Éclectique

In light of the impending elections, many are tired of BN and are calling for a change of government.  To my friends who can vote, take a moment to think whether the options truly are better than BN. I am not saying BN is good and squeaky clean, nor am I trying to shove my ideology down your throat.  But take a moment to read up, think, listen to ALL sides (pro-Bn, pro-Opp, & neutrals).  Listen to their arguments.  Research whether the claims are true or smear campaigns (they are so rampant these days), whether their arguments hold water, and then re-evaluate whether a change in government really is in the interest of the people.  If it is, then by all means, vote for it. :) Remember; there is no such thing as a clean politician. I personally have heard very few complaints against the Opposition and that scares me.  It scares me because I do not know their lies.  It scares me because the people may have been blinded by their frustration with ...

This is my answer to a question my friend posted on Facebook.  His question was, "What say you guys?  Please, I want to hear a mature point of view from you guys," and pertains to an article published by The Independent.  Do read the article first. :) Fi rst of all, I strongly oppose gender segregation.  In developed countries like Malaysia and the UK, I think it achieves little.  What is the couple going to do?  Have sex right on the floor?  Not likely.  & if the girl is being harassed by a member of the audience, she need only ask for help and that particular member of the audience would be promptly escorted out. The university's move to ban the group, quite frankly, is acceptable.  The group was formed with the university's permission.  It is understood that the university does not tolerate segregation in any form and it was made clear to the group organizing the debate.  Yet, they chose to ignore the university's polic...

Ramadan is a tricky time to stay fit. It's very much possible, just for me, it requires more discipline compared to other months.  Usually after iftar, I'm either too full/worn out to do sports and/or I am going to tarawih with my family. My parents seem fine with me doing exercises late-er due to Ramadan but when something isn't in your routine, it feels odd. Maybe I still should train at night, like when I played rugby; we trained at night after tarawih.  I'll do that. So tomorrow night, night run. I'll try to hit 6km & see how I fare. Minimum distance I need to run is 4km. I'm sure my fitness is quite bad. I haven't really done much training since Port Dickson International Triathlon, which was about three weeks back or so... O-O September is going to be a busy busy month.  I have the Adidas King of the Road 10km road run, Taiping International Marathon (I'll most likely be doing the 21km half-marathon), Desaru International Triathlon (still ...

There's so many questions! What do I want to do? where do I want to go? how am I going to afford it? Let's start with the first question; what. What do I want to do? I feel like taking engineering but I'm not sure I can carry it -- thanks to poor grades in Add Math so far. I really REALLY hope I did way better this time. Insyaallah. If I do go for engineering, what type of engineering? Not civil. You're not supposed to take that right away, I think. Mechanical? I like to tinker with stuff but I'm not too sure about job opportunities. -Sigh-. Second question; where. This is very much depended on what course/field I'll be taking. But I really really want to go to the US. Maybe Canada. Ivy League colleges are too expensive. The US and Canada have a lot of good colleges. I'm looking for a QUALITY education. Any good college should provide that. I'll just have to keep scouring. Right now, I'm just looking at application deadlines, ent...

It's nearly the end of Ramadhan and tomorrow, I'll be hitting the road heading back to my 'kampung' or village in Perak which is about 100+ kilometres up north. My father said to brace ourselves as traffic is bound to be heavy, especially with Eid il Fitri right around the corner. I'm bored and I can't sleep. Lately, the state of our education system keeps playing on my mind. Learning is supposed to be fun. That's the most efficient way to learn. Where you see it's application in daily life and you get the appreciation because you know how it works. Well, when the students despise going to school, something isn't right. I can tell you for a fact, I learn best when I know and understand it's application in daily life. That really helps me. Like history, it's facts regarding what has happened and I kind of like history so I'm sort of alright there. Modern math is fun to do because our teacher really walks us through it one by one, ...

The 1 week semester break has been extended to 2 weeks due to Eid il Fitri. So once school reopens, it's 3 days of school and then on Thursday, TRIALS! Huhu. So for those of us in Form 3 & Form 5, these 2 weeks is not so much a holiday as it is a study-a-thon. I feel our exam-oriented system is stressful on students and actually limiting our opportunities to be all-rounders. Too few are scoring A+'s AND excelling in the co-curricular activities. Our syllabus is heavy and I think getting heavier. History is about to be incorporated into the primary school syllabus. The Standard 1 kids are already learning Science. It is literally back-breaking work. Those little kids in Primary school can't lift all those books without damaging the back posture. And when we consider leaving the heavy textbooks in class. It's not allowed. What the? Anyway, I'm bored and having trouble sleeping. My birthday is in about 2 weeks and my family is asking me what I want for...

