Alhamdulillah, finally we meet again the month full of blessings, RAMADHAN. I really appreciated the chance of being able to go through another Ramadhan month this year. It does not only teach us muslims about the need to fast, but with it comes many other beneficial and good formula for our health. Everyone should grab this opportunity to become someone very much respected in the future.
Before Ramadhan began, I have deep thoughts on how my “berbuka puasa” and “sahur” would be. In the sense that, what shuld I eat? My aunt introduced, or can I say promoted me to register under a food service company, Mangkuk Tingkat.com. This company will deliver foods for “berbuka puasa” and “sahur” to your doorstep. And, it is very much affordable too. I thought of that as the best solution to my problems. With Mangkuk Tingkat, I don’t have to crack my head on thinking about what to eat everyday. Unfortunately, I was late one day to register, so I missed the service for this Ramadhan. It’s okey, maybe not my luck.
The first few days of Ramadhan were very exciting. I managed to “berbuka puasa with my housemates at home, and we cook! That’s the best thing. This is the first experience for me as when I stayed in the hostel, we just bought food at the nearby “bazaar ramadhan”. I have to tell, home cooking tastes much better. You decide how you want your food to taste, so you can’t complain. The time spent in the kitchen together did bring us housemates closer. We share jokes, stories about our family, and some recipes we learnt at home with our mothers. It was enjoyable.
Besides the food, I am also thankful to God for providing me strength and good health. But most important is, time. Alhamdulillah, I have time to perform my “tarawikh” at the mosque nearby. But I often feel sleepy after coming home just after “tarawikh” prayer. Sometimes I just went to sleep soon after that. And leave my assignments unattended until “sahur” time comes. Guess I need to find a way to avoid my sleepiness as many assignments are on their way.
What’s very interesting about my Ramadhan this year is that I do not have the opportunity to break the fast with my family members. When my family was still staying in Kuala Lumpur, I often go back home during weekends to break the fast. Now that they’re living in Sabah, only phone calls bonded us together. My younger brothers too are fasting okey. They even woke my mother up for “sahur”. I guess they want “duit raya” from my dad if the perform full 30 days of fasting. Well, things never came free in this world right?
Without realizing it, it had been nearly two weeks into Ramadhan. How fast time moves. Maybe two or three days more, Hari Raya songs will be played on radios and televisions. That’s when the spirit of Hari Raya will be felt by Muslims. With this opportunity, I would like to wish all my friends a blissful Ramadhan, and a joyous Hari Raya celebration. May we always be united as Muslims…
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Tweety Oh Tweety
This blog wants me to address my favourite fictional character. I keep thinking and thinking. Many of the fictional characters are just watched, with no particular and elaborative reason. But in a sudden, POP! It came to my mind. I have been watching this cartoon on television since I was a little girl. And this character had always been in my head. And what's more, I really love this character. Even until now, I still watch this cartoon aired sometimes at TV3, and Cartoon Network.
I know most probably many people recognize this character. TWEETY BIRD in one of the cartoons by Looney Tunes Production. This bird belongs to Granny, who also has a pet cat called Pussycat. This is my favorite fictional character of all. The famous tagline always spoken by Tweety, if anyone can still remember is “I Thought I saw a pussycat! Very cute.
Why do I choose Tweety as my favourite fictional character? Hmm, its because first of all, I really love the yellow color of this bird. It seems sexy to a bird so cute. I really looked up to the cartoonist who came up with this image of a bird. Big round head and toned up body with adorable little wings and a little mouth. That was why I started watching this cartoon since I was 6 years old. Another reason is because I felt that the colours used in this cartoon are bright, vibrant and very appealing to the eye. And as children, it seemed really inviting to watch.
Besides the colour of Tweety, I admire its intelligence. We can see in every episode of this cartoon, Tweety always gets the chance to run away from Pussycat. Pussycat always wants to make Tweety its meal, thus Pussy always tries to trick this little yellow bird. Eventhough Tweety is far smaller compared to Pussycat; its intelligence has always managed to make fool of Pussycat, and at the same time escaped Tweety from being eaten. I remembered one episode of this cartoon, where Pussycat tried to bait Tweety to make it come out of the bird cage. The bait was of course Tweety’s favourite food. But Tweety could not be easily fooled. Instead, it ate all the food and ran into a hole where Pussy could not reach. Sometimes though, Tweety is not that smart either. At times, Pussycat with its tricks, managed to catch Tweety and put the yellow bird in its mouth. Unfortunately, Tweety is always saved by chance. Granny will realize that Pussycat had Tweety in its mouth. Granny will hit, or sometimes push open Pussy’s mouth to save Tweety. Its small size usually do make Tweety the victim.
