The Lost Spirit

I am almost there.....
My dream goals are within my reach...
Just a lil bit more efforts and struggling...
I would get what I really DESIRE right now...

I want to complete my M.ed TESL this sem..
I want to have a permanent and rewarding career as a lecturer
I want to have my own tuition centre
I want to pay off the debts
I want to shop till I drop
I want to travel whenever I like
I want to have babies
I want SOOOOOOOOoooo many things...

But what I extremely want the most as of now is nothing but MOTIVATION..
Something that can push me harder so that I would go far in realizing my dreams...

Out and About!!

My second outing with Hubby was cycling in the evening. We took the trail provided specially for bikers and pedestrians. It was cold and windy..thank god that it was sunny too!!

We had our own electric bikes. I had never used one before so when I started cycling, the bike jerk forward fast with a slow cycle. Surprised, I let out a small scream...hehe. After adjusting myself with the bike, Hubby and I set off our race...Well, not really a race...I swear I'd kick my Hubby's ass if he beat me at it..LOL.

We stopped here and there to snap photos. I bet you would do the same thing too aite? Captured pictures keep our memories stay alive. I had made sure Hubby photograped my actions as we went along the trail. He did the unpaid task really well. 

Splendid!! 

You could see the pictures below. 

Thanks Sayang!!

It took us an hour to go further down the town, cycling between bushes and buildings. Though we got ourselves out of breath, the cold evening didn't sweat us much. We had so much fun..just the two of us...FYI, my Hubby has a sense of humour, so he did a lot of funny things through out the short trip...I was really overjoyed to have shared the special moments with him by my side. 

After we paid the rent for the bikes at the receptionist counter, we went on foot towards the nearby public park. I saw lots of play stations and the one that caught my attention was a stage of trampolines.....too bad the counter was closed. If else, I would drive myself mad, jumping up and down on one of the trampolines available. Guess it was not my lucky day eh? 

I didn't want to spoil the mood so I decided to drag my husband exploring the park a lil bit farther. The breathtaking view awed My Hubby and I. 

Since it was really late in the evening (if it wasn't summer, supposedly it was getting dark), almost no one was in the park. Silence kept us calm and I tell ya....the romance was in the air. We ran after each other freely without anyone watching. He tricked me with a silly act and lifted me off the ground. I felt dizzy for a split second. I had a rough landing on the ground, almost lost my balance there....speaking of gaining weight...haha...At one point, we shared our quick smooch in the park. I hardly kiss and tell peeps..But this one was really overwhelming. TOO Hot to handle....(now I'm blushing). Shooshh...This is just between you and me. 

We took pictures some more and headed back to the Hotel. That evening is definitely going to be stored in my mind for the rest of my life.

\(^0^)/

A Free Cat Shaun Is

Everytime Shaun is given the freedom to wander about outside of the house, Hubby and I would be having difficulties to get him back inside at night. He would run around the house and stay put in our neighbours' compound. We would call after his name softly and beckoning him to come towards us before grabbing him plus knocking him hard on the head. Silly eh? We probably think that the attempt might get him back into his senses. 

Well ...last night, after contemplating on things concerning Shaun, Hubby made up his mind to just let Shaun go free as he will.  I was taken aback with the decision for i know that many consequences will occur as resulted to that decision. Shaun probably likes the idea but sooner or later his safety may be in jeopardy. Dogs are on the loose in the neighbourhood and he also needs to get himself into many fights with other OTAI (old timer) cats just to be accepted in the community. Sounds rough eh? 

Hubby could not stand to see his cat trapped in his cage meowing out loud non stop begging to be free. Shaun is getting older you see....He needs a partner....That's his nature...We have no rights to stop him ..We cannot avoid the fact that it is totally wrong to have an animal locked up. 

So today, when I left the house to drive Hubby to work earlier before Subuh, we allowed Shaun to have his first adventure as a free cat. Once I was back, i saw him in front of a neighbour's front gate. Guess he was enjoying the moment. Ignoring him, I went inside the house and locked the door. Out of a sudden, to my surprise, it was raining cats and dogs outside. I was wondering about Shaun but shrugged the feelings for I believe he might survive his first adventure. Well bet that I was right......He just walked into the house a few minutes earlier looking very horrible....He was soaked!! I acted as if I couldn't care less.....He kept on cleaning after himself and came towards me for a pat on the head.....Now he is sleeping soundly. "Way to go Tiger!! I'm proud of you."

