Mercedes, Petronas & ....... Michael Schumacher

The past few days bulletin from the world of F1 has been nothing but surprising for me, a fan. First, is the news that Petronas will become the title sponsor for Mercedes. The automatic reaction you'll get from any Malaysian would be, 'Aiyaa... Petronas sponsor Mercedes? Bukan kita dah ada Lotus F1 ke? Kenapa tak pergi situ je? Membazir duit je'. I was forming the same opinion initially, though team 1Malaysia F1 will be starting next year, it has been said that Tony Fernandes is still looking for major sponsors and since Petronas's contract with BMW Sauber ended at the end of this year's season, Lotus F1 seems to be the most ideal place to go next.

What we fail to see amidst all this hype of our country actually owning an F1 team (statements : numerous time Najib insisted that it is an investment by Lotus/Proton instead. truth : funding still comes from the Malaysian taxpayers), is that Petronas is still a corporation regardless of it being a state owned corporation. Thus with it comes the expectation of being sponsors for the Lotus F1. A reasonable expectation I thought.

Then... comes along Michael Schumacher. My favourite sportsmen, the most perfect guy that existed in my mind from the age of 7 till 12. I worshipped him once, and don't worry I have come to my senses now. My support for teams has always been moving with him. If he's with Renault, I'll support Renault. If he's with Ferrari, my never-ending loyalty with Ferrari that seems to end now marked by his departure is the reason why I got bullied everyday in sekolah agama by Fikril Afiq.

When Schumi signed with Mercedes, everything seems to make better sense. Reality check; Petronas maybe one of the companies in Fortune 500 and every Malaysian citizen has heard of it but in Europe all you can hear is crickets unless you're one of the technical crews for any F1 team. They need to penetrate the world's market and with the automative industry, branding is everything. For Petronas to be associated with Mercedes and 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher is a huge jump from the unknowns of BMW Sauber and definitely, an upper hand in terms of branding compared to Malaysia owned Lotus F1.

Of course the only way that this could go bad for Petronas is if Lotus were to score more points than Mercedes, which is very much unlikely. Regardless of that, the association with those 2 big names will definitely be in the best interest of Petronas, especially in promoting it's lubricant. Yes people, LUBRICANTS.

I shall be very optimistic now, and hope for only great things to come for Michael Schumacher and the Lotus F1 team. I hope that Petronas will organize contests that allows its participants to meet Michael Schumacher and with that, I wish for a little bit of luck (prediction : changing petrol usage from Shell to Petronas must be one of the criteria for the contest. Haha) .I hope that my final examinations will not clash with the date of the race so that for the first time in my whole life, I can actually watch my favourite game.

And please, cut Petronas some slack. It's nothing personal, it's just business.

Dancing with myself

In life we expect a lot of things from others and expect others to have a certain expectation on ourselves. That's how most of us lead our life now, from the moment we wake up till the moment we reach the same bed to sleep. In between all those expectations and dreams, we tend to forget about what we need in life and tend to prioritize on things that we want, which may have arisen from trying to fulfill all the expectations that people have on us and us trying to be the person that the expectations shapes us to be.

Amidst all these chaos, we have forgotten about ourselves - About Me. What kind of expectations have we put upon ourselves and have we realised it? Since when does other's expectations of us seems greater than that of our own? Does anybody remember the person that they want to be in the future when they were six or seven? Are you really being true to yourself at the end of the day or worse, when you look at the mirror you don't see yourself anymore.

I know what I want all this while, but am desperately wanting all that I need now to be a better me. I need to feel that urgency and purpose that I never felt before.

It's raining, it's pouring

If your plane were to fall from the sky, who would you call for your last goodbye?

Meet my secret crush

I've had an obsession with Serge for awhile now.

I love how utterly cool and flamboyant he appears to be.

He was one of France's infamous music producers who was known for directing musical plays and composing many songs decades ago. Of course, he was most famous for dating Jane Birkin (with whom they had a daughter together)

It's so hard to describe it but I just have a major major boy crush on him =P

Meet my guy:

Impulsive spending

I came to The Waterfront, Desa Park City which is only a 3 minute drive away from my place for only one reason - to get ice for the open house. Instead, I saw this huge banner saying that there is a 'once-in-a-month-MPH-sale' in The Waterfront and one event leads to the other - I ended up buying Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. I usually wait for hardcovers to turn into paperbacks (exception : the Harry Potter series) but there was a 10% discount so I just couldn't resist.

So now I'm RM 89 poorer, RM 89 less from the fund I created for a pair of spectacles that I wanted. Just hope that the book will be all worth it, according to my standards. I'm ignoring all the mixed reviews that the book has just now and am gonna indulge myself into it next weekend =)

Hey guys,

I've officially moved to my old blog: www.xanga.com/purpleeyedmonster

Much love!

EID MUBARRAK!

SELAMAT HARI RAYA,EID MUBARRAK AND MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN TO ALL MUSLIMS AROUND THE WORLD!

