Hello, my name is Aqilah. And I'm a former geek.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Bi-annual Internet Diet
Twice a year, I'll go on internet diet.
Don't worry, I won't go on and on to brag about how healthy it is and promote it to you. Truth to be told, I don't have other choice, but to detach myself from the addictive mystical cyber world. Honestly, why would one have internet diet anyway?
Okay, I only use the term "internet diet" because it sounds, erm, cooler than "I-cannot-afford-roaming-or-the-hotel's-internet-facilities-therefore-I-cannot-online".
I'm lucky to have a mother who enjoys traveling. Even luckier that she likes to bring me along with her. I think the facts that I'm the youngest and doesn't shop much may be the factors.
This time, I'm going to Bangkok with both my parents. My father has a conference meeting there, and my mother saw this as an opportunity to travel and cut the accommodation cost. After all, my father's travel needs will be covered by his company. Baba will be busy working. Mom will be free to shop all she likes, with extra 30kg baggage allowance. The perfect travel plan, for the mother.
Right now, I feel that having a Blackberry is completely useless. I honestly thought, with a smartphone, I will never have to go through another day without internet. That I will always be connected to the world, cyberworld. Well, I could, if I could afford the RM36/day roaming fee. I feel so cheated by Blackberry and Blackberry Internet Service (BIS).
I'll be in Bangkok for 5 days. I do not have RM180 laying around for roaming. Hell, I could barely afford my current phone bills.
I do hope the hotel provides free wi-fi. I do not want to go through the agony of being internet-less for 5 consecutive days.
Yes, I'll live. It's not fatal. Doesn't mean I'm okay with it.
If there's free wi-fi, I'll update you soon from the Land of White Elephants.
If they don't, then see you when I'm back.
Don't worry, I won't go on and on to brag about how healthy it is and promote it to you. Truth to be told, I don't have other choice, but to detach myself from the addictive mystical cyber world. Honestly, why would one have internet diet anyway?
Okay, I only use the term "internet diet" because it sounds, erm, cooler than "I-cannot-afford-roaming-or-the-hotel's-internet-facilities-therefore-I-cannot-online".
I'm lucky to have a mother who enjoys traveling. Even luckier that she likes to bring me along with her. I think the facts that I'm the youngest and doesn't shop much may be the factors.
This time, I'm going to Bangkok with both my parents. My father has a conference meeting there, and my mother saw this as an opportunity to travel and cut the accommodation cost. After all, my father's travel needs will be covered by his company. Baba will be busy working. Mom will be free to shop all she likes, with extra 30kg baggage allowance. The perfect travel plan, for the mother.
Right now, I feel that having a Blackberry is completely useless. I honestly thought, with a smartphone, I will never have to go through another day without internet. That I will always be connected to the world, cyberworld. Well, I could, if I could afford the RM36/day roaming fee. I feel so cheated by Blackberry and Blackberry Internet Service (BIS).
I'll be in Bangkok for 5 days. I do not have RM180 laying around for roaming. Hell, I could barely afford my current phone bills.
I do hope the hotel provides free wi-fi. I do not want to go through the agony of being internet-less for 5 consecutive days.
Yes, I'll live. It's not fatal. Doesn't mean I'm okay with it.
If there's free wi-fi, I'll update you soon from the Land of White Elephants.
If they don't, then see you when I'm back.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The 90s
I've been thinking about my childhood a lot lately. Call it "quarter-life crisis" or whatever. But I guess it has something to do with turning 21.
Not willing to let go. Bla bla bla. You can do your own psycho-analysis. But I do believe that the 90s is the best time, especially for kids to grow up in.
We have the best of everything. Pop culture. Toys. And cartoons! Especially cartoons. Have you checked out the cartoons kids watch these days? Ben10, Fanboy & ChumChum, and whatever other cartoons they watch.
Whatever happened to cartoon shows like Rugrats, Her Arnold, Rocko's Modern Life, Ren and Stimpy, The Animaniacs, Tiny Toons Adventure, Beavis and Buthead, Doug, Dexter's Laboratory, Futurama, Pinky and the Brain, Darkwing Duck, Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Cow & Chicken... Let me just stop there, because it's going to take forever if I am to list them all down.
