Another Milestone

The first entry of this blog was written in November 2006. I started this project of mine out of curiosity for writing, excitement of expressing myself in a different level and possibly out of boredom as well. Though for many reasons I could think of why I actually started this blog is long beyond (or behind?) me, for whatever intention it was of the actual purpose that frequently changing, I am now happy that it's been 2 years, averaging 1.45 posts per week, 2.8 comments per entry, 15.2 visits per day, 467.8 words per entry, 99.3% written in English, 75.1% of its contents are crap, 15.7% are fictional and 20.6% came from the purity of the heart.

I'm forecasting that we'll see a significant decrease in entries rate for the next few weeks. Readers are advised to enjoy the links on the left navigation bar for substitute materials.

Cheers.

Dumbass Fatigue

Have it ever occurred to yourself that you often google (spell check doesn't approve this but I reckon you'd understand anyway) something that is far away relevant to your life? From the personal life of Paul Hewson, lead singer of U2, to the historical background of the newly elected US president, Barack Obama. Well, if not, mm, it's just me then. Hence, I believe I'm currently experiencing symptoms for Information Fatigue Syndrome (IFS).

I'm not even sure whether it is a real disease anyway. Although the point that I'm not interested to look more into it does mean that I'm not actually having this syndrome. Maybe.

Fast internet, global information age and people everywhere around the world, from professional writer to personal 'sharing is caring' blogger and uploaders have brought us here knowing so much more things in 5 years than a whole lifetime of a modest scholar of the 19th century. We can catch the latest episodes of Heroes as soon as it comes out on Tuesday evening, grab the latest celebrity gossips from Yahoo (or perhaps our own for us Malaysians here in Wellington heheh Gossip Girl style), the latest score from the NBA, etc.

Information is easy to get. Are we fed accordingly? If information were food, shouldn't you be fat now? I bet Einstein would be a pig. Hm, nah it doesn't work that way. Information, good or bad is still knowledge. Whether worth having or not is really up to the universe to set us up. Stupid? Nope. Just knowing things that's not relevant to the things around you. Well, maybe, there are people that are really hopelessly unintelligent.

Oh, the reason I wrote this is from my current mild fixation towards political blog, mainly Mahathir and Anwar, and several others, Ahmadinejad as most recent. I read, I tried to understand, confused, none of them is relevant to my current being anyway, but it may be relevant to my future self, but there are more other things that are more relevant, but I kept on reading.

Because knowledge is good, so I just knew.

Well, Lonely Boy

The room is now dead silence. Well, except from the sound of the television, neighbours humping and the non-repairable running water from the toilet. Just, well, it's wee bit quieter than before.

Jimi left today. Well, he's finally now on his way back home. I have the room all by myself now. It's a wee bit unusual. It's been awhile since I last have my own room.

Oh well.

I Bet He's Delicious Too

NJB: Do you think I'm better off clean shaved or just let it be?
Tommy: A bit of scruffyness is cool I think. Kinda Brad Pitt like.
NJB: You think so? I just bought a shaving cream this morning.
Tommy: Dude, if you really want to shave it, then just do it. Why ask me?
NJB: I just like a secondary supportive opinion. Especially from a sheep.
Tommy: How many times do I have to tell you don't call me a sheep!!
NJB: ... but you are a sheep.
Tommy: I play the guitar, I smell nice and I don't walk on four feet.
NJB: ... but you're still a sheep.
Tommy: F**k off.

The Casino of Life

What is good for me is not necessarily good for you. However, there's that possibility that it is. Hence, how do you determined to believe that I am right or wrong is by the democractic believe of common sense or from the minority pool of independant geniuses, or possibly impudent fools.

I have written 3 past entries in regards to this casino of life. How we choose our lines of freedom and the definition immorality, how our cultural background affected our values and the tricky empirical minds. To sum, are we on the right track? Do we need to know that we are? Hence, the existance of faith. Just as we believe that stars are the lights of heaven.

I assume that not everything needs to be justified or rationalized. Sometimes we see the results and it may or may not justify the means. We read on yesterday's paper that a country was saved from its swindling blood-sucking ruler. Yet, on a smaller note, at a cost of a few thousands soldiers and a staggering number of civilians; women and children. The casualties of war were respected and died in honour for the country, as any common media put it.

This was the path that was chosen right from the start. The modern day hero knew that this is the price to pay for a better perceptibly foreseen future. "For a better future!", he chanted till the legendary Sword of Omen stabbed through the black heart of the evil Mumm-Ra. As any ancient history had been written, the evil empire was brought down by the heroic knight of shining armour.