IT HAS BEEN A GENEROUS YEAR AND I'M GRATEFUL TO ALLAH FOR EVERYTHING THAT HE HAS BESTOWED UPON US.

MAY EVERYONE BE REMINDED OF THE GREATNESS OF THE ALMIGHTY.

Have an awesome time with your family, friends and loved ones and please don't forget those in need =)

PS: I'm so emotional right now - I miss everyone back home. Raya abroad is just so sad without all my loved ones but hopefully it will still be a joyful one.

Love,
Nabila.

Must have gotten the flu from here

Wait till Friday, the price will go down as RM5!

Have you ever met anyone with the same corak of baju kurung as your's?

I miss the days when Mama buys kain and then we go to the tailor

Close proximity without mask. Hazardous!

Lucky I got out of there in time

First day of the semester break aka Raya holidays. Thanks Myra for being the chauffeur for 2 consecutive years! To my friends abroad, it's not that long till you get to prepare for Raya at home ;)

Tan Hao Ming

My favourite Yasmin Ahmad Merdeka tv- ad. Everyone has different ways of showing their love and appreciation towards tanahair, Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan!

I hate normality but sometimes, we all need it.

I like this song.Maybe because it reminds me of an incident that happened a few months ago - a bit personal to write about it here but let's just say that I'm thankful we didn't give up on us.For all it's worth, at least we know we've tried. Enjoy the song:

Girl im in love with you
This ain't the honeymoon
Past the infatuation phase
Right in the thick of love
At times we get sick of love
It seems like we argue everyday


I know i misbehaved
And you made your mistakes
And we both still got room left to grow
And though love sometimes hurts
I still put you first
And we'll make this thing work
But I think we should take it slow


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow


This ain't a movie no
No fairy tale conclusion ya'll
It gets more confusing everyday
Sometimes it's heaven sent
Then we head back to hell again
We kiss and we make up on the way


I hang up you call
We rise and we fall
And we feel like just walking away
As our love advances
We take second chances
Though it's not a fantasy
I Still want you to stay


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow


Take it slow
Maybe we'll live and learn
Maybe we'll crash and burn
Maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave,
maybe you'll return
Maybe another fight
Maybe we won't survive
But maybe we'll grow
We never know baby you and I


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
This time we'll take it slow

Monday blue?

It's just one of those days where no matter what you try to do,it doesn't seem to get any better.

Why can't I seem to find the silver lining in the cloud of darkness?

I do hope, however, that when I wake up tomorrow,everything will go back to normal.

Good night,everyone.

Explosions in the sky

As most of you know, I'm quite a fan of 'inspirational movies' and somehow good inspirational movies from the US is always based upon football. You have Remember The Titans as the benchmark and then you have Friday Night Lights the movie which was then made into a series which is not doing so good now (but the quality of the series is just as good and I don't see why its lacking behind). Anyway, the movie introduced me to EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY - a post-rock band from Texas.

They don't need words to express things. They just play it. From the moment I heard the 'friday night lights song' over and above The Coach giving out his speech during half time I was hooked(do you realise that sometimes coaches in movies are the best speakers ;p). After listening to some of their songs, I'm totally in love. Their songs are like novels, you can feel like a story is being told and better - you're the narrator. You get to choose how and what you want the song to be like since it's just good music all the way. I would recommend these albums as a must listen to, especially when you're studying and you need music to keep you alive yet not to the extend of distracting you. My favourite song so far would be 'Your Hand in Mine' . My vocab sucks, so I can't really explain to you what the music sounds like but can only explain what it meant to me. Cheers!

Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever

The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

Things always happen when you least expect it

I wish I could turn back time to last Saturday evening. I wish I could have been given the chance to explain myself when I said those words to you; I didn’t mean it. I never knew that you took it seriously. If you know me well, it was just me being me. The fact that I said those words to you just means that I like you and maybe that’s just my way of showing some sign of acceptance(and of course.. not in a like like way). I wish I could turn back time just to say how I envy you for being so smart and resourceful – that you can get anything you want in life, your future (Azwan just got 4As in his A- Levels). For being one of the kindest person I’ve met to my sister and to a certain extend – my family. You may not know this but I admire you Azwan.

But what I want more than anything right now is that you, Azwan Ariff be able to recover from your accident and the grueling surgery that you just had. I sincerely hope that you’ll recover Azwan and I hope that everyone who reads this post will also pray for Azwan, my friend.

Love is a losing game

For you I was the flame,
Love is a losing game
Five story fire as you came,
Love is losing game

One I wish I never played,
Oh, what a mess we made
And now the final frame,
Love is a losing game

Played out by the band,
Love is a losing hand
More than I could stand,
Love is a losing hand

Tho' I battled blind,
Love is a fate resigned
Memories mar my mind,
Love is a fate resigned

Over futile odds,
And laughed at by the Gods
And now the final frame,
Love is a losing game

Listening to: "I need a miracle" - DJ Skribble

Okay, so here's the deal. About a week ago, upon returning to Melbourne, I made a pact to myself that I am really not going to shop this semester. Of course, not entirely cut on it but to wisely limit my purchases to only necessary items that don't cost too much, you know? In other words, sensible shopping. Anyway, everything seems to be going well - until I randomly decided to check out one of my favorite boutiques, To The Max.

