The Laydee

It's RM28.30.

2010-05-10T23:56:00.008+08:00

You know, sometimes when we are in a line,
waiting for our turn to pay at a mart,
we can't help but to listen to stuff said by others in the same line.

That was what happened to me the other day.

I was out with The Boyfie that day, wearing a cozy blouse.
Was not really trying to look attractive that day.
It was hot, sweaty. That's why.
Melekit rasa if put any make up on.
So, there I was, lining up, be as sempoi as I can.
Talking stuff with The Boyfie while waiting for our turn.

Suddenly I heard, two Venuses were talking about something that's enough to make anybody becomes self-concious.

"Eh, ko tengok tu, buruk gile rambut perempuan tu."
"Ha'ahlah... mamat sebelah die tu pulak selekeh jek."

Aku jeling tengok The Boyfie. Die tengah buat muke boring sambil menguap kecil.
Ah, sudah.
Aku dah cuak. Diorg ni ngumpat aku ngan The Boyfie ke?

*Gosok-gosok rambut*
Eceh, control. Padahal tengah check diri sendiri sambil tanya "aku ke perempuan yang berambut gile buruk tu?"

Suddenly, they add "Tahnye, dahlah sekeping je mamat tu. Nampak cam penagih dadah. hahhaha"

Haaaaaaaaaaaa! Part ni aku lega sikit. Ye la, sape kenal The Boyfie comel ku itu mesti tau yang die bukan sekeping. Apatah lagi penagih dadah. hehe.

Yeay! Bukan kami!
Eceh, kontrol lagi. Padahal gembira diri tak menjadi mangsa kutukan berambut buruk. =P

After a while, I heard something else.

"Buruknye minah tu pakai skirt camtu. Budget comellah tu pakai baju camtu."
One after another, here it comes.
"Jerawat banyak sey minah tu. Tak cuci muke ape?"
And another,
"Eeeee, ko tengok, pakcik tu buncit gile. Bini die yang ngandung pun tak sebulat die.hhahaha"

Hmm....
I was disturbed.
Not so much of the remarks made by them.
But, oh well, I don't want to be the one being gossiped by them.
Time-time aku selekeh camnilah aku terserempak dengan orang camni.

Waaaa. ... takut!
Takut dikutuk.
Oh ye, my self-concious berada pada tahap kritikal pada masa itu.

Did I stand with a right posture? Tick.
Did I carry the bag properly? Tick
Hmmm... Ada makanan terselit celah gigi tak?
Alamak, tak sure. Baik tutup mulut. Kalau ade kang, sah-sah kena kutuk.
Maluuuu...

Rimas.
Cepat-cepat doa, biarkan barisan ni cepat urusannya.
Boleh lari dari kemungkinan jadi mangsa kutuk.
Takut kena tikam belakang.

Finally, came my turn.
"Fuuhhhhh, legaaaaa" I said to myself.

"Ada kad Jusco?"
"Takde"
"Ok, Rm28.30"

Before I paid, I felt like peeking the Venuses.
Tapi takut, yelah, payah bertentang mata dengan orang cantik ni.
Apatah lagi yang outspoken. Directly pointing out other's weak points.

While waiting for the small change, I was determined and turned.
I looked at them.

After a few seconds, I took a glance at their groceries.
"Hmmm... banyak juga barang yang diorg beli," I said to myself.

I tried so hard but I just couldn't.
I looked at The Boyfie sambil tergelak nampak semua gigi.
The Boyfie looked at me. Terkebil-kebil then just ignored me.

Sumpah.
Kali ni dah tak takut even if I have something on my teeth.
Coz apparently, the Venuses forget to buy an undeniably essential stuff for themselves.
A mirror!

Pop It, Lock it, Polka Dot it.

2010-04-29T21:43:00.026+08:00

Now, I don't know about you.

But my mind always wanders around stuff while having conversation with anybody.
Of course I would give my best of commitment if I'm really into the topic.
Too bad if somebody drags me into a conversation that starts to bore me.

Such as; political views.

Trying to appear polite, I would once in a while chip in my views.
(Of course it happens when I manage to hit the pause button in my mind)

While the person is trying his/her very best to voice out his disappoinment etc.
My mind goes something like this:

"I think I should buy the blouse that I saw online yesterday. It was cheap" or
"Is that a shop? Did I just see a beautiful shop back there?" or

Some compliments that can only be heard by me like this:
"Oh, (s)he has such beautiful teeth. I wish I have those!" or
"Oh, look! What a beautiful earring. Where does she get those?" or

The worst monologue that has ever popped into my mind goes something like this:
"Omaigooodddd! Banyaknye pimple die. Rase nak picittttttt je"
And my mind literally imagining that I am actually popping out the zits. EUwwwwww!