Let's not forget, a problem solved means a birth of another.

Anyway, today, casualties have become a part of the calculations of war. It was perceived as accidents but it is definitely not an unforeseen one. Something like during Hari Raya season back at Malaysia, you know hundreds of people will die on the road in a span of no more than a month. Accidents are supposed to be unexpected incident don't they? Oh wait that's a different issue.

The point is, do you dare to trigger a critical mission to kill a ruthless leader to save millions of people for a cost of thousands innocent casualties? How about saving 10 people for the cost of 3? How about destroy 10,000 employments to save the world economy? Kill a cat to save your mouse? Where is your line of conscience?

I can't find mine.

Introducing, Tommy

I have an alter ego, so I'd like to call it. A character fictioned by my own imagination for a purpose I hardly recall anymore. I named him Tommy and he's been with me for many years. Maybe I'd say he was here since I first came here to Wellington. He took on many shapes before but most of the time he represented my actual ego-self whom I blamed for all the ridiculous arrogant narcissistic behaviour bastard I was once, or perhaps still a tad am.

However, I always have liked to picture him in a soft exterior, in conflict to the hard, sophisticated, egotistical wannabe self. Possibly, that is how I really am, or wanted to be, or totally the opposite as one would never know. Regardless, there's no possible relevance to justify the existence of this fella. He humor me and that is all I need from a fictional figure, same as Batman and Maya Karin.

I'd say he can be my conscience in some ways, if possible. Despite the ego-oriented perceptions and opinions he only mattered, he sometimes can be very analytical or perhaps genius as some might say in his imaginary world. He told me to dress well on certain occasions, exceeds my comfort zone, aim higher even non necessary, etc. Although I do realize it is still me talking to myself but having a sheep (a cool kind) to tell me stuffs, well, seems more convincing.

Hence, as this is the first official time, may I properly introduce you, Tommy.

Latest updated portrait.

You Can't Have It All

One of the theories in project management is the Project Triangle. I'm not too sure whether its applied for all kinds of projects around, but everyone is bound to learn about this particular theory, whether the easy or the dreaded hard way.

It is our human nature that we want things to be of better quality, made faster and cost you a lot less - heck, we'd want it free damn it. Oh how we love a good bargain. Yet, as we have become more mature, we learn that we can't have it all, well, sometimes maybe - unless you're a seven years old reading this blog. Hence, the theory of this triangle.

This theory only allows you to have only two of the possible given three things mentioned above; good quality, fast and cheap. Thus;

1. You can make things to better in quality and faster but it won't be cheap
2. You can have it cheap and faster but it won't be in good quality
3. You can possibly still have it in good quality and cheap but you won't get it fast.

However this hypothesis may not apply to all situations. Of course you may get good quality and cheap Ramli burger quickly next to your nearest 7 eleven. Anyway, I do believe there's an extensive truth in this because too often we find ourselves in a complicated situation where we want as many things to be as perfect as possible, but we couldn't.

Not that we shouldn't strive for the best of things. People can be realistic, idealistic, visionary, optimistic, or just simply want beefstik or orang cantik. As long that we're happy with the decision we make and handle the outcome with upmost professionalism, I always believe we'll be alright.

Should I, Really?

NJB: I'm having a sexy Japanese babe on my wallpaper now.
Tommy: Why?
NJB: Cos' I'm already bored with Maya Karin. Next up: Bolly beauties.
Tommy: No, I mean why you're telling me this?
NJB: ... just thought you might be interested to know.
Tommy: Should I be expecting more of this in the future?
NJB: Should you even exist anyway?
Tommy: Get help dude, or a girl.

DOTA or Any of Equivalent

Everyone is pretty much occupied at the moment. Perhaps literally or most probably not even so. I will try not to use the term 'busy' because many of us do still manage to spend their time shopping, playing games, bergayut and a long list of other things that we often do to procrastinate. Although I still believe many of you are actually genuinely busy so this entry is certainly not for you heheh. Anyway, procrastinate is possibly one of our solutions to reduce stress so that we can then perform our academic duties a lot better. Hence, procrastinate can be grouped with eating and sleeping since we need these things to fuel ourselves physically, healthily, mentally, emotionally and so many other -ily things we like to make up to justify why the bloody hell we're playing with Facebook now. Thus, we are actually busy.

I was pretty occupied for the last few weeks. I am never proud with my time management so I may seem relaxed while I'm suppose to be busy and somehow busy while I'm suppose to be relax - if that even make sense.