As I first step foot, I realized that most of the stocks were cleared out (I'm guessing whilst I was away for my 3-week holiday) and to make things worse/better (depending how you look at it), the new collection's completely unappealing to me. Good on you, Nabila, I thought to myself. I decided to take a 360-degree look at each rack, trying to find at least something nice around that justifies my 500-metre-walk from my place on a rainy day.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I saw them standing nicely on the rack, almost too nicely.Yes, what stood there was a simple piece of short black-and-white-striped dress with metallic zip that runs from the top to bottom of the dress. Oh shit, that's very similar to the one I've seen in a fashion blog during the Milan Fashion Week, only it's navy blue with a different cutting, of course:



And next to it was an oversized 80's-inspired three-quarter top with a small zebra print.

What started out to be an innocent gesture developed into something undoubtedly more serious. I was having second thoughts though - the price would have to be at least $100 for the dress alone, right? I mean, most of their dresses are above $200 and up to $700!

Wrong. I couldn't believe what I saw. Ok, I knew it wasn't going to be THAT expensive since it was a simple summer dress yet $59? I smiled in rejoice!

The next battle was to try it on. Please god please let it fit me. After a slight 'technical' problem, I decided that those two were just perfect for me and how can you defy something like that?

You just don't.

So, I did what any average person in my (by the way, size-9) shoes would've done and got them - well, I truly believe that was sensible shopping - when I take the time and effort to try things on and think it through before buying it, and debating whether the price was reasonable and whether or not they're versatile enough - something I normally don't do all too well.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

After I paid and spoke to the sales girl (somehow she's always around when I buy my stuffs there), I opened my umbrella and headed outside to face the harsh winter rain. The weather sucks, I'm hungry and my flats were completely soaked in water. Amidst all that, I played the chicken dance in my head (something I habitually do when I'm happy) while placing my right hand on the umbrella and the other on the bag.

It's not so bad, after all.

It doesn't happen everyday.

Had a night out with my friends a few nights ago for Mar's birthday and I must say it was so refreshing to be around them after sooooo long :)

And yes, the food was good (I especially like the Cajun claypot and the fantastic garlic king prawn with the panini bread) and I was so thankful to have worn my blue wool winter coat cause it was cold despite being indoor.Always can count on it in the cruelest winter days :)

I wish I had more of those kind of days...

It didn't rain today

Don't trust the weather report especially when you're in Melbourne.

Mr. Weatherman, please give me a sunny week in Melbourne, thank you.

Mainstream

Not that there's anything wrong with being mainstream.Most inevitably succumb to it to a certain extent and I'm no exception.

I guess over-exposures just taint my interest, that's all.

Like Johnny Depp - especially after Pirates of The Caribbean.

Like Balmain in Paris or Longchamp errrr...practically everywhere? (especially after Kate Moss' ad)

Or coffee. Yes, Starbucks and all that.

Maybe that's why I like Benicio del toro instead of Johnny Depp and hot chocolate/tea over coffee/fraps.

Am I the only one who doesn't like Michelle Obama?

Just started blogging on my old xanga blog again: www.purpleeyedmonster.xanga.com, after I completely abandoned it for almost 2 years!

Excuse the old posts that had a lot to do with what happened years back during my college days LOL.Nice memories though!

As of now, I'll be blogging back and forth but I suppose I'll crap more about my indulgences or fashion fantasies in my xanga one just to keep a reputable image of my buddy Afifah by not turning this blog into a fashion frenzy,for example,"things Nabila want but know she will never get".LOL.I suppose blaming the economic crisis for sticking back to my old blog is NOT a better excuse so there you go =P

Oh,and I do hope everyone's still alive and kicking.

Here's to new beginnings and abandoned blogs! Cheers!

Terima Kasih

To these people, thank you for making my 3 weeks holiday (most probably the last holiday I'll have before I graduate) a blast! Just in case you're not in any of the pics, it means that I've forgotten to take a pic with you. Now it's back to a new academic year, with new books and new resolutions.

Suatu petang yang teramat panas (cubaan pertama)

Makcik 1 : Tak pernah nampak pun kamu semua makan cendol kat sini. 1st time eh?

Makcik 1 : Saya anak ada 7 orang, 4 simpan, 3 tengah belajar. Yang pertama tu baru habis kolej, yang kedua tu suami saya baru hantar pergi tusyen, yang terakhir tu baru 14 tahun. Bila tak sibuk cuti sekolah ni, semua tolong saya jaga gerai ni.

Afifah : (dalam hati) Simpan tu apa? Jangan tanya, malu nanti.

