Sunday, May 31, 2009

Caring Too Much

A very wise person said that teachers experience burn outs during the first three years because they do not have enough time spaced out for themselves. That we are supposed to find our own self in the process.

I'm not entirely sure why but these few days have taken a toll on my physical, mental and emotional state of being. Burn Out and Hatred of Job!

I feel that I've failed sometimes, I feel that it is extremely hard to accept new opinions, I feel that I'm not really needed sometimes, I feel that I am placing too much pressure on them, I feel that I have not taught them enough and yes, I do feel under appreciated at times.

We, as teachers, are not supposed to crave for appreciation. True indeed and that is something I'm trying to deal with. Previously, I get acknowledged for my effort but now, it is sort of expected when in fact, we feel that we have given or are giving more than required.

Maybe what I need to do is sleep at 9pm like most teachers here. Lantaklah kau boleh bercakap or not, yang penting AKU cukup tidur.

Friday, May 15, 2009

When You Have A Bad Day

I had quite a bad day today... I couldn't speak to my colleagues, tried calling a few close friends but none was reachable. I felt quite disappointed and devastated, up to a point that I wished I could ditch everything.

Then, I had a chat with two boys. Quite close ones. We talked crap but I felt much, much better during and after that half an hour. I remembered my late night sessions at La Zeez with Nabil and Acap, sipping on pseudo-mochas. How we did the same thing but we could talk about anything for hours. I walked away from the scene with a smile and it lasted until late night. Yes, they probably didn't do much but somehow, it meant a great deal to me.

Apparently, I don't need to go far for comfort. I don't even need to ask for it. My source of energy can be found anywhere if I look closely. Sometimes, in the least expected places.

*a wave to Mr Analyst-Consultant, good luck for tomorrow. Hope you nail the job*

Sunday, May 10, 2009

What Is Wrong With Me?

I am the kind of person who usually get what I want and I am so used to being pursued. I hate being terhegeh-hegeh. I hate chasing, I hate joining the run when I don't know about the end. I hate uncertainties.

But they say there comes a time in your life, when you suddenly change. Now, I feel like I'm in a pursuit of such and I kinda dread listening to my own thoughts sometimes. It's not exactly the most blissful thing in the world, to wait in vain. I don't really like the change and I'm afraid that I'll be bored of it. I sometimes cringe at my own actions, like.. enough already.

I need my girls in a conference now.. C'mon.


1 2 3 4 - Plain White Ts

Of Names

Those who are close to me know that I have a pet name among family members, Yen which actually is a shortened version of my original pet name (that will not be disclosed due to safety reason). It used to baffle people so much as it is seemingly an uncommon name. But heck.. What's in a name?

Much, I must say. For example, I feel weird of someone calls me Shirin. It might take me a few minutes to register that it is directed to or meant for me. Well, only Puan Roffini who taught me Maths in Form 3 calls me Shirin, reason being "Shirin" suits me better than "Ana" (yeah, gets to me too!). I still love Puan Roffini though because I thought she put in an effort to analyse what suits me.

So, in turn I remember Puan Roffini until now and often wonder what happened to her. In contrast to her, I used to hate teachers who can't remember students' names because I think it showed that they don't care much. NOW, I know how hard it is actually. Students now usually have 2 or 3 first names and I always ask them what should I call them. Usually, it's the second name that they are familiar with.

But imagine, in my Form 1 Astronomi class, we have 4 Hanifs. To make my job easier, we gave the 4 Hanifs nicknames which are Mr H, Abe, Anip and Iwan. In 4 Ibnu Sina, there's another Hanif who is close friends to Husni and you might have guessed by now that I always switch their names around. They are borderline redha by now..

But it's not just me who is having this problem. If possible, I want my students to address me as Miss Ana and these kids are finding it quite hard to change from Teacher Ana. People, it's wrong to call me Teacher Ana. We don't call an engineer as Engineer Leman or an accountant as Accountant Hamid. We call them Miss, Mr or Mrs. Why the sudden weird exception for teachers?