Nonetheless, I am now, however not officially, relaxed. I have another exam to go through on the 23rd but that will be "next week me" problem. Well, the "current me" wants to plan his summer break that I'll be spending the whole 3 months here in Wellington. So what's your summer plan? I think I'm psyched, or clueless. It's a mixed feeling. Many of my close friends here will be leaving soon for good. I, meanwhile, am hoping to stay longer but that will remain unfinalized until end of December for an elaborated reason. I'm not so good with goodbyes. 5 years in Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 1 year and a half in International Education Centre and now 4 years in Wellington, New Zealand.

I had a good start, a well elaborated content and like any good essays, the conclusion will say best about the whole story. I am still drafting, or perhaps add another chapter?

Windy Wellington

Kerel just reminded me of this. Kinda my annual October thing to do I suppose. This is my 3rd time writing this, or cut and paste from last year's entry, whatever.

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Wokeh, some useful stuffs which I think us who're living in Wellington should know (..or maybe at least do care a bit?)

All of us are well aware of that Wellington is windy, but how exactly is windy? It's October now and I do think this post over here serves very well on the topic. Why? Fact number 1: October is generally the windiest month of the year in Wellington with average of 27 days with wind speeds over 15 knots and 19 of these days are over 20 knots (Approximately 37 kmh). Ahh, did I get you interested already?

Alright now, lets start this thing slowly. Why Wellington is specially windy? Geographically, to put into simple terms, this city is somehow positioned in the middle of the "Wind of Rivers" of New Zealand. Not that simple eh? Well, we're located in a gap between the long range mountains from North and South islands which cause high acceleration of wind through the Cook Strait (Wellington is located next to it). It's like a wind corridor between the North and South islands. Simple enough?

This is turning into a kind of lecture eh? Fact number 2: Wellington is possibly the windiest city in the world with the highest windiest month average of approximately 36kmh and the highest least windiest month average of 24kmh.

Okey, enough of the boring stuffs. I can go on more about this thing; wind directions, wind breakage in the cities (of course you won't experience the total 80kmh wind gust on Cuba Street), global wind statistics and other stuffs. If you're interested, drop a question. If you think this is boring, feel free to make fun of this post down here as well. It is enough for me to know that just by the end you're reading this, you would tilt your head a bit in awe knowing that Wellington is one of the windiest cities in the world and October is the windiest month of the year in Wellington.

Wellington is unique. Brag this to your friends in Christchurch, Auckland or Otago. Enjoy :)

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Dos and Donts of Wellington in October

1. Don't read newspaper while crossing the streets.
2. Don't run while holding uncapped cup of coffee (Well don't do this in any other months either).
3. Don't reorganize your sheets of papers in outdoors for whatever reason it could possibly be.
4. Don't jump off the harbour cliffs to experiment how strong it really is.
5. Do look at flying birds. It's funny.
6. Do hold on tight to your belonging when walking outside.
7. Girls, please do wear skirts. :)

Add more if you like.

Marketing 101

I found this somewhere and I think I have read it before somewhere else from someone or at some place. Thought of giving credits. Anyway, what is marketing?

1. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!"
- That's direct marketing

2. You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says: "He's very rich. Marry him."
-That's advertising

3. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day, you call and say: "Hi, I'm very rich. Marry me"
- That's telemarketing

4. You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie, you walk up to her and pour her a drink, you open the door of the car for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her ride and then say: "By the way, I'm rich. Will you marry me?"
- That's public relations

5. You're at a party and see gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says: "You are very rich! Can you marry me?"
- That's brand recognition

6. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" She gives you a nice hard slap on your face.
- That's customer feedback

7. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" And she introduces you to her husband.
- That's demand and supply gap

8. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you say anything, another person come and tell her: "I'm rich. Will you marry me?" and she goes with him
- That's competition eating into your market share

9. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you say: "I'm rich, marry me!" your wife arrives.
- That's restriction for entering new market

Warning: Academic Writing

I have this new thing going on - I wanna try to write something more academic here. Possibly educate some of you whom may interested or just a simple general knowledge about comfort in the built environment. Plus I'd think it may help a bit for my writing skills kot. It's my blog anyway heheh. I have a few drafts before but will keep for later.

Anyhow, the current assignment is about interior acoustic, just so you know.

The site is the commercial office building near the parliment. Environment House is sort of an example of a sustainable development for existing building. Meaning, it just been renovated to perform efficiently instead of an original green design. Thus, it's nothing much to be hyped about but still cool though heh. Anyway, one of the process is to study users perception on its surrounding built working environment. Comfort can be perceived as thermal comfort, fresh air, nice and bright, excellent acoustics, expensive marbles, pride of the building heritage and so on.

