Iman Salim

And the MAGIC word is.....

2012-02-02T15:55:00.003+08:00

Student: Madam, toilet?
Madam: Can you please put that in a complete sentence?
Student: Madam, can I go to the toilet?
Madam: Say the magic word! What is the magic word?
Student: Errrr...toilet?
Madam: :P

Status

2012-01-19T08:24:00.003+08:00

It's the beginning of a new semester again. As usual, I get to meet new sets of students. As part of the ice-breaking session, my students take turns to introduce themselves. As we went around the class, the students shared interesting information about their background and experience. I was glad to observe that they were having fun asking their friends questions. Moreover, they were using English. Then, we reached a male student who was sitting beside the window. He seemed rather quiet and reserved. He got up and shyly introduced himself before the other students interrupted and coaxed me into asking him about his marital status. Instantly, all eyes were set on me, triggering my curiosity. So I asked him the question. He coyly announced that he is married. I congratulated him. As my students like to pull my legs sometimes, I simply had to double-check his information. "So you are married, right?" I asked. He nodded. Wanting to know whether he has any children, I then asked, "with kids?" . The student looked at me in shocked. I was taken aback. Was my question too sensitive? Did it hurt his feeling? Was I probing into the part of his life that he wants to keep a secret? All these questions struck me as his face got red, either with embarrassment or with anger. With the same astonished look still apparent on his face, he firmly answered, "No madam, not with kids...but with a woman"!

Safety is My First Priority

2011-04-20T10:28:00.002+08:00

I was returning my students’ test papers one day and while doing so, I went through the answers with them. I reached the part where the students were tested on redundancies. They were to pair two words to make them redundant i.e. “repeat” and “again” or “adequate and enough”. Well, one of the words was “first” which is to be matched to the word “priority”. Most of the students matched “first” to “number” while the latter is supposed to be matched with “total”. Trying to get to the bottom of this, I asked my students whether they know the definition of “priority” and to my surprise, most did not know. Resisting myself from reverting to the first language, I tried to define “priority” through the use of English, stating that as students, their PRIORITY should be to study. Upon saying this, I continued to ask them: “so, as a student, what should come first?” and they all answered “studies”. “Fine”, I said, feeling a bit satisfied now that my students finally know the word. Just to reassure myself, I proceeded to give another example. I posed another question that is of a different scenario. “So, if you were in the workshop, safety is your PRIORITY, right?” They immediately nodded and answered, “yes”! “So,” I said, “what comes first then?” And just as I finished my sentence, with utmost confidence, the class roared, “SA FETY BOOTS”!

When is enough...enough?

2011-04-05T19:22:00.013+08:00

i went into the class one day and my students started to share their dissatisfaction with the service provided by the university. Their complaints range from not having enough computers in the library to how slow the internet connection was and to how unpalatable the food in the cafe is. As a lecturer, my heart reaches out to these poor students. Soon, the debate grew hotter. More students joined in to express their emotions. Even the quite ones, from time to time, blurted their concern in one or two words or simply nodded in agreement. This heart-to-heart session suddenly triggered memories of my olden days. Taken back to the time when i too was a student- young, naive, but filled with vigor- I remembered that things were not a piece of cake for me either. Back in those days...we did not enjoy the privilege of having our own transportation to take us places. the only option was the public transportation- more specifically- the infamous mini buses. they quickly became our carriers as taxi rides would prove to be deemed luxurious! a trip to KL means waiting for long, grueling hours under the piercing sun for the mini buses to arrive. if we are lucky, the mini buses will arrive with only one or two passengers readily aboard. but lucky was not always on our side...it was so rare that it absorbed to become part of us. so most of the time, the queue would seemed endless and we had to wait for hours and hours to board the bus. The lucky ones would be able to squeeze themselves in while the rest had to wait for the next bus to arrive. at times, when we couldn't afford to wait for the next trip, we would risk our lives by just clinging tightly to the bars beside the bus's door, which was purposely kept ajar due to the large crowd. this "sardine-can" scenario was a common sight when the buses were too cramp with passengers. if we were more unfortunate, we would get shouted by the conductor to squeeze ourselves in to the back of the bus as to allow more people in. i say it was unfortunate because 1) we would be squashed and be squashing others to the verge of suffocation (imagine having to endure the unappealing smell of sweating bodies!), 2) it would be difficult for us to exit the bus as the pathway to exit was blocked, 3) some even was harassed by naughty hands of perverts! Those were the days. Then, there was also the challenge to complete assignments. we often had to bang our poor fingers on the-what now seemed obsolete or antique- the conventional type writer. imagine having finished one page and suddenly realising that you have missed one important point! we had no other option but to retype the whole page. sometimes, the ink ran out and we had to go out to purchase the ink ribbons. highlighting simply meant using the pink liquid that looks like nail polish or even adjusting the ribbons to have red ink facing upwards. After that, the ink ribbon had to be readjusted so that the black ink faces upwards. then, we were introduced to electronic typewriters that ran on electricity and batteries. this device was better since they keyboard is softer and quieter. it also allowed us to delete our mistakes through the use of the erasing tape installed in the typewriter. but the electronic typewriter was not that popular as the ink and eraser tapes were too expensive. when the computer was initially introduced, only the financially well-endowed was privilege to own one. PCs were so expensive that even the university cannot afford to purchase enough for the students. to add to the challenge, there were no microsoft windows. instead, we had to stare at the green writing of wordstar which was not a user-friendly software. we had to memorize all the keys and shortcuts. so with the introduction of windows...we were so relived. when the mouse was introduced...it was heaven! though many students still prefered the old typewriter, I have decided to give this so-called new, sophisticated gadget a try. as excited as i was, the scarce number of computers could have easily dampen my enthusiasm. however, instead of giving up, i persisted. i remembered having to wait in front of the computer lab as early as 7am just to secure a PC to complete my assignments. there were less that 20 PCs in the lab and whenever we had to attend class, we had to pack our things and let other students who was already by then queuing behind our back. Waiting for an available PC soon became the trend. we endured but never complained for having the chance to use computers for assignments was enlightening enough though at times, we run the risk of loosing unretrievable data or be annoyed by the printer that simply refused to print with correct alignment. then came the era when students can afford to purchase their own PC. yet again, the ratio was very little. Students PCs were highly sought after especially when your assignments were still not ready but the computer lab was already closed. We often had to scout for someone who owns a PC in the hostels. if we are lucky, the queue won't be long as no one else would be using the PC. of course, nothing comes for free so we had to pay the students for the time spent on their PC and for using their printer. i can't remember clearly but if not mistaken, we had to pay RM1 for every page printed using their printer. the funny thing is...at times, when the queue was long, we had to sleep first and be waken by the last person who had just finished doing their assignment. this meant that, we would start doing our assignment at 3am or so. to speed up our turns, the owner of the PC would set the rule that all users were to have everything written down before using the PC. in other words, we can only type the assignment and not waste time thinking about what should be written only when we were in front of their PC. Yet again...who are we to complain? We endured and embraced the challenges. Our top mission and priority was to ensure the assignments were submitted on time. even the bravest student would dare not ask the lecturers for an extension of dateline. Though life was quite tough back then, we survived. In fact, the challenges have rewarded me with a priceless lesson and experience. Despite the constraints, i enjoyed my life as a student and amidst all the calamities, i made many true best-friends-forever. though i was always on my toes, i made time to get actively involved in societies and clubs as well as scoring As in my favourite subjects. so on looking back at my own experience, i asked myself...when is enough ever enough? people can never be satisfied and will always be wanting more. so by sharing this experience, i hope that the new generations can learn to appreciate life no matter how challenging it is at times. if you spend time complaining, you won't have the chance to appreciate the abundant of joys that are already there for you. imagine the days when the stove was not invented yet...or the days when there was no electricity or proper tap water, the days when no one has ever heard of the washing machines or even any means of transportation. C'est la vie!

Can blogging be an effective tool in language learning?

2010-12-17T16:25:00.004+08:00

I attended an internal seminar organized by my institute and a few papers talked about the use of blogs in language teaching and learning. Interesting thing to explore with my own students for the upcoming semester. Perhaps, I can compare two groups - one group will use blogs to learn English while the other will be fed with the conventional notes and lectures - to examine the effectiveness of blogging in language learning. Anyone else has the experience of using blogs in teaching?

Shall I Compare Myself to Thee?

2010-12-09T17:30:00.003+08:00

I have a friend who likes to report everything that's good about her. She's like an open book...always bragging about how beautiful life is for her and all the good things that life has to offer her for the day. She tells us about her massive mansion...her excellent and intelligent children...her expensive and up-to-date wardrobe and shoe collection, her lavish car and even her husband's large income. From time to time she would invite friends to her exquisitely lovely abode just to exhibit her new, expensive, Italian furniture or even her new set of pots and pans, plates and cutlery and the list simply goes on and on and on. I do not know her intention of doing so but wanting to safeguard our friendship...I would like to believe that she means well. However, in the midst of all the wow...the ooohh and the ahhh... there is a friend of ours who happens to be affected by all the parade and charade in a bad way. She becomes stressed out when she reflects on all her shortcomings and weaknesses as compared to the other so-called "luckiest person on earth". With full conscience, she starts whining about her house, her kids, her clothes and everything around her. She even starts to question her husband about, what suddenly becomes, his "insufficient" income and how he should be giving her more pocket money. The question is...if such is the outcome...should she be comparing herself to those who may seem luckier than her in the first place? Why can't the comparison be made with those who are less fortunate so that we learn to be more thankful for what we already have? What is your yardstick for being lucky, happy or even rich? If happiness and fortune is defined according to the amount of material wealth you possess...then have you ever heard of the saying that money cannot buy everything? Can a human being find his/her ultimate satisfaction? Perhaps we should learn to appreciate what we are given before they are taken away from us forever. After all...happiness comes in different forms and sizes.