Another Malaysian culture that is die hard is the "Sir" attached to names. Addressing someone as "sir" per se is fine in a school context as it is widely used in UK and some parts of USA but we don't call someone as "Sir Khalid" unless the Queen bestowed the title upon them. It's a privilege given to a chosen few, not 3000 guys around Malaysia. Us, teachers should be more cautious about that.

So save me the pain and headache, call me Miss Ana. Not "teacher" because like how you want me to remember your name, I'd like it for you to do so too.

*okay.. trivia time.. who can tell what was the original name that my mum wanted to give me? I'd give you chocolates.. tempting, right?*

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

The Pressure Is On

100 days have passed since Barack Obama has been inaugurated as the President of USA and his performance, undoubtedly, has been scrutinised by all. It is a huge responsibility for the man as he has been eagerly embraced as an agent of change all around the world.

As far as I've read and am currently aware of, Obama has introduced quite well crafted policies focusing on a more human-centred health care programme that doesn't leave people as sickos, establishing security without inciting fear through the abolishment of Guatanamo Bay and inhumane interrogation strategies, a slowed down yet proactive economy system and a strong emphasis on green, new energy. These policies are developed and drafted by a think tank of carefully selected personnel who are either Democrats or Republicans traveled widely or spent their childhood outside America. It makes the government a United Nations in its own right, understanding and emphatising with people or issues they are dealing with.

Heck, the man even appeared on Jay Leno Show! Kau rasalah Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak nak tak masuk that AC Di Sini show? I think I can cut my.. errr.. my students' fingers if he did (Okay, siapa nak selamatkan maruah Miss Ana kalau terjadi?) He also quite rightfully paid a visit to Hugo Chavez, approached cheering crowds and avid fans (read: Sarkozy) all over Central Europe although he is yet to strike a note in Asia (exception to the rally down to Iraq and Afghanistan). However, do note that Hillary Clinton as the Secretary of State flew down to China and then Indonesia during her first trip, thus acknowledging the current government's awareness of what or who is important. China as its position as the next economy powerhouse and Indonesia as the house of largest number of Muslims (250 million and counting...)

Though I have this curious feeling that his election period was more engaging and promising than his current administrating stint. I wish that the Palestine-Isreal issue will be dealt with the same depth as the Afghans, that education policies can be clarified on whether teachers are rewarded based on merit or tenancy and more importantly, a serious look into the "No Child Left Behind" policy that has, as a matter of fact, caused a 30% hike on the number of dropouts since Bush 43's administration. Also a serious talk with Ahmedinejad. Yes, N.E.E.D it. Who am I to tell Obama what to do but I sure wish I could. That is a small hope but I'm sure that feeling is shared by a myriad of people who wants change to be a strong part of their life.

Obama has 1000 days more to go, so we are only at his first 100 metres of 1000 metres race. Only when he has completed the whole yard we can tell whether the man comes out as winner or loser. As with long distance race, we start slow and speed up towards the end. The race is still going on...

My Little 3 Days

I haven't had the opportunity to go back to KL and laze for more than 4 days. Even so, whenever I do go back, my days start as early as 8am and ends at 3am. Even worst than my working days, sometimes...

So during the long weekend recently, I have learnt to drive which is a pretty big deal to me (Aha! Aha!) And guess what? I love driving! I don't know what I was so afraid of. It's like a breeze through the air and I learnt to drive Nabil's manual Wira. It was a great one hour for me (I don't know about Nabil though, maybe he was crossing his fingers that I won't bump into a divider). Still have to work out on manouvering though, quite hopeless with it. Tried driving our auto Gen-2, it's definitely easier but I feel I get a kick out of manual cars (waaah, statement gitu!)