Anyhow, first step; users comments. Mainly acoustic to cover my part of study. These are a few of them for thoughts.

“Difficult to have phone conversations with colleagues as I always feel like I’m disturbing others”
“Headphones to block out that noisy bitch”
“I become uncommunicative because I have earphones in”
“Headphones to block disturbing activity (noise & people walking around)”
“Others should keep noise down”
“I use quiet rooms frequently in order to concentrate on work”
“Using quiet rooms for personal phone calls like with my loving boyfriend”
"Too noisy = headaches = reduce productivity"
“Wear headphones and listen to music to block out noise and other peoples phone calls”

Oh my what do we do as designers?

Peu à Peu

I think I was a band geek, or perhaps still is. Currently I'm hooked to this Japanese drama about a music school. Well I don't wish to spend so much time here writing a few more paragraphs of elaborated nonsense tonight.

To some of you whom have known me for so long, I dedicate this piece as a memoir for our youthful past.

Till then, we will relive. Cheers.

Note: Andante espressivo from 2:35 to 5:40.

Music and the Worthy Nonsense

I've been listening to Bon Jovi's tune quite a lot these recent weeks. I can't remember if I even enjoyed his music during his prime time or anytime in the 90s. Why lately? Although I don't think timing is the matter I want to story here anyway.

In the previous survey tagged by Nash about the wedding stuffs, I wrote about the kind of song or tune I would like played at my wedding. "Something modern with a hint of traditional instruments and possibly composed specially for us,".

I usually like individual songs rather than the whole band itself but I have a few musicians that I felt worth mentioning as my favourites. I like Dave Matthews Band for their unique instrumental arrangement and poetic pieces, then John Mayer for its exceptional creativity on strings, Sheila Majid with her band for their style of music, U2 for the love of music and recently Bon Jovi because I think he's just awesome together with Richie.

Okay, what touches you the most when you listen to a song? Lyrics, the melody, both on equal terms or you'll only know when you listen to the song? I rarely listen to lyrics but I think Dave Matthews reaches me through its beautiful composition of literature and I like John Mayer only for the sound of his guitar. Sometimes I like The Corrs because I like the inclusion of the traditional taste of Irish sound in it and Spice Girls for, well, the fun of it. So, coming back to the earlier subject, how or what should I expect for a perfect song to celebrate my love to my future bride? What is your perfect song, or even the nearest it can actually be?

Should the lyric be "To find thy heart to deep under the lovers cove for the eternal beauty of thy maiden the heart remains a soul," or the sound of the symphony of strings that swept off your feet and dance to your ardent desire or just simply, the song is specially made for me and you and that is all that matters?

I've been enjoying Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, Thank You for Loving Me, Have a Nice Day and Make a Memory.

Revising back what I wrote here, I'm making no sense at all. Or did I make any worthy points? Maybe I just wanted to tell you that I'm listening to Bon Jovi nowadays and I just want to you enjoy your music as well. Music doesn't have to make sense. It's either you enjoy it or not, touched by it, inspired or nothing at all. Play a song on your media player, a song you haven't played for quite awhile, possibly a song that inspires you for a good life, and heck you want to sing along shouting with it. Click 'play' and fellas, have a nice day.

I Njb You

"Google, v. 1. To search for (something) on the internet using a search engine,"

These days we can google for almost absolutely anything. To think about it, google can actually be (oh it really is anyway) a verb and it's not the same for yahoo or msn. Well, except for IM application people do use msn as a verb sometimes.

Anyway, today's post is not about icon or trend settings or anything as such mentioned above. Although I would love to write about my name being a verb.

"Njb, v. 1. An act of coolness to another person for whatever cool reason it can be,"

Example of sentence:

"Hey dude he njbed him yesterday and it was awesome!"
"Brad, your addiction to njbing is making a strong trend for teenagers today,"

Okay, okay. Anyhow, today's entry is more about freedom of knowledge. You can find about almost anything you want to know on the internet today. In fact, it may have become a more preferred source of information since it's easy, cheap and more interesting to access as if you've become bored with Wikipedia, you can refresh your silly mind with Uncyclopedia and have a good laugh with silly general knowledge.

Credibility of information is another issue.

You have something you want to read and others have something they want to write. Economy's demand and supply concept or the Barter's whichever you want to think it's like. A 5 years old can learn how to tie his shoes online now and a young 8 years old girl can search online the latest Barbie's cool accessories on production today. Forums are everywhere to help you find similarities to one another for anime series, Dota, best char kuey tiaw in town and the comfort of anonymousity is making us more expressive, perhaps in a different way but still, very vocal.

