, so it's worrying. Help..
>__<"
So, I won't be here blog, or even read others' blogs, let alone give comments anymore. Sorry to my readers, or anyone whose lives are directly or indirectly affected by this hiatus. Life goes on.
Cheers!
Introduction with a few pictures of recent events:
Raya Fest '09 performance: Salam Dunia
Raya Fest '09: With Chrisblitz.
KRS Leftenan Mudas.
Kelab Siswa Budaya dinner.1. B. Ed. TESL Foundation final exams in two weeks.
This is the big one, the one that will determine if I go off down under or just stay under. Although I only have to pass to go to Australia, I can't help but feel a bit shaky coming up to this one. *sigh*
2. Blogger blocked by Websense.
The Institute thinks it would be in the best interest of the teacher trainees if they weren't on blogger, or read blogs. A few months ago, I would have cussed and sweared. Now, I'm just disappointed.
3. Writer's block still unclogged.
I'm feeling really REALLY down 'coz I STILL can't write as good as I know I'm capable of. It has dragged on into my essay writing in Language Development class, so it's worrying. Help..
>__<"
So, I won't be here blog, or even read others' blogs, let alone give comments anymore. Sorry to my readers, or anyone whose lives are directly or indirectly affected by this hiatus. Life goes on.
Cheers!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Raya 09: Justified
"Dalam kubur mana pun jasad aku ditanam, aku, akulah jua," Semangat Yang Hilang by XPDC.
We did a sing-a-long of that song. It's fun, singing in a group where nobody notices that you sound pitchy and can't sing in the right key. It's all about the fun and stress release.
But noting that, it hasn't been an eventful Raya at the Institute much. Other than the feast that the Student Council organised just now, we haven't had a real Raya celebration yet. Just some small gathering of 6 to 8 guys in a room, eating their kuih raya that they brought back from their respective homes. Then the inevitable "What I did this Raya" stories would arise. And my story would go a bit like this:
From all the Aidilfitris that I have gone through, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that Aidilfitri 2009 was the best and most packed Raya I have ever had. I really felt the in the Raya mood throughout the whole week-long break. Although being 19 (one more year to hit the big 20), I got more than my fair share of duit raya, and I am oh so very grateful for it. Alhamdulillah..
Different from my previous Rayas, 09 we did at our home, in Kedah instead of Kelantan. I forgot to mention in my previous post that my grandparents weren't there to celebrate Raya. They were at Mecca. So celebrating Raya in Kedah brought with it more familiarity, as we went Raya-ing to people that I actually know, or at least recognise. Not to say that I don't know anyone in Kelantan, but I know a lot more Kedahans than Kelantanese.
This Raya also had my family host an open-house celebration, a family first. So we were all excited in the build-up to this debut, with Mak Yan coming from KL and cooking us her famous Biryani rice, which was exquisite, by the way. Mak cooked up bihun sup, which better than delicious, I must say. I had some parts to play in this open-house, and that was doing the dishes, refilling the drinks, soups, and clearing the table, besides chatting with guests. Without those jobs, I would have thought myself a bad host by stealing bones (curi tulang) and doing next to nothing.
We did go to Kelantan eventually, and that was on the 3rd day of Raya because Tok Ayah and Nenek came back to their home then. Aildilfitri in Kelantan went by like it usually did, and it's always fun to see your aunts pooling in the living area and picking out souvenirs from Mecca. I was offered some rings, but I'm just not a ring-wearing guy, period. Sorry Tok Ayah. But he did give us (Boy and me) a shirt each. Thanks for that.
Most of my friends here beraya to their friends' houses riding motorbikes and cars on their own, but to me, going with family still rocks 'cuz you don't get much chances of celebrating anything with your folks. Me, I treasure these moments 'cuz these are the occasions that I'm going to remember 'em by. Think about not having your folks around anymore and regretting not spending more time with them on Raya day. Sad thought that is.
I guess this post was done because, after rereading and rerereading the previous post, I think it doesn't do this year's Raya celebration any justice.
Raya 09=best so far. Let's hope the next Rayas we have will bring about more improvement and be better than this year's.
Cheers!
We did a sing-a-long of that song. It's fun, singing in a group where nobody notices that you sound pitchy and can't sing in the right key. It's all about the fun and stress release.
But noting that, it hasn't been an eventful Raya at the Institute much. Other than the feast that the Student Council organised just now, we haven't had a real Raya celebration yet. Just some small gathering of 6 to 8 guys in a room, eating their kuih raya that they brought back from their respective homes. Then the inevitable "What I did this Raya" stories would arise. And my story would go a bit like this:
From all the Aidilfitris that I have gone through, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that Aidilfitri 2009 was the best and most packed Raya I have ever had. I really felt the in the Raya mood throughout the whole week-long break. Although being 19 (one more year to hit the big 20), I got more than my fair share of duit raya, and I am oh so very grateful for it. Alhamdulillah..
Different from my previous Rayas, 09 we did at our home, in Kedah instead of Kelantan. I forgot to mention in my previous post that my grandparents weren't there to celebrate Raya. They were at Mecca. So celebrating Raya in Kedah brought with it more familiarity, as we went Raya-ing to people that I actually know, or at least recognise. Not to say that I don't know anyone in Kelantan, but I know a lot more Kedahans than Kelantanese.
This Raya also had my family host an open-house celebration, a family first. So we were all excited in the build-up to this debut, with Mak Yan coming from KL and cooking us her famous Biryani rice, which was exquisite, by the way. Mak cooked up bihun sup, which better than delicious, I must say. I had some parts to play in this open-house, and that was doing the dishes, refilling the drinks, soups, and clearing the table, besides chatting with guests. Without those jobs, I would have thought myself a bad host by stealing bones (curi tulang) and doing next to nothing.
We did go to Kelantan eventually, and that was on the 3rd day of Raya because Tok Ayah and Nenek came back to their home then. Aildilfitri in Kelantan went by like it usually did, and it's always fun to see your aunts pooling in the living area and picking out souvenirs from Mecca. I was offered some rings, but I'm just not a ring-wearing guy, period. Sorry Tok Ayah. But he did give us (Boy and me) a shirt each. Thanks for that.
Most of my friends here beraya to their friends' houses riding motorbikes and cars on their own, but to me, going with family still rocks 'cuz you don't get much chances of celebrating anything with your folks. Me, I treasure these moments 'cuz these are the occasions that I'm going to remember 'em by. Think about not having your folks around anymore and regretting not spending more time with them on Raya day. Sad thought that is.
I guess this post was done because, after rereading and rerereading the previous post, I think it doesn't do this year's Raya celebration any justice.
Raya 09=best so far. Let's hope the next Rayas we have will bring about more improvement and be better than this year's.
Cheers!
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