I also managed to go to 2 weddings including Acap's sister's. Kak Fakizah was soooo pretty that I envy her grace on that day. The parents looked elated too although I know they are extremely fatigued. Acap had to leave before the event ended as he had to rush to the airport because he had a test the next day. So we only had one and half hour to catch up and chill. So, that we did! We just sat at the Big Apple outlet in SAAS Airport and laughed our hearts out, basically talking about nothing over a dozen of donuts all sliced up into three parts as well as a cup of hot peppermint tea (obviously!). I say that is bliss, bois.

The Mother was quite busy during the weekend, a woman of her calibre is usually as such. I think she needs a PDA to organise her schedule. Yet still, she managed to find time to spring clean the house which ultimately resulted in the house being in temporary wreck. She was complaining that life was so much easier when I was around (yeah, mummy.. rub it in.. it doesn't sting). Now she feels like she has to do everything on her own. I wished my siblings were more understanding and could help out. Sometimes, I wish I could smack some sense into their heads. The middle child is always the best.. (What? No connection.. Still, I want to say it!)

Also met the darling Aimi after two months. Seeing her only made me miss my other girls moooooore. Durra was supposed to join us but some amuking hindered her from doing so. I shopped in Bangsar but didn't really find something I liked. Takpa, when we meet in June, we are going the paint the town red, yellow, green and blue. Got a hold on Joe Flizzow's President which was very hard to find either in Kuantan or KL. Hung out at Devi's, got free bubur kacang (maybe because regular customer yang dah lama tak nampak, kasih sayang melimpah ruah gitu) and then, head down to Chawan to have the unbelievably awesome nasi lemak bungkus.

I also did another thing I haven't done in quite some time, it was good to just let loose and be lost in it. I felt euphoric for that brief period (pardon the sudden indirectness, get the hint if you can... lalala). However, I didn't manage to catch up with MFG as we were both quite occupied and our schedule just clashed all the way. Owh well, next time perhaps.. June is drawing near... Can't wait to be back :)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

air asam

Teacher: Kak, saya nak air asam satu!
Canteen vendor: Air asam apa?
Suatu suara sumbang: Air asam pedas kot

I dare you! I dare you to drink it now... You can choose your favourite glass


Monday, April 20, 2009

Maybe He IS Into You.

He’s Just Not That Into You?

Another addition to the book-turned-movie trend is the adaptation of the chic-lit “He’s Just Not That Into You” which I think would result in a box office as it perfectly casts the Queen of Owh-Dear-Imagine-The-Rejection-She-Has-To-Handle, Jennifer Aniston. Yeah, being dumped for Angelina Jolie does make good sense but if you’re bestowed with an abundance of hawtness elements yourself, it would be hard to swallow the fact that you can get dumped at all. I used to say to myself, three good looking people in a relationship is just too crowded (no matter what Vicky Cristina Barcelona is trying to tell me)

I don’t remember ever reading the book (yup, I’m pretty confident because I think I would have gagged myself to death going through even half of it) but I know about the most crucial knowledge that slipped itself into the knowing through this book. The getting rejected through 5 different technologies. That translated would be that he doesn’t reply your text messages, your facebook message, your IMs, your phone calls and your e-mails. Okay, missing one, two or three even might mean that the guy is terribly absent minded but ALL five? You gotta kidding me, huh?

But think about it, girls (pardon the directive pronoun). What if you get messages through 5 different ways to remind you that “hey, I like you… why don’t you keep in touch with me?” Wouldn’t you be in the slightest way, urrmm… afraid? Of course I would. Yeah, so I’m not a commitment phobic (heh!) but even I felt a tingle of discomfort. Don’t you think we’re being a bit unfair towards our opposite sex then?

Well, maybe it’s not his fault that he’s not just that into us. Have you ever reflected on yourself and thought how scary you can be? How crazy you sound with 5 different ways of reminding him of your existence?