Writing is easier as well. Online dictionaries and encyclopedia can make anyone look smart or perhaps really actually smart. Writings with Mr. Bombastico words and as deep as Titanic wreckings underwater knowledge can turn anyone today into modern Shakespeare, Mark Twain or Leo Tolstoy (See? I know great writers and I don't read any F-ing novels). And does thesaurus really help you that much? Perhaps my writing vocabulary improves to a certain extent but I wonder if it can become like any other technologies that is slowly destroying us like calculator or pda.

Today, I can't add $32.50 with $3.50 because I didn't have a calculator. I figured I can just count it when I got back home because I really need my calculator. And I can't remember as much phone numbers now either. When I was a kid, I remembered my dad's office number, my aunt's place, the clinic, my friend's house (10-15 perhaps, not all lah). Today, I was dumbfounded that I couldn't even remember what's my own mobile number nor even my house number. Until today, I never remember what's my mom's or my sister's mobile number and I can't remember my own bank account's and passport number and so many other number-ical stuffs which I wish I could or perhaps I should remember them. Of course, I won't blame the technologies for all of these because we can't blame the creators of guns for the people that was killed by the AK-47 at the other side of the world can we? I like the invention of mobiles and all those modern gadgets today. I just, apparently, being overly pampered that's all.

Blog.

Branding is cool. Gold award for product quality or performance, Oscar nominee, FIFA World Player of the Year, KL Restaurants of the Year, etc. Last month, or really 2 weeks ago, this blog was nominated for WMSO Wellington Best Blog 2008. Yesterday, Nash awarded me as one of her Top 4 Blogs thingy (somebody gotta name this but for now I gonna call it Nash's Top 4 hehe and oh maybe I could taruk some recognition logos on the side of this blog. Mcm cool je heh) or perhaps the poster has some writings on it but it was really blur and I couldn't make anything out of it. Plus, tak lawa so I gonna leave it out but I gonna put up the instruction thingy just for the sake of information given. I have to say I'm not that very fond of it too due to bad use of Malay literature but hey, a good idea is still a good idea. Plus, I think this is quite cool. We can learn what kind of other stuffs other people think as good readings.


"NJB : Saya amat merasakan beliau mempunyai minda yg sgt kreatif. Oleh kerana pemikiran beliau yg kreatif gile itu, maka beliau layak menerima award ini"

-Nash at www.tapayok.blogspot.com-

Thanks Nash for this prestigous award. I want to thank the producer Mr. Blogspot for sponsoring the site, my family and friends for their love and never ending motivation in life, my cat Timon and my alter-ego Tommy for always being there for me. Heh

So, my Top 4?

Aida : Awesome writer with exceptional perspective in life.
Farah Hanum : I have to agree with Pn. Siti mentioned during the seminar, Farah can absolutely be an inspiration to many of us.
Wan Zafran : My first favourite blog and I have to say I kinda think my style of writings, despite being far away from your Godlike literature superpower, are mostly inspired by yours. Cheers man.
Sean : So much potential, so little entries. Nonetheless, quality over quantity.

Same as Suraya, I wish I can list more but Nash's Top 4 only requires four of our favourites. I do favour all of the blogs linked on my site here. Everyday I open my blog I'll open every single one of these links to check what's going on. It's a click and read, not that hard anyway (reading it attentively is another thing heh) and especially for those in Wellington, it's fun to busybody about what's going on up at The Terrace heheh.

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P.S. Remember Loo Time I wrote earlier this year? I think I should add another one; Blogging, literally. Half of the stuffs I wrote here was typed from inside the toilet. Awesome.

P.S.S. I just found out Raja ada blog. Sila la lawat rakan-rakan.

P.S.S.S. Don't forget to njb your friends today! :D

Wedding Fever, eh?

Tagged by Nash. I may be the first macho man to do this. Sigh.

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1.How old are you?
23.

2. Are you single?
Single.

3. In what age do you think you’ll get married?
28.

4. Do you think you’ll be marrying the person you are with now??
I won't be marrying nothing that's for sure, so no?

5. If not, who do you want to marry?
Who, as in a name? Really? .. Tina Fey. or Angelina Jolie. Eh no, a Malay girl with both their genes. Yeah.

6. Do you want a garden/beach wedding, or the traditional wedding?
Leaning a bit on garden/beach wedding.

7. Your ideal motive?
Meaningful.

8. Where do you plan to go on a honeymoon?
Good beach with warm locals.

9. How many guests do you think you’ll invite?
Say 375? I think.

10. Do you want an extravagant wedding or a simple wedding?
Simple, unless extravagant meaning national broadcast wedding because I'm marrying the princess and we have Sheila Majid singing on my wedding day so extravagant it is.