Makcik 1 lalu menuding jari ke arah Makcik 2

Makcik 1 : Ini madu saya.

Afifah : (dalam hati) Lorh, ingat tu anak yang terakhir! Nak respon apa kat Makcik 1 ni?

Makcik 2 buat tak tahu lalu sambung makan cendol, gaya junior time orientation week - tunduk je.

Afifah rasa ganjal dengan situasi Makcik 1 terlalu peramah dan 'vibe' yang sangat happening antara Makcik 1 dan Makcik 2 lalu makan cepat-cepat dan ikut Abah dan Azfar naik kereta balik rumah. Cepat sangat sampai Abah terlupa nak bayar. Tapi Abah cover cakap cendol sedap sangat sebab tu sampai semua lupa ingatkan dia suruh bayar! Nampaknya, besok kena pergi balik gerai cendol tu bayar RM 4. 50 dekat Makcik 1. Mesti dia dah kutuk-kutuk orang tak bayar, penat je dia kerja ; nampak je muka baik tapi perangai satu keluarga tak senonoh.

Pengajarannya :

1. Cendol tepi jalan memang sedap, lebih-lebih lagi bila tengah panas. Kalah Pak Li di Seksyen 7

2. Afifah perlu memperbaiki skil sosialnya, nanti senang dapat diskaun dan buat kawan

3. Sifat peramah yang didemonstrasikan oleh Makcik 1 patut menjadi contoh kepada semua Rakyat Malaysia!

4. Bila makan, jangan lupa bayar!

MENU OF THE DAY

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with goat cheese and apple juice
Lunch: a plate full of rice with lamb curry, fish ball and mixed vege
Tea: Chocolates
Dinner: Rice with beef rendang and mixed vege
Supper: FLEMINGTON KEBAB (lamb kebab with mustard and garlic sauce) *yums*

I've been eating nonstop.This is what exams do to you.

Hoping it's the dog's day.

For a person who has gone through exam stress for at least 7 years repeatedly (excluding primary school, of course), what's another exam, right?

Wrong.

Well, one would think that it gets better with time, but really, it doesn't.

Apart from the typical pre-exam habits like binge eating on comfort food and being sleep-deprived, and the occasional pre-exam zits and hideous eye bags that could probably scare little kids away - it's not exactly the same.

Not when your future job interviews (which is pretty much your future.period.) depend on this upcoming exam, to a large extent. And especially not when you have to compete with not only your fellow colleagues, but with possibly thousands of other locals here who all probably have more or less the same results on job applications.

You see, it's no longer about cruising through your uni life, or letting yourself get away with not scoring in your exams. This time, it's game on. And you sure as hell hope that at this rate, you're playing the cards right.

After all, you don't get lucky every day.

Sexy boys

Listening to: 'Sexy Boy' by Air









Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Où sont tes héros aux corps d'athlètes
Où sont tes idoles mal rasées, bien habillées

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Dans leurs yeux des dollars
Dans leurs sourires des diamants
Moi aussi un jour je serai beau comme un Dieu

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Apollon deux mille zéro défaut vingt et un ans
C'est l'homme ideal charme au masculin

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Mon temps

The biggest loser (American version) is on air again! Yipee dee doo daa :)

Hopefully that will help boost my gym spirit and kick it up a notch.What happened to *ehem* getting a hot bod by summer,hmmm Nabila?

I missed those moments when I worked my ass off with the cardio machines and then feel great and healthy after.A lot of the contestants hate Gillian but I'd love to have her as my trainer.There's nothing like having a number one bitch screaming at you whilst having her watch you sweat your ass off! - if anything,it'll only motivate me more, especially when you strive to shed the kilos off and hope to have a body like hers.It's as close as you can get to materializing your dream.

Anyway,I wonder if any of the tv producers would consider doing a show on,instead of losing weight and all that, about dealing with the procrastinator in you? I swear I'd be fit to join that!But I guess I'm not as bad as I used to be, credits for that.And it wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for my everyday organizer.Seriously,who knew planning your day could be so much fun? ;) Sheesh, I'm starting to sound all goody-goody.

While I'm at it, reminds me that I've got heaps to do for tomorrow:

1) Attend investment consultation
2) Doctor's appointment @ 3pm
3) French revision for test the next day
4) Go to the bank

And yes,you guessed right...gym! That is,if I get to squeeze it in between all that.

Adios people.

Long live organizers!

A short vent

My guilty conscience is ringing a bell in my head, telling me that blogging at this time (1.30am Melbourne time) is a no-no, especially when you have exams in about 2 weeks and have plenty to study still.

Clearly, it's not working.

Anyway,I just feel like venting - about how I wished I had focus more in investment lectures or went for the tutes.Urghh.Now I have to multiply my effort by a hundred times.I'm revising this topic on bond pricing and I find yield to maturity and zero rates quite confusing especially when you have 80 slides in ONE lecture =/ God help me please.