I say, lay low ladies (errmm.. yes, only in one sense of the word, please)... Give your man a break. Maybe he is into you but you turned it otherwise with all those over-analysing syndrome that only we, women possess. Like what one of my girls used to say, Men are very simple creature, don't make them complicated for our sake :)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Choose Love

Is it possible to have the same feelings for all students? To treat them all equally? I have been warned not to fall into the trap many, many times before by my lecturers who have noted this occurence especially among new teachers..

Easily identified as teacher's pets, students in this category is loved by certain teachers for their personality and attitude. For me, I find it very hard not to prefer students who thinks like me or share the same interest with me. I mean, come on, even mums have favourites among their kids. What more, me? The one who can choose between the hundreds here. Though, I tried not to make it too obvious.

Evidently, there are a few students whom I keep on mentioning in my daily conversation with The Mother. The Mother then warned me that I should make sure that no one else feels that I have this preference.

My students, I love you all although I do love some of you a teeny weeny bit more... Maybe it's your difference or your similarities with me but it's you being you that makes this bond special. There is no need to change yourself or be something else, your natural self is comfort to all of us.

(what's with the freaking philosophical ending? Myssteryyyyyy guy, you should know I'm actually typing this real late at night.. hahaha)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Get It?

I have always listened to people saying that when you don't want or need something, that is when it all comes.

With the choices I have in hand, I only want that particular one. I need to re-assure myself again but until now, there's no harm in waiting. Tapi kalau lama-lama, let's turn a new page :)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

What?!?

A list of shocking, unnerving and funny things that I've come across this few days

GPK 1 said this in the assembly
En A: Kalau main sepak takraw tu, elok-elok... bagi lipat. Jangan asyik lipat net pulak

A student passing by in front of koperasi and peeking into the room. Thinking that he might need something, I asked him this:
Me: What are you looking for?
Student: I'm looking forward, teacher (sambil jalan menuju ke hadapan membiarkan daku terpinga-pinga)

A student complaining that he is hungry
Me: Why don't you go and buy something?
Student: My money tertinggal..... (long pause) in the bank, teacher.

A student who is in my debate team came straight to me with a cheeky smile
Student: Is it hot in here or is it just you?

Guano! It will be hard to stay stoic and keep a straight face with these kinds of joke...

I Wonder...

I have been slumped with endless job since I've started working and the main reason behind all these extra work has been because "You are unmarried thus you don't have commitment yet". Just so you know, my plans to raid KL this weekend which I have been anticipating since last week has to be cancelled due to notice given yesterday that I have to handle a motivation camp for students. Jumaat nak buat, Isnin baru bitau... Yeah, I'm single so I surely have no plans or a life!

How ridiculous, no? I thought single people have more commitment and thus should be given more time to explore things (if you know what I mean). We only have a few years left before we are also chained down to the commitment they all speak of with fear now. If we don't socialise now, when should we? When we have 3 kids running around our tables every night?

I think this is an unfair treatment! I strongly feel that single people should have extra holidays! I will advocate this to NUTP!

Okay, I will mellow down now. I will just go and do what they ask me to do, including sleeping in tents even though I used to ask my mum to write exemption letters for me whenever I had to attend any seriously increduluous motivation camps while I was in school. You think my mum can still do that for me now?

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Aisey, He's Dead Already!


"May I a small house and large garden have,
And a few friends, and many Books, both true,
Both wise, and Both delightful too."

Abraham Cowley, 1618-1667 (English Poet)

Hold up, this man is supposed to be dead now? Gosh, I lost my soul mate already!

Coincidentally, we share the same dreamslah, Mr Cowley. Cowley was an intellect, royal spy and renowned doctor of his time. I am probably partially all that plus a bit more (apa gelak-gelak? true what??! oklah, i pun join gelak juga.. hahahaha). Yet, the both of us don't look to get a lot of things in our life, just what makes us happy enough. For me, I only seek a comfortable life with my family and keep the small number of friends I have retained in my life for more than 10 years now. And also to read as many books as I can. Both wise, both delightful..

