Beautiful Reminder

Hello sweetheart!!

I'm back!! Been here since last Monday. Damn tired. I wanna tell you everything about the GC trip but too bad I'm still not in the perfect mood to deliver every single thing to you in a correct way. Give me sometime okay. I'll try to make you feel like we were together in the vacation..=))

Anyhow, I received a reminder from my ex-supervisor in UTM, Prof Dr Ong Chee Tiong. And I took it as a beautiful reminder for me. I've known him since I first started my undergraduate studies in UTM and I worked under his supervision for Master's Degree for one and and a half year. He taught me so many things and also one of the most important person who supported me since I started learning from basically nothing until today. We still keep each other in contact especially thru emails and also FB. (ya, beliau sangat aktif ber FB tau. tp untuk benda2 penting saja lah. bukan ber FB mcm yg saya buat tu.hehe). And this morning, I received this message from him.

Hi Amirah;

Nampaknya seronok... selalu berjalan..... hati-hati... fokus utama ... belajar... selesaikan PhD... buat paper dalam journal ternama... berimpak tinggi.... (sorry berleter...org tua...) Remember what I told you about what is your important things to do or your Priority task?

Bye...Take Care...Keep in touch...

Thanks heaps for the reminder Dr Ong. Rasa terharu sebab beliau sentiasa sokong saya dari zaman kanak2 sampai la sekarang. Beliau tak penah lupa ingatkan saya tentang kepentingan fokus masa belajar.

Dr Ong Chee Tiong. Copy gambar dari FB.hehehe..=))

p/s: This is the risk of doing PhD that you have to undergo. Nobody is there to ask you to do this or that. You have to stand on your own. And I'm glad that I actually have Dr Ong watching me from far and keep reminding me sometimes in while.. Lucky Amirah!!=))

Good News VS Bad News

Yuuhuuuu!! Anybody home??

Okay, I'm still here. Dropping by to say a few words before I would temporarily be gone for 5 days. I don't know how much you're going to miss me. This much?? Or theeeeeessseeeee much?? Or not at all?? Dushh!! Amik ni. Pukul sekali kat bontot. Biase tu ye.. Tak reti2 nak rindu saye ye. Hehe. Okay, mengarut!

Now back to the point. How much do you enjoy listening to good news? For me, good news has the ability to lighten our worries or sometimes makes us feel free from a heavy burden. True isn't it? Ha, you must have come to a situation when somebody said, "Listen, I have 2 things to tell ya. One is good while another is not so good. Which one do you wanna listen first?". If you are at this point, which one would you choose? Ha?? susah tak nak jawab soalan ni? Macam soalan AddMaths SPM pulak.hehehe. If I was there, I will say, "Tell me the good news and please forget the other one, I don't give it a damn!!".

Posto! Posto! Sekarang banyak dapat good news orang nak kawen je.hehe..

Erkk?? Bole ke jawab camtu je?? Of course not. Buat la. Pastu dapat capati free. Capati tu ape? Ayooo.. Sapa yg penah rasa je tau capati tu apa. Capati tu adalah pelempang hebat yg hinggap kat pipi menggunakan kedua-dua belah tangan yang kuasanya hanya dimiliki oleh cikgu saya yg bernama Teacher Letchumi. Ha, nak tau hebat tak hebat? Cuba la tak buat homework English masa form 1. Esok pagi datang sekolah mesti dapat pekena capati. Macam mana saya tau? Sebab saya dah penah rasa capati tu la. Akibat malas (atau bahasa sopannya terlupa) buat homework English. Hahaha. Bikin malu saja kamu ni ye Amirah. Pengalaman. Dah kena sekali, lepas tu taubat taknak makan capati Teacher Letchumi lagi dah. Sumpah tak sedap!! Okay, melalut lagi nampaknya.

Kalau capati ni, belanja hari2 pun saya rela. Pelita ohh pelita.