And you want to know another secret?
You won't even get a slightest hint that I am actually thinking about those things in my mind!

Wicked?
I know.

p/s: Don't worry. You won't be the victim of my imagination if
a) the topic doesn't bore me, or
b) you're not trying to be a smart ass in front of me, or
c) we are at a good restaurant that serves goooooooddddd fooood! =D

Btw, these kids are awesome: Have a look at this!

You Never Know, Do You?

2010-04-17T09:07:00.008+08:00

As a teacher, I put myself to a lots of suprises every day.

Be it will cause a heartache,
an unpleasant headache,
a tear in the eye (in the toilet),
an unwanted disappoinment,

a draw of smile on your face,
a tinge of pride when the students able to answer simple questions correctly,
or the most pleasant one (that I wish happen every day)
a small gesture made by my students that touches my heart.
(I am even smiling while typing this)

In one of the classes that I teach, there is this one shy boy.
None of the teachers could really talk eye to eye with him.
So in the end, it is either the teachers ignore him or the other way around.

As the form teacher, I think it is my job to break the ice.
I start with putting him at the front row so that I can easily reach to him if he has any problem in doing my work.
I praise him and tell the whole class whenever he does something good or answer correctly.
(His face is scarlet red whenever I praise him... Haha... you should see him)

Over the months, I believe I have managed to improve his level of confidence.
I used to hear his small voice when he tried to answer the questions that I threw to the whole class.
So, dengan nakalnye I imitate his voice.
Mestilah aku berdepan dengan risk yang amat tinggi, a) he changes to be more confident, or b) die menyampah dengan cikgu English sorang ni.
Amazingly, the next question, he eagerly stood up and answered very loudly.
"Wah, ni barulah macho!" Haha. Suke!

Ok Norzie, sudah2lah merapu, mananye part yang menyentuh hatimu itu?
Ok ok, baiklah... sila teruskan membaca.

Last Wednesday, I saw his drawing.
He immediately put everything under his table.
I asked him to take it out.
He did.
Woah, cantik gile I tell you. I believe he can be an artist tau!

So I asked him "Kenapa tak colour, ZJ?"
Him: Wa tade colour. Tade duit mao beli.

I went to my desk, took out RM5 note, gave it to him and said "Nah, buat beli colour. Now, simpan. English time"

Yesterday (Friday), I entered the class for relief.
He was colouring. I just let him be.
I asked the rest to do NILAM.
After a while, he stood up, went to the back of the classroom and pasted the drawing onto the noticeboard..
Mind you, it was not one but THREE of them!!

Picture one: Gundam.
Picture two: Some god fairy tale like drawing
Picture three: *Shocked*
It was me!
He sketched me wearing the baju kurung that I wore last Wednesday and written down there:
"Thank you, Cikgu Norzie"

And this shy boy made the decision to paste it on the noticeboard.
Classroom noticeboard?
I was flattered!

Oh man, how I wish I have a camera with me at that time!
He made my day! =D

I'm not proud of it but heh Baru Kau Tau!

2010-04-14T21:07:00.010+08:00

As usual, my students looooove to curse. A lot.
They may not know about Subject Verb Agreement.
They may not know about Sentence Construction.
Heck, they don't even know to answer simple questions like.. "How old are you?"
But one thing for sure, they know how to curse... even to the teachers!
Demmit budak2 sekolah sekarang! =p

Like what happened yesterday in my remove class....

A boy suddenly punched a girl who sat next to him.
Simply because she did not want to give her answer to him about a simple quiz I asked them to do.
(Dasar gengste kecil!)
As the nanny of the classroom, I immediately yanked his hand before he could give her his second dose.
He stopped, turned around and guess what he said to me?

"CIBAI!!"

Oh Oh gengste kecil, dikau memang telah tersilap langkah!

With full force, I dragged him to the front of the classroom.
He struggled to stay at his own place.
I pulled him even harder.
Dah die terkepot kat depan kelas, he said "APA!?"

hah! aku pun naik hantu lah.