Other than that,I am perfectly aware of how unsettled my life is right now.I should start simplifying things and get more organized.And it should start with doing the laundry (cause I'm slowly running out of clothes to wear and I hate rotating my clothes all too often) and grocery shopping since I've got zilch food in my fridge, which causes frustration and unnecessary stress like now by yours truly.

And you thought I would've learned my lesson by now....

Goodbye autumn!

The wind is sweeping the autumn leaves away, dropping hints that winter is just another few 15'C-days away.

And I am, admittedly, one of those happy people. Yes, it's my favorite time of the year in Melbourne.

I appreciate the time where people would ditch their Havaianas in favor of their winter boots, leather shoes or newly-bought sneakers. I love to see the occasional splashes of bright colors amongst the mass of black,grey and beige winter coats, and how smartly dressed people are in winter - the knits, the skinny jeans, the woolen tights and leggings, the leather jacket (although this is getting too overrated, mind you), the scarves and hats, cardigans and so forth.I smile at the idea of putting pieces together. I love all that.

And for now, I am IN LOVE with this look:



Something utterly right about the way she puts the pieces together: the pants are nicely understated yet so appropriate for winter. And the shoes and the oversized-scarf paired with the baggy jacket just make me want to beg her to sell those pieces to me on e-Bay! Simple, comfortable yet so classy. I love it.

All I need is a cup of hot chocolate, a book and a comfortable blanket with my socks and favorite pjs on. Nothing beats that.

Now I have a reason not to go out : )

C'est la vie!

I've been meaning to write but haven't had that much chance with assignments that never cease.

And to think that I've exams in less than a month is just plain scary. I haven't had the chance to actually start studying cause my life is really all about assignments atm and the amount of workload I have is too overwhelming sometimes.

Buy hey, it's my final year...no one said it was easy so i suppose I just have to suck it all in =/

I'm envious of my friends who have finished their exams since my head is kinda elsewhere amidst all the bullcrap workload that I have...that's cause I truly miss home. (Hah! - there, I've said and meant it!) I can't wait to go back this July (even though it's for less than 2 weeks) - I feel like there's a lot to look forward to this time. I can't wait to see my uncle who's recovering from chemo right now, to hang out with my cousins who are back for their summer break from the UK, to spend time with my darling sister (who's gonna start college soon!!!), the road trip, the family gatherings, to shop in Zara with my mom and sister (yes people, they don't have Zara here in Australia), to get my new kittens, eat all my favorite food and just be around all the things I missed having around me.

t's as if you picture yourself close to the finishing line and so you might as well just give it your all. I guess it makes everything easier just thinking of it. Makes missing Daniel who's in freaking Bangkok bearable. Makes the thoughts of exam acceptable, you know?

On a lighter note, I'm very very tempted to watch Gomorrah (it's a mafia movie directed by SCORSESE baby!) which will be out here tomorrow. It's a blessing in disguise that I'm flat broke - at least I won't be spending money on movies. But seriously, I just wanna get it out of my system, you know? Well, I'll probably end up watching it as soon as I'm financially sound LOL.

Anyway, I'm gonna get back to studying french, have a 20% oral test tomorrow. Wish me luck!

A bientot, tout le monde!

Finally

I never had a superhero. The way a kid look up to Captain America or Superman. I wish I felt that way about Spiderman, but I never did. Even if I did, the feeling doesn't last long enough. Once X-Men is shown on TV, I kept moving between Gambit and Cyclops. I never idolized Wonder Women or any female superheroes for that matter, I still don't understand how you can go on fighting crime with wearing that teeny - bit of cloth on your body without getting you sliced up by the bad guys. That's why I like Jubilee and even Storm (notice the liking for X-Men characters?). I know I respect Billy the Blue Ranger as not only he's a Power Ranger, but he's smart! Did I mention I also adore Sailor Mercury from Sailormoon and wish that they would put more emphasize on her character but then again, I don't want to be anyone of them.

I never had idols or role models except the Prophet p.b.u.h, and I believe that history and what we can see up till now , there's no such leader that is wise as him, who can influence the world like him and yet still manage to maintain the respect of both his followers, enemies and those who knew him.

Yet I never had a someone that I look up to, that I want to be like that is still living! It all changed when I was in high school. I can't remember the exact time - it maybe when I was in f3 or even f5. All I can safely say here is that there was this dude that started from scratch, continues to hold on to his passion - despite what people say, and the result is now res ipsa loquitor. Many people come and go but there's no one that fascinates me more than him. It feels exciting just by reading on how he progresses through his career. It maybe due to the kind of passion that I have in life and how it's quite the same with what he's doing, or he's just one of those few people that has the power of inspiring others to achieve greatness.

I believe that he's the closest thing to Superman for me now - even when he never actually rescues anyone. And I couldn't be more happy to have a chat with him today, finally. Yes people... I feel like a kid who just met Superman or his favourite hero for the 1st time and I very much like this feeling, this feeling of being inspired.