Strolling by The Lake

After Hubby was back from his first course class, he took me strolling by the nearest lake. The lake is so large, as far as the eye can see. We went down the path but we didn't go far. It'd be best to enjoy the scenery even more if we were on bikes. So Hubby promised to take me cycling later so we could both exploring the local place and admiring the houses and buildings in the surrounding. 

I saw many Italians were having their relaxing moments with their partners. They were mom and daughter slowly jogging while having a chit-chat, a middle-aged man walking his big and fierce looking dog, a young couple on the bikes and also an old couple walked side by side....what a view!! Most of them were enjoying their summer with their loved ones....well, count me in too!!

Later we were driven to Bennet (local shopping mall) by two pilots who are Hubby's colleagues. They had stayed in Montelago longer than Mr. W, Hubby and I. Since they had  a rental car and were quite familiar with the place, they offered to drive us to Bennet so that the three of us were able to buy foods to be made as stocks. I wanted to buy cheese so badly but got myself frustrated when none of the cheese available were Halal. There was even a pig's leg hanged just above the cheese racks. Pfffftttt...Luckily I didn't stand so close to the wall if else....satu kerja pulak la nak menyamak kan....:( 

Hubby and I bought a pack of 6 large bottle minerals, two bags of chips, a small bottle of salt and a bottle of olive oil. That's all...

I'll update the cycling activity post in the next entry.

Me in Cartoon Version

Contemplating to get married is one thing. Preparing for the event is something.

      

     It took me ages to get every single thing I had planned to be completed just in time before my BIG day. Namely setting the date, the sketch I requested from Kartunis UBI, 'hantaran', venue, catering, tents, dresses, tables and chairs, photographer and the list goes on. [Really felt relieved that everything went well, alhamdulilah]. 

    Those who are planning to get married soon, there is no doubt that you might find yourself tangled up in a mess as well as experience the same depressing moments and hustle that I had been through. Patience is highly demanded between you and partner including family and relatives as well as those people who are specially hired to assist and work out your plans. Remember, no matter what it takes, you have to stick to your plans. Seriously...

I don't intend to share the whole details of my wedding plans here. [If you need to ask some questions, contact me for further information. I'd be happy to assist you]. But I just want to show you my own caricature, which was drawn by Kartunis UBI. The image is used for our wedding cards, badge buttons, paper bags and the banners. It is nothing fancy yet I am happy to have my own caricature printed on the will-be-remembered-for-the-rest-of-my-life wedding cards. 

Here is the stage one sketch Kartunis UBI sent to me before he actually began drawing our faces (Hubby and I). I had requested for few additional features such as my two moles under my right eyes, tiara and etc.

 After went through about 3 stages of editting and after months of waiting, my patience really paid off. Below is the finished touch.
 

 

Those who know me, may find it hard to notice the resemblance but heck....cartoon is a cartoon. HaHa..

P/S: It is strictly prohibited for you to steal my images. 'ALL RIGHTS RESERVED"!! 

My Everything

Super Mom Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.  You're patient when I'm foolish; You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task.  You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call.  I love you more than you know;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!   By Joanna Fuchs   I dedicated this to my mother.  I love you Mak everyday as long as i breath.You are MY EVERYTHING MAK!!

Be a CopyCat

     

     Bear in your mind that English language cannot can be acquired easily. You don't have to spend a lot of money by attending courses to master it. You don't have to forget your custom and culture in order to understand the language. You don't have to travel out of the country just to meet the native speakers and try to act like one. You don't have to do all that. All you need the most is definitely interest. Then guts, practices and enriched vocabs are counted to enhance your language proficiency. Very simple isn't it? Supposedly most of you must have nailed the basic grammar since your school days, haven't you? So I guess the only barriers that you have to get rid off are the lack of exposure and practises, am I right?

    How you could do that??

     Well if you ask me, I would tell you to watch a lot of movies, films, dramas and what nots. Everybody loves doing that. You don't need a lot of money to invest on this fun activity. It is one of the hardest simplest ways to learn English better and faster. How??? A movie for instance has its own story line as well as various of characters. Each character has his own lines or dialogues. Try to imitate the spoken dialogues by using the correct intonation and facial expression. Have them practised with someone right in front of you or merely a mirror could do. Repeat them over and over again until you sound almost native like. Next, apply the same sentences (if they are relevant, of course) in your daily conversation with colleagues and friends. Challenge yourself even better by approaching foreigners (those who aren't criminals) on the street and start having a conversation with them. Dare yourself to do it. Once and for all!!

    Have FUN with the language!!!