11. Do you want the traditional vows or something you’d make up on your own??
Referring to others (as I have no idea what is it all about), akad nikah kot?

12. How many layers of cake do you want to have?
Five I think. Others I'm reading said three so I just want more heheh.

13. Do you prefer having your reception at a hotel or at a simple place?
A simple place, like the royal ballroom at Istana Negara.

14. When do you want to get married, evening or morning?
Evening so more people can be available to attend I think if my stats is right. Plus, it's more classy that way.

15. You’d rather have your reception outdoors or indoors?
Indoors, less variables to care about.

16. Do you like a grand entrance for your groom?
I just realized that this survey thingy is for girls only? Heck, I want a grand entrance damnit.

18. Name the song/tune you’d like played at your wedding??
Something modern with a hint of traditional instruments, and possibly composed specially for the wedding. I think I have friends that can arrange that for me.

19. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night. Batman offered me as his sidekick but declined due to educational priority.

20. Do you want a solemn ceremony or a light one?
Solemn is nice, but I have to say 55% votes from the brain goes to the light one.

21. What age do you want to get married?
I want to get married at 25. However, no candidate, no money, no future security, hence, as mentioned earlier, 28.

22. Describe your ideal husband/wife.
Tina Fey plus Angelina Jolie.

23. Do you prefer fine dining or just the normal spoon & fork/knife?
I like fine dining.

24. Champagne or red wine?
Champagne. Heheheheheheheheheh

25. Honeymoon right after the wedding or days after the wedding?
3 days.

26. Money or household item?
Household items.

27. Who will pay for the bills?
I'm hoping she will heh.

28. Are you ready for married life?
Soon.

29. Do u think you will still be a virgin until u get married?
In western countries, at this age I'd be considered as a total loser, but yes, apparently. Sigh.

30. Will u always be true to your wife/husband
True like "Honey, you're fat," truth?

31. How many kids do u like?
Three.

32. A new house for a newly wed or an old one?
I don't mind old one. I'm saving the good house for the kids.

33. Will u celebrate silver wedding, gold wedding, or diamond wedding?
I'm assuming this is the length of the marriage, so diamond?

34. What kind of cuisine would u like for ur wedding?
Malay-Cambodian fusion I think.

35. Will u record ur honeymoon in a cd or dvd?
DVD

36. Whose wedding plans would you like to know next??? choose 5 person as Your friend?
Lelaki plak tengok heheheheh
Kerel
Dibo
Sean
Atong
Kurt

I wonder if that's even possible heh.

What If I Give Her Money?

My sister forward this to me and I thought it is really nice.

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her sperm, she' ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she' ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she' ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she' ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her."

With another line which I assumed as a joke, but still very true.

"So - if you give her crap, you will get a bucket full of shit."

Nevertheless, a beautiful piece.

National Loyalty

I just realized that I haven't post anything about our National Independence Day. Have I become less patriotic nowadays?

"A devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty."

-www.thefreedictionary.com-

I do love my country. I'm always proud whenever anyone here in New Zealand ask me where I came from - well, only when I did something good anyway heh. Yet, I didn't felt that much passion when the Merdeka Day arrived. I was quite touched by the High Commissioner speech during the Malaysian Night about how we can find any significance of our country's history into our own lives and the importance to be aware of the ticking 'time bomb'. Yet, I was not as energetic about this historical day as I think I should have.

Is anyone feeling the same way?

Can I blame the current political situation in Malaysia nowadays? Have I like Malaysia a lot less just because of a few pretentious pricks talking nonsense in the Cabinet? I never did followed much about Malaysia's politics or economics or anything too technical which I often too lazy to find out about. Most arguments I made about these topics were mainly crap and more of a psychological or anthropological based (which I assumed they were), which most of the time didn't make sense but I always have enjoyed ridiculous debates. A number of my friends seem to be very much into it, learning political facts and history, which I'm thinking they might be a lot more patriotic than I am. I have high respect to them whom have firm believe of what or perhaps who they are fighting for. Regardless many of them have different directions on their political or economical opinions, despite the probability that 50-70% of them will realize that they are fighting for the wrong reason, they have that spirit that many of us should learn from.

I should learn to have a firm stand. I may come back home soon and I should start to think about how to become a patriotic citizen. Possibly learn about who's the MP for my area or what motion of no-confidence is really about.

