Around a week ago, I was reading TIMES Almanac,it was called "The world's nation from A to Z" they made a research on the worlds population,language,types of government etc. Being a proud Malaysian, I quickly turned the page to see how Malaysia is like (even if I am from and live here), I was quite shocked to see that Malaysia rates 74% in literacy.To me, this is a great disappointment and it is quite disturbing as to how our future would be like. I doubt that they include those with disabilities in this,because, next to ALL our neighbors, we rate the lowest. I have to admit I need to brush up on my language and read a lot more,but, I got my education and would not know how to type this entry without it. 22% of people do not know how to, and this saddens me.
According to UNICEF 125,000 kids or more do not go to school. Maybe they want to learn, but, do not have the money or maybe they would have to travel more than 10 kilometers to go to school. I don't think it is necessary to wait for the government to do anything as they are not doing anything at this moment. So, I would try to do something small first and hope to do it properly and not just leave it later.
I am going to check out the mosque's library tomorrow,I would need to see if I can do anything to encourage people around the neighborhood to read. This means that I would have to have a lot of determination. Like my parents, I want the non-muslims to go to the library as well,but, I am not sure if the community is open enough to let the non-muslims enter the mosque and I am not sure if the non-muslims would want to enter the mosque either. Perhaps it would be asking too much,but, I've got to do something.
Warning : I might..might... be asking any of you...you might be some random person on the street for some hand.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
things to do
I have a list of things to do,
1. I have yet to buy a new laptop because I wish to play games and a slightly bigger screen as it would be easier for me to do work.
2. My cousin has invited me to Ipoh,Tambun to go climbing,of course I am excited,but, I have not been climbing properly at all, half an hour in the gym does not really count.
3. I need to upgrade my computer.
Maybe that is not a lot.
1. I have yet to buy a new laptop because I wish to play games and a slightly bigger screen as it would be easier for me to do work.
2. My cousin has invited me to Ipoh,Tambun to go climbing,of course I am excited,but, I have not been climbing properly at all, half an hour in the gym does not really count.
3. I need to upgrade my computer.
Maybe that is not a lot.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
a new crush
I haven't been having a crush for awhile, I think I might have a crush on someone. Yeay! hahaha...I thought I lost my capability of having a crush,but, I think I would have to see or talk to him again to make sure.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
My grandfather Abu Bakar bin Kamat
I am very grateful to have the family that I have,the grandparents,parents,sisters,aunties,uncles and cousins alike. At young of age,my cousins,sisters and I were raised and taken care of by a team of people. My grandfather plays a big role in our lives. A humble,warm,gentle and a lot more. I am very lucky to have a grandfather who cares about all of us.
He would give us each newspaper cuttings of exercises, if we had any major exams like UPSR,PMR or SPM, up until now, he would still give me books on how to improve my vocabulary,presentation skills or anything that has relations to advertising. He would do the same to my cousins. He would even call me up to give me words of wisdom when I had my first major break up, although he is a grandfather, he is indeed very understanding.
Yesterday, my sister went on a google search and found an article of a man who quote him, it was about unity. My grandfather,(if i'm not mistaken) introduced 'muhibah'(unity) to the nation even before the 13th May incident. I can't post the article here, I am not sure why.
This is what my sister wrote about my grandfather in her poem. I wrote this entry inspired by both of my sisters. I would stop writing as her poem would say it all.
To my Tok Bah, who taught me to love words.
When I was little
I knew with absolute
certainty
(Children can afford absolutes):
My Tok Bah was
Santa Claus
It was not just
The uncanny resemblance
Or a child’s affinity
for the fantastic.
It was the generosity
Bordering on self-sacrifice
The big booming laugh
That erupts from
a good yarn or
a grandchild’s antics
The goodwill
To all mankind
And animal-kind, too
(I remember feeding stray dogs and cats
I ate the cats’ rice once)
And always
The gentle, gentle
Lessons:
Be kind
To kings and paupers alike
Be generous
Things are just
Things
Be polite
Even if you disagree
(Especially if you disagree)
Be grateful
If you have family
You have
Everything.
My Tok Bah
Sends us handwritten letters
and newspaper clippings
Economics for me
Gross medical stories for the young doctor
Arts and graphics for those of us
infinitely more creative.
None of us are millionaires
But we are worth more
than mere money.
In his eyes, we are
Einsteins
Flemings
Picassos
(even Central Bank Governors)
Who needs a Nobel Prize, now?