"APA KAU KATA? KOFO NIFI DAHFAH LAHFAH BOFODOHFOH. AFADAFA HAFATIFI NAKFAK(sumpah tak selera tgk budak ni wei haha) KAFATAFA AFAKUFU NIFI CIFIBAIFAI? FAKFAK YUFULAHFAH. BAFANGANGFANG! DAFASARFAR SEFETANFAN!"

Hah! puas hati aku!

The boy didn't blinked. He was stunned.
I swear you might even hear the sound of a dropped needle, if there was any.
The class was that quite.

"Riiiiiiiiiiiiingggggggggggggggg!" The bell rang.
I walked out of the classroom, ignoring all of them.
Marah sangat barangkali.

Today, amazing thing happened.
I didn't even hear any curse word from any of them.
They behaved, like a wolf in a cage.

Heh, sometimes you do have to fight fire with fire I guess.
You wanna try?

p/s: Anda perlu mempunyai kemahiran berbahasa 'f' jika nak tau apa makian di atas ye. Terima kasih.

Opppssss.....!

2010-04-01T19:50:00.013+08:00

Today, while I was teaching, one of my students told me that I had a chalk mark on my left cheek.
So, I rub it off and continued explaining.

He stopped me once again just to tell me that the mark was still there. So, I took out a tissue and wiped it off.

Then, he stood up just to gesture it was his left, which meant my right cheek. So, I used the same tissue to clean my right cheek. This time around, his classmates started to giggle.

Bang! It occured to me today is April Fool.

The student just confirmed it by saying out loud, "April Fool, teacher! I is sorry!"

I was startled.
Not because of the joke, but actually that was the first sentence, fully in English (although there is an SVA mistake there) that he has ever spoken to me. 
(Mind you, this is the last class in which more than half don't even know what to fill in when they see 
NAME: ___________ during the exam).

Do you know want to know what was my response?

I did not laugh, not even smiled. I turned to my table and took my big cane, went to his table. With the most furious face that I could put on, I asked him to tell me what was his mistake.

The poor boy stuttered, " Sorry, teacher. Lenkali saya tak buat lagi. Gurau je tadi!

I said: "No. Kasi rotan satu!"

While the boy raised up his palm, he made a mistake by closing his eyes. I immediately used my chalk and gave chalk marks on both of his cheeks.

The whole class roared with laughter.

The boy immediately opened his eyes. I gestured to the whole class and in unison we yelled, "APRIL FOOL!!"

Gosh! I Love The Way You Look At Me.

2010-03-19T23:47:00.035+08:00

I have been hooked up to some online stuff, that I find a bit interesting to share them here :)
I found these videos/vlogs are a bit therapeutic whenever I need something to laugh away the  negative vibes around me.

Here. Spread the love, love :)

#1 Russell Peters
Hands down for this one.
This guy really has some balls!
He might sound a bit racist but he's so good at pointing out our differences.
Heck, he even made fun of his own people :D
He's just... brilliant!

#2 Community Channel
A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!
Totally hillarious and wittily, pleasantly wicked.
Basically, she just vlogs about  things that happen in our daily lives, things that could be happening to  you too!

But,she is soooo good at it.
Funnily enough, I sometimes caught myself doing/thinking the same stuff too.
That's why I found that I am easily amused by her, I guess.
Anyway, here's my favourite of hers. Oh, and this too!

#3 Unknown
Ok, this one should trick your mind a little bit.
But I really think this is amazingly creative.
I've never seen so many dicks before!
(Except from this one scene in Eurotrip, if that counts!)
Hah! Otak2 kuning sekalian, switch off your pervert minds, like... now!
Nevertheless, enjoy it!
And this too!

#4 Mark Gungor
This guy talks about the differences between men's and women's brain.
He is so hillarious and shamefully, I am quite agreed with his opinion.
He's just..... arghhh! Why don't you just take a peek at his video.
Talking about the big ball of wires in MY head (hahah!)
I just wanna shout out heaps of thanks to The Boyfie.
It's been a great holiday this time around.
Again, it is a bliss to spend some time with you Bb. Thank you, darl!
(Good God, I can't stop smiling!) :D
*Ok, I better stop. By now, it sounds a bit mushy already. Ha. Ha.*

And another string of wire says "Oh, I so want a shoeseum of my own!"

Hey You! Yes, You. You Float My Boat!