Oh well, I might as well now read more about this Noise Control in the Built Environment. Did you know that while human beings are very adaptable, while working in a 90 dBA environment, say in a manufacturing plant or a steel factory, for at least 5 hours a day for 5 years, it will reduce your hearing capability to a 60 years old average person. An operating vacuum cleaner is approximately 80 dBA. Although the stats may not be a very sound argument but hey, take care of your living and working environment. Get out once in a while, even if you're in the library. You're not only getting some fresh air but to relax your ear muscles as they've been working for you all day long. Feed them with some lovely sound of birds chirping, dogs barking or a nice pouring cup of coffee. The sound of it I mean, don't pour coffee into your ears.

Stay healthy.

Pesanan dari A Najib M A.

Mid Trimester Break II

I've assignment to do but I just couldn't resist to get this out of my system first before I can really get into my works.

Malaysian Night 2008

First of all, this blog is nominated as one of WMSO Wellington's Best Blog that night. I have mixed feeling for this. Usually, being expressive is a female thing. I think Tommy was insulted a little bit heh. Well, tibai ah abaikan. The winner went to Farah Hanum's and I believe it is absolutely well deserved. Liz won the best dressed award and you really were truly a princess that night. I have to say too that everyone looks great as well. I did remember I think on 2005 and 2006 events, was it Sue or Ellie that they don't trust my compliments anymore. Apparently I threw out "Wow cantiknye," too much before then ehehehhee. Suhana, I didn't think you were buruk last night. I think you looked great and if there was a vote for the best hair of the night I'd pick yours. Anymore description of how beautiful all of you ladies were last night would just make me more gay-like and now Tommy is screaming, "FFS shut up!". *Sigh* Oh by the way Athi's eyelashes sangat pelik wakakakakak. The guys? Schmehh I don't think you guys really care how you looked. If you do, hek eleh yela2 semua hensem.

Okey, overall on the event itself I really did enjoyed it last night! Everyone else seemed to feel the same way and I believe we all owe it to the event committee for such an great evening. There was not one bit of dull moment and I enjoyed all the performance and funny jokes and dude, the food! I just loved the chicken roast dipped into sauces I really had no idea what it was but somehow it was super awesome with buttered bread. I don't think I touched any of the greens though how was it anyway? The apple crumble oohh~ with custard sauce was it? I'm really bad with names for food but ohhh I want that apple crumble again! I miss Ummi's and Aishah's bread pudding. *Sigh*

We had Carrie's birthday after the function ended and the videos posted on Facebook did no justice of how sugar-high we were that night, or was I that stupid anyway? Isk3. Just hope my mom won't see it. Sometimes I wonder who watch these videos and photos plus this blog particularly my family, relatives, authorities etc. Tsk3. Tuan2 dan Puan2, saya masih budak baik dan professional. Sugar is just not very fond of me that's all.

It was a good night anyway. Lots and lots of fun with good people and good food. A simple combination that never fails to work for me. Perhaps almost equal to nasi lemak and sunrise heh.

By the way, regarding the seniors video presented that night was just a short one for public viewing, and to my own fault it was a short time for me to prepare as well. Were you aware that the intro only stated until 2007? Haa, there'll be a sequel which I will complete towards the end of this year and I hope I could finish the whole story of it. Till then, have a great remaining weeks of school, have a blessing Ramadhan, keep cool and have a nice day.

Mid Trimester Break

There are 2 major stories here:

1. Trip Kelab Org2 Tua
2. Malaysian Night 2008

Trib Kelab Org2 Tua
Members: Dyana, Athi, Kenu, Dibo, Kerel, Kurt, Nuzul (yes nuzul beb), Sue, Atong, Joe, Carrie, Ainee, Nash, N and myself.

I bet most of you've seen those million of nice photos uploaded on Facebook about our trip to Central North Island, courtesy of Nash's, Joe's and Kerel's awesome eye for good pictures. The ski trip, water rafting, BBQ, etc. Well, here I will tell you the whole idea of the trip, to my perception of course, a number of special stuffs we did and I couldn't put any price tag on it, well except "priceless" if that can makes it anymore corny- which apparently the name of the trip already is.

Anyway, we kick started our trip early at 4am on Wednesday 20th August from The Terrace. An Estima and an Odyssey, 15 members with a couple millions of bags we departed from Wellington to Castlepoint which is located on the most east side of North Island. Well, the idea was to catch the sunrise there around 6-7am. It was not that a pleasant ride though due to night driving and seemingly endless journey ahead of us. The signs said that we're already near the coastline but after every corners and junctions we've passed, it just seemed that there's no end to this bloody roads. Sue was nagging all the way through heheh. Anyway, we did reached there in time. Climbed up the stairs of the lighthouse and there's a lookout point and a nice walk by the sea banks (I think that's what they call it?) and dude it was awesome. It was special, because I always wanted to enjoy a nice sunrise, and that was, well arguably, the first sunrise in the world of the day! We had nasi lemak specially made by Nash and Anne by the seashore which no words could describe how much I've enjoyed them (yeah I had a few rounds heh). Nasi lemak & sunrise- even Romeo & Juliet couldn't match this perfect pair.