If I live to be 80
(My Tok Bah will be soon, inshallah)
I will never forget
the benediction
of a gentle pat on the head
and a “pot sikit”
And always, the messages –
They’ve seen us through
Frigid winters
Heated exchanges
Difficult lectures
Horrid bosses:
“Usaha dan tawakkal!”
“I am confident you can do it!”
“Maju terus maju!”
I don’t say this enough
And I should
(Knowing that it still isn’t enough):
We love you, Tok Bah
And thank you.
He would give us each newspaper cuttings of exercises, if we had any major exams like UPSR,PMR or SPM, up until now, he would still give me books on how to improve my vocabulary,presentation skills or anything that has relations to advertising. He would do the same to my cousins. He would even call me up to give me words of wisdom when I had my first major break up, although he is a grandfather, he is indeed very understanding.
Yesterday, my sister went on a google search and found an article of a man who quote him, it was about unity. My grandfather,(if i'm not mistaken) introduced 'muhibah'(unity) to the nation even before the 13th May incident. I can't post the article here, I am not sure why.
This is what my sister wrote about my grandfather in her poem. I wrote this entry inspired by both of my sisters. I would stop writing as her poem would say it all.
To my Tok Bah, who taught me to love words.
When I was little
I knew with absolute
certainty
(Children can afford absolutes):
My Tok Bah was
Santa Claus
It was not just
The uncanny resemblance
Or a child’s affinity
for the fantastic.
It was the generosity
Bordering on self-sacrifice
The big booming laugh
That erupts from
a good yarn or
a grandchild’s antics
The goodwill
To all mankind
And animal-kind, too
(I remember feeding stray dogs and cats
I ate the cats’ rice once)
And always
The gentle, gentle
Lessons:
Be kind
To kings and paupers alike
Be generous
Things are just
Things
Be polite
Even if you disagree
(Especially if you disagree)
Be grateful
If you have family
You have
Everything.
My Tok Bah
Sends us handwritten letters
and newspaper clippings
Economics for me
Gross medical stories for the young doctor
Arts and graphics for those of us
infinitely more creative.
None of us are millionaires
But we are worth more
than mere money.
In his eyes, we are
Einsteins
Flemings
Picassos
(even Central Bank Governors)
Who needs a Nobel Prize, now?
If I live to be 80
(My Tok Bah will be soon, inshallah)
I will never forget
the benediction
of a gentle pat on the head
and a “pot sikit”
And always, the messages –
They’ve seen us through
Frigid winters
Heated exchanges
Difficult lectures
Horrid bosses:
“Usaha dan tawakkal!”
“I am confident you can do it!”
“Maju terus maju!”
I don’t say this enough
And I should
(Knowing that it still isn’t enough):
We love you, Tok Bah
And thank you.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My sister's short story
Since my family on my father's side is originally from KL, my sister wrote a short story of my great (i am not sure how many great's ) grandfather's house in Kampung Baru (it is still there,standing alone with cats and no living soul inside) which is really sad because it has been there for hundreds of years. Here goes my sisters short story in city of shared stories kuala lumpur, the title Kera's kangkang. Please do read.
http://cityofsharedstorieskualalumpur.com/story/title/keras-kangkang/
http://cityofsharedstorieskualalumpur.com/story/title/keras-kangkang/
Saturday, January 16, 2010
starting climbing from scratch
I have not been climbing for soo long that I am not sure if I remember how to even tie the rope,which would be dangerous,but, to start back means that I would need to start from scratch. I was atleast 6a or 5c in french grading system,but I think I would need to go back and start 3 or 4 routes. Maybe I would go bouldering more often to get back my strength as my arms often get weak. I would start next week.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A book called Yasmin Ahmad's Films
I think it is more of a norm for a modern 20 year old to not sleep at 5 or 6 am in the morning. I have been online and I have seen twitters or facebook status saying things like "i have insomnia" or "its 6am and I am still awake" well probably not in those specific words, but, more or less so. I have tried to make myself to sleep, but, obviously it has not been working, also the fact that I have "accidentally" forgotten to take my pill "buddy" S-Q does not help with the sleeping either.