Challenge Life

2010-12-07T22:20:00.008+08:00

People often say that life is not always a bed of roses. Yet they also say that we need to live life to the fullest. Life and challenges go hand in hand no matter you like it or not. We just have to be prepared mentally, psychologically, emotionally and even physically to face them. Challenges, no matter the size or form, can hurt us if we make one slightest wrong move. Yet again, what is life without challenges? Would you even call it life if you have never confronted any challenges? No matter how far or how fast you run away from life challenges, you can never outrun them. Escapism may sound appealing on the outer level but it is not strong enough to clean the mess. May be, sometimes, you have to stop running away but to confront the challenges. Why? Because the more you run away from them, the harder they'll treat you and perhaps, the harder you'll fall. Therefore, you may opt to continue running away from them or you may confront them with courage or even embrace them with an open mind. Challenges can either turn you weak or make you become stronger depending on how you deal with them. You see...challenges are what give meanings to your life. To confront them, your wits and inner strength will be put to test, thus, making you creative if looked at from a positive angle. So let's gather our strength and live up to the challenges that life has to offer. Don't be a coward because this world has no room for cowards. So challenges, come and challenge me! I know that Allah is always by my side. Salam Maal Hijrah to all.

Just a Simple Wish

2010-12-03T14:14:00.002+08:00

It's Friday everyone!

To Wear or to Use?

2010-12-01T13:52:00.000+08:00

This is a retelling of my friend's experience. A student was asked to write a sentence using the word “wear”. A student came up with a sentence that reads: I like my aunt because she lets me "wear" her money.

(Wear is a direct translation of the Malay word “pakai” which means to use)

The Follower

2010-07-27T14:25:00.001+08:00

Kids learn really fast. So be extra careful with what you say and what you do...

Grammar

2010-07-27T13:08:00.001+08:00

Why is it so important for us to learn grammar?

The Planter

2010-01-21T13:32:00.003+08:00

English classes have always been interesting to me mostly because of the students. My friend who teaches English at a secondary institution once shared one of the queer moments she had with her students. This is how the story goes...a student was absent from her class one day for he had to attend his father’s funeral. When he returned the week after, he came to see my friend to apologize. Trying to buy my friend's sympathy, he put on a sad face and apologized, “I am so sorry teacher, I missed your class last week”. My friend waited for his excuse. He gave another sad look at her and explained, “I just got back from "planting" my father! ("Planting" is a direct translation of the Malay word “tanam” which means to bury)

A Genius Gift

2010-01-21T13:30:00.001+08:00

My neighbour’s son scored straight A’s for his exam so my mother decided to reward him with a small gift. After spending some time at the bookstore, my mother finally spotted a vibrant colored pencil case, which she figured, would be a delight to the boy. Bearing in mind that the boy also has a little sister, my mother thought that it would be fair to purchase a small gift for her too. My mother then reached out for a nice pink pencil case which costs a little less than the one picked for the brother. Upon returning home, my 8-years old daughter, who was excited and curious about the gifts, pulled out the pink pencil case and asked me, “Mummy, who will be getting this one?” Thinking that she was just asking for the obvious answer due to her jealousy, I asked her, “why?” Returning my accusing glance with her round innocent eyes, she said, “because if it’s meant for me, I don’t want it.” Shocked to receive such a response, again I asked for her reason. She then called out, “it is nice but here it says - I wanna be a monkey - and that’s the last thing I would want to be.”

My Hero

2010-01-21T10:25:00.002+08:00

My friend, who is an English lecturer, once asked her students to write a short paragraph about their hero. One student decided to talk about his father. His conclusion reads: I love my father because he enlarged me! ("enlarged" is a direct translation of the Malay word "membesarkan" which means to raise.)

The Fairest of Them All

2010-01-21T10:00:00.004+08:00

Previously when I was not working, my sister-in-law would occasionally send her daughter to my house to play with my daughter, who was at the time 4 years old. Since the girls are of the same age, I tried to educate and entertain them at the same time. One day, I decided to give them each a piece of white A4 paper and asked them to draw a picture of themselves. They spent a few minutes sketching before reaching for the colour pencils and crayons. While my niece got excited about colouring a drawing of her face - telling me how she wanted to have red for her lips and cheeks - I noticed that my daughter was on the complete opposite. She did not at all look enthusiastic about the whole idea of colouring her picture. I looked at her drawing and true enough, it was left untainted with not even a streak of colour. Trying to get to the bottom of her cold attitude, I asked her the reason for not putting colours to her drawing. She looked up to me and with the word boring sill clearly spelt across her face, she let out a tiny sigh and lazily murmured, "mama, can't you see that my face is white and and that my skin is fair?

Communication Breakdown!

2009-09-09T20:20:00.003+08:00

Madam Mie, i don't know what the reason is but it seems like Manilla is so far away hehehe... Sorry dear but i didn't receive any email (invitation) from you and until then i do not have access to your blog:( Sorry for having to put this as a post but i have no other means... Will delete it once you've read it. thanks.

English Please!

2009-08-20T13:22:00.008+08:00

I came into the office this morning only to be welcomed by a student who was sheepishly standing next to my table. I noticed that he was staring at a poster I pasted on my wall. The poster clearly spells out, "English Please!" The student did not look surprise to see me but he obviously had a nervous look on his face. One look at him and immediately I realized that he was one of the students who did not turn up for my Tuesday class. "So that explains the look", I murmured to myself. He greeted me with what seems to be one of his sweetest smile and I quickly gestured for him to grab a seat next to my table. He politely declined my offer and said that he has a class to attend to. I got myself seated and asked him his reason for wanting to see me. He stared at me while trying to get his words out of his mouth. With the same smile still loosely clinging to his face, he said, "madam, I am sorry... I did not come to class because..." . He stopped there. There was a long pause as I waited patiently for him to finish whatever that he had to say. It was rether annoying for me to wait as I was, at the same time, eager and curious to know what his excuse would be. I looked at him and suddenly a gush of sympathy filled my heart. His eyes were looking everywhere, signaling that his mind was frantically searching for the right words. He was scratching his head which I doubt was even itchy. He took several deep breath, pointed his finger to his teeth and blurted, "madam, my teeth is sick"! "What?", was my immediate response as I was trying to compute his words. In noticing that I was sending him my quizzical look, he attempted to simplify his explanation and said...."madam, my teeth is ill"! I was about to burst into laughter but how could I laugh in that situation? I could not laugh...NO! I could not allow myself to laugh! Not in front of my student. Not when my student had actually tried his best to converse with me in English. I appreciated his effort though his honesty was deemed questionable. I somehow managed a smile...and reminded him not to miss his class again. I briefly advised him to see a dentist about his toothache - stressing the word 'toothache' more than it required. He nodded his head and apologized once again before seeking my permission to leave. Not wanting to waste his time nor mine, I said OK and thanked him for coming to see me. The student gave me a broad smile and made his way out of the office. I reached down to switch on my PC. when I heard him muttered, "Phew...English please!" before leaving the room. Only then that I smiled to myself and said, "Yes, my dear...English Please!"

SMS oh SMS!

2009-04-17T14:25:00.002+08:00

I received this sms from a student of mine. What do you make of this?

"Good afternoon madam, i am XYZ (name is purposely not revealed here). juz now I eat the some medical because i demam (Trans- fever) so no join the madam class, and sleepy until now, so sorry belater report to madam!"

almost or are most?

2009-03-13T18:45:00.004+08:00

As a means to inculcate English speaking environment, the english unit has decided to organize a movie screening for our students. Amidst my catastrophic timetable, I somehow have managed to coax some of my students to join in the fun. The movie screened- Bourne Ultimatum. After I got back that night, i decided to sms my students...thanking them for their participation. One student must have truly enjoyed the movie when he replied, "almost welcome madam"!

Donald Trump is an elephant?

2009-02-05T12:11:00.012+08:00

Q: What do you call an elephant without a trunk?

A: A useless trumpet?

A: Knock, knock!

B: Who's there?

A: Trump

B: Trump who?

A: Trump...an elephant with a long trumpet!

My bachelor students were taught ways to define concepts, objects, processes etc yesterday. After a lengthy explanation, i finally asked them to define "an elephant". They already know that the definition has to start of with the general class of the word they wish to define, so nearly all of them shouted, "an animal". Then they tried to provide more specific characteristics that may differentiate an elephant from other animals. Big ears, very big body, grey in color are among the characteristics given. A rather plump student then added, "long nose" and his answer sets the class to burst into laughters. Trying to control myself from laughing, i quickly corrected him and said, "my dear, the long nose is what we call a trunk..T-R-U-N-K". Just when everybody was about to stop laughing, another student then called out, "thorns"! while another student instantaneouly corrected him and said, "horns" laa! I knew straightaway where they were heading to. They were looking for the word, T-U-S-K-S. I truly admired their confidence though i was in the verge of bursting my tummy. The rest of the class seemed to be lead into this chain of confusion. I was about to clear the air when another student confidently blurted the word, "trump" laaa.?! when what he really meant was the word, T-R-U-N-K. Perhaps he sees an elephant trunk resembling a trumpet??? I bet Mr. Donald Trump is not going to be very happy if he hears this one!

Your face is nice today!

2009-02-04T14:45:00.006+08:00

I was on my way to class yesterday when a group of students stopped me to say hello. As i only taught them last semester, i tried to recall their names. They were quite shocked but happy when i mentioned their names one by one. I then asked them how they were getting on this semester before making my way to class. I took a few steps down the stairs when suddenly one of them shouted, "madam!". I looked up to face the student. He grinned and said, "your face is nice today!" before making a dash. For a few seconds i stood still...speechless. I didn't really know what he meant by saying that my face is nice. Does it mean that my face is normally horrible? Perhaps he wanted to say that i looked cheerful or may be he just wanted to say that i looked nice. I'm just going to take his words as a compliment. Only God knows what he really meant...

Black sweet!

