Last Christmas...I gave you my heart....

Chantek muka kau baca title ya ala2 basa omputeh owh, maka post kali tok ku tulis lam basa laen..haha...maok bagi serprise sket la tek.

Yah!! Post kali tok mek decide pake bahasa mlayu swak campur2 jak la...malas maok piker2 pakei basa English. By the way, belated Christmas kepada semua yang menyambut, Christmas reya sik la havoc gilak, biase2 jer...balit 24 haribulan, makanya eve of Xmas gago juak bebalit last minit. Bukan stakat balit jak last minit, bli hadiah k mum and dad pun last minit. Nasib pat bli pa yang mek maok tek, mun sik nang rasa besalah la mek sik bagi hadiah taun tok.

Balit kampung masa xmas seperti besa makan-minum-makan-minum jak keja...selain betemu ngan kazen2. Ada juak kazen yg sik penah ngelala, tp bapak dah gago glak nunggah2 cdak nya betemu muka, katanya maok intro la tek, lalu masuk bab family politik...ya mek malas. Dah la bapak mek ya mun dah heng nang pa2 jak la benda diklaka nya.

Sik lamak beraya d kpg tek, the next day balit mekorg katanya. Maka moha la mak aku to my dad sbb katanya sik amek cuti lamak, aku no komen jak. Sampei2 jak d Kch kepak glak sik terdaya trus relax tido. The next day resume keja seperti biasa, bangun pagi turun lab biarpun bangun lambat...semangat glak maok polah keja tek.

Member2 laen ada sms segala nyuroh dtg umah tp sorry la geng, I'm pretty much not in a ngabang mood plus cam rasa sikda mood xmas tahun tok. Plus keja ku yang sikda result molah ku sikda mood gik...hurm.

By the way, tahun baru dah moak tiba....pa ka resolusi tahun baru ku owh, lom list down gik..tp yang pasti byk resolution ku tahun depan...so tunggu jak next post.

Let's Rant!

Big Sis came down to Kch on the 2nd week of November. Their last visit, if I could recall was 4-6 months ago which was earlier this year. It's a surprise how Amanda have grown up. In their last visit, Amanda could barely sit in upright position and she only crawls. Now she could walk (but not run) and say a few words like "mommy"...awww... Big sis and lil amanda stayed with us for two weeks. Bought them an advance Christmas present before they were off to Bintulu.

Congratulation to Mel (http://escapeeofhell.blogspot.com/) and her hubby on their wedding not so long ago. And so, the whole weekend of the November was wholly spent with friends and family. Yeah I know...not the usual friend and relatives though.




Another highlight of the weekend was friends gathering in conjunction with Mel's wedding ceremony in St. Thomas and her reception that night. It's glad to see friends from all over the states came together and celebrate the grand event, and a rare chance to have all of them gather together on the same time and same place too!

My story : Part 1

A Place Like No Other

Way back 27 years ago I was raised in a setinggan area not far from a place which is now developed into Pustaka, the pride of Kuchingites for their humongous public library. Back then, the lake nearby was covered with thick shrubs and secondary forest. And this forest is what make our existence became invisible, for what I remembered not many people would know a place called "Kampung Siol Kandis", the name given to our setinggan. To reach into the village itself would require a 5 minutes walk from the main road, and one would walk on a sloppy and muddy terrain.

Figure 1: The view of Pustaka

The interior part of the village is not exactly what you would expect. Most houses was built by wooden plank and roofed with a folded palm leaf. If I'm not mistaken, the village itself were houses of about 20 or more families during that day. Our house, was located the at the furthermost of the village. Therefore the walking distance can be very tedious when it was rainy. There, right in front of our wooden house, was a small sand field which used to be our playground. Those who grown up in Siol Kandis village would understand how much that field meant to us, it is the only place for us to gather and have fun 24/7.

Just a few hundred metre from our house, was a lake that was forbidden for kids, because we were told that it was rather deep, and was foolishly told that there was a "swamp thing" living inside. I still couldn't believe I bought that joke those days. But hey, we were kids and the imagination just runs wild. So we never went to the lake without parents supervision.

Most of the residents living in the village were related to each other, and that includes us, our family. I remember some of my cousin's house was located few houses away from where we lived. And there we would visit this one particular house, a house where my dad's aunt used to live. We call her "inik biak", which basically means "young grandma", a nickname given because of her younger appearance than her own ranking in the family tree, which is a grandmother.