I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything else in the world! Not even an iPhone.

Ain't no sunshine... when there's the final exams

Random thoughts and happenings (following Nabila's precedence)

1. Kris Allen's version of Ain't No Sunshine is very haunting. It carried me throughout the whole 3 hours and 5 minutes (minus the 10 minutes for being late, TERLUPA statute! I couldn't be more cacat than this). He's going to be the next Jason Mraz and if he can have original songs as haunting as that, it's def. a CD worth buying.

2. More of Idol. Yes, I'm a huge fan of this show, it's another one of those guilty pleasures I have.. people just can't get enough of seeing nobody turning into a somebody. I'm so excited that David Archuleta is coming here and thanks to Zaimah (for the digi contest she entered), I'll be there to hear him live dengan suara so-matured-for-his-age-nye LIVE! [we don't have Coldplay, Duffy, Alicia Keys or John Mayer here so this kid will do :) ]

3. The opposition won both 'Bukit's. Batang Ai is still with BN. It's not a shocker, the opposition has always find it hard to penetrate Sabah and Sarawak. What is important is that it shows the fact that Nizar's back and I think this is only solidifying the fact that Perak needs an election, fast!

4. I have yet to finish the term-limit on US presidency paper that Fareez wants and somehow, having a tough paper on Thursday is not helping.

5. I'm just a little too not over you - practising the lines for Archie's song. Haha. We even need a session to interpret the definition of the title.

6. FACEBOOK STALKING ain't cool. It's a term now, according to urbandictionary.com.

7. Magistrates are not allowed to have a blog, or even Facebook profiles. I'm not so sure whether this applies to the whole judiciary or not. Bummer.

8. The Maxis iPhone advertisement is driving everyone crazy. "You are a student, so you have to spend like one" but that's a little bit complicated when you get older. As you tend to be more picky in the food you eat, it's the same thing as cravings for gadget. I know I'm not making sense but since when do I make sense?

9. Accutane (yes, I'm on drugs just not the kind of drugs you wish for) is doing me wonders after a terrible 2 months walking around while Temoh asked whether I have bad sunburn on my face but I think I'm more depressed than usual, my mood is like a yo-yo and I eat more than what I should. Yes, I do blame the drug and not myself.

10. I'm not choosy it's just that I haven't found the right person. You cannot gamble on a relationship and treat it like another selipar toilet jepun. You have to treat it like a pair of Clarks shoes, the price is high and tha's why you need to treat it good, and it treats you good in return. Eventhough it's all worned out, you still love it because it's been there for you through the good and bad times. If it causes you problem, you try to find your way around it. You just don't throw it out. Relationship = Commitment. If you can't commit, don't be in one. I know I'm bad with analogies :).

11. HELP!

A blogger's block

I find it hard to focus on writing anything remotely interesting in these past few months mostly because so many things that have been going on in my life are away from home that it's pointless to share the nitty gritty details on this blog.

I wish I was more involved with more things or people back home.

I don't wanna write for the sake of writing, you know?

Maybe I should take a break and explore many places and do stuffs I've been wanting to do but never really did. And then hopefully when I get through all that, I'll be more inspired to write (not just on this blog, mind you)

Yes, that sounds like a good idea.

I'm back but not completely back

Discovered Paulo Coelho's blog from a friend, and I think it's so cool that he has one. Putting aside those snips of him singing (another passion of him I guess), I guess his blog will be one of those oasis for me after a stupid day and all you want at the end of the day is to make sense of it. Sesungguhnya di kala kesibukan ini, kita mudah terlupa untuk membaca - dan semakin lama menjadi semakin jahil.

"Then I thought of the dead man in his pajamas, of solitude so utter and abysmal that for twenty years nobody in this whole wide world had realized that he had simply disappeared without leaving a trace. And my conclusion is that worse than feeling hunger and thirst, worse than being jobless, suffering for love, in despair over some defeat – worse than all this is to feel that nobody, absolutely nobody in this world, cares for us."

A generous week

A few reasons why I'm joyfully happy:

1) My sister got straight 10A's for her SPM! And she deserves every bit of it =D
2) I'm going to Sydney for my Easter break! Hope to buy the plane ticket tomorrow.
3) I've just decorated my room and had a spring cleaning in my lounge area. My apartment now looks twice the original size.
4) I managed to do my Corporate Finance tute and had a constructive discussion with Apok on leasing issues. I am, however, still unsure of the NPV calculations for the lessor/lessee example in Sean's lecture notes. I'm pretty sure there's a slight error.
5) I am still in the midst of organizing my housewarming with Aida - it's meant to be super glamorous. I'm so excited. We'll see how it goes.
6) My cousin K.Jehan just got married. To think that we used to play together when we were kids and now she's married? I'm so happy for her.
7) I love my french class - love the tutor/lecturer, my classmates and especially the language. Got a test this Thurs!
8) Bought a new mavi jeans (my fav) and a royal blue wool trench coat for winter, both from To the Max. Loooo-ve it!