It is not just cartoon shows. Its kids shows too, like Banana in Pyjamas! "Banana, in pyjamas, are running down the stairs..." Man, I used to watch that show everyday before I go to school. Along with Blue's Clues. I watched them religiously, till I was 15. Yes, and I'm not ashamed of it. In Form 1 and Form 2, my classes were in the afternoon, but I wake up early anyway, just to be able to watch these shows.
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| Can you guess the cartoon characters? |
My way of giving up my childhood and move on to adulthood.
That is, if my mother forces me to. I highly doubt I'll have a birthday party, as I don't particularly enjoy hosting them. But my mother wasn't pleased when I refused to have one last year, she ranted about it on her Facebook. So, this year, if I have to have one, at least make it special, right?
Monday, May 9, 2011
I Love My Mom
My last minute Mother's Day gift for my mom. Wanted to do a different kind of video, but due to the time constraint, I guess my mother has to settle for a picture slideshow.
Thankfully, she liked it. Phew! (or at least, she said so.)
The people of 76 and the girls of 60 actually wanted to do a joint-celebration for Mother's Day. However, due to some circumstances, we are unable to do so. Our mothers had to attend a social event during the day.
So, how did we celebrate Mother's Day? Well, "Water for Elephants". Yes, watching movie at the cinema.
Simple and kinda lame. It's okay, I'll redeem myself on her upcoming birthday in September.
Thankfully, she liked it. Phew! (or at least, she said so.)
The people of 76 and the girls of 60 actually wanted to do a joint-celebration for Mother's Day. However, due to some circumstances, we are unable to do so. Our mothers had to attend a social event during the day.
So, how did we celebrate Mother's Day? Well, "Water for Elephants". Yes, watching movie at the cinema.
Simple and kinda lame. It's okay, I'll redeem myself on her upcoming birthday in September.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Phenomenal Woman
Only the most ancient love on earth
will wash and comb the statue of the children,
straighten the feet and knees.
The water rises, the soap slithers,
and the pure body comes up to breathe
the air of flowers and motherhood.
Oh, the sharp watchfulness,
the sweet deception,
the lukewarm struggle!
Now the hair is a tangled
pelt criscrossed by charcoal,
by sawdust and oil,
soot, wiring, crabs,
until love, in its patience,
sets up buckets and sponges,
combs and towels,
and, out of scrubbing and combing, amber,
primal scrupulousness, jasmines,
has emerged the child, newer still,
running from the mother’s arms
to clamber again on its cyclone,
go looking for mud, oil, urine and ink,
hurt itself, roll about on the stones.
Thurs, newly washed, the child springs into life,
for later, it will have time for nothing more
than keeping clean, but with the life lacking.Pablo Neruda, "To Wash A Child"
Happy Mother's Day
to all the mothers in the world.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Mei
Masa berlalu begitu pantas sekali. Dalam sekelip mata, bulan Mei telah tiba. Diri ini masih belum bersedia.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Stop While You Can
Debating has taught me a lot. It taught me to open my mind, think outside the box, consider the others and all soft skills that will be useful in the future.
But there's one thing debate has failed me.
It forgot to tell me that debating with self-righteous narrow minded monkeys are pointless. Like talking to a wall. No, it's like talking to a magical mirror, that the more you debate, the more stupid you'll become. It's infectious. I'm surprised scientists all over the world have not discovered this and put all these monkeys in quarantine.
So, my advice to everyone dealing with these kind of people out there, stop. They are not worth it. Don't fry your braincells for them. You may not be able to develop your neurons back. Is that a risk you're willing to take? I don't. I'm not a pious person, I don't have the patience to deal with these sort of backward mentality. It's not my responsibility to convert these people and make them see the light.
I've learnt the hard way. You don't have to. Stop while you can. Protect your brain from this infectious disease.
In fact, you should run. Run far away. Save yourself! Quick! Use your zombie apocalypse plan! This is a similar scenario! They are eating your brains out!
But there's one thing debate has failed me.
It forgot to tell me that debating with self-righteous narrow minded monkeys are pointless. Like talking to a wall. No, it's like talking to a magical mirror, that the more you debate, the more stupid you'll become. It's infectious. I'm surprised scientists all over the world have not discovered this and put all these monkeys in quarantine.
So, my advice to everyone dealing with these kind of people out there, stop. They are not worth it. Don't fry your braincells for them. You may not be able to develop your neurons back. Is that a risk you're willing to take? I don't. I'm not a pious person, I don't have the patience to deal with these sort of backward mentality. It's not my responsibility to convert these people and make them see the light.