By watching this cartoon, it shows me on how we should tolerate on each other if we’re living under the same roof. Both Tweety and Pussycat is owned by Granny, and no matter how appealing Tweety Bird is to Pussycat, they should compromise and live together. This character also portrayed the fact that size is not the hindrance for you to get the life you wanted. You can fight for what you want. Like Tweety, you can trick people using your intelligence if they try to take advantage of your physical state.
I know most probably many people recognize this character. TWEETY BIRD in one of the cartoons by Looney Tunes Production. This bird belongs to Granny, who also has a pet cat called Pussycat. This is my favorite fictional character of all. The famous tagline always spoken by Tweety, if anyone can still remember is “I Thought I saw a pussycat! Very cute.
Why do I choose Tweety as my favourite fictional character? Hmm, its because first of all, I really love the yellow color of this bird. It seems sexy to a bird so cute. I really looked up to the cartoonist who came up with this image of a bird. Big round head and toned up body with adorable little wings and a little mouth. That was why I started watching this cartoon since I was 6 years old. Another reason is because I felt that the colours used in this cartoon are bright, vibrant and very appealing to the eye. And as children, it seemed really inviting to watch.
Besides the colour of Tweety, I admire its intelligence. We can see in every episode of this cartoon, Tweety always gets the chance to run away from Pussycat. Pussycat always wants to make Tweety its meal, thus Pussy always tries to trick this little yellow bird. Eventhough Tweety is far smaller compared to Pussycat; its intelligence has always managed to make fool of Pussycat, and at the same time escaped Tweety from being eaten. I remembered one episode of this cartoon, where Pussycat tried to bait Tweety to make it come out of the bird cage. The bait was of course Tweety’s favourite food. But Tweety could not be easily fooled. Instead, it ate all the food and ran into a hole where Pussy could not reach. Sometimes though, Tweety is not that smart either. At times, Pussycat with its tricks, managed to catch Tweety and put the yellow bird in its mouth. Unfortunately, Tweety is always saved by chance. Granny will realize that Pussycat had Tweety in its mouth. Granny will hit, or sometimes push open Pussy’s mouth to save Tweety. Its small size usually do make Tweety the victim.
By watching this cartoon, it shows me on how we should tolerate on each other if we’re living under the same roof. Both Tweety and Pussycat is owned by Granny, and no matter how appealing Tweety Bird is to Pussycat, they should compromise and live together. This character also portrayed the fact that size is not the hindrance for you to get the life you wanted. You can fight for what you want. Like Tweety, you can trick people using your intelligence if they try to take advantage of your physical state.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
..Early reading exposure..
This week, I was asked to write a blog on my childhood reading experience. The topic was good, as I can share with people my favourite childhood authors and my favourite childhood book series. To compare myself now and years ago during my childhood days, I read plenty more books back then. I do not know how and why I really pleasured reading during my primary school days. In fact, earlier that that, I was exposed to toddlers’ reading books which contained colours, pictures and words. The best thing was, during the days when my family stayed in Leicester, UK, we bought lots and lots of children books. And, most of them were purchased from car boot sales there. What’s more interesting was that the materials used to make the books. Some of my toddlers’ reading book was made from cloth, and some of the book collection I have can even float in water. Besides that, my interest in reading, during that time was partially because the vibrant and appealing colours used in those books. Until now, I found out that I’m still interested in reading children’s books because they seem so attractive and interesting. But the most important thing is that the books are easy to understand…
Since childhood, my reading purpose had only been to read for pleasure. I found reading very pleasureable especially when I have plenty and plenty of free time. During my childhood days, my favourite books were those written by Enid Blyton. I started reading his piece since I was in standard 1. In UK, books by Enid Blyton can be easily found. I was very eager at reading his stories that sometimes, I forced my mom to buy the books.