It's not right, but it's ok.

Something happened and I guess these past few days have been an eye-opening experience for me:


1) I've learnt that no matter how clever a person may appear, they are bound to make bad judgements.I guess there are some things that just can't be taught in universities.

2) There's no such thing as perfection in a human being. I've never been more sure than I am now.

3) I've said this once and I'm gonna say it again: You don't have to be friends with everyone.

People say we don't get to choose who our parents or family are but we DO get to choose our friends, thank God for that. Everyone's got something that they look up to or relate to in a partner or a friend, for example. Whether it's their lending ears, or their soulful heart , or just a common interest that we share with each other that could be just about anything.

The way I value and see the basics of friendship is just as similar as any relationship with that special someone though you don't necessarily treat them both inclusively. And that is, if that something with that someone doesn't work out for whatever reason, it's okay to call it quits.

I don't mean to say that everyone shouldn't try to make amends or work things through. I don't bad mouth that person to the whole world, I'm fairly civilized with everybody...There's just no point in trying to act like nothing's happened and that things would remain like it used to when the reality isn't. And I'd like to reject the idea that you HAVE to put up with everything to sustain something like a friendship, for example.

Let me try and be a bit more specific here - I'm not gonna try and be nice to someone who, because of his or her self interest, alters the way things are between me and my close circle of friends. Not even if that person is, or used to, be friends with me. I'm not wired that way, I just can't put on a nice face or hang out with a person that just irritated the shit out of me, and those closest to me would know that. I won't try to rekindle just for old time's sake. Like I said, if it happens it happens, otherwise it doesn't.

If I don't wanna talk to you, it's very simple: it's because I have nothing to say. It's nothing personal and it should be ok that way because people change, and some actions alter everything.

It's something all of us have to live with.

4) Try to keep things to yourself. It's a learning process for a lot of people including myself.

Jakun alert!

I'm going to Australia. Lama lagi I know but let me be a jakun this time. Wooohooooo!! It's not really the place that psyches me up, it's more of my last chance to travel as a student part that is exciting ;). Though I wish that one day, I'll afford to have that travel across Europe plan... maybe.

It's good to have friends across borders. Yes, YOU!

Whatever

Today, I choose to blog about friends who don't have the decency to call/text when changing plans for a big event. An event in which I won't be seeing another good friend of mine for who knows how many years.

Pissed off or angry are not quite the accurate words to describe my current feeling. In fact, it's not like that at all.

It's more of like a slightly annoyed in a "like-it's-so-fucking-hard-for-you-to-call-me-yeah,whatever" kind of way. How do I put it delicately?

In other words, it means I no longer am bothered about John's farewell which is so funny cause I was the one who was excited in the beginning. Not that I don't care he's leaving - just not excited anymore. And to quote what I would normally say: Whatever. Funnily enough, for once, I actually mean it.

I shall scrap that off my supposedly to-do mental list for today and replace it with a movie marathon and finish off this book I'm reading.

Have a good day, everyone!

That time of the month.

I hate my ugly mood swings. PMS has turned really ugly this time!

HELP!

My European treat

Hello, fellow bloggers/internet-savvy people/bored citizen!

I've been busy reconnecting with the holiday spirits that I totally ignored blogging for awhile.

I guess that's what people do in order to have more stuffs to write about. On second thoughts, maybe it's just me?

Anyway, my London-Euro trip was so much better than expected - covered 4 countries in less than 3 weeks! Our first stop was London which I'm thankful for cause I've managed to make it in time for Boxing Day - Selfridges and Harrods were (especially) crazy and everyone was literally boxing their way through every possible item that they can get their hands (or feet) on.No wonder it's called Boxing Day!

We then flew to Paris via Gatwick and well, Paris is Paris. A city of love indeed, you could tell by its people (or the many thousand tourists that flocked in). Everyone suddenly became so in love in Paris and there was this air of sophistication which I believe comes from the rich culture, the inexplicably beautiful and historic buildings and a very well-planned system from its metroline to its city planning. We spent 5 days there, 2 of which were completely devoted to sightseeing and I'm happy to say that we've covered Notre Dame, Pantheon, Eiffel Tour, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs d' Elysee, and of course, the LV house ; ) I've never been in a city where everything is so... nice and proper. Too fairytale-ish for me but I like it noneheless. Everything's so proper that it's even hard to find a fat person in France (they are, after all, well-known for their slim figures) Even their McDonald's serve ONLY coke zero and all the burgers are relatively smaller in size. These Frenchies, they eat in small portions and it shows. The fashion is as proper and high-end as it gets that just by looking at the shops are itself an art - it's all about quality, style and precision. All in all, I had a really good time apart from getting chickenpox on my last day there before flying off to Berlin. Not joking y'all! I guess the chickenpox did agitate me a bit but I'm glad I had gotten it overseas because as my mom said,the cold weather was of big help and it's true. It was bearable and I'm lucky I didn't have fever, flu or anything else.