2010-02-16T22:53:00.016+08:00

I re-read all of my previous posts that touched my workplace.
Full of crankyness, I would say.
Like they say, first year is always the toughest!
Indeed, it was!
Even though I was struggling hard to face the hurdles, I was not even close to scratching the surface of teaching.

2010 is a bit different.
I am more prepared!
I can say that I can sort of easily brush off emotions that I do not even want to taste a tinge of it.
I start to get better in indirectly straighten up the monkeys in my classes.
Almost every day, I manage to smile heartily to other teachers after I stepped out of the most troublesome class in my school.
How? I hear you ask.

Rule No. 1: Be pretty.
Every day, wear something pleasant to look at.
Spend some money for your wardrobe, your shoes, your bags.
Try to pamper yourself to a saloon once in a while.
Re-fresh yourself each time before you enter a class.
More importantly, try to look even more stunning for lower classes.
It works wonderfully, I assure you.
Even the dumbest and rudest student would listen to you.
Most (not all) teachers disregard this as important.
But heck, any other way to get their attention before captivating their eyes on you?
Besides, what's there to lose?
You'll look good, the attention is good :p

Rule No.2: Actions, not words.
I have a disciplne journal for each class that I teach.
I show it to the students the first time I enter the class.
I made them sign the agreement.
This serves as black and white reminder to the students and if needed, to be shown to their parents.

For instance, if the students are late,I lock both doors, then ignore them even if they scratch the doors.
Just teach the rest.
Then, as loud as possible, I warn the students that I'll record those who are late as playing truant.
And if they dare to not submit my works, I will scribble another record.
This should lower their heads down next time.

Same goes if the students keep unnecessarily talking while I am teaching.
I will firmly ask the students to leave the class.
Then, I warn the rest that I will record them as playing truant once they step out of the classroom.
Reason? I do not see them in my class.
Hence, such record is valid

Last year, I used to ask them for reasons, nagged them for good 20 minutes, ignored the innocents and for all I knew, they were still late and kept talking in my next class.
So, why bother to tell if they do not want to listen?
Show them, and they will comprehend.

Rule No. 3: Be generous
Not with money, but with extra marks.
I told my students that their homework carry 10% of their examination marks.
Neat works that complete with days, dates and indexes entitled them to a stamp.
Piles and piles of homework submitted on my desk.

I also emphasize the importance of their effort in my class.
For every little desirable gesture, be it volunteer to read or group work, I reward them with a sticker.
I make sure they understand 10 stamps/stickers = 1 extra mark in exam.
This will somehow boost up their confidence in trying to learn English.
And hey, this helps your GPMP too! hehehe =p

Rule No. 4: Love, Not Hate
Each time I scold a student, I make sure I explain to them afterwards.
I tell them them that I dislike their wrongdoings, not them.
It will not hurt to give them a pat at the back before you leave them as they are willing to listen to you.
This, I believe, will somehow melt their hearts.

Hah! What a long entry!
It's been a while, huh? hahaha
So, why am I writing this?
Just because... I can. Oh, how I love holidays! :p

Till then, toodles!

p/s: And.... taraaa.... I manage to downsize to size S! Oh man, life is good =D

Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?

2009-04-02T09:20:00.005+08:00

I tried to not tell this to anyone. Because I'm afraid it will only get worse.
But I can't.

I hate most of my students. I despise them. Not only are they ridiculously dumb, but also ruthlessly rude. What with the attitude man??

I've tried everything. Pragmatic? Laid back? Autocratic? Be nice and listen? Ignore-and-I don't-care-about-you? You name it. Even if it works, it would be only temporary.
(Oh wait! I think ignore-and I-don't-care-about-you at least helps me to stay sane *big grin*)

Breath in. Breath out. Relax.

Come on... Ukenduittttttt Laydee!

.....

(Okay, insert positive word in your head)

Happy. Happy. Happy
(Is it working? No?)
Happy. Happy. Happy.
*the chanting goes on*

.....

I know Christmas is still few months away, but if you happen to see him loitering around your window at night, please send my wish -

" Dear Santa,
Please give me the biggest present ever. Please change my students' attitude. I do not mind they are THAT stupid. That is my job to fix. But please, with that attitude? I don't even think they can go far.

Desperate and badly tortured educator,
The Laydee"

Happy. Happy. Happy.
(Why is it still not working?)
Happy. Happy. Happy.

Oh Allah, my passion for teaching is wearing thin :(

Ouch, It Hurts Man!