2009-01-30T09:09:00.006+08:00

I once asked my students the categories in which they may use to classify the students in their class. Instantaneously some shouted, "gender," and some said, "age". A female student shyly put her hand up to answer, "size of shoes and date of birth". I praised and thanked them for their participation. While putting their answers on the board, a male students shouted, "madam, what about our skin color?". I told him that it could also be a way to classify people and asked him to specify the items under that category. Before he got to answer, another student stood up and confidently shouted, "i know madam...black sweet!"- a direct translation of the Malay "hitam manis" which refers to one who looks sweet though having a slightly dark skin tone! A few students then asked me what the English word for "langsat" is. I knew straightaway where they were heading to so I just stared at them and ask them to look it up in their dictionary. They meant to provide me the direct translation of "kuning langsat"- one of the local fruits of Malaysia!

S.O.S I'm drowning!

2009-01-30T08:41:00.001+08:00

School holidays are always something that everybody, especially kids, would look forward to. Amidst the hectic work schedule, school breaks are perhaps the only time for a majority of people to enjoy getting together with their family and friends.

We are fortunate as Malaysia provides many interesting destinations for families to enjoy their holidays. Some may choose to hike into the jungle, ride in entertainment parks while some will choose the waterfall, the beach or even spend a few days at fancy or budget hotels. Where the holiday spots are is not an issue here as the bottom line is everybody just wants to relax and be happy. Unfortunately however, for some people, school holiday trips may rekindle sad or traumatic memories. What should have been a happy family trip to the beach can turn sour if one of the family members or friends suddenly went missing and were later discovered drowned.

When school holidays arrive, there are bound to be reported cases of people drowning. Up till now, what have we done to decrease the number of drowned cases? What we see in the newspapers are merely news reporting these unfortunate happenings.

I believe that it is about time that our government should introduce a practical mechanism to curb these mishaps. Why can’t we encourage schools to provide swimming lessons to kids as a means to equip them with one of the most essential survival skills i.e. swimming? If schools in the western countries can allocate a day in a week for teachers to take their students to the nearest swimming pool, then why can’t we work towards that? At the swimming pools or centers, children can spend a few hours to be taught on the safety precautions while they learn how to swim. Advance learners may then opt to be trained as lifeguards.

No doubt that swimming brings us an abundant of joy and benefits to our health; it is also a skill vital for our kids’ survival. By having the skill, children can enjoy water activities more and parents can have a peace of mind knowing that at least their children are aware of some basic strokes and safety precautions when they are out in the sea, in the lake or even in a swimming pool.

So why wait until more lives are taken? Take a small step towards saving more lives. Let’s all act now.

"Boy, Can you Boy?"

2009-01-29T15:57:00.007+08:00

One day, I had to replace a part-time lecturer to teach a group of semester one students. I decided to explain to them about the different parts of speech i.e. nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. To ensure they fully understood the lesson, I came up with a few activities that involved all of the students in the class. I was happy when they seemed to be confident with their answers. They even managed to provide me with correct examples of verbs. I spent the rest of the hours explaining to them the other parts of speech. Just before I end the class, I thought of testing their understanding again. I always like some kind of reassurance. So I wrote on the whiteboard the sentence: 'The boy is clever' and asked them which word class does the word "boy" belongs to? To my surprise the students shouted out "verb"! I asked the one who answered the loudest, "can you sing?"...he confidently replied, "yes". I continued to ask him, "can you eat?" and he gave the same reply. I asked him, "can you play?" and he straightaway replied, "yes". Then I popped him the question, "so, can you boy?"....with a quizzical expression he turned to face his friend. For a moment there was a complete silence. Nobody dared to say anything. I waited patiently for his answer. He then turned to face me and with an innocent look and shakily answered... "no madam, i like women" :P

Lethargic strikes!!

2009-01-13T09:11:00.003+08:00

It's the thing that strikes you when you overdo your poor self. Take a short rest and rejuvenate...

KiDs WilL aLwaYs bE KiDs...

2009-01-09T10:43:00.009+08:00

My daughter has just registered to a new school. It's a private Islamic school where they ensure the teaching and learning of intergrated knowledge. My first impression...well what can i say? It's still too early to pass any judgment. I reserve my expectations and would rather wait and see. So now I would send my daughter to school every morning. But today I had the opportunity to stay back for the school assembly- the first held for this year. The school has large speakers so from far i spared my time to listen to the short speech delivered by the school's principal. There was nothing exceptionally unusual about the speech. She stressed on the daily discipline that students have to abide while present in the school compound i.e. no running...no pushing...no fooling around...no throwing litters everywhere..etc. The students were sitting down so i couldn't tell whether the information transmitted has been truly absorbed. Anyhow, after singing the national anthem, the students were instructed to make their way to their respective classrooms....and yes...they had to walk in line. But kids will always be kids...no matter how many times you remind them...or reprimand them...or even scold them...they will do the complete opposite! In the next split second...i could see that almost all of them started dashing up the stairs and pushing their friends while making their way across the corridor. I let out a tiny giggle...shaked my head and simply accepted the fact of nature that kids will always be kids...Even us adults may have the small child inside us sometimes...

Happy New Year

2009-01-09T10:22:00.004+08:00

I hope it is still not too late to wish all a happy new year. May this new year bring us a lot of strength and determination to accomplish our resolutions. Talking about new year resolutions...i'm sure everybody strives to do better for the months to come. It's just that for most of us... we come to realise that at the end of the year...some resolutions are just forgotten and forsaken. Some goes down the drain and cease to exist in our conscience. Better still some unaccomplished mission are recycled for next year. Whatever it is...having aims is better than not having any. At least it shows our concern to upgrade ourselves. Having the right conscience and awareness is good enough as a start. Again, what's the point of having idealistic or unrealistic aims if you know that they are going to be beyond your reach. Aim low but score high so that at the end of the year...you'd be surprised at how well you've managed to achieve. Take small steps but be consistent (istiqamah). From an Islamic point of view...everything starts with the right intention (niah). It sets you on the right track and even at some point when you unintentionally go astray...your sincere niah will guide you back insyaAllah. So all the best and may your days to come be filled with Allah's blessings! Bon courage!

Everybody loves kung fu fighting!

2008-07-04T16:40:00.010+08:00

My husband and I once took our daughter to a movie and as usual...she gets to choose. So she decided that it should be "Kung Fu Panda" and so "Kung Fu Panda" it was. I have always been fond of animated comedy films so to watch one featuring the voices of Jack Black (Po), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu) and the Furious Five -- Angelina Jolie (TigressAngelina Jolie), David Cross (Crane), Seth Rogen (Mantis), Lucy Liu (Viper) and Jackie Chan (Monkey) was something to look forward to.

No doubt the movie was hilariously entaining! The dialogues and actions did nothing but tickled us throughout our entire viewing. Take one look at Po, the protagonist, and one's heart will go to this oversized, clumsy but humbly innocent panda. Po spends his mundane days faithfully helping his father, who happens to be a goose (see if you can find the resemblence), to sell noodles. At night, Po only dreams of becoming a warrior and saving people from the evils. Well, to cut the story short, underneath his heavy flesh and fur, the lumbering Po was destined to be the "choosen one"- for he is the long awaited Dragon Warrior- the one who is trusted to fight destruction and restore peace. The moment he is choosen, it strikes Po that his dreams are nothing close to the real world. When it comes to kung fu...he is plain hopeless. But thanks to the help of the Furious Five and the wise Shifu, Po manages to transform his greatest weakness into his greatest strength. It is Po who takes the perilious journey to defeat the perennial fearless and malevolent snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane ) and brings peace to all. By doing so Po fulfills his destiny as the one the people prophesied to be a hero.

Having said all that, why don't you check it out yourself? You may not find it in the cinemas anymore but the DVDs are surely available in DVD stores. I'm sure you too are going to love it. Not only that the movie contains elements of spontaneous humour, several didactic elements are also made stricking for our young viewers to bear in mind. There are also philosophical quotations worthy of contemplation such as one remarked by the great Master Shifu: "yesterday is history...tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift...that's why they call it present":) The lovable Po teaches us to be persistent, perseverant, patient, faithful, grateful, confident and responsible. He also reminds my daughter of my husband who, from certain angles, resembles Po's physical shape! Thumbs up for this 'bear'y interesting movie...

Beware of the Notorious Confusables!

2008-07-01T14:05:00.002+08:00

affect / effect
Effect is usually a noun that means a result or the power to produce a result:
-“The sound of the falling rain had a calming effect, nearly putting me to sleep.”
Affect is usually a verb that means to have an influence on:
-“His loud humming was affecting my ability to concentrate.”
Note that effect can also be a verb meaning to bring about or execute:
-“The speaker's somber tone effected a dampening in the general mood of the audience.”

all right / alright
Although alright is widely used, it is considered nonstandard English. As the American Heritage Dictionary notes, it's not “all right to use alright.”

all together / altogether
All together is applied to people or things that are being treated as a group.
-“We put the pots and pans all together on the shelf.”
All together is the form that must be used if the sentence can be reworded so that all and together are separated by other words:
-“We put all the pots and pans together on the shelf.”
Altogether is used to mean entirely:
-“I am altogether pleased to be receiving this award.”

allusion / illusion
Allusion is a noun that means an indirect reference:
-“The speech made allusions to the final report.”
Illusion is a noun that means a misconception:
-“The policy is designed to give an illusion of reform.”

alternately / alternatively
Alternately is an adverb that means in turn; one after the other:
-“We alternately spun the wheel in the game.”
Alternatively is an adverb that means on the other hand; one or the other:
-“You can choose a large bookcase or, alternatively, you can buy two small ones.”

beside / besides
Beside is a preposition that means next to:
-“Stand here beside me.”
Besides is an adverb that means also:
-“Besides, I need to tell you about the new products my company offers.”

bimonthly / semimonthly
Bimonthly is an adjective that means every two months:
-“I brought the cake for the bimonthly office party.”
Bimonthly is also a noun that means a publication issued every two months:
-“The company publishes several popular bimonthlies.”
Semimonthly is an adjective that means happening twice a month:
-“We have semimonthly meetings on the 1st and the 15th.”