When I came back to Malaysia, I often lend the books at the school library. I can say that I love going to the school library because of Enid Blyton’s storybooks. I would be at the library during recess hours and even after school. And maybe because of that, I was chosen to be the school’s librarian.
I often wonder why I was a really passionate ready in my childhood years because now, I admit that I seldom read storybooks. That was why I noticed how big the influence of Enid Blyton was in my life. I become so addicted to his storybooks that everytime I finished one story, I will crave to read his other stories. If I am not mistaken, I have a collection of 20 Enid Blyton story books which I do not know where they were kept now. Those were my treasure back then, and I felt very proud as not many of my friends have the books even though they also loved reading them. But, to be frank, I did not read all his books. My interest was to his compilation of short stories in one book.
As children, the first I look out at a book was its cover. For me, colourful book covers convey interesting story inside. That was why I was very attached to Enid Blyton’s storybooks. The book cover comes in many colours and interesting illustrations. Besides that, his stories never disappoint me. I found happiness, excitement and imagination in reading his books. The stories were unique, creatively written, and it was very easy to understand them. I just could not remember the sensation of reading Enid Blyton’s books, but until now, the eagerness to read his books still lives within me. His stories were not serious, and that suits my reading purpose well. I grew up reading his books, and definitely that had helped me a lot in my understanding of English, and in writing comprehension in schools.
I also developed my interest in English since reading stories by him. During my childhood years, his stories became my inspiration. Now, I train my younger brothers to read books by Enid Blyton. How I wish I could turn back time and be 8 years old once again, as those were the times I cherished reading so much. All the memories were still fresh in mind, and hope that I can get the motivation from my past to help motivate me to practice reading now.
Since childhood, my reading purpose had only been to read for pleasure. I found reading very pleasureable especially when I have plenty and plenty of free time. During my childhood days, my favourite books were those written by Enid Blyton. I started reading his piece since I was in standard 1. In UK, books by Enid Blyton can be easily found. I was very eager at reading his stories that sometimes, I forced my mom to buy the books.
When I came back to Malaysia, I often lend the books at the school library. I can say that I love going to the school library because of Enid Blyton’s storybooks. I would be at the library during recess hours and even after school. And maybe because of that, I was chosen to be the school’s librarian.
I often wonder why I was a really passionate ready in my childhood years because now, I admit that I seldom read storybooks. That was why I noticed how big the influence of Enid Blyton was in my life. I become so addicted to his storybooks that everytime I finished one story, I will crave to read his other stories. If I am not mistaken, I have a collection of 20 Enid Blyton story books which I do not know where they were kept now. Those were my treasure back then, and I felt very proud as not many of my friends have the books even though they also loved reading them. But, to be frank, I did not read all his books. My interest was to his compilation of short stories in one book.
As children, the first I look out at a book was its cover. For me, colourful book covers convey interesting story inside. That was why I was very attached to Enid Blyton’s storybooks. The book cover comes in many colours and interesting illustrations. Besides that, his stories never disappoint me. I found happiness, excitement and imagination in reading his books. The stories were unique, creatively written, and it was very easy to understand them. I just could not remember the sensation of reading Enid Blyton’s books, but until now, the eagerness to read his books still lives within me. His stories were not serious, and that suits my reading purpose well. I grew up reading his books, and definitely that had helped me a lot in my understanding of English, and in writing comprehension in schools.
I also developed my interest in English since reading stories by him. During my childhood years, his stories became my inspiration. Now, I train my younger brothers to read books by Enid Blyton. How I wish I could turn back time and be 8 years old once again, as those were the times I cherished reading so much. All the memories were still fresh in mind, and hope that I can get the motivation from my past to help motivate me to practice reading now.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
"High Fidelity"- Questions to Ponder
1. What is the movie about?
“High Fidelity” revolved around the story of its leading man, Rob Gordon (John Cusack) who faced miserable love relationships in his life and was ready to face the facts that lead to all the breakups he suffered. Rob had never thought of reinvestigating his love life until he broke up with Laura (Iben Hjejle). The movie started with a scene of arguments between Rob and Laura, which then ended with Laura leaving Rob and ends their relationship. Suffering from another breakup, Rob decided to include Laura in his top five memorable breakups, and is ready to recall all the five stories again in order to know what has happened to his former girlfriends, and also to know the real reason on why they have left him.