 

Expect the Unexpected

       I believe everyone has their own experience dealing with many kinds of people who work behind the service counter. They could be servicing us foods, lodging, and yada yada. The most essential elements that we expect from these personnel are no other than warm and polite treatment, positive attitude and proper language, indeed. Does not matter if you are wearing branded clothes from head to toe or just simply looking very plain and down to earth, the treatment should be equally fair Never ever be judgmental towards others. You may not be aware that the person you are servicing is someone of high status eventhough he or she looks very far from elegant. Simply put, "Never judge a book by its cover." 

But then again, I guess not everyone is concerned about these crucial elements stated above. It is understandable that majority of those who don't have high education may have high tendency to show improper attitude in certain circumstances (merely my opinion, not a fact). Why do I say so? Here goes...

         After quite a long time since I last had fun at the bowling alley, Hubby and I went to bowl yesterday. Don't ask me where 'coz I know you guys would know exactly where the place is. I brought along my bowling shoes and a ball which were placed inside a backpack (Just so you know, I don't have the proper bowling bag). As usual, the excited me would be the one to stand at the counter to place the order. Normally, you are required to let the person who works behind the counter knows the number of games each bowler wants, the pair of socks you need and lastly of course the pair of shoes.

          In my case, I only needed one pair of shoes, no socks at all plus 3 games for each. The moment I said one pair of shoes, the 'tomboy' sarcastically asked, " Kasut ape?" I was taken aback...If I were KIMORA LEE SIMMONS, I would definitely pulled a face. Gosh...puhleesee...Do you play HANGAROO?? I like the hot question that is asked by the cute Kangaroo.."Are you an idiot or sumtin'?" Of course I referred to the bowling shoes...HELLLOOO!! We are at the bowling alley, NOT at the Al-Ikhsan Store. She snickered when I said "Kasut bowling lah." If she did it on purpose thinking that I know nothing about the rules which is compulsory for every bowler to wear a pair of bowling shoes, she could just at least ask me why I needed only one pair instead of two??? Just because i wore high heels at that time with make-up on my face, she couldn't jump into conclusion by thinking that I was such a Drama-Queen. Haven't you seen any athletes wearing their best when out of the field or court? Athletic people are varieties in styles and ways.Put the D to DUH!! (rolling my eyes twice!!)

         Enough with the 'tomboy.' Screw her. Next, Hubby went to the right side of the counter asking for his size number of shoes. This time another girl attended to his request. She gave him what he requested but before Hubby moved away, I noticed that the front outer lining of the shoes was a bit torn up. It looked like someone hanging out his tongue. I asked her politely, requesting for a substitute. She startled me when replying out loud "Saya malas lah nak ambik." When I heard her, I thought the shoe rack was far from where she was standing but the truth was, it wasn't!! It was just below her knees. I stared at her blankly. After a moment, she did bend down and take out another two pair of shoes. Showing them to us by adding, " Yang ni lagi teruk. Itu ok lagi ada tapak. Yang ni langsung takde."  I was like, "Oh, Okay. Fine. Thank you." But what was with the tone of voice young lady?? I did not ask something ridiculous that you could not do. I didn't criticise the FUGLY shoes that you have in the rack. I didn't even compare your bowling alley with MIBC (Melaka International Bowling Centre) which got the largest space (after the collapsed stadium in Terengganu) [correct me if I'm wrong}, cleanest and most beautiful shoes plus newest equipments. I DIDN'T say all that, DID I?? Shrugged and feeling irritated, I walked away from the counter looking very grumpy.

      WELL DONE!! You two $&^&*^* people, just spoiled my mood for the day!!! I had never been so thankful. (Please read this while placing both of your hands on the shoulder with your eyes looking up to the ceiling).

        You know what, I could go on and on stating matter-of-factly that the two people are simply 'chowder-heads.' I did not act cocky at all but they tried to mess around with me by serving Hubby and I badly. No manners!!

       Hubby said to me, "If they are smart enough, that wouldn't be their jobs in the first place." Well honey, you are probably right. I totally agree with you.

P/S: So you guys out there, please "EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED."

Cooking Is my SOUL FOE

I have never been a big fan of cooking dishes. Throughout my teen years, all I know was eat, eat and eat. Don't get me wrong. I did my part in the kitchen as well which was washing the dishes and help Mak preparing the ingredients. Not that bad huh? Things are different now. If before this I could just simply said NO to cooking and helping Mak to serve the family meals, but since I am already a wife to Hubby and a daughter-in-law to Ma and Aboh, I have to get myself familiar with the different types of recipes and prepare them all by myself. So far, I hardly passed Hubby's level of expectation and taste. This failure makes me really upset. If I fail to satisfy his appetite, I would definitely do a lot of damage to others'. Scary isn't it? Well...poor me. Hopefully, I'll improve my cooking skills from time to time without even giving up. Never ever.