Anyway, back to Berlin! OMG, I absolutely loved Berlin! And I find it weird cause the shopping was pale in comparison to London and even the buildings were not as grand as Paris, but there's something utterly serene and beautiful about Berlin that I can't possibly put in words. There's just something about the Germans that give you a sense of discipline - something I imagine would derive from their history and hardships and you could tell by it. It was so cool to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin wall, the flea markets and restaurants, but my ultimate highlight would have to be the trip to Potsdam - an hour drive from the city of Berlin. It was said that Brangelina had stayed there for a few months while they settled in Berlin and I could see why they chose Potsdam. Imagine woody scent and naked brown alpine-like trees, clear blue flowing rivers, thick white snow but with the a sunny backdrop that gives the most amazing natural lighting, cross-architectural influences of the Dutch, Russians and Germans. No traffics, no huge shopping malls - just real people in an amazing place.

I still don't know what is it about Berlin that I really like, but I think it's the dark history behind it that although already eradicated, has given the Germans a sense of realness and genuineness that's so hard to find elsewhere.

On our 3rd day in Berlin, we took a train to Prague or better known as "Praha" by the locals (capital city of Czech Republic). Believe it or not, we survived a -22C morning while waiting at the train station in Berlin and Prague was about -10C at night. Prague's such a small city with big wonders. It's one of the few European countries that still maintains their own currency (although Euro's used everywhere). The main tourist attraction is at the heart of the city and it's easy to move about as you could just walk seeing how small it is. Let's just say that it's picturesque - a perfect definition of a fairy tale land you thought only existed in fairy tale stories. It truly is a wonder, especially at night and especially at Charlie bridge which has the best view of Prague and the Vltava river. As if custom-made to be a tourist place, Prague is a tourist's haven and anyone with a knack for antiques/chandeliers/decor/puppets/paintings would fall in love with this place. I sure did! A word of advice, it's enough to stay in Prague for 2 or 3 days max, you'll probably cover almost everything. We stayed there for 2 days, 1 night and it was fun! : ) After Prague, we went back to Berlin also via train and I must say that for those of you planning for a holiday in Europe, traveling by train is a must-do cause you get firsthand experience just like the locals and first-class views that no aircraft could compensate for. After staying in Berlin for a few more days, we jetted back to London again to meet up with my cousins who live there and had the best time ever with more shopping done before heading back to KL ; )

Overall, it's been a very humbling journey right from the start to the end. It's impossible to tell it in words as no justice would be done. There's so much to absorb in that little time I was there but I loved every minute of it. Now I'm so pumped up to travel all over the world and see everything that life has to offer. I'm sure most of you have new years resolution - I don't have any but I do wish for better things to come insyaAllah. And I surely hope that I get to travel more, which means that I'll save up for my Aussie trip 09'! But for now, thanks mum and paps! : )

Happy holidays, everyone!

Akan ku bawa bersamaku sebuah diary, ke mana-mana ku pergi supaya "pemikiran" yang datang begitu saja atau tanpa diundang akan dapat kekal bersamaku.

Unjust Peace will happen after the crisis

I was lucky to have had a tutorial session in the morning for my Public International Law class where Zaimah raised some very good points on the UN Security Council & General Assembly during her presentation. It was a moo point in the tutorial to discuss whether or not there is International Law (IL), as IL has been effective in situations where it's easy to get a consensus on issues like health and pirates. It's effective when states ratify and adhere to it. The question is ; What if states does not ratify it, and even if they ratify it, can they still get around it somehow? Political clout and will is half of international law and unfortunately, if you're one of the Big 5, you can  get away with anything. Therefore, is it really 'law' in this instance when the rule of law has been undermined ; when you can be selective in the application as to what laws you want to impose and the parties to whom the law should be imposed upon.

An extension to the day, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Chandra Muzaffar this evening, when he was there in IIU to give a talk on Gaza : International Response. He suggested proudly that JUST Malaysia and some other counterparts will work very hard to establish a tribunal - to trial the injustices done by Israel in the recent Gaza event. As much as I applaud the initiative to do something about it ; we can't escape the question of "what's next?". Even if you can establish the wrongdoings (somehow you can get get Israel to co-operate in this?), WHAT'S NEXT? Forwarding such ideas must have an end result, and objective. What will JUST achieve from this?

If one thing that I appreciate from the talk is noticing the similarities of my view pertaining to the recent issue with his, and it's good for him to spread the message around especially in IIU, where some people just don't want to listen to the other side of the story. What's happening right now does not only concerns Muslims and Jews, the injustice done by the Israeli Government and it's system is one that affects us all - regardless of what religion you're from, or even if you don't believe in a religion. It is a humanitarian crisis, and this is the aspect that we need to look into if we want to make this fight more inclusive to others. And not see it as a personal struggle of religions that wouldn't bring a step further to peace.