capital / capitol
The city or town that is the seat of government is called the capital; the building in which the legislative assembly meets is the capitol. The term capital can also refer to an accumulation of wealth or to a capital letter.

cite / site
Cite is a verb that means to quote as an authority or example:
-“I cited several eminent scholars in my study of water resources.”
It also means to recognize formally:
-“The public official was cited for service to the city.”
It can also mean to summon before a court of law:
-“Last year the company was cited for pollution violations.”
Site is a noun meaning location:
-“They chose a new site for the factory just outside town.”

complement / compliment
Complement is a noun or verb that means something that completes or makes up a whole:
-“The red sweater is a perfect complement to the outfit.”
Compliment is a noun or verb that means an expression of praise or admiration:
-“I received compliments about my new outfit.”

comprise / compose
According to the traditional rule, the whole comprises the parts, and the parts compose the whole. Thus, the board comprises five members, whereas five members compose (or make up) the board. It is also correct to say that the board is composed (not comprised) of five members.

concurrent / consecutive
Concurrent is an adjective that means simultaneous or happening at the same time as something else:
-“The concurrent strikes of several unions crippled the economy.”
Consecutive means successive or following one after the other:
-“The union called three consecutive strikes in one year.”

connote / denote
Connote is a verb that means to imply or suggest:
-“The word ‘espionage’ connotes mystery and intrigue.”
Denote is a verb that means to indicate or refer to specifically:
-“The symbol for ‘pi’ denotes the number 3.14159.”

convince / persuade
Strictly speaking, one convinces a person that something is true but persuades a person to do something.
-“Pointing out that I was overworked, my friends persuaded [not convinced] me to take a vacation. Now that I'm relaxing on the beach with my book, I am convinced [not persuaded] that they were right.” Following this rule, convince should not be used with an infinitive.

council / councilor / counsel / counselor
A councilor is a member of a council, which is an assembly called together for discussion or deliberation.
A counselor is one who gives counsel, which is advice or guidance. More specifically, a counselor can be an attorney or a supervisor at camp.

discreet / discrete
Discreet is an adjective that means prudent, circumspect, or modest:
-“Her discreet handling of the touchy situation put him at ease.”
Discrete is an adjective that means separate or individually distinct:
-“Each company in the conglomerate operates as a discrete entity.”

disinterested / uninterested
Disinterested is an adjective that means unbiased or impartial:
-“We appealed to the disinterested mediator to facilitate the negotiations.”
Uninterested is an adjective that means not interested or indifferent:
-“They seemed uninterested in our offer.”

elicit / illicit
Elicit is a verb that means to draw out. Illicit is an adjective meaning unlawful. “No matter how hard I tried to elicit a few scandalous stories from her, she kept all knowledge of illicit goings-on discreetly to herself. ”

emigrant / immigrant
Emigrant is a noun that means one who leaves one's native country to settle in another:
-“The emigrants spent four weeks aboard ship before landing in Los Angeles.”
Immigrant is a noun that means one who enters and settles in a new country:
-“Most of the immigrants easily found jobs.”
One emigrates from a place; one immigrates to another.

farther / further
Farther is an adjective and adverb that means to or at a more distant point:
-“We drove 50 miles today; tomorrow, we will travel 100 miles farther.”
Further is an adjective and adverb that means to or at a greater extent or degree:
-“We won't be able to suggest a solution until we are further along in our evaluation of the problem.”
It can also mean in addition or moreover:
-“They stated further that they would not change the policy.”

few / less
Few is an adjective that means small in number. It is used with countable objects:
-“This department has few employees.”
Less is an adjective that means small in amount or degree. It is used with objects of indivisible mass:
-“Which jar holds less water?”

figuratively / literally
Figuratively is an adverb that means metaphorically or symbolically:
-“Happening upon the shadowy figure, they figuratively jumped out of their shoes.”
Literally is an adverb that means actually:
-“I'm not exaggerating when I say I literally fell off my chair.”
It also means according to the exact meaning of the words:
-“I translated the Latin passage literally.”

flammable / inflammable
These two words are actually synonyms, both meaning easily set on fire. The highly flammable (inflammable) fuel was stored safely in a specially built tank. Use nonflammable to mean not flammable.

flaunt / flout
To flaunt means to show off shamelessly:
-“Eager to flaunt her knowledge of a wide range of topics, Helene dreamed of appearing on a TV trivia show.” To flout means to show scorn or contempt for:
-“Lewis disliked boarding school and took every opportunity to flout the house rules.”

foreword / forward
Foreword is a noun that means an introductory note or preface:
-“In my foreword I explained my reasons for writing the book.”
Forward is an adjective or adverb that means toward the front:
-“I sat in the forward section of the bus.”
-“Please step forward when your name is called.”
Forward is also a verb that means to send on:
-“Forward the letter to the customer's new address.”

founder / flounder
In its primary sense founder means to sink below the surface of the water:
-“The ship foundered after colliding with an iceberg.”
By extension, founder means to fail utterly.
Flounder means to move about clumsily, or to act with confusion. A good synonym for flounder is blunder:
-“After floundering through the first half of the course, Amy finally passed with the help of a tutor.”

hanged / hung
Hanged is the past tense and past participle of hang when the meaning is to execute by suspending by the neck:
-“They hanged the prisoner for treason.”
-“The convicted killer was hanged at dawn.”
Hung is the past tense and participle of hang when the meaning is to suspend from above with no support from below:
-“I hung the painting on the wall.”
-"The painting was hung at a crooked angle.”

historic / historical
In general usage, historic refers to what is important in history, while historical applies more broadly to whatever existed in the past whether it was important or not:
-“a historic summit meeting between the prime ministers;”
-“historical buildings torn down in the redevelopment.”

i.e. / e.g.
The abbreviation e.g. means for example (from Latin exempli gratia):
-“Her talents were legion and varied (e.g., deep sea diving, speed reading, bridge, and tango dancing).”
The abbreviation i.e. means that is or in other words (from Latin id est):
-“The joy of my existence (i.e., my stamp collection) imbues my life with meaning.”

it's / its
It's is a contraction for it is, whereas its is the possessive form of it:
-“It's a shame that we cannot talk about its size.”

laid / lain / lay
Laid is the past tense and the past participle of the verb lay and not the past tense of lie. Lay is the past tense of the verb lie and lain is the past participle:
-“He laid his books down and lay down on the couch, where he has lain for an hour.”

lend / loan
Although some people feel loan should only be used as a noun, lend and loan are both acceptable as verbs in standard English:
-“Can you lend (loan) me a dollar?”
However, only lend should be used in figurative senses:
-“Will you lend me a hand?”

lightening / lightning
Lightening is a verb that means to illuminate; lightning is a noun referring to the electrical charges the cause flashes of light during storms:
-“The lightning struck, lightening the sky.”

nonplussed
Meaning perplexed or bewildered, nonplussed is very often thought to mean just the opposite—calm, unruffled, cool-as-a-cucumber. A common mistake is to think the word means not “plussed,” but no such word exists. Nonplussed originates from the Latin non (no) and plus (more, further), and means a state in which no more can be done—one is so perplexed that further action is impossible. “The lexicographer grew increasingly agitated and nonplussed by the frequency with which she noted the misuse of nonplussed.”

passed / past
Passed is the past tense and past participle of pass. Past refers to time gone by; it is also a preposition meaning beyond.
-“In the past decade, I passed over countless opportunities; I was determined not to let them get past me again.”

penultimate
Meaning “next to last,” penultimate is often mistakenly used to mean “the very last,” or the ultimate:
-"The perfectionist was crestfallen when he was awarded the penultimate prize; the grand prize went to another.”

precede / proceed
The verb precede means to come before. Proceed means to move forward.
-“He preceded me into the room; once I caught up with him I proceeded to tell him off.”

principal / principle
Principal is a noun that means a person who holds a high position or plays an important role:
-“The school principal has 20 years of teaching experience.”
Principal is also an adjective that means chief or leading:
-“The necessity of moving to another city was the principal reason I turned down the job offer.” Principle is a noun that means a rule or standard:
-“They refused to compromise their principles.”

stationary / stationery
Stationary is an adjective that means fixed or unmoving:
-“They maneuvered around the stationary barrier in the road.”
Stationery is a noun that means writing materials:
-“We printed the letters on company stationery.”

their / there / they're
Their is the possessive form of they; there refers to place; and they're is the contraction of they are.
-“They're going there because their mother insisted they become proficient in Serbo-Croatian.”

venal / venial
Venal is an adjective that means corruptible; venial is an adjective that means a slight flaw or offense:
-“In the Catholic church, a venial sin is one that is minor and pardonable, whereas a mortal sin is a serious transgression involving more venal or depraved behavior.”

who's / whose
Who's is the contraction of who is. Whose is the possessive form of who.
-“Who's going to figure out whose job it is to clean the stables?”

your / you're
Your is the possessive form of you; you're is the contraction you are.
-“If you're planning on swimming, then be sure to bring your life vest and flippers.”

Did I marry the RIGHT person?

2008-04-15T08:46:00.005+08:00

One of my friends forwarded this piece. Out of curiousity, I sometimes ask myself the same question. What about you?

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

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

Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown.

People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this): THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the labor of love." Because it takes time, effort, and energy . And most importantly, it takes WISDOM . You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work. Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable. ..you can "make" love.

Love in marriage is indeed a "decision".. . Not just a feeling . Remember this always "God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

Friendship is a Treasure...

2008-04-07T14:08:00.003+08:00

Friendship is hard to keep

but even if it gets harder
don't give it up because

if it is hard to keep

then it will be a lot harder to find it again...

BrEaK a LeG!