And he's has been dead for about 300 years now. So apparently all the good guys are either taken, gay or dead... Better keep all the good men you have securely.

Of Many Sleepless Nights

Guilty as charged, I haven't been updating my blog. Namely because I haven't been well for quite some time, both physically and mentally. But as with the purpose of a blog, I should keep it running or else, just shut it down (which was what I have been considering for a while).

Just so it's out and clear, I have been teaching in a integration boarding school in Kuantan for almost a month now. You shouldn't have any trouble trying to figure out which one it is because there's only one SBPI here. The school has a fairly new concept as I've found it tricky to pin it down in the beginning too. The school as the GPK1 has emphasised is "bukan sekolah agama tapi sungguh macam sekolah agama". So you get the idea of how it's run. The school has great, dedicated teachers and staff plus a myriad of bright students. This is in total contrast with the school I've been to during my practicum stint. To adapt, I act in a different manner, behave very differently and dress up differently which leads me to ask myself in the mirror, "who the heck are you?"

But I should still be thankful, no? Well, I tell myself every morning that I should be. But with every occurrence happening in my life that I have no control over, I feel helpless and invariably experience a major want to just ditch things. Not leaving my students, mind you but to be able to be with my loved ones when they need me or when I need them. True to form, some of them might not need me in the sense of the word but I would love to be able to see them when they relate their pain, joy or sorrow.

It has lead to many sleepless nights where I just lock myself in my room and complete my work or read to get my mind off things. Luckily, my students is the thing that keeps me going here. They're really into learning and seem to cherish their English Language lessons. A boy from my Form 4 class had this short conversation with me at the last minutes of my class with them.

Hafiz: Teacher, next teacher takda.. you can continue teaching.
Ana: But I have a class now in 1 Astronomi
Hafiz: Ala, teacher... but we'll miss you laaar.

And that in itself is a steady motivation for me. I hope that I will get better with time and circumstances. Wish me more of well slept nights, people.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Moto Melman!

“I'm a giraffe. I even walk like a giraffe with a long neck and legs. It's a pretty dumb animal, mind you.” Sophia Loren.



My favourite character in Madagascar which I have watched for at least 15 times and still find it to be insanely hilarious has always been Melman, the pathetic hypochondriac giraffe with incredibly exaggerated limbs. The main reason for me liking this character is that David Schwimmer did the voice over and really gave it a soul. FYI, David Schwimmer's character in Friends (Ross) is also my personal favourite. It is beyond me that out of dozens of friends and families whom I have asked, only Amin and I fancied Ross. The others are equally divided between Chandler, Joey, Rachel and Phoebe while NONE liked Monica. Well, I just love the fact that Ross is scholarly, loving, goofy and by my standards, good looking. Hurrmmm.. maybe I have a thing for nerdy underdogs...

As for Schwimmer in Melman's skin, I think it is truly spot-on. I mean, Chris Rock and Ben Stiller are good too but it seems that they're just saying the words like they'd usually do in normal life. Melman on the other hand has his own character that is totally apart from Schwimmer, with his hesitant nature and funny mannerism. I remember the scene in Central Park where Alex and Gloria were arguing about the train while Melman was the in background trying to lick off the sanitizer he found in the toilet. I laugh my heart out each time I see that scene, hell, even remembering it is funny enough.



So being the devoted fan, a warm and fuzzy feeling was delivered to my heart upon seeing Melman truly finding what he really loves in "Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa". He finally got to be a doctor and got the love of his life, Miss Bootylicious Gloria (oppss.... I hope I didn't ruin the story for those who haven't watched it :p). Although the central plot was about Alakay/Alex, I was more interested with the love triangle between Gloria, Alex and Moto Moto ("The name's so nice, you gotta say it twice"). It goes to show that apparent losers are actually winners and pathetics can be heroes.