In order to re-examine his failed relationship, Rob finally comes to the decision of seeking all the girls back to know how they are doing. In order to really get over his past, Rob decides to revisit the places where he had gone with his past girlfriends. By being in touch with them again, Rob sees them differently. In other words, maturity has hit them. In one part of the story, Rob could not believe that he had fall in love for all of them back then. This was obviously evident when Rob, in present accepted Charlie’s (Catherine Zeta Jones) invitation for dinner party at her house. Charlie was his college girlfriend who had left him for another man. Seeing Charlie again after many years, Rob admitted that he had great admiration for Charlie in the past, and can now see her as how she really is. Rob had certainly matured through the years and realized many things that he had not discovered before that.
Besides the struggle of overcoming his past failed relationships, Rob suffers deeply due to his breakup with Laura. In contrast to his other ex-girlfriends, Rob felt that his love towards Laura was pure, and he needs Laura in his life. The fact that Laura is now with another man (Rob’s former neighbor) adds to his restlessness. Rob realizes the impact of Laura leaving him, and it makes him heartbroken. Thus, Rob decided not to recall his love story with Laura as she leaves the greatest impact in his life.
The climax of the story comes when Laura’s father died. Rob was invited to the funeral ceremony since Laura’s mother liked him a lot. With the grief surrounding Laura, she badly needs Rob for a fling and after that realized that she needed Rob in her life to help her continue living and to cope with the fact of losing her father. Rob finally saw that his relationship with Laura was impartial, and proposed her in marriage. That was the greatest fulfillment and happiness in his life that had helped him get through his miserable past.
Besides focusing on the life story of Rob, “High Fidelity” also includes the story of Rob’s two workers, Barry and Dick. Both of them have different personalities, and their discussion revolves around their interests in music.
2. How is the story different from other common fiction?
This movie is different from other common fiction as it breaks the stereotype of love stories we often see or experience. By watching the movie, it reflects to us that not all love stories, or human’s love relationship can end happily. Besides that, “High Fidelity” also makes the audience understand that not every individual has the lucky opportunity to meet their soul mate early in life. A very evident example is the protagonist himself. He had to go through so many breakups before finally settling down with Laura. The movie also showed us that even when we have someone special that we love, people tend to take things for granted. A saying said that relationships can be compared to growing up. We learn many things, many things needs sacrifices and change, in order to be able to understand and appreciate our partner more. Good and long lasting love relationships are built, and everyday it grows. Being able to really appreciate our partner and the ability to change in order to improve our life is the recipe of happiness in a relationship. One example that can be taken from the movie was when Laura decided to leave Rob. She had been in a relationship with Rob for several years, but she saw nothing changing in him. She does not feel so attached to Rob, thus contribute to her decision of leaving him. Eventually, with Laura breaking up with Rob, she managed to open Rob’s eyes on the need to change and become a better and successful person in life.
3. Who is your favourite character? Why?
My favourite character in the movie would be Liz (Joan Cusack). She is Rob’s best friend. I think that her character plays an important part in the maturity of the leading man, Rob Gordon. We can see how important her character was in helping Rob discovers his flaws and change. As a friend, Liz was always there for Rob, consoling him after his breakups and always tried to make things better for him. She is very understanding, and a supportive figure in Rob’s life. Rob turns to her with his problems, with the intention of asking for opinions and help. For example, a scene where Laura and Liz was sitting together having tea at a restaurant. Liz met Laura in order to know the real factor on why Laura left Rob. Even though she is a friend of Rob’s she admitted that even Rob made a mistake that led to the breakup. She realized that she has the responsibility to help Rob solve his love problems. In a way, by having Liz as his friend, Rob has a way of understanding women better. Liz provided Rob with opinions regarding the opposite gender, and it can be seen as a possible turning point in Rob’s life in realizing his flaws. Although her appearances were as a minor character in the movie, I obviously believe that she played an important part to the evolvement or continuation of the plot to the story.