2008-04-04T09:46:00.004+08:00

The semester is approaching the end. My students are scattered everywhere, trying to complete their final assignment. My semester 3 diploma students are preparing their resume and nervously getting ready for their mock job interview. My semester 3 bachelor students are preparing for their speech presentation while my semester 4 bachelor students are going to factories and companies to interview their choosen personality. The personality has to be the decision maker for the company. He/she must be someone who has obtained a certain level of success in life in order to share his/her success stories. I hope my students can make the best of their tasks. As the lecturer, i am always anxious to know the ending to all these. Will my students impress me or will they dissapoint me? I have given them all my best and now it is time for them to give me their's. To all my students....you have my prayers and my best wishes. Just go for it and break a leg!

Penang Oh Penang!

2008-03-13T09:33:00.018+08:00

Actually I've started writing this post a few days ago. Thought I should write something about the 12th Malaysian General Election that took place on the 8th March 2008 as it is too irresistable to let go unnoticed. However, due to what I consider as my "hectic schedule," I somehow got too carried away with other activities that I did not get the chance to publish it. This is just my personal observation and I do not mean to condemn any party. So just enjoy reading it. I welcome your comments if you have any.

After the 12th General Election, some of my friends asked me about the situation in Penang. I would say that it is rather difficult, even for political analysts to read the politics of the Chinese people. After all, their's may not be the same as ours. What is certain is that all of their representatives (MCA or DAP) are highly concerned about the well-being of the Chinese in Malaysia. This is their meeting point. It's their unifying factor. No matter what, both parties will speak for their people. So, does it really matter who wins in Penang? Be it the ruling or the opposition party, the Penang CM will definitely be a Chinese. Perhaps it is too early for anyone to judge the new government. The differences in governing Penang are yet to be proven by DAP and its coalition.

The election has, to a certain degree, indicated the people's frustration with the ruling party. You cannot curb people's curiousity (curiousity can kill the goverment) and stop people from seeking the truth. Controlling and manipulating the media only propels people to find other means of getting informations that, to them, may seem to be more transparent. In this borderless world, they opt for the internet or even listen to campaigns from the oppositions. People simply craves for informations from all parties. When the opposition parties find their means of letting the people know their side of the story, the pudrid smell of corruptions and misgovernance can no longer be swept under the carpet. The electronic media and blogs now become a popular alternative channel to expose the people to shocking malpractices in BN, MCA and MIC. As in the case of Penang, the mismanagement of money etc. forces the people to accept the reality that the economic gap in Penang is devastatingly critical. The people now witness how the poor are pushed further down the poverty ladder while the rich continue to accumulate personal assets and grow more "buncit" (potted-bellied) everyday at the expense of "duit rakyat" (people's money). The economic development of Penang is, no doubt, rapid but if the success is not shared equally with the rest of the people then, what is left to be done? Yeap, the people thought that the government need to be "slapped"! The Malays who wish to awaken the government are left with not many choices. Going against the government means voting for the opposition party. If there is no PAS or PKR candidate contesting in their area, they'd rather vote for the DAP candidate. All done for the sake of social revivalism.

The percentage of those who has casted their votes in the election this time seems to be very low incomparison to the previous elections. In general, we can say that a majority of the voters are the low-class and middle-class Chinese and Indians. Though many of them may not be privileged to enjoy financial liberty, the people are well-informed about what has been happening. They are, to a certain degree, marginalised and denied of equal rights as citizens of Penang. With injustice occuring right in front of their nose, these people feel the oppression and can no longer remain silent. Through the campaings carried out by the opposition parties, what goes on during the reign of Koh Tsu Kun and his team is exposed. The mega projects are highly monopolised and politicised by the cronies. Thus, his party is made to suffer and the result of the election is pretty evident. DAP emerges to score most points in Penang.

Now that DAP has taken over Penang, they will have to convince the people that they are working for the people of Penang, Malays and non-Malays. From what we have been told, they have taken their first step into revising NEP. Lim Guan Eng is discussing with Pak Lah the possibility of getting Petronas to handle the construction of second Penang Bridge. It has been said that if so were to be done, the cost can be slashed from billions to just RM900 million. They are also planning to abandon projects that will not be of Penangites' benefit and priority. Like what has been said, it is still too early to judge. What the people hope is that this will persist and not simply remain as "hot hot chicken shit". Both -the Malays and the non- Malays, have taken an enormous risk to make way for the opposition party who, for about 50 years, has been struggling and pleading the society that they'd be given a chance to prove themselves. Let's just hope that they are sincere in serving the people. If not, then the poor people will continue to switch. So BA...you have all eyes on you:)

Here we go again! There's So Much To do in So Little Time

2008-02-21T13:24:00.012+08:00

Hi everyone, it's me again...

I attended a meeting yesterday and I sat beside a friend who occassionally checks my blog whenever she needs something to bore her to death. She told me that she has viewed this blog a few times but there were no changes a.k.a. no new posting = booooriiiiing..HAHAHAHA! Electrified, I took her comment positively and straightaway signed in only to be welcomed by a photo of Jimmy's sister/brother, who would have probably by now been married off to some other chicks or even shared the same fate as Jimmy (God bless!) I then asked myself...what has been hindering me from writing? And as any guilty person would do...I will try to justify myself by providing this long list of excuses. I know that they may seem lame, but at the end of the day, I'm just too tired to even lift my own finger. So guys, I just want to share with you what goes on in my life nowadays. So here goes... I didn't manage to post any new comments merely because...

First: I WAS and AM still extremely bogged down with work. Every second of my time is filled with classes as well as their preparations. I am kept busy by having to prepare class notes for the semester. The previous practice was to adopt books so all I had to do was to revise and to study the books. Unfortunately this semester, I had to come up with my own set of notes for my students. This means...burying myself in books and getting my eyes glued to the internet- browsing websites for potential materials. Believe me... it is always a challenge to start anything from scratch. Plus, students just won't allow me to rest after class (awwwwwww my poor throat and my poor feet!) HEY! Who's complaining? After all I don't exist if they don't. They are our customers and they deserve to be served. HAIT! Your Majesty!

Second: I seriously need to consider streamyx at home. Ideas do come unexpectedly especially at times when you are alone... or at times when that tiny pinch of privacy is given to you.

Third: I think I need a reliable housekeeper but my husband is not really keen on having one. I guess he enjoys the privacy. Well, I was doing ok all the while until my daughter starts schooling. My life suddenly revolves around her schedule and everything is going up-side-down. I have tried to train her to be independent: she showers herself and gets her own school uniform (which I have neatly coded according to the 5 days). She reads and finishes her homework all by herself. All I need to do is just check her books after everything is done. I know she is a very helpful girl but we are still at the initial stage where we have to gradually improve. Despite all that, she is doing rather well. It's me! I am the one still struggling to survive our new regime and by only having one car makes matters severely more chaotic! Moreover, my hubby, Mr A, is busy as the election is around the corner. Mind you, Mr A is incharged of the operation. There were even times when I had to fetch him from work past midnight! Imagine having to cradle my daughter down the stairs and tucking her into the car. I had to drag her along... I can't leave her alone at home, can i? Well, from the way I see it, my schedule can be divided into two parts: morning (getting ready for work) and evening (coming back from work).

The first round of my exercise starts at around 6am. With my eyes still half-opened or even half-closed (i can never tell the difference), I'd be rushing down the stairs to catch a quick shower. I'd prepare a bottle of milk for my daughter before luring her out of bed. This process has to be done in a diplomatic manner if I don't want to initiate a morning battle (I can't afford to have any.) I then coax her into taking the shower (mind you, this is one of the greatest challenge.) While she showers, i'd take the opportunity to perform subh and iron my outfit for the day... Again, the choice of clothes would depend on the amount of time that I have to iron:)

I'd then prepare breakfast (a slice of bread with fried egg/cheess, a glass of hot drink and vitamins/supplement). No one should leave the house on a empty stomach! When everybody's ready, we'd rush to drop her off to school. Then my husband (who I have awarded one of the best F1 drivers in Bangi) would "cilok" to send me to my office before speeding to his. At work, i'd be rushing to classes and if not, i'd me stuck to my chair, eyes fixed on the PC.

The evening regime is less stressful but most of the time, i am just nackered! My husband would pick me up after picking up my daughter from school. While in the car, we'd try to have little chat about school and how our days went. We then either head straight to have dinner outside or we'd go home, get washed, pray and enjoy a simple dinner (which sometimes means just fish fried with lots of onion strips and garlic to go along with "bayam".) We'd enjoy the meal together and again try to catch up on the happennigs for the day. I'd then sit together with my daughter to help her with her homework until everything is done. She'd then arrange the books according to her time-table before going to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Mr A would then head off to the office.

Before long, it was already 10pm and after reading a short bedtime story...we'd all go to sleep... only to dream of tomorrow's regime...zzz

Fourth: Here is my formula that I use to make up my weekends: Washing+cleaning+mopping+brushing+hoovering+ironing+pruning+gardening+jogging+ shopping+cooking+sorting = a truly exausted working mum @ me.

Conclusion: I guess the list can go on and on but the conclusion for my long silence is that I simply am too busy...overworked and overdosed LOL! I know that everybody is given equal amount of time. But it boils down to the way we manage it. I guess I have to learn the act of managing my time and balancing my life in order to fulfil all my responsibilities including making sure that I feed my blog whenever time permits.

Anyone else suffering the same predicament?

Cool it, for goodness sake

2008-02-21T13:02:00.006+08:00

IT is only to be expected that the political temperature will rise prior to elections.