I've learnt the hard way. You don't have to. Stop while you can. Protect your brain from this infectious disease.
In fact, you should run. Run far away. Save yourself! Quick! Use your zombie apocalypse plan! This is a similar scenario! They are eating your brains out!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
My Mother
=(
I Miss My Mom
I realize that statement makes me appear as a momma's girl, especially since I live in the same house with my parents.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Time to Change
Most of you probably are wondering; change what? Change my outfit? Change my phone? Change the world? Or change my hair style, like Alia did?
Did He Really Just Do That?
No, I'm not going to tell you a story about some guy doing some stupid things. But this blogger will.
As I was surfing the net, while waiting for my crops to be harvested in Cityville. (My name is Q and I am a game addict.) I stumbled upon this cute blog, Did He Really Just Do That?
The title pretty much speaks for itself, it's all about male stupidity at its finest. No, I'm not being sexist or anything. Guys have blonde jokes, let us girls have this one.
So, girls. If you're looking for true and unfortunate stories about male stupidity. Then, read this blog, I quote, "for tales of drunken men peeing in my cabinets, exes telling me stories of their new hookups, stalkers named Wolf Man leaving love notes on my car, and many more."
As I was surfing the net, while waiting for my crops to be harvested in Cityville. (My name is Q and I am a game addict.) I stumbled upon this cute blog, Did He Really Just Do That?
The title pretty much speaks for itself, it's all about male stupidity at its finest. No, I'm not being sexist or anything. Guys have blonde jokes, let us girls have this one.
So, girls. If you're looking for true and unfortunate stories about male stupidity. Then, read this blog, I quote, "for tales of drunken men peeing in my cabinets, exes telling me stories of their new hookups, stalkers named Wolf Man leaving love notes on my car, and many more."
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Attn: Geeks
Finally, Sabah's Ministry of Resource Development and IT did something right. They organized a special program, and it is all free!
Thou, for an IT Ministry, they really need to update their website. To let it be neglected for more than a year, that's just embarrassing. And they also need to work on advertising their events, as this program (which I'm about to tell you) has been going on since early March, and I only found out about it today. Through my mother. Who has an acquaintance in that ministry. Imagine that, if she didn't know anyone in the ministry, we would still be in the dark about this.
Thou, for an IT Ministry, they really need to update their website. To let it be neglected for more than a year, that's just embarrassing. And they also need to work on advertising their events, as this program (which I'm about to tell you) has been going on since early March, and I only found out about it today. Through my mother. Who has an acquaintance in that ministry. Imagine that, if she didn't know anyone in the ministry, we would still be in the dark about this.
Tsunami & Japan
When I read about the earthquake in Japan via Twitter on Friday, my mind quickly flashed back to a movie I watched with Kim and Alia last year. It's called "Tidal Wave", and yes, it is about tsunami. At first, I thought, "what the hell? It's just like the movie! Oh my gosh! Life imitating art!" but then I realized, in the movie, it's actually about Korea, not Japan. (But they're neighbors, so, I'm not too far stretched. Haha!)
Last night, as almost everyone I know panicked about the possibilities of tsunami hitting Sabah's coast, I couldn't help but wonder how long will it takes for Japan to recover from this. And as I watch CNN's updates on this crisis at 76 with Viv and Roxy, I still wonder if Japan's advance technology can help them. I know, that's very insensitive of me, watching videos of people, cars and houses get carried away by the tide, but still can think of such things instead of worrying about them.
But, it's Japan! I'm pretty sure they'll be back on their feet soon enough. Much faster than Bandar Aceh. Unless, if their nuclear plant explode, of course.
Nicholas Kristof wrote a good article on this matter (Sympathy for Japan and Admiration. He wrote about how the national culture and stoicism will bring Japan out of this obstacles.
Let's just observe how the Japanese handle this situation, and learn from it. They are, I believe, more advanced than the Westerners.
P.S: Watch out for price hikes, many supplies are from Japan. Oh, to beach lovers, be careful. High tides are predicted. Unless you're a surfer, well then, have fun!
Last night, as almost everyone I know panicked about the possibilities of tsunami hitting Sabah's coast, I couldn't help but wonder how long will it takes for Japan to recover from this. And as I watch CNN's updates on this crisis at 76 with Viv and Roxy, I still wonder if Japan's advance technology can help them. I know, that's very insensitive of me, watching videos of people, cars and houses get carried away by the tide, but still can think of such things instead of worrying about them.