4. Provide an alternate ending.
In my opinion, as the scriptwriter and producer of this movie aimed at providing audience a story that breaks the stereotype and common features of a love story, they might as well make it more uncommon of a love fiction by having a tragic ending for instance. We know that many love stories would have a “happily ever ending” note at the end of it. The same goes with “High Fidelity’ where Laura and Rob, the leading characters of the story in the end managed to confront their problems and lead a blissful life together. An alternate ending that I suggest would be whereby Rob, who has had so many failures in love, would have given up hope and loses his interest in women as he feels that they are just making his life miserable and complication. After Laura had left him and his successful attempt to know the causes of his failed relationships, Rob could be someone who learnt his lessons well, and would stay out of the love business. What will happen to Laura? I think that although Laura knows her needs for Rob, she can only be friends with him. Rob is not a romantic type of person. The way he proposed Laura, as seen in the movie was not like any typical leading actor in a love fiction. So when Rob proposed, Laura realized that she can only accept him as her close friend, but not as a lover due to the various conflicts that she faced while still with him. When this movie has a tragic ending, it proves to the audience that not all love can last together until the end.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
It's Hard to Become a Good Writer...
Mr. Jaferi asked the class to come up with a blog about the difficulties we faced during writing. Thank you very much sir, this is a very good way of understanding why students have difficulties in writing, especially poems.
From my experience, in order to come up with a good and adorable piece of writing, the subject matter, or idea is essential. And, the idea must be great. How do I get the best idea to present in my writing? That is the important part that I think is a factor that hinders me from the ability to write better. I always find myself in a situation where I have mind block, and I just could not think of a good idea to write about. Actually, there were times when my mind works eficiently, but in writing literature works like poems, it just did not come to my head.
Another problem that I do face during writing is wordlessness. No words comes to mind. I admit that I don't like reading books very much, and I think that is the contributing factor towards my lack of vocabulary. Well, how do I overcome this? I would like to be able to read books everyday, especially novels. But, I don't quite have the time. I do read novels during semester breaks though. Well, I think I have to push and encourage myself to make reading my routine. Although I seldom read novels, but I do read newspapers everyday. Can that help? I've heard that "Readers Digest" is also a good form of megazine to read in order to be good in English composition. I'll try every way I can to improve myself.
Hmm, I think those are the two major things that lead to my difficulty in writing in English. Writing poems are my greatest worries, since the words needed to be used should not be too straight forward. I hope that my friends can help me in overcoming myworries and difficulties.
From my experience, in order to come up with a good and adorable piece of writing, the subject matter, or idea is essential. And, the idea must be great. How do I get the best idea to present in my writing? That is the important part that I think is a factor that hinders me from the ability to write better. I always find myself in a situation where I have mind block, and I just could not think of a good idea to write about. Actually, there were times when my mind works eficiently, but in writing literature works like poems, it just did not come to my head.
Another problem that I do face during writing is wordlessness. No words comes to mind. I admit that I don't like reading books very much, and I think that is the contributing factor towards my lack of vocabulary. Well, how do I overcome this? I would like to be able to read books everyday, especially novels. But, I don't quite have the time. I do read novels during semester breaks though. Well, I think I have to push and encourage myself to make reading my routine. Although I seldom read novels, but I do read newspapers everyday. Can that help? I've heard that "Readers Digest" is also a good form of megazine to read in order to be good in English composition. I'll try every way I can to improve myself.
Hmm, I think those are the two major things that lead to my difficulty in writing in English. Writing poems are my greatest worries, since the words needed to be used should not be too straight forward. I hope that my friends can help me in overcoming myworries and difficulties.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wow!! The New Semester..
Compared to last semester, this new semester had been a totally different experience for me. Not everything changes, I still get to register in classes same with my friends, but other things are a wholly new challenge for me.
The last semester break was a whole lot of fun. Since my family had moved to Kota Kinabalu for several months, my break was spent discovering the many interesting places there. Besides, I also had the chance to try riding on a jet ski, scuba diving, jungle tracking, and lots more. Everything had been fantastic.
I’m kind of sad that the break is over, as I have to leave my family and stay in Shah Alam. But what can I do. These are sacrifices that need to be made. Now that the new semester has begun, time to start waking up early and spent the days going to lectures.