The run-up to the polls has the tendency to let loose dangerous passions instead of the reason and deliberation so treasured by democrats. It is often the habit of frustrated parties and their supporters, kindled by inflammatory rhetoric, to demonise their opponents till the pot boils over. This appears to be the case with regard to the reports of flags being torn down, scuffles between party partisans and local officials, and a potential candidate brandishing a gun in Terengganu. These groups appear to be captive to their parochial interests and prisoners of their blinkered ideology. Not only are their methods reprehensible, their ideal does not seem to be free and fair elections but the imposition of their own rules. Their pernicious actions indicate that they do not have a genuine democratic vocation.The situation saddens those who believe in the democratic process because these groups seem bent on proving Thomas Hobbes right in having declared that the “condition of man is a condition of war of everyone against everyone". With the inspector-general of police identifying eight states as hot spots where there may be problems, we should be concerned about the possibility that things could get out of hand in these areas. It is by no means an accident that the heat is most intense in the east coast states and Kedah. After all, the most potent, virulent and durable political passions are often stimulated by religious fervour. It is in such states that religion has taken centre stage in the election campaign and a stark choice is being crudely drawn between voting for the orangutan or the tok guru.Our political leaders must learn to hold their tongues and respect others. Despite imperfections, Malaysia’s brand of multiracial democracy has been a fruitful work in progress. One great achievement of the Malaysian people has been to preserve democracy in the face of communal pressures. Another outstanding attribute has been tolerance towards other traditions, values and ideas. The results of past elections demonstrate that the great majority of Malaysians are inclined towards democratic solutions and reject extremism and parochialism. It would be a sad day if our leaders were to ignore this expectation of a moderate, tolerant and progressive society. Political parties need to demonstrate greater maturity in words and deeds. The hope is that the coming election will prove as notable as those of the past for the large number of voters and the trouble-free passage.

source: http://www.nst.com.my/NST/index_html NST Online 2008/02/21

Note: Election has never failed to capture people's attention. As it is just around the corner, much has been written circulating the "raya". Here is a piece I came across in the NST. What's your opinion?

Campus Drama: Everyone is Working

2008-01-30T19:03:00.005+08:00

The new semester has just started. The academic theatrical stage is again brought to life with so many interesting performances. The everyday drama that takes place at ever corner of the campus never fails to fascinate and entertain me. No matter where you go, you will always encounter a different story with different plots and different characters. Different locations provide different incidents.

In the lecturer's office, there will be lecturers who simply have no time to even greet each other. They just sit in front of the computer - busy preparing notes for the students. There are those poor lecturers who get burried under piles of documents that need to be signed and stamped that they can barely lift their heads up. There are also the 'athletes': those who would rush up and down the stairs, in and out of the photocopy room to print supplementary notes. Entering the photocopy room is like going to the clinic. You go into the room and try to locate (amidst the mountainous bundles of printed papers) the skinny, overworked, and stressful looking photocopy staff who you'd sweetly coax into giving you the privilege and allowing you to jump the queue. If you are lucky, the pretending-not-to-be-agitated "adik" will comply. At times, this machiavellian strategy may end up futile when the photocopy machines just refuse to cooperate! Arghhhhhhh! What can we do? Get ourself our own photocopy machine? Nah! Anyway, lets look at some lecturers who are weight-lifters. They can be seen dashing to classes while heaving heavy laptop bag, projector or even books and handouts. If this is not enough, some lecturers are even stalked and chased by students who wish to repeat, add, drop subjects or transfer credit. The lecturers' room is somehow turned into what seems to be a noisy marketplace! Students, on the other hand, are also carrying out their roles well. Most of the time, they can be seen running to classes. There are those who'd be suffering from the normal "start-of-the-semester-enthusiasm syndrom" aka "hot-hot-chicken-#@*! You see them in the resource center, browsing the net or revising books. Unfortunately, the drive ceases to exist as the semester moves on. It's like making positive new year resolutions that may only last for 2 weeks before you totally forget about them Uhuk!Uhuk! There are also those who choose to lead a peaceful and stressfree life. These students are the "take-it-easy" or "relax-lah-babe" students who simply enjoy taking their own sweet time. They know that they should arrive to class on time but their couldn't-be-bothered attitude just consoles their feeling. Whatever it is, there are so many new faces around, assuming customised roles. Perhaps that is the beauty of a campus life. It is where we share laughters and tears! Bon Courage!

A Sad Story :(

2007-12-06T13:47:00.000+08:00

AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

What are friends for?

2007-12-06T13:39:00.000+08:00

Moral of the Picture:

FRIENDS may not be able to pull you up...
BUT
THEY will still think of ways not to let you fall...

2007-12-06T13:29:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of ACCOUNTABILITY?

The Story of Colours

2007-08-29T08:31:00.001+08:00

I got this from a friend and I thought that it is pretty interesting. What's your comment?

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite.
Green said: "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."
Blue interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing."
Yellow chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."
Orange started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and papayas. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."
Red could stand it no longer he shouted out: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
Purple rose up to his full height: He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey."
Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."
And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.
In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me." Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow." And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another (Quoted from http://www.nidokidos.org/viewtopic,t,7601.html).
Each of us have our own weaknesses and strengths, which if combined together, will make a perfect combination. Many of us only think about ourselves; what we want; what is important to me. To fulfill our selfishness, some choose to trample on others. Remember that love beget love and hate beget hate. so, don't be shock if the person we use to trample will do the same things to us when they got chance. Even if it is not them, other may do the same thing. don't forget this phrase, " Do unto others as you would like them do unto you".
This world will be cheerier if we respect each other .Work places will be merrier if we work along side and no back stabbing each other. Home will be happier if all members respect, love and care for each other.... " Do unto others as you would like them do unto you".

I'm back

2007-07-19T11:32:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone, I'm back! I was extremely busy for the past few weeks to even check my blog. I wish I had internet access at home. Anyhow, i am back to teaching. The students are back and we've just started our first week. Judging by the look of it...it is going to be an enjoyable semester (i hope so!). I mean, with active students like mine, how could I not enjoy teaching them?

The beauty of becoming a teacher is that you get to meet a lot of students and they come in all different colous, sizes and shapes :) Some are very fair while some are very dark....some are very short while some are very tall... some are very skinny while some are extremely well-fed. Some of them are very timid while some are very confident and funny. Well, what ever colours, sizes or shapes they come in, whether they are introverts or extroverts i respect them for who they are. The differences in us make our world colourful. The differences allow us to learn from each other and appreciate all that is uncommon to us. To my students, I wish you all the best and to all...get to know each other and learn to appreciate the differences among us. Believe me, your life will be more colourful. Bon courage!

Brilliant Spelling!

2007-07-19T11:26:00.000+08:00

Is it just a coincidence?

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

GAUTENG:
When you rearrange the letters:
GET A GUN

THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letter:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

Top 10 Ways to Get Lucky at Love - Kathryn Lord

2007-06-15T08:39:00.000+08:00

Are you still searching for THAT true love? Well here are some tips I found. What do you think of them?

1. Know what you want. Your looks change and fade, character does not. While a certain amount of "chemistry" is nice, don't rely solely on lust. What qualities are you looking for in a mate? My book "Find a Sweetheart Soon! Your Love Trip Planner for Women" helps readers define their love goals.
2. Get clear about what you don't want. Knowing what you really can't tolerate in a partner is important. Make a list of your "don't wants" and then cut it down to the 10 most important. Any more than that and you'll be too picky.
3. Live your life. Once you know clearly what you want (and don't want) in a relationship, shift your focus to living your life. You'll find that you start noticing those who might fit, and passing by those who don't.
4. See the big picture. Don't try so hard that you miss the obvious. If you are great at focusing, step back now and then and look at the big picture. Work on having a playful, whimsical attitude towards life.
5. Get out of the house. Cultivate opportunities to expand your social circle and meet new people. Vary your routine. Have you thought of entertaining to enlarge your social circle? My new ebook "Looking for Action? The Find a Sweetheart Party Planner" tells you how to throw parties to build a wonderful group of close friends - it's easy!
6. Open your eyes and your attitude. Lucky people notice, create and maximize chance opportunities. Chat with other shoppers while you are waiting in line. Be ready with a "calling card" -- a personal business-type card with basic contact information. (Want to know how to get calling cards for free? Email me for instructions).
7. Get curious. Don't content yourself with the obvious. Ask questions. Wonder why. Find answers.
8. Try something new. The best way to have things stay the same is to never do anything different. Vary your daily routine, just to keep yourself awake. Shake yourself up and notice what happens. Keep yourself open to chance opportunities, and then take advantage of them.
9. Expect good luck. Monitor your self-talk for negative messages that interfere with luck. Replace the negative thoughts with positives. Surround yourself with examples of lucky people.
10. Learn from bad luck. Take steps to prevent more bad luck from what you have learned, then let the "bad" go. Don't dwell on or rehash the bad experience. Look for the positive elements.

Kathryn Lord, romance coach and author, met her now husband Drew online. Out of the dating world for years, Kathryn conquered her fears, found her perfect mate and built a solid relationship. She put what she has learned into writing in "Find A Sweetheart Soon! Your Love Trip Planner for Women." A psychotherapist, Kathryn has been helping singles and couples for more than 25 years. She is on the web at Find-a-Sweetheart.com.

Friends...you mean so much to me

2007-06-14T14:27:00.000+08:00

I am so happy today.

One of my best friends had called in to say hello. It has been quite a while that we talked to each other and at times, she made a few appearances in my dreams. I guess I was missing her so much. I do admit that we shared a lot of special moments...yes...we shared laughters and we shared tears.

GOD, I LOVE YOU.

YOU've allowed beautiful people into my life and I hope I will encounter more. People come and people go but my friends will always come back and will always be there when I need them. So my special friends, this is dedicated to you. You make my life so meaningful and I pray that GOD will also make your life beautiful. Thank you for coming into my life.

The Great Circle of Life

2007-06-01T18:06:00.000+08:00

I had to fight back my tears as I was writing this piece. What happened to me a few days ago forced me into the agony of losing someone very close to my heart. On Wednesday, 29th May 2007, at 8.35am, my dearest grandma, who I called 'Tok', has peacefully left this world. Her death reminded me of my own mortality....that this world is merely a station before we reach our eternal destiny. Her life on the other hand reminded me that this world is a great examination hall, where everybody will be tested.