2009-02-08T00:54:00.006+08:00

I believe that by now, the workload is taking its toll on all of us.
Those who are not genetically born with clean, glowing skin should be having acne problem every now and then due to the burdening stress.
I admit that I am one of those unlucky person =(
Few years back while I was stressing up with tons of assignments, I did some readings and watching some Youtube videos on how to decrease if not prevent it from getting worse.
I found out an amazing DIY mask that helps to cure the acne and red blemishes.
Here, I want to share this simple DIY mask with you.
Who knows it might work on you too =)

Do you know that aspirin (yes, the painkiller) is amazing for your skin?
Medical studies have shown that aspirin, which is made out of salicylic acid also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), is a good exfoliator that removes the dead skin cells off and allowing the new skin to regenerate.
This spells a good, inexpensive way to reduce acne!
And oh, it could also prevent skin cancer!

Disclaimer: DO NOT try this mask if you are allergic to aspirin!

So, what do we need for this DIY mask?

3-5 tablets of non-coated aspirin
3 drops of honey
A few sprinkles of water
Facial toner
Facial moisturiser

1) Take 3-5 aspirin tablets on a saucer
2) Sprinkle (I really mean sprinkle) a few drops of water
3) Wait until the tablets dissolve by themselves as shown in the picture
4) Add a few drops of honey. Mix them until it forms a sticky, grainy mixture. *If you are allergic with honey, substitute it with aloe vera*
5) Apply the mask on your face and wait for 10 minutes before you rinse it off in circular motion to exfoliate your skin.
6) Apply toner and moisturiser.
7) Your skin should feel extremely soft and smooth by now.

Note: Use this mask once or twice a week, depends on your skin. Do not over do it because your skin will grow tolerant to this mask.

Still confuse?
I know some of you still need visual help to enhance your understanding (I'm joking) :p
Here's the video of the girl that inspires me to try out this mask.
Good luck, son!

No Worries, Mate!

2009-02-07T10:53:00.009+08:00

Being a teacher in Malaysia does not spell a half day work with easy pay by the end of the month like most of the Malaysians assume.

It means dealing with aggressive students and parents, endless paperwork, handling a long list of co-curricular activities, tons of irrelevant chores and finally a tinge of teaching.
In short, Malaysian teachers are not teachers, but can be categorized as super multitasker if not supermen and superwomen.

However, there is a thin line between Saya yang menurut perintah dan Saya yang kena perintah.
I'm going to share some tips on how to be a selective worker.
Yes, I am still new in this profession, but can be considered as veteran in dealing with 'parasites'.

Saya yang menurut perintah:

The list of responsibilities is written in black and white. And if you are lucky to work with professional individuals, your work will be assigned and elaborated in a formal meeting.
The sheet is signed by the authorities. When I say authorities here, it means the KJs who have the power to strangle your neck if they do not like your quality of work, abuse your emotional by delaying your pay, 'forget' to approve you as DG41 and worst of all kick you out of the school.
If you are being assigned by any of these authorities, you better gear up and finish off the work.
Why? Put on your spectacles and re-read point no 2.

Saya yang kena perintah:

The list of responsibilities is piled up on your shoulder verbally or written (yes, via an SMS or stick-on notes).
It is not signed by the authorities. And of course, no formal meeting needed.
You meet these self-proclaimed KJs at the canteen or while you're rushing to your next class. Worst of all, while you're washing your hands in the toilet.
If they do not bring the task with them, they will ask you to go to their rooms before a certain time (depends on their availability)
This, my friends, is Saya yang kena perintah. For your own sake, find creative ways to avoid these parasites.

*While washing my hands in the sink, rushing to the next class*

@!@ : Norzie... hah, nasib baik jumpa. TESL kan?
Me : Ye, kenapa kak?
@!@ : Ni, mintak tolong translatekan survey tu jadi BI. Tak banyak, 15 pages jek. Minggu depan nak gune nih. Alah, lupe nak bawak pulak, sebab tak sangke boleh jumpa kat tandas ni. nanti pegi bilik akak sebelum Hari Jumaat, siap sebelum Rabu yek. Tau, jangan lupe tau.
Me : *smiles sweetly* Ok, bebila free saya dtg. (Surely I won't pass by your room before Friday)
@!@ : Oh ye, lagi satu, esok tolong ganti akak jage bebudak latihan rumah sukan. Akak ada hal la, nak jaga kendarat orang kahwin.
Me : Esok ye? Nama saya ada ke dlm list tu?
@!@ : Takde, alah, tolong2 la ye. Akak ada hal la.
Me : *starts imagining myself turning into green, chopping her head off* Tengokla camana kak, esok saya ada latihan memandu. Tak boleh tukar sesuka hati, nanti lambat la saya dapat lesen. (No, this is a big fat lie. Mine is scheduled in March)
@!@ : Alah, try call la sekolah memandu tu, mane tau bole tukar.
Me : *squeezing, fit her in the nearest toilet bowl*
Ok, no worries. Ada kelas ni, saya pergi dulu

See... use your creativity to brush them off. Till then, toodles!