There are few reasons why we loved hanging out at inik biak's house, besides her caring and loving character. She love, i mean really really love making "kuih" of any kind. Inik biak has her own stall not far from her house, which she use to sell her kuih. Besides her working son and daughter, which is my uncle and aunty, she sell those kuih to support their living needs. Sometimes, inik biak would spare some extras for her beloved grandchild.

(To be continue...)

All the bad things

Event no. 1- A lady rammed my modest MPV with her awesomely larger-than-my-car minivan, which was pretty bad. Sent the car for a repair in some nearby workshop. Checked the progress the other day and guess what, the scratch and all the bumps haven't been repaired!

Event no. 2- Shamelessly squatting in Simon's car for almost a month now, since mine got into the workshop. Last resort would be..."...dad, can you sent me to campus..."

Event no. 3- Nine consecutive months (almost 10) with no work progress. Sucks? Yes. Got my boss extremely exaggerated with the news. Working with new enzyme in addition to the one I have currently.

Event no. 4- My schedule is again, full for the weekends next year. Couldn't find a suitable candidate to replace my English tuition. Missing my Sunday mass and singing praise and worship songs.

Event no. 5- No calls no what-so-ever from my friend, but that's fine. Or maybe it's just me...keeping myself busy with work and all. Ran out of lame excuses if they asked me to, then again that's fine. I'm all good with that.

Hey, I'm not complaining or anything...Maybe this is just a test. And I can't wait for that redemption day to come.

Sundrenched World

I can't get to bed
But I'm really tired
The things in my head
You used to admire
In your sundrenched world
It couldn't be worse
Don't bother asking
And here comes the nerves
While I'm trying to bask
In your sundrenched world

I'm talking to you
But you're not listening
I don't know what to do
My heart is blistering
Writing this song
Tell me I'm not wrong

I close up my mouth
When you're around now
Suffocating in doubt
I can't make a sound
In your sundrenched world
I always wanted to be
The one you looked to
For the answers in me
I'm the one who took you


Joshua Radin

Two Months Late

So here's a long overdue post which I should've put up 2 months ago.

July 9, Rainforest World Music Festival. Sounds familiar? Yes, it's that festival again, and after three years of missing it I finally made it this year. This year however it was held on the 9th till 12th of July, which showcase various cultural performance of all sort from all around the world.

Accompanied by best bud Ugam and labmate Liyana, we head off to Damai during noontime. The weather was awesome, sunny and hawt! Surprisingly the crowd on the first day this year was not as I expected. Most probable reason for this is due to the World Cup season which was held (coincidentally) at the same time of the event. So you can guess why we went it on the first day, the final match was on the next day so we wouldn't want to miss the moment it starts. Owh to add, there were not even a single group from Africa this year(which is understandable, and a turn off for me because their performance is really damn good!).

After a quick lunch, the three of us attended the first workshop which was held in the theater,with the theme given 'Fiddling around'; where participant with violinist sent out their fellow troop to perform. The show was stunning, imagine cultural music from different parts of the world brought together and mashed-up on stage, it's more than word can say. The second performance, 'happy feet' followed by 'Fusionaries' was as equally as interesting.

From top to bottom: Performer introducing their music instrument before each performance; During the "Happy Feet" session, some of the group also introduce their respective cultural dance; and the last one, a mash-up dance and music from the second session.

The night concert was kicked-off by Indonesian group "Debu". Unfortunately for Ugam and me, we were not able to join Liyana and the crowd due to heavy rain, until the third group performed which was from Russia. Muddy field mixed with sweaty bods (Yeah, if you're thinking what I'm thinking), as if were on a mud party, except that it's funnier. The show ended with "Watussi" band from Australia, which was as much amusing as the others.

Top to bottom: Some of the pics taken during stage performance at night; Indian performance, followed by Russia and the last one is performance from Watussi group.

Update lagi

It's been a month since my last update, I just couldn't really find the time to drop by. As usually, my work is keeping me occupied the whole time. Working and doing research is not always fun. The only "fun" thing you'd enjoy is the month end salary that you could spend and stuff your closet with a new Esprit bag from Elle, or a pair of Shoe worth almost half of your earning.

And yes, by that I mean I've been doing extra chores lately, scouting for stuff to fulfill my shopping desire. And YES, it also means that I'm stressed out. But who cares, nothing beats shopping desire when it comes to MegaSale. Everything is discounted to as high as 70%(drool....).