"Amir Muhammad's book" taken somwhere from the internet :D
So, in my attempt of "trying" to sleep, I decided to read Amir Muhammad's book on Yasmin Ahmad's Film and yes the title of the book is "Yasmin Ahmad's Films". Since young of age my parents and sisters have encouraged me to read his articles. Not only that we read his articles (or rather I had to read one of his articles aloud in front of them) but, also, my sister had a HUGE crush on him and in the end, she found out he was gay,but, still pins a picture of us my sister and I together with him on her cork board in her bedroom. Which was taken when I was about 9. I think if she were to read this I would be slaughtered and yelled at,but, if and I say if he reads this immature article he would laugh not at my sister but at the fact that some "girl" now woman had a crush on him.
TalenTime (taken somewhere from the internet)
Enough about my sister and her ex-crush. This book was written just a month after Yasmin Ahdmad's funeral. I think his opinions are very much of what my opinions would be like,but, with better writing skills. I would always look forward to her films and advertisements as she never fails to touch the souls of others especially us Malaysians. When I was reading the book, he reminded me that Malaysian films do not have people reading books and the reality of it all most Malaysians do not read (sometimes include myself) which in my mind concludes that most of us seek through visual medias, therefore, we should have quality productions rather than films like "bohsia" or any other films by Yusof Haslam and generate put good values in like what Yasmin Ahdmad did in most of her film. For instance giving a help to a prostitute by teaching her how to read Iqra' (a learning book of Arabic scripts/alphabets). Maybe than people would start to learn and read again,maybe than we could finally reach out to the minds of the narrow. My father would always say that education and reading would make us go far. Which is true and I never follow as I am very stubborn.
Talentime again (I am just taking random pictures...I am not sure which picture would be suitable for this entry..plus, I haven't gotten any sleep so I am trying to speed things up)
I think I shall stop, my sister made me pancakes for breakfast. I would go on and on,but, I doubt that this entry would lead me to anywhere,but, I am just trying to share what I think and it is still NOT ENOUGH. I want change. I wish I could start a revolution. Why? Open up your eyes and see, if you look wide enough you would see huge holes and cracks ( I am not sure if that made sense to you) but, it would take me hours to tell you what I mean.
Alright this one last life story of my father just to prove a bit of a point. My father who is in his 50's has been friends with his Chinese and Indian friends since primary school and when I say since meaning they are still friends. What I am trying to say is that kids nowadays which means my generation prefers not to mix around. I remember in school there are segregation between the malays the chinese and the indian. I would only see one or two malays sitting in a crowd of chinese and indian. Which saddens me because I know that it would be worst if nothing is done. I know that the gap would be further even in school.
"Amir Muhammad's book" taken somwhere from the internet :D
So, in my attempt of "trying" to sleep, I decided to read Amir Muhammad's book on Yasmin Ahmad's Film and yes the title of the book is "Yasmin Ahmad's Films". Since young of age my parents and sisters have encouraged me to read his articles. Not only that we read his articles (or rather I had to read one of his articles aloud in front of them) but, also, my sister had a HUGE crush on him and in the end, she found out he was gay,but, still pins a picture of us my sister and I together with him on her cork board in her bedroom. Which was taken when I was about 9. I think if she were to read this I would be slaughtered and yelled at,but, if and I say if he reads this immature article he would laugh not at my sister but at the fact that some "girl" now woman had a crush on him.
TalenTime (taken somewhere from the internet)
Enough about my sister and her ex-crush. This book was written just a month after Yasmin Ahdmad's funeral. I think his opinions are very much of what my opinions would be like,but, with better writing skills. I would always look forward to her films and advertisements as she never fails to touch the souls of others especially us Malaysians. When I was reading the book, he reminded me that Malaysian films do not have people reading books and the reality of it all most Malaysians do not read (sometimes include myself) which in my mind concludes that most of us seek through visual medias, therefore, we should have quality productions rather than films like "bohsia" or any other films by Yusof Haslam and generate put good values in like what Yasmin Ahdmad did in most of her film. For instance giving a help to a prostitute by teaching her how to read Iqra' (a learning book of Arabic scripts/alphabets). Maybe than people would start to learn and read again,maybe than we could finally reach out to the minds of the narrow. My father would always say that education and reading would make us go far. Which is true and I never follow as I am very stubborn.
Talentime again (I am just taking random pictures...I am not sure which picture would be suitable for this entry..plus, I haven't gotten any sleep so I am trying to speed things up)
I think I shall stop, my sister made me pancakes for breakfast. I would go on and on,but, I doubt that this entry would lead me to anywhere,but, I am just trying to share what I think and it is still NOT ENOUGH. I want change. I wish I could start a revolution. Why? Open up your eyes and see, if you look wide enough you would see huge holes and cracks ( I am not sure if that made sense to you) but, it would take me hours to tell you what I mean.