Running in Reverse, You Change Not

2009-02-01T21:32:00.010+08:00

Dear X,
One thing you should have known is that I am a human with feelings.
And you should have noticed that my quietism is only a facade.
A facade to fight the urge to show the neatly wrapped loathing.
My unrequited love is no longer there.
What's there is just sympathy.
From a human to another human (if you're still one).

Only my belief in God that keeps me tolerate your brainless utterances.
Irk me more not, 'coz the limit is almost at its brim.
Change, and you'll be loved back.
Change, 'coz you will need the love, soon.

I'm still young, strong and independent.
You should worry if I turn my back to you.
That, is what you should worry, really.

I have had enough.

Slurpee Is The Way and Less Share For You.

2009-01-28T02:29:00.016+08:00

So, how is my life since I started working?

I don't need to drive around to find a house to rent.
I don't need to fork out lots of money for my own bills.
I don't need to buy raw ingredients to feed myself.
I don't need to use my savings to buy basic necessities for my home.
And no, I don't have a sugar daddy.

So, what makes my life sounds so convenient?

Damn straight, you're right!
I've been sent back to my own hometown.
I am posted to a high school that just takes 10 minutes drive from my very own home.

So, am I happy?
YES:

EDITED (I forgot to mention this?): My other half is just 3 hours away from me :D
I could save tons of money for my car down payment.
I save myself from the troubles of finding a house to rent, furniture etc.
I don't have to pay the bills. At least for the time being.
I can spend more time with my family.
Which also means emergency cases will be attended a.s.a.p
I am already familiar with the place. Be it my house or working area.
All the staffs in my school are very kind and helpful.
I only need to do the house chores and cooking during weekends.
And oh, did I mention my sister has a small food stall in front of my house? =d

LOVE LIFE + FINANCIAL+ SECURITY + FOOD GALORE = SETTLED

NO:

I was ready to be independent due to some personal reasons. When I mentioned about challenges in this entry, never once it crossed my mind that I will be sent back to my very own safe zone. I don't know about you, but this kind of scratches my self-confidence.
My school is listed as the second last in the district for 2008 overall results. Numerous spot checks are being done by the authorities to the teachers. Why?
Since this is the place where I grew up, I kind of knew the students' attitude in the school that I'm being posted to. And yeah, I am correct. It isn't a school, but just another place fulls of Ah Bengs and Ah Lians that proudly call themselves as gangsters or ahli kongsi gelap.
Do you think gangsters have interest in study, namely anything - anything at all?
So, if most of my clients are not interested to buy my products even though they are obliged to visit my shop everyday, am I actually selling anything?

EMOTIONAL =
I think I really need to increase the dose of Russell Peters for my woozy soul!

You've Got Me Popping Another Champagne, I'm At It Again

2009-01-07T21:42:00.008+08:00

This simple question keep floating in my mind since yesterday, right after I packed that bundles of recyclable sheets of trees.

Looking at the scheme of works, tons of lesson plan, mountains of sleepless-night-assignment, I sighed to myself.
I know that I'm going to miss this.
Heck, not the assignments of course.
The uni life, that is.

This photo is taken from here

Next week will imprint a new phase of my life.
My three months practicum experience is enough to mirror my life for another four years to come.
I have to wake up early every weekday, burn my brain cells to the bits in attempts to enlighten the next generations that are trusted in my hands.
Look enthusiast and ready everyday while struggle with never ending inefficiency and depression.
Not to mention that some of my weekends might be burn too.

No more karaoke during weekends.
No more watching movie every Wednesday.
Less dating with My Man.
Less Mamak nights with wonderful friends.
Less time spending in Borders, sipping my favourite coffee while enjoying the brilliant John Grisham's.
Yes, that three months had taught me that uni life is far better than what I am going to face for the next four years.