Get back to my question just now. I will normally request for the good news first. Why? because I don't want to spoil the pleasant happy mood the moment I listen to something that is worth to smile or laugh for. I loveeeee listening to good news. Really!! No matter what they are. Tell me. You wanna get married? You got pomoted? You bought new dresses? You're coming over? You're gonna get a new baby? Just tell me EVERYTHING. I will listen. And share the happiness with you. Lepas dah puas2 gelak, then only I will reluctantly ask for the not-so-good news. This time I will listen too. If it is worth crying, let's do it together. If we need to go somewhere peace and calm, let's go to the beach. Ocean breeze would definitely assuage the intense in your head. Believe me.

So, these are the answers from me. No matter how good or bad things are, face them with strength. And keep on praying hard, seeking help from the Almighty would be the best option after all. Cause He knows them all.

p/s: I have two things to tell you. One is good and another one is not so good. You have to listen to both. Good news; I'm going for a holiday. Bad news; Balik holiday nanti saya akan jadi robot. (tapi robot yang pandai makan la). Too much things to do. Okay, that's all for now. Till the next hello from me. Bye2!! Assalamualaikum.

Gold Coast Voyage

Hellooo!!

I'm already in my holiday mood now. The Gold Coast (GC) trip is not going to start only until Thursday. But here I am, wasting my time like I have nothing to do at all. No! No! A big no! Plenty of works to do. Tonnes of reading to be made. Everything seems trying to be on top of each other hunting for my attention. And they actually got nothing from me. Too bad. I know that there's nothing more frightful than ignorance in action. If you don't do it now, you are surely going to regret later. Ok ok, dah kena ceramah untuk diri sendiri hari ni. Sila insaf!

But give me a moment. A bit highlight on my GC expedition. It will be a 5 days 4 nights pleasure trip. (I hope). My flight from Sydney will be on Thursday morning. And I will only come back on Monday evening. Meaning that I'll be away from you for 5 days. Too long to be true isn't it? But what to do. Just wait til the day I arrive and I'm gonna share everything with you okay.

Seaworld and Movie World. Here I come!!

Here's a little info about my accommodation there. We are going to stay at Southport Tourist Park (Budget Accommodation) which is said to be near to everything. We paid $101/per person for 5 days. And I hope it is going to be comfortable enough. Comfortable in a sense of good room service, complete basic utilities and helpful staffs. Btw, we call this trip as "Percutian Bajet". Expenses must not exceed AUD500. Bole ke? Let's give a try!!=))

Southport Tourist Park. Our Budget Accommodation.

p/s: Kalau bajet nak duduk hotel mahal2, service nak first class, sila pergi main jauh2. Jangan pergi jalan2 dengan saya. Yang lain semua saya tak kisah, asalkan toilet bersih.hehehe.. Lagi satu, jangan toilet nun jauh kat dalam semak sudah la. Yang tu saya takut. Siap la kau kena teman pulak nanti. Nak backpacking, buat cara backpacking. Kalau nak sedap2 duduk dalam hotel mewah, sila organize trip sendiri or, tunggu honeymoon je lah..hehe. Ok, take note!!:p

Rumahku..

Dear diary,

I talked to my mum through skype for two hours just now. Ambik kau!! Balas dendam lepas 2 minggu tak skype. Tapi phone call hampir setiap hari la. Our conversation covered from the smallest until the biggest things that happened around us. Ahhh!! Rindunya nak duduk borak dgn mak macam dulu2. We can talk for a few hours about everything without noticing how fast the time flies. That is how close me and my mother is. Rindu..rindu..rindu..=(

Out of other things that we discussed just now, I want to highlight about something here. Having the experience of buying a new property made me learn about so many things. I never knew that buying a house could cost me quite a fortune. Despite paying for the original price, we need to have at least a few extra thousands RM to compensate tedious things like insurance, lawyers & agreement, electricity & water, simple renovation, and basic utilities. It costs me more than 10K for all the extras. Gosh!! I thought buying a house is trouble-free. Now I know that it is not that easy though.