I ask; what is personal belief? And at what point is your personal belief compromised? Is personal belief something that you believe is right despite any doubts that you may have? Is it compromised when you feel like going against your personal beliefs every time you run into the same situation? Or is personal belief the very thing that prevents you from giving in to your emotions because deep down, you know that not giving in is the right move to do? For example; my mother often makes rather hurtful remarks about the things. Destructive constructive criticism you may say. And for those of us in the Eastern culture in particular, it is very much unacceptable to talk back to your parents. Many a time in such situations, I feel like storming out of the room or shouting back at her. So do I actually believe in my personal belief of not talking back no matter how much I want to? Or am I merely submitting myself painfully to the norms of society?

Friday night, my parents had decided that this weekend, we would not be going out of the house except for necessities like groceries, Akid's swim class, family meetings, etc. So, naturally, I was prepared -- sort of -- for a weekend full of studying. I sort of guessed as much because next week is Akid's birthday. I'll put up a post when the time comes. Anyway, as I had said earlier, I was sort of ready to face a weekend of studying and then another week of the same activity -- huhu. Then today, while having snack after Akid's swimming lesson, my mom decided that on Monday morning, we were going to swim in Putrajaya. A series of things came to mind in this order; Putrajaya-mountain bike-Putrajaya Challenge Park-IDEA! Inevitably, my dad caught the look on my face -- or he was thinking about it too -- and said we would check out the park since it was close by AND that we would bring my mountain bike along. WOOHOO!! I only face two dilemmas; one of which is easily solved. ...

Recently, so many things I enjoy have been cut down. Among which include; my phone, my laptop, PS3 and TV. And though I admit, it is pretty much my only ticket to getting back to the US where I can see once more what the country of my birth looks like. Last time I was there was 13 years ago. I want to go back. But then there's something my mom keeps saying; work hard now and enjoy success later. Problem is, first was UPSR, then was the constant monthly exams, then PMR and then SPM. Once all of that is done, you have 4 not-so-relaxing months applying for colleges that will accept your SPM Trial results. And when we finally do get into a college, we have to struggle -- again -- to stay in college, graduate with decent results and get a good job. And finally, we're done struggling. AAANT (buzzer sound) WRONG ANSWER! Why? We have to work hard until we're seeing therapists to stay sane otherwise that 6-digit paycheck we worked so hard to earn, won't come in. So, we...

It's only the first-week of school and already it's getting a wee bit complicating. First there's the upcoming sports day to contend with. In which I -- somehow -- ended up AJK Kawad Kaki for Earth. I don't want to be that! I pulled out of Kadet Bomba for that AND to focus on other things. Like studies, before anyone can say anything else. Then there is fact that sports day is on 6th February, on which I also have the creative writing course. This situation could get a bit sticky... -Sigh-... Oh, and the Honda Scholarship I want to check out. Then there's the dilemma with the rugby team because the juniors are in the afternoon session. And last, but most certainly not least, my academics. I hope their improving. And I'm not sure about EST... I think go for it first and see.

Yes. I have a studies-related dilemma & school hasn't even freaking reopened! Wow. Looks like its going to be a rough year from here on in. What is my dilemma? My physics tuition is scheduled on Fridays. I know right now you are thinking, "alright, he's lost it. There's nothing wrong with physics tuition on Fridays," True, there shouldn't be. But wait just one moment. I also have rugby practice on Fridays. NOO! My head says drop rugby and focus on physics but my heart says drop physics & play rugby. And given the past evidence, the new physics teacher isn't quite up to the mark. I mean, I managed to scrape 70% with my old teacher but barely passed with the new one. I know, maybe it is me but I'm merely stating my inference and observation, respectively. My dad too is undecided. I am yet to discuss with my mom. We shall see. -Sigh-. Looks like a rough year ahead. -Gulp-.

It is a lovely morning and a thought hit me when I was in the shower. I notice at the pool & the beach, there are two main types of people. The first is the kind who goes for the pool/sea and start swimming and splashing. Enjoying the water and waves. Then there's the kind of people who will pounce on the nearest sun lounge and well, just lounge. I've tried to just lounge before, at the beach. But I get way too damn bored and I jump into the water. Hehehe. I love swimming too much. Though I prefer the swimming pool over the sea. Well, save for snorkelling. Hehehe. What about everyone else? Swimming in the pool/sea or lounging by the beach/deck?

Its been so long since I blogged. I've been caught up with studying and doing the Bio presentation and so many other things. I know, lame excuse, I used to be able to find time, etc. Its just I can't seem to pass my Chemistry & Add Math papers. I swore I did so much better for Add Math. Yeah sure, my marks went up from 10% to 35% or 38% but its not enough. I need to PASS. *Sigh*. This year is almost up and next year I have SPM. NOOO! So next year it's back to seminars, books, minimal TV & no PlayStation 3. ToT, The horror! Haha. I'm overreacting. Anyway, before zooming too far into the future, how to kick back during the holidays? Hmm. If only kicking back was as simple as portrayed by this cute kitten. Hehe. The rugby team is organizing a 3 day 2 night stay at Langkawi on December 15th but I'm not going. My dad isn't exactly screaming 'yes' and my mom gave a flat 'no' so I'll stay home. Kind of a bummer but it's ...