The most interesting start to this semester is the fact that I’m not staying in the hostel anymore. HOORAY!! Wow, did I just say that? Haha.. Not that I don’t like staying in the hostel, but I am quite excited with this new experience. Imagine, this is my first time living in a compound where I don’t have to abide by any rules whatsoever. I can say that I have the freedom now. I can do whatever I like at home. Eventhough it’s a rented house shared with 3 other friends, but it always feels like home. I cannot hide the fact that I miss my life in hostel, and all my friends there, but still, we can always meet each other during class right?.. Hmm. Although it’s fun, I always remind myself not to indulge in the “fun” so much. I always need to know my priorities staying here, and that is to study.
The first week of the new semester has been quite hectic for me. The rented house needs cleaning up to make it a comfortable place to live in. Household items need to be bought to clean the house as well. Hmm, I went to Giant Hypermarket in Seksyen 13 nearly everyday last week to buy the items the house needs. That was fine for me as I really love shopping (very much). But it makes me think how I have grown up so much. Now I need to pay the house rent, to buy groceries (we plan to do lots of cooking this semester), and pay the bills. Well, that’s life.
This new semester, the most challenging thing for me would be to wisely spend my money. I was not required to pay anything while living in the hostel, but now that has changed. I want to be independent, and I hope that I can manage every month just by spending the scholarship I receive, not the monthly allowance from my parents. I want to save it to buy the car of my dreams.
Well, classes have begun. Not so much of learning yet, but only introduction to the new subjects of this semester. Still there’s time to enjoy and have fun, and the great thing is, the scholarship is in!! Double enjoyment and fun I guess, but always need to remember to budget my expenses wisely. After a week, my life has become less hectic and things have started to settle down a bit. And now, my focus should be on my studies. What can I say? The first week left me tired, but happy and excited. I cannot wait to experience what’s in store for me this semester. Hope to be able to study well, to get new friends, and wish that this semester brings success, fortune and happiness to me..
The last semester break was a whole lot of fun. Since my family had moved to Kota Kinabalu for several months, my break was spent discovering the many interesting places there. Besides, I also had the chance to try riding on a jet ski, scuba diving, jungle tracking, and lots more. Everything had been fantastic.
I’m kind of sad that the break is over, as I have to leave my family and stay in Shah Alam. But what can I do. These are sacrifices that need to be made. Now that the new semester has begun, time to start waking up early and spent the days going to lectures.
The most interesting start to this semester is the fact that I’m not staying in the hostel anymore. HOORAY!! Wow, did I just say that? Haha.. Not that I don’t like staying in the hostel, but I am quite excited with this new experience. Imagine, this is my first time living in a compound where I don’t have to abide by any rules whatsoever. I can say that I have the freedom now. I can do whatever I like at home. Eventhough it’s a rented house shared with 3 other friends, but it always feels like home. I cannot hide the fact that I miss my life in hostel, and all my friends there, but still, we can always meet each other during class right?.. Hmm. Although it’s fun, I always remind myself not to indulge in the “fun” so much. I always need to know my priorities staying here, and that is to study.
The first week of the new semester has been quite hectic for me. The rented house needs cleaning up to make it a comfortable place to live in. Household items need to be bought to clean the house as well. Hmm, I went to Giant Hypermarket in Seksyen 13 nearly everyday last week to buy the items the house needs. That was fine for me as I really love shopping (very much). But it makes me think how I have grown up so much. Now I need to pay the house rent, to buy groceries (we plan to do lots of cooking this semester), and pay the bills. Well, that’s life.
This new semester, the most challenging thing for me would be to wisely spend my money. I was not required to pay anything while living in the hostel, but now that has changed. I want to be independent, and I hope that I can manage every month just by spending the scholarship I receive, not the monthly allowance from my parents. I want to save it to buy the car of my dreams.
Well, classes have begun. Not so much of learning yet, but only introduction to the new subjects of this semester. Still there’s time to enjoy and have fun, and the great thing is, the scholarship is in!! Double enjoyment and fun I guess, but always need to remember to budget my expenses wisely. After a week, my life has become less hectic and things have started to settle down a bit. And now, my focus should be on my studies. What can I say? The first week left me tired, but happy and excited. I cannot wait to experience what’s in store for me this semester. Hope to be able to study well, to get new friends, and wish that this semester brings success, fortune and happiness to me..
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