Primrose, Bertam Perdana, Phase 3, Kepala Batas, Penang

Floor plan of my house

I'm sure that you have no idea on what I'm rambling about rite? Sorry about that. Okay, let me explain. I bought a house in Bertam Perdana, Kepala Batas, Penang since 2years ago. A single-storey-terraced house. Alhamdulillah, it is now ready for a living. Actually, I don't have plan to stay there. It is just as an asset for my future and the house is meant for rental. I bought it at the price of RM138K for 25years of loan. I started paying my housing loan at the age of 23. Meaning that I'll do the payment until I'm 48years old. Hahahaha. Gila!! Silap-silap dah anak 6 dah masa tu tapi rumah dok tak habis bayar lagi. Tapi apa nak buat kan. Kalau tak beli sekarang, bila lagi? huhu..

I choose simple design like this and it costs me around RM3K for the complete set. Crazy!

For those who have plan to buy a new house, once you obtain your house key, please prepare at least RM3000 to pay your lawyer who's going to manage everything about your housing loan. Then, you require at least RM2000 for housing insurance. You also need to pay for the electricity and water which will cost around RM1000. For a simple renovation like grills (main and back doors, window, sliding doors), lamps, fans and a few other things, they will cost you around RM3-5000. Look at how much you have to pay for simple and basic things like these. And there goes my RM10K. Total disaster!! Garu kepala jugak bila dengar mak cakap harga semua ni. Mana nak cekau duit?? Uwaaaa!! Alamatnya habis la duit dalam tabung badak saye yg tak berapa nak gemok tu..=((

HOWEVER, I felt so relief cause I don't need to pay all these in one whole bunch. Thanks to my mum for making my life easier. She already paid half of the amount and I'll pay the rest. Then I'll do the payment to her every month. Haruslah bayar balik, mana bole free je amik duit mak okay. Phewwww!! Lega gila dengar bila mak offer nak tolong bayar dulu. Terima kasih mak sebab tolong Mirah. Kalau tak mesti Mirah terkontang-kanting taktau nak buat apa pasal nak beli rumah ni. Maklumla budak lagi. Huhu.. When I came to think about this, I'm so grateful to have a mother who works in banking area. So, she knows exactly how to handle financial things like this. Thanks heaps Mak!! I love you..=))

p/s: Alhamdulillah dah ada orang nak sewa rumah tu. Ringan sikit beban nak bayar hutang tiap2 bulan. Susah rupanya proses beli rumah ni. huhu. If you have chance, start buying property at your young age okay. Treat it as an asset. The price increases every year. You are not going to regret. trust me!!=))

Mental Conversation

Assalamualaikum Encik Diari,

I have something on my mind rite now. But I don't know how to spill the guts here. Failure in expressing thoughts happens all the time I guess. This is the point where everybody starts to have mental conversation with him/her self. Ha, one more thing, I noticed that journaling seems to be the most popular technique for becoming conscious of our self-talk at the moment. So, I'm on the right track I suppose!!=))

One thing that I like about self-talking, I can simply change the thing I say to myself into something that I'd like to believe that would make me feel better. Interesting rite?? hehe.. I believe that we can always try do as much as we can on our own. But remember, if you run into painful things, find somebody to talk to okay. Cause you can't change EVERYTHING on your own.

I think it's alrite if we want to talk to ourself. If others think you are nuts because you talk to yourself, perhaps it would be good if you have the internal dialogue more quietly. Senang cerita, jangan cakap kuat2 lah. Cuak gak kalo lalu sebelah orang yg tgh cakap sorang2. Silap haribulan free je kene hentak baru padan muka.. hehe..

Kalau nampak orang jalan pakai t-shirt camni, sila jalan jauh2 sikit okay..:p

p/s: Cukupppp Amirah!! Cukup untuk serious-talk buat hari ni. Benda lain yg nak cakap, benda lain pulak yg terkeluar. hahaha.. Sudah, pegi buat keja balik. Nanti datang balik cakap pasal benda yg happy pulak okay!!=))

Mindset of Problems

Dear diary,

I bumped into a colleague at the restroom just now. As usual, we talked about each other's progress as we enrolled together in Spring 2009 intake. I told her about how hard things have gotten on me. And she told me the same thing. I like about something she said just now.