Although Madagascar 2 did not meet my expectations, I must give credits for the development of Melman's character. While Alex and Marty were still dabbling with their friendship issues, Melman truly grew up. I'll continue loving Melman like I love Ross, contrary to the masses. You Go, Melman!

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

kalau berlaku...

The unofficial word out is about 2000 teachers will be sent to Sabah, Land Below The Wind. This figure will include B.Ed TESL students. About 15 000 graduates are produced this year, so Nisya calculated that about 33 students from Cohort 2 would be sent over the shores to share their expertise. Though, I'm not sure how she calculated it lah.

If I'm sent over, I have a feeling that it would be a mental torture in the beginning as I'm sure I'll be extremely homesick. While we're on this topic, I nearly had a fever and was completely off mood last week as I haven't seen The Family (especially The Mother) in ten days. So if my emotional capacity is as such, I wouldn't be surprised to discover my worst sides over there.

On the other hand, I ought to be positive because I know God has planned everything for all his subjects. I must learn to be humble and able to adapt to the new surroundings. I must be able to overcome and forget unwanted memory to create a new life elsewhere. I heard people say that it is real fun over there though I have to scratch my head to look after replacements for my Actor's Studio, Alexis, Marmalade, MPH and Devi's Corner in the middle of Telumpik.

If that happens, I won't be surprised if I become Air Asia's number One passenger! Tony Fernandez would owe me one.

Lain Cerita
I finally got my KLG Sqwad's Labour of Love tee, thanks to LynnZ and Shah Hans who attended a musical event in SoHo KL last weekend. Looks like I can wear it for Hari Raya Qurban instead, although The Mother has not-so-jokingly said that those people in t-shirts are assigned to slaughter the cows and goats in the morning.. yikes!

When I wore it to the Cohort II BBQ, I got casual remarks from friends who have noticed my want for the tee through my blog. Some others were wondering what the heck is "KLG SQD". So, I voluntarily explained and gave out weblinks to their site. I think they're great so it wasn't hard getting people to listen to them. Anyhuuuuu, I love the quality and the size of the t-shirt. At least the XS is a real XS compared to some other clumsy tees I've got with serious problems of "what makes an XS".


from left: Sayda, Nina and Ana during Cohort II BBQ

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Close To Heart



Today, I attended Qhaiyum's wedding and had the opportunity to meet up with old school friends. They all still looked the same and we all still could share a conversation despite the many years we have not been keeping in touch with each other. Some of these people have been extremely close to me even until today but there are some I haven't met in 6 years!

Even so, it is amazing to see that most of us still talk or act the way we did those twilight years ago. We joked about the same teachers (yikes, to think that I'd be joked upon in some years to come!)and talked about our past memories, current endeavors and future undertakings with delight. As if we never drifted apart...There has been calls for a re-union soon and I am seriously looking into it as the bunch has always found it easier to let me organise this kind of stuff.

I feel young and rejuvenated after meeting my old friends. This weekend has been an extremely wonderful one where I get to see people who make me happy :) No more homesick and no more doubts about feelings :)

To Qhaiyum and Fazlina, Selamat Pengantin Baru... May Allah s.w.t bless your union with endless love and prosperity :)


*ada orang berkata bahawa dalam gambar ini, daku tampak macam seorang Datin (isteri nombor 4) yang pergi mana-mana tidak diiringi suami yang sibuk ... hurrmmm.. ada aku kesah? :p*

Kasi Ingat Ini

I was caught off guard by Nina the other day who said "I'm sure you can answer this question" and when she asked who is the current Higher Education Minister, I could not provide an answer. Thank God Nisya saved the day by providing an answer. Shows how shallow I have become in recent days... As a reminder for me and all, here's an updated list of the Malaysian Cabinet.