Talking about bag, have it occur to you that a secondary school teenage girl would carry a leathered sling bag worth hundreds of MYR to school? Well, yes if you are the heir of filthy rich people. But really, if you come from an average income family, I don't think it's going to happen. You see, when I was a teenage boy, the only school bag I would carry is a backpack worth less than 30MYR which is made up from nylon and some poly-thingy (sorry but I'm not a polymer science freak). But the scenario is not the same anymore, as I watched my little sister grew up, the needs of teenagers nowadays are never the same like it was back then. Sure we could buy a candy for only five cents back then, but now??? Nah.... And so, the other day lil' sis and I were hunting for her so-called school bag and got one nice leathered one.

Yet Ramadhan is here again, this means that Raya is coming soon. Went "sungkey" with lab members at Merdeka Palace few weeks ago. It was superb, worth every cents. House visiting sure is a must this year, probably this will be the last one I'd enjoy them with my uni friends.

Another event to anticipate for the upcoming month; friend's wedding, can't wait!

Xpressing it

Yet another semester has ended, and as usual the institution asked for a follow up with our research work. It's raining, cold, late and feeling oblivious at this moment of time. I would rather lay on my bed, shut my eyes and have a good night rest.

Decided to write few stuff before I resume with my writing instead. Just want to blow up all those bubbling insanity inside.

The class today was a total boredom, teaching chemistry was like talking to the wall, it doesn't productive at all I thought. Plus, distraction from adjacent class make it even worse. Surprisingly, it didn't gets up to my nerve at all, partly maybe because the day hasn't been going very well to me. So I thought, "what the heck, each dog has it days". Being pessimistic wouldn't solve a problem.

Something is amiss, I don't know. But I'm close to knowing it, I hope.

Anyways, I have some other stuff to update, but don't feel like updating it right now. Will write again the soonest. =)

Box

This is exactly what's on my mind right now...

Smiling with the Hypocrite

Two people, meet.
Both, greet.
Guy A, smiling and at ease.
Guy B, smiling, in disgust.
Guy A questioned, "what's his problem?".
Whistling and smiling,
Guy A walked,
As if nothing had happened.

------3 hours later-------

Guy A, was about to go home,
Meeting guy B again in the hallway,
Smiling and saying goodbye to guy B,
Guy B, responded monotonously.
Still sulking shit in his mouth.
Guy A questioned, "Hmm...he have seeerioouussss problem there."



P/s: The problem is YOU, not ME.

Where?

Where to go from here?
I don't know, I don't know.
North, East, South or West?
I don't know, I don't know.

Where to go from here?
When Decision have to make clear.
Yes, no, maybe, I don't know.
Can't decide, can't decide,
looking left to right.

Where to go from here?
Work's getting tough with hopeless answers.
Ticking clock don't wait for losers.
Wait, wait, I'll get it, I'll get it.
Again, again another procrastinate.

Where to go from here?
Think...think...
No idea, no idea what to write anymore,
Perhaps, I should for go lunch first.
The I'll get back and write some more. LOL!


P/s: *Kroh...kroh...* Hungry.

Let Me Speak Up! - Failed Love part 1

It is of a usual habit to gussy myself up for the last time before I hit the road every morning when I was about to go off to campus. This morning though, astounded; not because of how gorgeous I looked in the mirror, nor how beautiful the dress I wear. I saw myself, just me.

That was when a vivid past came back to me. The past relationship, the failed one. Well, Colbie Callait might have a good reason pointing out this song called "Realize" in her hit single. And it does took me sometime to realize the rise and fall in my previous love life drama.

Once, I forced myself to be someone I am not. Listening to songs that I'm not into to. Imagining myself flipping trough bios of an artist I don't even like, was probably something that was not-so-important thing I've ever did. Sometimes, I find no tolerance in certain issues especially regarding my social life; I hate to say this but it sucks when I don't get to see or hangout with my best bud for ages; for all you know I have my own life and it's not always about you.

It would be immature of me if I'd say so-and-so is to blame, because I know there would be endless argument. The most important thing here is that I've learned my lesson, and it is enough for me to reflect back faulty of the past,in case I am caught in one in the future.

P/s: Stick to who you are, being someone else wouldn't make you any better.

May in the highlight

Just came back from the longest holiday of the semester, pretty much enjoy it. Partly because of the family reunion and a shocking news from the clan.

The end of May not only marks the end of the semester, but it is also time for the Dayaks to celebrate harvest festival. Like other festivals, this is also the time for family members to reunite. This year is the first year of the first generation in our family to celebrate the festival with a grandchild. Mom was all too enthusiast with the idea, she'd spent most of her time baking and planning an event in early May. Nonetheless, with cousins wedding reception lined up in the calendar makes May and June to be one the most anticipated month.