And that was special item no.1.

We then started to make a move to Tokaanu, just outside Turangi, where we've arranged our accommodation for the trip which is about 4 hours away. We stopped by at Te Apiti in Palmerston North, the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere, among the biggest in the world. Well, I just love branding, the first sunrise, the largest windfarm, the hottest girl, etc. Anyway, as the name of the farm implies, it is windy, and you can google about this wind farm about how much wind needed and energy it can produce blablabla if you're interested with engineering wonders. We then had lunch at the Town Centre and off we marched to Tokaanu Lodge Motel.

Tokaanu Lodge Motel holds my special item no.2. Hot thermal pool. Private, and that's a big up. From $30 per night, you can enjoy your own nice motel stay with your own complete kitchen, tv lounge with Sky, comfy beds and warm towels you can always ask for new ones. You need them cos' dude, you surely won't wanna miss the hot pool over and over. At about 40 degrees (I think? It was really hot anyway. Nice hot heh) you share the small private hot pool with friends and a glass of cold drink, dude you'll know it is special. I went there the first night, the next morning, the evening after, and the last one on the morning we left. Thanks Joe, Atong, Kurt and Kerel for such great company. What happened in the pool will remain there vanished with the steam heheh. Oh did I mentioned it was my third time there at the motel? I went there twice in September last year.

The next day we went two separate ways, half of us went to Mount Ruapehu for snowboarding and another half, which I was in it, went water rafting at Tongariro River. 3 hours down the river and there's this specific 10 minutes I'd say made up for the whole trip. In the middle of one of the rapids, our raft was flipped (or tripped?) over and all of us went kaboosh into the running water. A bit of scare because I had no idea how deep was it and I tried to find my footings first to stable myself from getting drawn into the gushing stream. It was about chest deep and after everyone finally got theirselves together by the raft, our petite Athi was floating further away from all of us following along the current. I can't remember whether we panicked or were we confused by the comical of it. Although I do think we should have done differently like showing some affection and try to save her or something. We chose to watch in astonishment, and oh how did we enjoyed the hilariosity of it. Our guide threw a rope to pull her back and everything was fine. Thank you Athi for giving us such memory and may I applaud you how strong you were keeping up and continue to enjoy the trip with us till the end.

At night, like any good trip should have, a nice BBQ, courtesy of the motel to loan us the grill and many chefs of the night for the food. It was a good night, with so much warmth despite the cold weather. Good friends, good food, good fun night and I couldn't have it any better. That my dear readers, as simple it may sound described, was my special item no.3.

The next day, the final day of the trip, we checked out from the motel at 12pm and went to Taupo for lunch at the Prawn Farm. Well, somehow it's like a must place to go, for me at least, because I just love the prawns there, and it's a nice place to eat anyway heh. That day was pretty casual, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo and a few other stops. We thought of going either Napier or New Plymouth but as the name of the trip implies, I guess we somehow preferred a more relaxed trip and enjoy a nice laid back journey home. We stopped by at Danny's in Porirua for late supper and reached Wellington around 2am on Saturday 23rd August.

My special item no.4 came when we're just about to reach Wellington. Remember the "Wellington" signage right before we drive into Wellington from Motorway 1? I just the love that precise moment after we passed that signage, that first glimpse through the coastal bay of Wellington lights at night. I'm guessing Dibo and I felt the same way for this. I've passed that road so many times and I can never get tired of that stunning view of this city I will always consider as home. It was a perfect welcoming back to Wellington. As soon I reached my place, I laid down on my bed, with my clothes unchanged and my hand was still gripping my bags, I looked up the ceiling, wishing there was a skylight so that I can see the stars and be grateful for such beauty my life has brought me and sleep in such content I'd bet I'd have my best night rest ever. Well, actually what happened is that I stayed up until morning at Kerel's place playing Wii before sending Kenu to the airport and I only went back to my place in the afternoon and just simply had a nice shower and washen up. Oh well, all good.

I had a great trip. Possibly one of my best trip ever. Thanks guys for such great companies and all the fun we had, and more to come towards the end of this year.

And I'll save another story about Malaysian Night 2008 till later. Happy fasting and have a great month of Ramadhan. Cheerio.