Perdana Menteri : Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Timbalan Perdana Menteri: Datuk Seri Najib Razak


JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
Menteri : Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Menteri : Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz
Menteri : Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Menteri : Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (senator)-(meletak jawatan-kekosongan)
Menteri : Datuk Amirsham A Aziz (senator)
Timbalan : Datuk Johari Baharum
Timbalan : Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim (senator)
Timbalan : S K Devamany
Timbalan : Datuk Hasan Malek

KEMENTERIAN DALAM NEGERI
Menteri : Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar
Timbalan : Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Timbalan : Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (senator)

KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN
Menteri : Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Menteri II : Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Timbalan : Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah
Timbalan : Datuk Kong Cho Ha

KEMENTERIAN PENGANGKUTAN
Menteri : Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Timbalan : Datuk Anifah Aman

KEMENTERIAN KERJA RAYA
Menteri : Datuk Ir. Mohd Zin Mohamed
Timbalan : Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

KEMENTERIAN PERUSAHAAN PERLADANGAN DAN KOMODITI
Menteri : Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Timbalan : A Kohilan Pillay (senator)

KEMENTERIAN TENAGA, AIR DAN KOMUNIKASI
Menteri : Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Timbalan : Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum

KEMENTERIAN PERDAGANGAN ANTARABANGSA DAN INDUSTRI
Menteri : Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Timbalan : Datuk Liew Vui Keong
Timbalan : Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

KEMENTERIAN PERTANIAN DAN INDUSTRI ASAS TANI
Menteri : Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Timbalan : Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

KEMENTERIAN PERDAGANGAN DALAM NEGERI DAN HAL EHWAL PENGGUNA
Menteri : Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad
Timbalan : Jelaing anak Mersat

KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN
Menteri : Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein
Timbalan : Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong
Timbalan : Datuk Razali Ismail-(meninggal dunia-kekosongan)

KEMENTERIAN PENERANGAN
Menteri : Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Timbalan : Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

KEMENTERIAN PERPADUAN, KEBUDAYAAN, KESENIAN DAN WARISAN
Menteri : Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal
Timbalan : Teng Boon Soon

KEMENTERIAN SUMBER MANUSIA
Menteri : Datuk Dr S Subramaniam
Timbalan : Datuk Noraini Ahmad

KEMENTERIAN SAINS TEKNOLOGI DAN INOVASI
Menteri : Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Timbalan : Fadillah Yusof

KEMENTERIAN PERUMAHAN DAN KERAJAAN TEMPATAN
Menteri : Datuk Ong Ka Chuan
Timbalan : Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew
Timbalan : Datuk Hamzah Zainudin

KEMENTERIAN PERTAHANAN
Menteri : Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Timbalan : Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop

KEMENTERIAN KEMAJUAN LUAR BANDAR DAN WILAYAH
Menteri : Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib
Timbalan : Tan Sri Joseph Kurup
Timbalan : Joseph Entulu Belaun

KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI
Menteri : Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Timbalan : Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Abu Bakar

KEMENTERIAN BELIA DAN SUKAN
Menteri : Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Timbalan : Wee Jeck Seng

KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN
Menteri : Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Timbalan : Datuk Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad

KEMENTERIAN PEMBANGUNAN USAHAWAN DAN KOPERASI
Menteri : Datuk Noh Omar
Timbalan : Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah

KEMENTERIAN PEMBANGUNAN WANITA,KELUARGA DAN
MASYARAKAT
Menteri : Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen
Timbalan : Noriah Kasnon

KEMENTERIAN PELANCONGAN
Menteri : Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said
Timbalan Menteri : Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

KEMENTERIAN WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN
Menteri : Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique
Timbalan Menteri : Datuk M Saravanan

KEMENTERIAN PENGAJIAN TINGGI
Menteri : Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Timbalan Menteri : Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Timbalan Menteri : Datuk Idris Haron

KEMENTERIAN SUMBER ASLI DAN ALAM SEKITAR
Menteri : Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Timbalan Menteri : Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh

Bernama

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sisters Of My Heart


from left: Syajaratuddurrah Mohd Khairuddi, Nur Amanina Abdul Samad, Aimi Mahfuzah Mohd Kamaludeen, Ana Shirin Razi Rabi, Ungku Khairunnisa Ungku Mohd Nordin.
(a recent picture taken on 24 November, so this is how we all look now =p )

Thank You for always being there for me and teaching me that we can be sisters, with all our crazy stories, incessant laughters, flowing tears, occasional sulking, stuff sharing, group hugging, bitter arguments, colourful redemptions, split personalities, arm pinchings, hip pokings, fashion advisings, coffee drinkings, food wolfings, sleepy mornings, fun evenings etc etc etc....

This is a bond for life fulfilled with years of experiences shared together and yet to be recognised with coming years of experiences to be filled. Through laughter and tears, we've seen it all. This is a testament to life that differences draws in similarities and with that, I look forward for more days with all of my sisters. Thank You to all four of you :)

Monday, November 24, 2008

My Fashion Icons

Someone asked me to describe my fashion sense the other day and I had extreme difficulties answering the question. So, I came back home and reflected on it. I decided to name it "whatever the hell I like". hahahaha. Hence, here's a bit about people who inspire Fashion for me as I generally mix and match what I see from these people but most of the time, it has always been down to my comfort and budget (yaaa, harussss)


1. Marc Jacobs- I would die to walk the runway for him :D His Marc by Marc Jacobs line has guided my fashion direction for a long while. His revolutionary designs that ran along the idea that you can be quirky yet beautiful is so alluring for me :p


2. Agyness Deyn- bold, rock chic has not been the most appealing style for me until I saw her. Man, I love her! She encapsulates the masculinity that every woman has hidden in her and I love the fact that she doesn't try to hide that. Good for her that she's the face for Burberry now, kayo ni..


3. Camelia- a lot of people have been complaining that she doesn't do anything so she doesn't deserve to be in the limelight but I beg to differ because she carries GREAT handbags! That's a job to be reckoned with... And I think she has good taste in what she chooses to wear and the type of image that she postulates. She's not pretentious and isn't afraid to try to do or wear what she wants and looking good while she's at it.


4. Marianne Faithfull- the Original Rock Chick (O.R.C)! All those bohemian styles that you see or sport today, you owe it to this woman. She was a musical and fashion prodigy back in the 70s and dated Your Highness Mick Jagger himself. I rarely listen to her music but I've browsed countless webpages that documented her fashion inklings. I wore boots when I did because of her... tak kisahlah Malaysia ni panas sekalipun.


5. Liya Kebede- the black beauty. Love her, love her, love her... she's so down to earth, pretty, successful, has a loving family, a stable career and proved that those with dark skin can be beautiful too! I can never forget seeing her on the runway for Chanel and as the face of Estee Lauder. She was so breathtaking that I felt sooooo..... ngaum! (haaa.. it's rare that I'll turn gay for someone tau!)


6. Mischa Barton- because her psychique is something like me, I tend to think whatever she wears, I can wear them too (perasan ni, okay ke?? hahahahaha). But she carries off "cute" better than me, of course. Plus, she's always decent and whatever she wears is quite achievable. Grew a passion for Ed Hardy t-shirts after seeing her in a few really great ones :)

I might not be a fashionista and have obviously hit some hideous notes along the way too but I have always dressed up to suit myself. I seldom wear things to suit what others think, even if it might result in over/underdressing myself. As long as I feel good, it should be alright. I'll kick someone right in the butt if they tell me that I can't wear my t-shirt, jeans and sneakers on my dates and pay a sweet revenge by looking really good in it compared to them heaped in a haute couture dress! It's not really what you wear but HOW and WHO's wearing it... lalalalala

-caution: self-praise is an indulgence privileged on a certain few who can afford to be criticised, evaluated and laughed at-


Photo credits:
Marc Jacobs, Camelia, Agyness, Mischa Barton, Liya Kebede & Marriane Faithfull