Alright this one last life story of my father just to prove a bit of a point. My father who is in his 50's has been friends with his Chinese and Indian friends since primary school and when I say since meaning they are still friends. What I am trying to say is that kids nowadays which means my generation prefers not to mix around. I remember in school there are segregation between the malays the chinese and the indian. I would only see one or two malays sitting in a crowd of chinese and indian. Which saddens me because I know that it would be worst if nothing is done. I know that the gap would be further even in school.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A noob's point of view
I am not sure if it is jet lag...but, I slept for an hour and a half or so and I am fully awake. What I miss the most about London apart from my sister,niece and brother in law is playing Modern Warfare with my brother in law in Xbox (of course the Xbox is his). Tried playing everyday but, unfortunately my sisters and parents wanted to watch tv.
Even if I have finished campaign as it is quite of a short story. I have not been able to fulfill my mission in special ops. I still have to unlock delta and echo, not only that I have not played bravo in a veteran level.I have to admit I am a noob, but, everybody starts to play as a noob first. Now, I can't play this game at home as I use macbook and there is no space in my living room computer. I also doubt that my dad would encourage me playing games. Why am I talking about this? ouh,urh I miss it!
L4D2 is not that bad, played it almost everyday too..the best part of the game is the fact that you get to use melee weapons. My favorite melee weapon would be the chainsaw.. the downside of it is the fact that it runs out of gas. My other favorite melee weapon would be the samurai sword as it slashes the heads of the zombies within one go,I find the axe quite useful too. My least favorite would be the guitar as I find it quite hard to kill zombies. They have made quite a number of changes, like the amount of zombies. I was quite surprise when A LOT of the main zombies come at the same time as the other zombies in the middle of the game,but,they have also put A LOT of weapons in the second one,which is cool, because we did not have that much of choice in the first. Hunter has slightly toned down his capability of being fast in the second one. I am glad that the plumber dies faster than tank. There are also missions such as putting 8 gas/petrol into the car at the end of the game.
The reason why I am writing this is because I did not get to share my views for the games in London to anyone. Therefore, like it or not, I am writing it.
Little Big Planet is an awesomely cute game. Anyone who has PS3 SHOULD have or buy little big planet. What is so awesome about the game is not just the fact that you get to escape into a different world,but, it is really fun. It may look easy, but, once you play it,it can be quite tough. In the game, you are able to customize your own character and also decorate your box. It is a game both for boys and girls. There is a whole world out there in little big planet,so, you are able to choose which part of the world yo want to accomplish, it is a 3D game. Different expressions can also be made,which is cute.
Even if I have finished campaign as it is quite of a short story. I have not been able to fulfill my mission in special ops. I still have to unlock delta and echo, not only that I have not played bravo in a veteran level.I have to admit I am a noob, but, everybody starts to play as a noob first. Now, I can't play this game at home as I use macbook and there is no space in my living room computer. I also doubt that my dad would encourage me playing games. Why am I talking about this? ouh,urh I miss it!
L4D2 is not that bad, played it almost everyday too..the best part of the game is the fact that you get to use melee weapons. My favorite melee weapon would be the chainsaw.. the downside of it is the fact that it runs out of gas. My other favorite melee weapon would be the samurai sword as it slashes the heads of the zombies within one go,I find the axe quite useful too. My least favorite would be the guitar as I find it quite hard to kill zombies. They have made quite a number of changes, like the amount of zombies. I was quite surprise when A LOT of the main zombies come at the same time as the other zombies in the middle of the game,but,they have also put A LOT of weapons in the second one,which is cool, because we did not have that much of choice in the first. Hunter has slightly toned down his capability of being fast in the second one. I am glad that the plumber dies faster than tank. There are also missions such as putting 8 gas/petrol into the car at the end of the game.
The reason why I am writing this is because I did not get to share my views for the games in London to anyone. Therefore, like it or not, I am writing it.
Little Big Planet is an awesomely cute game. Anyone who has PS3 SHOULD have or buy little big planet. What is so awesome about the game is not just the fact that you get to escape into a different world,but, it is really fun. It may look easy, but, once you play it,it can be quite tough. In the game, you are able to customize your own character and also decorate your box. It is a game both for boys and girls. There is a whole world out there in little big planet,so, you are able to choose which part of the world yo want to accomplish, it is a 3D game. Different expressions can also be made,which is cute.