But, it's Japan! I'm pretty sure they'll be back on their feet soon enough. Much faster than Bandar Aceh. Unless, if their nuclear plant explode, of course.
Nicholas Kristof wrote a good article on this matter (Sympathy for Japan and Admiration. He wrote about how the national culture and stoicism will bring Japan out of this obstacles.
Let's just observe how the Japanese handle this situation, and learn from it. They are, I believe, more advanced than the Westerners.
P.S: Watch out for price hikes, many supplies are from Japan. Oh, to beach lovers, be careful. High tides are predicted. Unless you're a surfer, well then, have fun!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Back to High School
I miss high school. I do. I'm sure everyone does. Who doesn't?
High school is different from university. Very different.Obviously I wasn't a role model student back in high school days, but that's what I like about it. The fact that we can get away with anything.
Another thing I miss most about high school is my body. Of course not when I was still in Form 1 or Form 2. Believe it or not, I was pretty short at the time. One of the shortest among of my closest high school friends. And was mocked for it too. (You know, aside from my "Maggi Mee" hair and my inability to pronounce "R").
High school is different from university. Very different.Obviously I wasn't a role model student back in high school days, but that's what I like about it. The fact that we can get away with anything.
Another thing I miss most about high school is my body. Of course not when I was still in Form 1 or Form 2. Believe it or not, I was pretty short at the time. One of the shortest among of my closest high school friends. And was mocked for it too. (You know, aside from my "Maggi Mee" hair and my inability to pronounce "R").
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Day
Ah, politics in Malaysia. We try so hard to project the image that we are a 'harmonious peaceful & colourful nation', but the truth is the opposite. We're a bunch of racists, forced to live with each other.
Every year, in the month of February, the month of love, Malaysians will be more spiteful than loving. Extremists Muslims will start preaching and telling everyone that celebrating Valentine's Day is a sin.
Some, who are supposed to be educated people, even call Valentine's Day is a Christian holiday where they basically get drunk and have extra-marital sex. Blasphemy! I'm not a Christian, but even I know that Jesus disapprove of such acts.
Tsk, tsk. I'm not a pious person. But these people tainted the name of Islam. They wonder why people are Islamophobic, but they never take a look in the mirror long enough to see what they've done. The way they handle things, is just plain un-Islamic.
On Valentine's Day, you will also see in social networking sites, such as Facebook & Twitter, where Muslims will update their status as "I'm a Muslim, I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. But Happy Valentine's Day to those who does". I find this annoying, its like saying "I'm Asian, I don't celebrate Mother's Day, but Happy Mother's Day Mom!".
I would like to use Christmas as an example, but that wouldn't be correct, as Christmas is actually a Christian holiday, while Valentine's is not.
And if there's anyone out there who want to say that Muslims can't celebrate other religion's celebration, well, it sucks to be you. You live in a multi-cultural nation, but you can't celebrate anything but Muslim holidays? Tsk tsk. No wonder you're so uptight and narrow-minded.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Every year, in the month of February, the month of love, Malaysians will be more spiteful than loving. Extremists Muslims will start preaching and telling everyone that celebrating Valentine's Day is a sin.
Some, who are supposed to be educated people, even call Valentine's Day is a Christian holiday where they basically get drunk and have extra-marital sex. Blasphemy! I'm not a Christian, but even I know that Jesus disapprove of such acts.
Tsk, tsk. I'm not a pious person. But these people tainted the name of Islam. They wonder why people are Islamophobic, but they never take a look in the mirror long enough to see what they've done. The way they handle things, is just plain un-Islamic.
On Valentine's Day, you will also see in social networking sites, such as Facebook & Twitter, where Muslims will update their status as "I'm a Muslim, I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. But Happy Valentine's Day to those who does". I find this annoying, its like saying "I'm Asian, I don't celebrate Mother's Day, but Happy Mother's Day Mom!".
I would like to use Christmas as an example, but that wouldn't be correct, as Christmas is actually a Christian holiday, while Valentine's is not.
And if there's anyone out there who want to say that Muslims can't celebrate other religion's celebration, well, it sucks to be you. You live in a multi-cultural nation, but you can't celebrate anything but Muslim holidays? Tsk tsk. No wonder you're so uptight and narrow-minded.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Discovery
This week, I've learnt that there's a lot of things I don't know about myself and my body.