When my grandmother was bedridden for about two months ago, my mother set me the example of how a daughter should now take care of the mother. My mother sacrificed her sleep and rest to tend to my grandmother while at the same time tending to the needs of her father, her husband and her little adopted baby. Day and night, she would be beside my grandmother. She would make sure that my grandmother will have nothing to complaint about. Just as a mother would do to her baby, this time, I saw a grown-up child bathing, dressing, combing, feeding and taking care of the mother. A circle of maternal love was no doubt explicit here that I burst into tears and prayed to God so that one day, I will be able to do the same thing to my mother and father. My grandmother died with my mother at her side. Before she closed her eyes...she managed to carve a smile...

My grandmother was indeed a very special lady. Her petite physical build hid the tremendous strength she carried inside her. The wrinkles on her face used to tell 1001 stories of a person who has lived this life well.

Born into a very poor family back in the 1920's, my grandmother had to take care of her little brothers. She was barely 7 years old when their mother died. The mark that stretched from her neck down to her hips tells the story of a couragous sister who was burnt while trying to protect her brothers from a fire outbreak. She then had to lie on some banana leaves for months because of the severe burn.

I believe that life hardship has trained and prepared my grandmother to become a fighter. She was gifted with the ability to control her emotion and endure pain. Marrying my grandfather, for sure, was not an easy task. My grandfather is a typical traditional patriarchal figure. In his house, he is the King. Everything has to be prepared for him at his own convenience. Moreover, as a 'silat' (traditional martial art) guru, he was known for his fiery temper. I can still vividly remember how my grandmother used to wake up at 2am or 3am or whenever my garandfather got home from fishing just to prepare him, a hot cup of coffee. As time goes, I begin to admire the bond between my grandmother and my grandfather. To me, they are the epitome of a traditional couple who proved that money and material wealth do not define happiness. Their bond was solely based on trust, understanding and tolerance.

My grandmother was a lady of little rest. She didn't sleep that much. At times, she would clean the fish that my grandfather captured when others were fast asleep. She would sometimes burn the midnight oil to prepare the 'roti canai' dough or noodle for breakfast the next morning. She was the own who taught me how coffee beans are turned into coffee powder. I used to enjoy helping her pound the beans with a special tool made of thick blocks of woods.

When I reflect the time we spent together there are certain things that i regreted doing. Now that I have reached this age, I feel guilty and am angry at myself, for making my grandmother prepare 'henna' for my brothers, my sisters and I. Only then that I realised that the process was tedious. Just before sunset, she would pluck 'henna' branches. She would grind the 'henna' leaves by using a massive grinding stone. Then, she would mix it with some water and turned it into 'henna' paste. We would then circle around her and one after another, she patiently smoothed the paste onto our tiny fingers and toes. She would then cut plastic bags into small pieces and wrap it around our fingers. She will then tie strings (taken from pieces of old 'sarong') around our fingers. Only when all of our fingers and toes were securely wrapped, that we would go to bed. As I grew up, I sometimes wonder, why didn't my grandmother ever say no to people's wish? Why must she keep silent and obey all of my grandfather's order? Why must she succumb to our endless requests? Is that her way of showing her love for us...letting us know that she is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her loved ones? Now, when I look at how my daughter pesters my mother with her imploring eyes, I see the spitting image of myself. And the way my mother tries to fulfil my daughter's plea...reminds me of my grandmother. Will my grandaughter do the same thing to me? Will I be treating them the same way my grandmother and mother did?

But again...history repeats itself and that is my grandmother! Someone who has taught me a lot about living this life. May her 'ruh' be placed alongside other devoted believers.

No doubt that human beings are mortal. We will grow old...we will eventually leave this world. But what differentiates us is how well we've 'scored' in the 'test'. I am aware that challenges come in different faces but what is more important for me is whether I would be able to endure challenges with the kind of courage, patience and spirit displayed by my grandmother? Only God knows for He determines this circle of life. This circle will repeat. While there are some being born at this moment, some others are leaving this world.

"Tok, I am already tremendously missing you... Al-faatihah."

Your Age by Eating Out

2007-05-24T15:59:00.001+08:00

YOUR AGE BY EATING OUT

Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway - but your waiter may know your age by this DINER & RESTAURANT MATH
This is pretty neat.
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It'll take less than a minute.
Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things; it's fun.
1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out to eat (more than once but less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)
3. Add 5
4. Multiply it by 50
5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1757.... If you haven't, add 1756
6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born
You should have a three digit number
The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times you want to go out to restaurants in a week)
The next two numbers are YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2007) IT WILL EVER WORK!

Things Are Not Always Black or White

2007-05-24T15:55:00.000+08:00

I got this from my freind. I thought it is something good to share as we cannot always expect the same from other people.

When I was in elementary school, I got into a major argument with a boy in my class.... I have forgotten what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day.

I was convinced that "I" was right and "he" was wrong ... and he was just as convinced that "I" was wrong and "he" was right. The teacher decided to teach us a very important lesson. She brought us up to the front of the class and placed him on one side of her desk and me on the other. In the middle of her desk was a large, round object. I could clearly see that it was black. She asked the boy what color the object was. "White," he answered.... I couldn't believe he said the object was white, when it was obviously black!

Another argument started between my classmate and me, this time about the color of the object. The teacher told me to go stand where the boy was standing and told him to come stand where I had been. We changed places, and now she asked me what the color of the object was. I had to answer, "White." It was an object with two differently colored sides, and from his viewpoint it was white. Only from my side was it black.

My teacher taught me a very important lesson that day: You must stand in the other person's shoes and look at the situation through their eyes in order to truly understand their perspective. ..because once you have closed your mind to thinking that only you are right, you have actually rejected the whole truth... Allahu 'Alam Bissawab

"house-husband" anyone?

2007-05-24T15:14:00.000+08:00

This is more towards strengthening family ties in our modern society. I somehow believe that house-husbands can promote better family lives.

Previously, the division of labour in our traditional society was very clear (husband = breadwinner, wife = housewife). Nowadays women are working alongside their husband to help support the family. So....if the women are assisting the men, husbands must also be willing to lend a hand at home. This can ensure that everybody takes part in running the family affairs. As a result- everybody can enjoy quality life with their family. Having someone you love assisting you at home can also help to alleviate stress and can restore the concept of "Home Sweet Home".

Actually, this 'house hubby' concept is not a new matter. Our Prophet Muhammad SAW served as a very good example. I also believe that many husbands out there have long practiced becoming house-hubby but there are still many who remain ignorant. Some go to the extent of abusing their wife (not only physically but emotionally). If we are not emotionally stable, our productivity at work can be affected.

The way i look at our family institution nowadays is that it is not changing for the better. Plus, our celebrities, who have, unfortunately, became the society's role model, are not setting a good example. Society is constantly exposed to strings of divorce cases and immoral activities mostly received through media (do i hear myself blaming the media again!). It is alarming that some of us can no longer appreciate the value of matrimonial relationship and family kinship!

So women... should men be encouraged to become “house-husbands”? For men...drop your ego dead and offer your wife some assistance. After all, you claim yourself to be superior. Make full use of the strength that God has bestowed upon you in a right way. What do you think?

Akademi Fantasia = A Dream World

2007-05-24T14:40:00.000+08:00

This has been forwarded to me a few days ago. At first, it is no doubt funny but when you come to think of it...perhaps there is some truth in this...

What do you think about the role of our media nowadays? Do you see media as an agent to educate the society? Do you think that the programmes screened in our TV are selected and controlled accordingly? To what extent should we comply with globalization? Do we need to sacrifice our own values and culture just to be at par with other developed society? Define modern, please!

Why don't you try asking your friends or young kids to name some academician and scholars. After that, try to ask them to give names of celebrities or artists that they know. You will then, have a list that demonstrates the contrast between academic contribution and soceiety's recognition of artists. Now, answer my questions: is our media doing enough to educate the society? are academic contributions receiving enough coverage?

The big question is...where are we leading our generation to now? Are we trying to just create more entertainers who will later invite us into their dream world? There is no doubt that programmes such as Akademi Fantasia is opening wider opportunities for people to become artists but somehow, the surplus of these reality shows have managed to lure teenagers to achieve fame and wealth without the need to further studies. Even without education, you can be famous and successful. Why cannot there be a balance?

So what's your choice? Would you spend the rest of your life dreaming in a world of fantasy?

Slow Down Culture - Author Unknown

2007-04-12T09:19:00.000+08:00

An interesting reflection. Think about it...

At Swedish company, Volvo, any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.

Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme.

At the end, this always yields better results.

Said in another words:
1. Sweden is smaller than Thailand
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants (8% from Malaysian Total Population).
3. Stockholm has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Scania, SAAB , Ericsson, Electrolux, are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies to NASA.

The first time I was in Sweden , one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think?" Can you imagine my face.

Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe named Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing.
Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.

Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%.
This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".

This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.

It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do.
It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.

In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.

Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time.
Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".

Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.

The Difference between Focusing on Problems and Focusing on Solutions

2007-03-30T12:47:00.000+08:00

Life predicament can be excruciatingly painful that it can sentence one into a life prison of miseries. BUT - when the whole world seems to go against us; when life seems to treat us badly that we are made to believe that there is no way out and that giving up is the only solution - it is always better to stop worrying about it and take a short break to do something FUN. this positive diversion can allow us to reapproach the problem with a differently new and fresh perspective. It does not mean that we are assuming a defeatist attitude. Surrender is NOT the case here but it is more of a means to strengthen our spirit and to better equip ourselves with new strategies for our come back. if we choose to focus on the problem, we tend to pressure our pity self and can end up terminallly depressed. however, a short retreat can shift our focus on finding solutions instead. hopefully, we can rise to face the problem with a stronger attitude.

The cases that i wish to share here are interesting though i do not know how far they are true. Anything good is worth sharing right? so just enjoy...

Case 1
When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (ink won't flow down to the writing surface). To solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C.
And what did the Russians do...?? They used a pencil .

Case 2
One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soapbox, which happened in one of Japan 's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soapbox that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soapbox went through the assembly line empty. Management asked its engineers to solve the problem. Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soapboxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent a whoopee amount to do so.
But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, he did not get into complications of X-rays, etc., but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soapbox passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.
Always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problems. Always focus on solutions & not on problems.