Zooey deschanel and alison mosshart
Zooey Dechanel my style icon, not after 500 days of summer but after failure to launch with Sarah Jessica and Mathe Mcconauhey. Unlike her I don't have the upper asset,so, I would have to tone down a bit. I have not been able to shop that much as my parents give me a strict amount of money in Malaysia. After much day dreaming, thank you to my parents they allowed me to shop a bit in London. I am lucky that my mother have kept most of her vintage bags, so, buying and spending for hand bags would not be necessary.
One of my other style icon would be Alison Mosshart(VV). I love the way she mixes her clothes and accessories.
Thanks to her sister Tasha who would constantly give her inspiration/ideas/remind (I have very shallow memory..my memory is the same size as a bird..sadly) or introduce me to celebs.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
London and no curtin for me
Dear readers (not even sure if I have one), but hey! I haven't been writing or blogging for quite a bit. What I have missed out on my life journey of a journal is that I went to London for a month and a half and came back rather sick on the outside but, satisfied and happy on the inside. My niece has grown and she has learned quite a number of words which I am grateful for and proud of. The journey has loads of ups and downs but enjoyed it most of the time. Despite the fact that the weather was utterly cold,the fact that my mom was pick pocketed and I was hospitalized (was checked by a hot doctor,which I wont experience here in KL). I loved it there. I had my whole bunch of family plus cousins with me, so, I am very glad they came.
I have a few things that I love and dislike about London and my whole experience there. First, it brought my uncle and aunty in talking terms with my parents again. (Hooray!!) They have not been in talking terms in 5 years and my uncle came to my sisters house,they even went shopping together. (very glad indeed).
Second, we (cousins and I) went to London about 9 years ago, so, it was fun to recap what we did there together 9 years ago.
Third, I am very glad that my niece is in preschool now. Her teacher and school nurse came to my sisters house and they seem very professional. I hope she gets to learn more there.
Forth, The museums were brilliant! They have the best museums I have EVER and it was FREE!
Fifth, The deserts were mouth watering. I did not stop eating at ALL. It was chocolates, pastries and dairy products everyday.
Sixth, I had my first snow experience. For the first few times yeah it was fun, after that, it became all too cold and muddy,so, yeah, enjoyed parts of it.
I am not going to study in Perth as my parents think that I am not ready to go study alone overseas. Which is bad news,but, I would live with it. I got the offer letter and would be going to Perth this February for my sisters graduation. I am not sure how I would feel when I see Curtin and knowing that I am just one step further. My parents told me that I would be going to London again in summer to see my niece. I guess its the replacement of me not going to Curtin. I guess they know what they are doing, I can be clumsy and irresponsible.
I wish my grandfather could tag along,but, I don't think he is in any condition to walk about anymore. I wish we could do this every year! Its not that we do not have fun here in Malaysia,but, its a whole different experience. Again, I am grateful to have the family that I have and love them for them.
I have a few things that I love and dislike about London and my whole experience there. First, it brought my uncle and aunty in talking terms with my parents again. (Hooray!!) They have not been in talking terms in 5 years and my uncle came to my sisters house,they even went shopping together. (very glad indeed).
Second, we (cousins and I) went to London about 9 years ago, so, it was fun to recap what we did there together 9 years ago.
Third, I am very glad that my niece is in preschool now. Her teacher and school nurse came to my sisters house and they seem very professional. I hope she gets to learn more there.
Forth, The museums were brilliant! They have the best museums I have EVER and it was FREE!
Fifth, The deserts were mouth watering. I did not stop eating at ALL. It was chocolates, pastries and dairy products everyday.
Sixth, I had my first snow experience. For the first few times yeah it was fun, after that, it became all too cold and muddy,so, yeah, enjoyed parts of it.
I am not going to study in Perth as my parents think that I am not ready to go study alone overseas. Which is bad news,but, I would live with it. I got the offer letter and would be going to Perth this February for my sisters graduation. I am not sure how I would feel when I see Curtin and knowing that I am just one step further. My parents told me that I would be going to London again in summer to see my niece. I guess its the replacement of me not going to Curtin. I guess they know what they are doing, I can be clumsy and irresponsible.
I wish my grandfather could tag along,but, I don't think he is in any condition to walk about anymore. I wish we could do this every year! Its not that we do not have fun here in Malaysia,but, its a whole different experience. Again, I am grateful to have the family that I have and love them for them.
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