Hello everyone. I'm so sorry I've neglecting this blog and its readers. Anyway, Ramadan is almost over. It feels so short this year. Raya is coming up. But if things keep going the way they are, I won't be returning to Taiping this year for Raya. Then again, two of my cousins there are sitting for their PMR & SPM examinations, respectively. Good luck to them! Next week there is no rugby practice and no Add Math tuition. Speaking of Add Math, I still need to ask my teacher for my results. Hope I didn't do too bad. My birthday is coming up. I haven't asked for anything -- nor am I expecting anything. All I hope for is that my Add Math results turn out OK. I've really been working hard at it. Ms. Shereen -- our Add Math tuition teacher -- gave us all -- her class(es) -- duit raya! Haha. Thankyouthankyouthankyou! Hehe. Dah dapat 1st duit raya. Muahaha! That's all for now. Au revoir.

I changed places in class today. I want to give it a shot. My results have been horrible and I really REALLY want to turn them around. Naturally, Liyana isn't too pleased about it. Neither am I but I need to do this to try and turn my grades around. Unfortunately however, Syarul's books are still in the desk and I really am too lazy to move it. I found I can focus better in my new place but unfortunately, its also lonelier. Liyana used to be right behind me so whenever I was bored or the teacher finally stop yapping, I could just turn around and just immerse myself in this safe sanctuary where I can escape the worries and pains of reality, be it even for the shortest while. Hmm. Should I go back to my place in front of Liyana or stay at Syarul's old place beside Ayie? I don't know. I'm torn between my concern for the future and my care for the present.

The first week of the new semester is approaching its end. It's been a roller coaster. My grades are improving -- minutely -- but I'm not happy with them. They're horrible. So I'm considering tuition. Considering. Haha. After 10 years of formal education, I'm finally voluntarily considering tuition. Hey, I got 5A's for my UPSR & 7A's for my PMR with that formula. But I fear that my luck is running out. So I don't want to risk it. I'm definitely taking at least Physics, Chemistry, Math, Add Math. Considering between BM and Bio. Hmm.

Ever felt like your whole world just got blown up? Yet remained intact. It formed billions of little cracks all over by a force that should've ruined it. Shell-shock would be a fitting term. More specifically, you feel like everyone is out to get you. And you cannot trust anyone but everyone seems oblivious to what you're going through and life carries on? Like you're detached from the world yet, at the same time, at the centre of it? I know, I'm probbably making no sense but if anyone has ever felt it, there's nothing scarier than that. The feeling that life goes on without you but yet, life is intent on blowing your world up... Yaddaa, yaddaa, I probbably sound delusional...

Jeez. It's been a while since I last published a post. My body's sore at the shoulders, legs and just under the ribs. Rugby practice. Yeeha. But I'm not complaining. I love it. The fitness, the team work, everything. Happy CNY to all my Chinese friends. May you have a prosperous year. I really miss her. Miss her like crazy. I know, it's probably revolting that you're reading this but hey, when you're head over heels like this, it's not exactly easy to let go. Scratch that; it's IMPOSSIBLE to let go. Valentine's is just around the corner. It bugs me I can't get her much. Though she's never expected much, I still feel bad. Guess I'll just have to make my current plans a bit more theatrical and such. Shouldn't be too hard. Wonder how much does a single rose cost... Unfortunately, I can't get one without being noticed. Damn. Ah well, gotta keep working at it eh? Um... sorry about the little monologue up there. Jus...

As the title suggests, this has something to do with footwear. It's difficult to find footwear that will last at least 3 years in terms of not falling apart. Most will fall apart after 3 months. My current sneakers held up for about a year+ thankfully. But now it's falling apart so I need a new one. No more Nike for me. But I'm still not getting Adidas. Yes, I'm a Nike person for life. But I'm not buying any Nike from Malaysia. Minimal quality control -- if there is any to start with. I'm considering either Puma, Fila or Skechers for my next sneakers. I'm hoping it won't fall apart either. Those Fila sneaks aren't that bad. Neither are the Skechers. I'm torn between going for the tennis shoe-style sneakers or for the hardy hiking boots... If I go for the hiking boots, I'll look for Colombia or something. Hm... I think it's time I had somewhat of a makeover. Tennis shoe-styled sneakers it is. As for the sandals, that's ...

Why is it that we teenagers are faced with the same dilemma year in, year out? Whenever the school break starts, we will suffer. There has to got to be a way to overcome our boredom. Aargh! Then there are the PMR results to worry about this year. Goddamn it. You know what, after sitting down and letting this play through my mind for quite a while, I've come to realize it's not my friends that I miss so much, it's my girl. I love the feeling of being with her. It's like being on cloud 9. Seventh Heaven, some might say. Just being able to see her smile brightens my dad. It kills me to see even the slightest hint of pain in her eyes. Those alluring brown eyes. I miss her so much & listening to our song ain't doing much good. You might be thinking "what the hell am I telling you guys for?" or "Oh god, not another sorry lovesick puppy," but it's my blog so please, take it as it is. Anywho, writing about it helps a bit but not m...