P/S: Im now good at cooking Black Pepper Steak...\(^0^)/

Blog Face-Lift

Phew...finally I'm done with the face-lift process....hope this new background helps my mind and your mind at ease. Enjoy reading my blog!!

Dream in Malay English

There are few many ways that can be done to test whether you are really good in Malay English language or not. The simplest way is of course through your dreams. You might be saying "Why dreams? How could that be?". As you know, dreams mainly occur whenever your brain activity is high. Not many people remember the images, ideas, emotions and sensations that appeared in their sleep. We are in the state of subconscious: everything happens beyond our consciousness. Meaning, we do not have the power to control our minds. Dreams may be real to us while asleep. You could end up in a really frightening moment or exciting, magical, melancholic to adventurous. Notice the conversation which takes place in your dream. Is it in Malay or English?? If it is the former (Malay), you still have a long way to go before you actually empower English. If it is the latter (English), well done!! You are now have moved a step further in your journey to empower the English language. In other word, it is a sign that your ability to use the target language in the real life is quite impressive and excellent. 

P/s: If you are not good at conversing in English in reality but still dream in English, it is time for you to make THE DREAM COMES TRUE.

Dictionary a.k.a Best Buddy Ever

I laughed when I was once told by my lecturer to always keep my Mr. Dicky a.k.a Dictionary by my side. In fact, i have to make it as my BFF...the bestest ever! Well, to think about it over and over again, i guess the idea is not that bad after all. You NEED to improve your VOCABULARY but at the same time you are way TOO LAZY TO READ english reading materials right? The easiest way to do is of course to read and memorize the words listed inside the English-English dictionary instead. You heard me. You got nothing to lose by the way. So when someone come sneaking behind you and smirking, you tell them that "If you have nothing better to say, buzz off! I am more interested to put my nose in the dictionary rather than looking at your face!" Hah! Suit yourself.

Make a Mirror as your BFF

Low self-esteem and lack of self-confident are always be the main reasons of deficient conversing in English language among language learners. This could be due to the fear of being the laughing stock in class or elsewhere if making any silly mistake in terms of pronunciation and constructing sentences. This should not be the case if a mirror is to be made as their BFF (Best Fantabulous Foe Friend). Why is this so? A mirror is a perfect friend to ease away your nervousness and shyness when speaking. A friend that could reflect your facial expression. A friend that listen without criticizing. A friend that allow such hesitation as well as out-of-sense conversation. Interesting isn't it? Listen attentively to your own voice and take your time to look up for suitable words in constructing a sentence. It would be best if you could record your own speech. Start practising now and test yourself with real listeners. You'll see the difference. Better late than never.

Let YoUr tOngue Get TwisteD

Have you heard of any tongue twister before? One of the most popular tongue twisters is

She sells seashells by the seashore. The shells she sells are surely seashells. So if she sells shells on the seashore, I'm sure she sells seashore shells. You do know that one right? There are many more of the tongue twister collections that you can get from the internet. For instance:


If you understand, say "understand". If you don't understand, say "don't understand". But if you understand and say "don't understand". How do I understand that you understand? Understand!!

Training your tongue to pronounce each word as fast as you can will enhance your vocalization and if practise often, you will not experience tongue-tied especially when having a conversation in English language. Let your tongue get twisted. Have fun!!



Sing Along

The easiest and expensive cheapest way to polish your English pronunciation is through "SINGING". Not only you have fun but it helps to improve your speaking production. Start with your favourite songs. Get the lyrics and understand the messages. Next, pick some words or phrases from each song that you want to learn. If necessary, look up in the dictionary for the exact meaning. Last but not least, listen to the song and mimic sing along. That wouldn't be a problem at all, right?

Shortsightedness Test

          If you have problems with your eye sight, either long-sighted or short-sighted, test yourself by looking at the picture below. In my case, I have long-sighted problem. I took off my glasses to find myself looking at a picture of Einstein. Once i moved a little to the back, I saw a picture of Marilyn Monroe. Very fascinating.

          It could be a trick to anyone with eye sight problem. Make sure you have your glasses on everywhere you go since the probability to have mistakenly identify between the people that your are looking for with complete strangers is high. LOL.

See it to believe it

Isn't it Fascinating?

Believe It Or NOt!!

Have YOU Seen this BEFORE???

Chickens + a Duck + a Cat = FRIENDS

No discrimination

No personal interest

Simply a Mutual relationship

They remind me of WONDER PETS