1. I think too much when I'm sick. And dangerously grumpy too.
2. I pee more than I drink. I don't know where all the liquid comes from. I need to ask a medical practitioner.
3. I can blow bubbles through my nostril. With my mucus. I know its a disgusting image, but it fascinate me. I feel like Bo from Shin Chan.
4. I'm too easily amused by silly things. Like nose-bubble.
There's more about myself and my body I discovered these few days. But they are too, how should I say this, erm, personal? Some are just borderline crazy.
Well, I do have a vivid imagination.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
1. I think too much when I'm sick. And dangerously grumpy too.
2. I pee more than I drink. I don't know where all the liquid comes from. I need to ask a medical practitioner.
3. I can blow bubbles through my nostril. With my mucus. I know its a disgusting image, but it fascinate me. I feel like Bo from Shin Chan.
4. I'm too easily amused by silly things. Like nose-bubble.
There's more about myself and my body I discovered these few days. But they are too, how should I say this, erm, personal? Some are just borderline crazy.
Well, I do have a vivid imagination.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 has arrived
This year means a great deal to me.
Turning 21. Finishing my diploma. My last year in my hometown.
I have a feeling it will be a good year. It'll be a rough and bumpy journey, but good nevertheless.
I'm sure I'll get through all the obstacles, after all, the new year started off well.
For 2011, I ditched all my life plans. Intend to 'follow the flow' but with some 'rules of life' to guide my path.
Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 bless us with prosperity and well being.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Turning 21. Finishing my diploma. My last year in my hometown.
I have a feeling it will be a good year. It'll be a rough and bumpy journey, but good nevertheless.
I'm sure I'll get through all the obstacles, after all, the new year started off well.
For 2011, I ditched all my life plans. Intend to 'follow the flow' but with some 'rules of life' to guide my path.
Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 bless us with prosperity and well being.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Fear
Its the time of the semester again. Final exams lurking around the corner. The Freddie Kruger for all students, ready to take away all our sleeptime for those who fears that he'll go into our dreams and take our lives away.
Okay, lame analogy. Moving on.
I'm going to talk about 'Fear'. Why? Maybe because of Halloween, maybe because of the final exam. Or maybe its because my parents are leaving for Hajj next month. I don't know. All of the above?
What am I afraid of? Apart from making a fool of myself on stage? Life and its uncertainties.
These past weeks, I found myself thinking about the future, MY future. When people ask me, 'where do I see myself in 10 years?', I used to be able to answer them, in specific details. And what are the plans to achieve them. The back-up plan. The back-up back-up plan. (Ask my friend Jojo, she had to listen to ALL of it. Poor donkey.)
Yes, I was the one with a plan. My plan was so clear and solid that my mother gave up her dream to see me go to a medical school. But now, I am lost. I'm not sure when I am or where I'm going. I'm stranded on a raft, going wherever the waves and the wind take me.
'Go with the flow', a phrase both intriguing and frightening. There's 2 ending to this, whether you'll have an exciting adventure, or you'll stuck in a storm. I'm have a bad feeling this raft is heading to the storm, and I don't think I can survive it.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Okay, lame analogy. Moving on.
I'm going to talk about 'Fear'. Why? Maybe because of Halloween, maybe because of the final exam. Or maybe its because my parents are leaving for Hajj next month. I don't know. All of the above?
What am I afraid of? Apart from making a fool of myself on stage? Life and its uncertainties.
These past weeks, I found myself thinking about the future, MY future. When people ask me, 'where do I see myself in 10 years?', I used to be able to answer them, in specific details. And what are the plans to achieve them. The back-up plan. The back-up back-up plan. (Ask my friend Jojo, she had to listen to ALL of it. Poor donkey.)
Yes, I was the one with a plan. My plan was so clear and solid that my mother gave up her dream to see me go to a medical school. But now, I am lost. I'm not sure when I am or where I'm going. I'm stranded on a raft, going wherever the waves and the wind take me.
'Go with the flow', a phrase both intriguing and frightening. There's 2 ending to this, whether you'll have an exciting adventure, or you'll stuck in a storm. I'm have a bad feeling this raft is heading to the storm, and I don't think I can survive it.
Sent by DiGi from my BlackBerry® Smartphone
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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