Just right before Gawai celebration, Kev came back for his usual celebration pit stop. As a ritual for his arrival, we went for a so called "themed" night out with the gang. We arrive at the scene pretty much earlier than the others, so we had ourselves with few cocktails on the go. I was not really up to this cocktail thingy at the first place but he insisted me to try it anyway. Quite frankly that I became addicted right a way, and ordered few different others over the bar.

Met new members of the group that night, due to unpredictable relationship complication that happened when i was away for 2 months. Good to know that they can fit in, and hopefully it will last.

What else? *thinking*...guess that is all the highlight for May and June, will write again the soonest.

April Update...this time for real.

Gosh, just realized that I'm making shit out of my blog...the last update was a month ago and that really sucks.

First and foremost;

Congratulation!!!

To a close friend of mine who's going to tie the knot in the upcoming June. And an BFF who got herself engaged last few weeks.


Thanks!!!

To labmate who is always there to help me in my labwork although work was not up to my expectation lately. Those people who, I envy and inspire me, Liyana (I know you've been waiting for my update,)Bell and Jong Jen(although I know JJ wouldn't read my blog I'm just gonna thank her anyway).

To Dr H who put up a lot of patience in my work.

Sorry....

To the clan for not showing up in few invitation and events, not to mention updating you guys with my latest news and what's not.

To Dr H for not giving you a satisfactory result lately, still working on it, don't worry.

To God for not showing myself at Your house lately.


Happy belated...

Birthday- To dad, mum, big sis and Lil sis, sorry couldn't make it grand this time, caught up in other commitment.To Jup, sorry for not showing up in your bday party.

Mothers day- to mum and big sis and all the mothers around the world.

Teachers day- to all educator in the country.


Fuh!!! guess that wrap up everything, will be back for an update soon.

April Update

Nothing much...just wanna say I'm still alive and kicking...




P/s: LOL!

March update

Forthcoming week will be the busiest week for me. News recently has it that there will be a colloquium for our department, which will be held in April. So I'm trying to speed up my work and get as many genes to be sequence out.

Apart from my newly found syndrome of weird workaholic behavior, I haven't been coping up with the clan lately. How they've been and daily outing are no more of our casual activity. I've been rejecting few invitations, not that I'm being self-centered or staying away from them, just that I need my own time and think of ME at the moment.

I miss my shopping spree so much, but I haven't got the time to go and shop because of time constraint. I guess teaching and study has it adverse effect after all. Not that I'm complaining, the salary is good and I could spend it on few stuff that i want. Plus, the satisfaction of getting what you want is priceless.

2 months in the highlight

First and foremost happy holiday to all and a prosperous Chinese new year. Been off from any writing for a while cause I've been spending most of my time with labwork and job lately. Life- so far was so-so although there are times when I felt like I needed a long getaway, but what the heck, jobs that demand a lot of effort is more important I guess. And I've been thinking not to be stranded with my study for a long time. The work might be tedious, but the satisfaction of getting the result is priceless.

It has been few weeks and loads of attempts that my work have no result, at a point where I almost gave up and took a few days off. After a few enlightenment from a good friends, I finally make a little adjustment and just bear with it for a while. Few methods which proved to work was successful in the try-out, and that really make my day. This however only covers no less than 50% of my work. Frustrated; yes and grateful at the same time.

I know it's a little too late for my new year post but I still owe Kev this one. Well, new year eve was celebrated at the usual place with the usual clan, plus few others. And together with that Kev and me celebrated our 11 years of friendship. Owh, did I mention that night was also Bryan's 20's something bday party...(sorry forgot the age).

New year resolution?? Haven't figure that out yet, honestly. Didn't seem to spend much of a time with the clan after that night. Moreover, my class was commenced on early January so it was hard for me to make up some time for my outing nowadays. Our next outing was only 2 weeks after and we did not talk that much. Besides, I was kind of getting sick of going to the same club every weekend and listening to the same old fuckin' song for the past 2 years. Seriously I need a new place for a hang-out.

If you're reading this Kev, honestly I don't really have much of a hot stuff to update you. I'm trying to stay out of everybody's way at the moment, try not to mess things up and listen if I should. Because I reckon that it's worthless for me to interrupt and it's really not my business to begin with, although there ARE times when they needed my advise, which I'm glad to help.

Big sis came for a visit with Amanda along with bro-in-law early February. Amanda is 8 months old to date and mum and dad was on top of the world when we first meet them in the airport after so long. They spent a week in Kuching and had a day visits to kampung.

Just dropping by

Apology to Kev for the lack of post recently, I know you've been waiting for my story (ies). Been busy with study and work lately. Will update with you the soonest. Promise!! hehe...