Yes! PERSISTENCE is the Word

2007-03-30T08:48:00.000+08:00

Yes I know that it has been quite a while since i've posted any new entries. I don't even have any valid reasons for not doing so. it is not that i've not been writing, let alone thinking. I have saved a number of posts but i just dont feel like posting them yet. But as i promised to myself...this blog has to keep breathing.

I guess persistence is an interesting word to discuss. Personally, i think it is the backbone to success. One may be patient but may not have the persistence but one who is persistent must be patient. I was in one of my degree classes yesterday, when one of the few female students in the class confided to me that she didn't have much hope in her studies. her technical subjects are too heavy for her to shoulder. i studied her face as she was expressing her wish to quit. there was a pinch of bitterness in her tone. though she seemed genuine i could sense her dilemma.

i, on the other half, was also in a dilemma. was i in the position to say anything? plus...what should i say? i wanted to avoid saying things that can be damaging!

while trying to answer to my conscience, i decided to share with her my own experience. how can someone be wrong when talking about their own life?

so i told her about my life as a student and how at times i felt like quitting. when i just entered the first year, i was always cloaked with an inferiority complex. there were at times when i cloisetered away in my dorm room and cried. My world seemed so complicated and my journey to success looked impossible. there were times when i was made to believe that i've made the wrong choice....a deadliest mistake of my life to be in the institution and undertaking the course. time passed by. despite the trials and tribulations, i kept pushing myself. everyday, i would tell to myself that the only way to be at par with the top students is to take the extra length. i was aware that we didn't start off at the same starting point. i knew that i was not the brainiest but i made sure that i was among the most hardworking students. i gave my best only to realise that i was finally catching up with them. looking at it now, i somehow believe in being persistent.

i asked the student to picture herself if she were to quit. i asked her to imagine what her future would be if she were to persist.

i cannot say much or do much for the student. The decision is in her hands. i can only assure that success does not always come easy. life is not life without challenges. After all, life is like a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs Wouldn't you agree?

Life is Like a Jigsaw Puzzle

2007-02-16T12:10:00.000+08:00

I received this interesting analogy from a friend and I thought it is something worth sharing.

Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From a Jigsaw Puzzle

- Author Unknown

1. Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).

6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.

7. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.

9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

10. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are
surprising.

11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

Would English Make You LESS a Malay?

2007-02-13T17:35:00.000+08:00

Phew! I just got back from my class and as usual, the students always leave me with interesting issues to ponder. But in comparison to my previous lessons, today's session is somewhat different. The moment I entered the class I could already sniff the different mood. Normally, I would be the one waiting for them but today, there they were...waiting for me. So I started the class by telling them about the conference I attended at Damai Laut. But what I least expected was for them to raise a very mind-boggling issue. This is not just ANY issue. This one is pertaining to learning English.

At first, a student, petite yet confident, shared his personal concern about the trend in the current Malaysian society. He observed a social stigma among some Malaysians that inclines to associate English to the language of the colonisers, therefore refusing to speak or learn English. He notified that there are people who abhor English-speaking-Malays and regard them as a bunch of people who has abandoned their roots. Just before he finished his comment, another student, in a more serious tone, pointed out the tendency among Malaysians to embrace English as a language bearing strings of prestige to the extent of forsaking the mother-tongue, Bahasa Melayu. He displayed his discomfort by saying that, "some people are ashamed to be speaking Bahasa Melayu while some believe that if you speak English, you will have a bright future and if you don't, you are doomed to fail". The same student reiterated that Japan doesn't need English to prosper and India, despite an English speaking nation, is still under-developed. Wow! I thought to myself, the students do have very interesting views to share. And they are using English to express them! Mind you, it has always been a challenge to get them to even OPEN their mouth, what more to get them to express their opinions and using ENGLISH!

I was intrigued and wanted to prolong the discussion so I asked them the question, "would speaking English make you LESS a Malay?" Their answers greatly revealed the students' perception towards learning English. What is more shocking is that, there are among them who are against the use English. It is interesting to know that there are others who are on the same boat, and that the students' point of view is not something new to me. When I was a fledgling student (a VERY long time ago), there were groups of radical students who had nothing better to do but to go around the campus chanting: "English is the language of the Satans...Don't speak English!" I don't want to be pointing fingers at anyone. They may have their own justification for doing so. Instead, I tried to rationalize the matter. Could it be that some people fail to disassociate a language with the nation who speaks it? The fact that we were once colonised by the English doesn't ameliorate the matter. But so what? Why do we need to argue about this? Would it cause us any harm? Would we be loosing anything. We have obtained our independence and we have acquired a second language. Does it mean that we are still colonised if we speak or use English?

So, I gave the students some points to ponder and asked:

"What is WRONG with English that some people taint it with such a negative image?"

"Isn't English, like any other languages, another means people use to transmit their messages?"

"Isn't it a waste if we cannot share our beautiful culture and heritage with the rest of the world simply because we do not know English?" (Imagine a book on Malay cultural heritage written in Bahasa Melayu with beautiful pictures of "songket" and "wayang kulit". I'm sure colourful pictures are lovely to look at but for a foreign reader, it will enhance their appreciation if you can accompany the pictures with some explanations in a language that they can comprehend, won't you agree?)

And

"Isn't it always better to master another language so that you can enjoy greater freedom to knowledge?"

The provocative questions heated our discussion. The students seemed interested to continue so I gave my personal view. I explained to them that there is no doubt that there are very successful individuals who have zero knowledge of English. There are also some nations privileged with strong and independent mentality that they may not need English to proliferate economically. But still, is it WRONG to learn English? I explained that critics are well aware of this issue. I shared how a postcolonial critic, for example, would approach Danial Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest" from a different angle. I pointed out how postcolonial critics try to tackle this issue and bring to the centre the "marginalized literatures". I also talked about how we can expand our horizon of creativity by mastering a second language. I talked about hybridity in language and asked them to picture what a "kampung boy" looks like and how is the picture different to a "village boy"? I reminded them that Bahasa Melayu has never been any inferior to English and explained that there are people in Amsterdam who speak Malay and study in great depth, the Malay Hikayats.

Time flies when you are having fun. By the time we realised, it was time for me to dismiss the class. Though there is still a lot to be said, we managed to agree that the "English issue" is the matter of the mind. We have to stay positive and feed our minds with sound reasoning. Sensing that some students were still eager to share their thoughts, I had to satisfy my curiosity as well as theirs. So I asked them to prepare a short note or a paragraph that will express their attitude towards English after having THE discussion. I can't wait to check them out. Till then, if you have nothing interesting to do...try asking yourself this question- would learning English (or any other languages) make you less the person you are?

“ Love brings me closer to you but then, anxiety takes me far away.”

2007-02-13T14:12:00.000+08:00

LOVE. Such a simple word yet carries a complex meaning that stretches beyond infinite definitions, bearing stricking contrast from one person to another. Though people may define and perceive LOVE differently, the world has unanimously agreed that it is an entity that stirs human emotions and affects people's lives.

The world is full of scars left by this thing we call LOVE. Throughout the history of the humankind, we observe how LOVE can drive men or women, young or old, rich or poor, kind or evil to act irrationally. LOVE that can excite and stimulate human desires can create tension and leave tremendous impact on people's emotions, thus, contributing to wonderful experiences to be shared.

The early creation of human beings taught us that LOVE is an integral part of our being. We can observe how LOVE destined Adam and Eve to be inseparable. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, some people blame LOVE,labeling it - a profane entity - stripping it of its rights to be in heaven. As such, some people go to the extreme of shunning LOVE, while some approach LOVE with full caution because of its destructive power. What happened to the Helen of Troy and Cleopatra are popular classic examples. On the other hand, a lot of other people cherish LOVE, guarding this God given treasure with all their life. What about you? Where does LOVE fit in your life?

I just want to share with you some of the love concepts in some of the world great literatures. But i will only do that after you tell me your understanding of LOVE. What is LOVE to you? Would LOVE hurt?

Don't Panic...Let's Get Addicted!

2007-02-13T12:16:00.000+08:00

I came to the office today with an open heart and a new spirit to tend to my "baby". I thought of "feeding" it with some new thoughts. But as I logged on to my blog, I was panic stricken when I couldn't figure out how to post a new comment. I know... I know...I am not really a computer savvy but if other bloggers can survive why can't I? Depressed? Yes! Definitely! Yet again, why should I succumb to such a minimal challenge? Refusing to let my flame of enthusiasm diminish, I am so determined this time to not bury another "baby". So I started to ask around and before long, though my question still lingered, a blogging epidemic has started to spread across the room. Some of my fellow friends showed interest and some even voiced out the intention of getting their own "baby". What great news! But I have my own question to address to so I got back to my own blog and put my thinking cap on. I tried every possible means to find my way out of this maze. Yes! Trial and error has always been a good teacher and as you can tell... I managed to post this one. So friends, whenever you are stuck...don't panic...go back to your "baby", get to know it and before you realize, you are already addicted.

Bloggers...here I come

2007-02-12T13:17:00.000+08:00

I attended a conference on ELT Materials at Damai Laut. Out of all the papers presented, one really caught my eyes. I noticed a talk on "Blogosphere"...Wow! With a topic! So intriguing that my curiousity was triggered. I could not help but to participate in the workshop. The speaker, who admitted that she is also a "baby blogger", shared her blog with us. Her friendly approach enlightened me and her enthusiasm provoked me to start blogging again. Mind you, it is not the first time that I got to know about the world of blogs. I used to be a blooger too but after two or three lame attempts, my blog ceased to exist. I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of sharing my thoughts with the world but after the workshop, I was awakened with a fresh conscience. I said to myself, "why hinder yourself from blogging Iman? Isn't sharing is caring? And isn't it true that the more you share, the more you'll get?" So, Nazhatulshima Nolan, here is my blog and for all the bloggers out there...here I come and hopefully...to stay for good! Happy blogging bloggers!