I'm not whining, neither regretting the future that lays upon me.
The comfort zone as a student is slowly loosing its wrap around me.
I know soon I have to pay my own bills, lead my own life, seek my own solution to every obstacle that may come to my way.
But I have no choice, I guess.
More responsibilities as I become more mature.

So, am I ready?

Not 100 percent, but I'll give my best shot.
Any soft blow might shake my world, at first.
But I also believe, what does not kill me will only make me stronger.
So Laydee, you better suck it up.
Forget about your worry and strife against the notorious funk.
Say "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Me ready to strive! Woooooohooooo!"
=)

Bundles of Laughter, A Tinge of Crankyness

2008-12-31T23:26:00.014+08:00

2009 is inching closer. Bit by bit. When the clock strikes twelve tonight, year 2008 will drop its curtain and a fresh page with 2009 crafted on it will start.

A lot, I have learnt this year. One-third of them, will keep reminding me to be a better individual in 2009 onwards. Another one-third should be able to keep me smiling when I look back to what I have achieved this year whilst the last pieces that fit in 2008 puzzles will be forgotten.

So what have I achieved in 2008? Lemme see...

1) I have completed my degree. Second Class Upper is an achievement that matches the efforts I put forward for the last 5 and a half years. Alhamdulillah.

2) I have fiercely survived a twenty-one months with a special someone. Such a beautiful journey, I'd say. To The Man, you have helped me to complete the puzzle of my life. Thank you bb =)

3) I enjoyed my three months practicum. A lot. The groups of student that I had have really helped me to develop professionally and personally, especially in terms of time management.

4) I managed to save some money with my part time job as a Researcher Assistant. The amount of notes that paid my stay-ups should be able to help me to start the new phase of life in 2009 with less sleepless nights that fill to the brim with stress.

So, I do hope 2009 brings forth better memories and blesses with charming attitude students like the ones I had this year. I also hope 2009 is jam packed with love, a new sense of motivation, valuable new experiences, more hearty laughs with my sweethearts, more joyful moments to strengthen what I already have with The Man and more self-development opportunities.

I also know that life as an educator is filled with tons of stress and heart wrenching moments but I do hope all the stress will just mean that the happiness that succeeds it is sweeter =)

And to everyone reading this..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DAYS AHEAD!

Uncle, You Just Pops My Balloon

2008-12-29T23:25:00.020+08:00

Last two days, I just had my pre-practise for my driving license. I was shadowed with bad luck that day as I was taught by a horny old man. All the candidates were paired and so did I. I was paired with an 18 years old boy. Long story short, the instructor professionally taught both of us at first.

Unfortunately, when my pair was out to book for next practice dates, the instructor started to show his fangs. While I was driving, he started making a corny conversation with me by asking whether I'm married and I heard the gullible side of me saying "Not yet". I didn't realise it at first because I respect him as my instructor and of course as someone older than me. Then he continued to dwell on my private life up to the point he said something like this,

"Hmm, boyfriend sama umur ni tak bagus, nanti dia senang-senang je tinggalkan awak. Baik cari yang dah berumur, dia akan sayang awak lebih. Macam saya ni."

Ok, I was started to shiver by this point. When he realised I became very uneasy with what his conversation was heading to, he started giving excuse that he was doing all these to help me to calm down and drive spontaneously. Damn straight you're right old man, now I AM nervous! I know that I am in a car with a sex-maniac like you. My head was spinning searching for excuses so that I can get rid of him.

As a new learner, when I didn't concentrate with the driving, it was very easy for me to lose control of balancing the clutch and accelerator at a small hill thus cause the engine to jump, stop and the car moved backward. As I was trying to restart the engine, he laid his hand on my thigh and slowly rubbing it while saying, "jahat kaki ni, tak reti jaga clutch". Adrenaline flows rapidly that I could feel my heart beat throbbed abnormally. I pushed his hand away without saying anything. I was mad. To him. But more to myself as I felt defenseless. I completed my lesson that day without saying much and ignored his "calming talks" and went back home.

This didn't stop there. An unknown Malaccan number keep trying to reach me when I was back home. I assume it was him. When I didn't answer the call, he sms-ed me. I bet he obtained my phone number from the form that I filled for the pre-practise. That's it! I had enough of him.

I called the driving school the next day and blacklist him from being my instructor for next practices. I also told the clerk that En. Zakariya is not a professional and has sexually abused me verbally and physically. Not only that, this instructor tried to call and sms my number. She was shocked and immediately apologized on his behalf and promised that she will take action on this matter.

So, to the girls out there, if you're about to take a driving lesson, here's a piece of advice for you:

1) DO NOT wear tight jeans or top while learning to drive as you might cause the instructor to have sudden vasocongestion. You will be in a big trouble if his blood flows into his flaccid Mr P at a faster rate than it flows out (Not that I wore one that day, but you get my drift rite?)

2) Put a straight, unfriendly face the first time you meet the instructor. You may eventually add on your friendly skills after you are very sure that he is indeed a professional, NOT a pro-sex-ional. This was my biggest mistake that day!

3) Wear a nice ring on your finger, better be on your middle finger. If he starts to ask corny question followed by euuww-ish giggle like "Do you have a boyfriend?". Answer him by showing him THAT finger.

4) Grow your fingernails. A very useful weapon when you pushed his hand away if you ever experience my shameful circumstance. Let him learn his lesson babes!

5) If any of this doesn't work, stop the car immediately, get out of the car, run and ask for help. He will get a better lesson!

6) Lodge a report to the driving school. This is the best yet the last resort as you might risk a big gossip afterward. But better be a star in a gossip than let his dirty hands on you =)

I miss Easy Way's Mango Puding with Rainbow Jelly

2008-12-23T12:45:00.020+08:00

Three years back, I was so nervous about the university placement. I was hoping that I got New Zealand, didn't matter if it was in Wellington or Auckland. I thought that New Zealand would really suit my taste of scenery. I'd already browsed and secretly planned my ski trip during winter, sky diving or maybe bungee jumping during autumn. Oh man, I really want to witness the tranquil scenery. Not Australia. Not even once I thought of Australia. Finger crossed.

When I heard the announcement, my name was called for Macquarie University, which is in Sydney, Australia. I bit my lower lip to suck in my tears. I was shocked. Dumbfounded. Especially when I tilted my head around, I was never close with any of others whom being sent to Macquarie.

"Damn! How can I survive this" I thought to myself.

Few months passed, I was wrong. I was totally in love with Sydney. Indeed I still am. It really suits my soul, my style of studying, my social life, my tension-reliever needs (i.e.: shopping) and of course, I found my other half there. maybe, I wouldn't experienced all these if I was in New Zealand. Maybe I wouldn't have a chance to be part of Malaysian Students' Association and meet awesome friends with gorgeous attitudes there. During my second year there, I paid a 3 weeks visit to New Zealand. I was excited and ridiculously happy about the trip. I had the chance to fulfill my Year 1's secret plans there. It was maniacally exciting yet it seemed nothing there can beat my passion for Sydney, my second home. As much as I dragged my feet when I was leaving for Sydney from KLIA, I dragged my feet even more when I had to come back to Malaysia on December 14, 2007.

It proves to me that God has His own agenda after all. He knows what's best for me.

****

I guess this time around, He's testing me again. I am experiencing exactly the same hurdles of wind in my stomach. It is rumoured that B.ed TESOL Menengah postings will be announced tomorrow. I am nervous about it.

Wrong! I am damn nervous about it.

My other half and I put Johor as our choice but we'll never be sure of what it would be. The reason why I lay my finger on that southern part of Peninsular Malaysia's map is because I think it would be easier if I need any help from my sister (since my father passed away, she's my pillar of strength) as I am quite nervous in teetering my new life alone. Plus, we have been told that Johor is lacking of English teachers.

I can pull cable if I want. I was tempted when my mom asked me a few months back. My secondary teacher was willing to help me with the posting as he works in PPD Pontian now. But when I did some thinking, how selfish I could have been if I ever accept that offer. I am not attacking anybody here, it's just my humble opinion. If, I cause endless troubles to another person who is really in need to be in the school where I was posted, what will happen to that person? Let say, (s)he needs to take care of a sick mother but couldn't afford to do so because of the distance, what will happen to the mother?

Now, what I can do is wait and trying to be positive for the results tomorrow. I know if I don't get what I want, I will be severely disappointed and have a mood swing all day (alert to bb ;p). But I also know, the disappoinments will only be temporary.

Wherever I will be posted, I believe God has a great plans for me ahead. He is the one who really knows what I need after all. Plus, how could I know that the place is worse if I have never been there yet?

He has done once with my placement in Macquarie, He might do it again.