"It is alrite if we're having problem while doing our research cause it shows that we're at least working on something. It is much better than not having problem at all seeing that as we're not working on anything."

I wish I can always be positive like this

p/s: Thanks for all the comforting words Kak Endah. But I still feel like I'm not progressing much this semester. Hope things gonna be much better after this.

Queen's Birthday

Good Day Sweetheart!!

I just got back from Wollongong Harbour and Lighthouse. Phewwww!! After about a few months. Emm, let me recall, the very last time I actually went there for the intention of taking pictures was about 9 months back. And today I did it again. It was real fun!!

Well, of course I went there for a reason. I'm still not out of my mind to go to the beach so early in the morning like today without any good point.hehe. Actually, Laili's friends came from Canberra. Kali ni orang lain. Bukan Kak Zura yg datang masa kitorang pegi Pebbly Beach dulu tu. I took over Laili's place to entertain them as she's not around.

Meet my new friends; G-ar & Aisyah

Even I have been to the beach for quite a number of times, the feeling of excitement everytime I stand in front of the lighthouse, looking at the spectacular view of the open sea is always there. I can't deny that Wollongong is very beautiful indeed.

Bersantai dekat lighthouse

Look at the view. This is Wollongong Harbour people

Another rock-pool at Wollongong beach

Owh, not forgetting, we went to UOW as well. One of them is an ex-UOW-student, so she wanted to see how much differ UOW from the one right before she left. Of course there's nothing much dear. You only left UOW like less than a year ago. Come back after 10years, I wonder wether or not we know how to find our way in this uni.hehe..

I'm the current student and she's an ex-student.

p/s: After almost a year, I started to fall in love with Wollongong bit by bit now. Out of other places, I think, it has it's own trademark that nobody can simply forget. Tapi saya tetap nak balik Malaysia for good okay. Tamau dok sini. Tamau!! Btw, today is actually a public holiday here. Hmm, patut la takde orang merayau2 dekat uni ni. So, Happy Birthday Queen!!=))

Hanya Ingin Kau Tahu

Dear diary,

Here's another beautiful song that I used to love a few years ago.. Listening to a song, and remembering all the memories that go with it is incalculably beyond price. Well, I love this song because of it's comforting melody that touches the soul. Enjoy listening to this soothing mantra okay dear. You'll know it why do I really love this piece.

Repvblik - Hanya Ingin Kau Tahu

Ku telah miliki

Rasa indahnya perihku

Rasa hancurnya harapku

Kau lepas cintaku

Rasakan abadi

Sekalipun kau mengerti

Sekalipun kau fahami

Ku fikir ku salah mengertimu

Aku hanya ingin kau tahu

Besarnya cintaku

Tingginya khayalku bersamamu

Tuk lalui waktu yang tersisa kini

Di setiap hariku

Di sisa akhir nafas hidupku

Walaupun semua hanya ada dalam mimpiku

Hanya ada dalam anganku

Melewati hidup

Rasakan abadi

Sekalipun kau mengerti

Sekalipun kau fahami

Ku fikir ku salah mengertimu

Aku hanya ingin kau tahu

Besarnya cintaku

Tingginya khayalku bersamamu

Tuk lalui waktu yang tersisa kini

Di setiap hariku

Di sisa akhir nafas hidupku

p/s: Sometimes we remember because our memories have been triggered by a favourite song or tune. This is how we could retrieve all the significant events that ever happen in our life.. Thanks for cherishing all the sweet memories dear..=))

Don't panic

Assalamualaikum,

I talked to my mum just now. After about..errr.. 3 days of not talking to her I guess. Biasanya hampir tiap2 hari ckp, tp sebab mak ada attend ESQ, tak bole la nak kacau. huhu.. Owh, I miss everybody at home. I really2 do. Hearing everybody is doing good makes me extremely happy. But the feeling of jealousy is automatically developed whenever I heard them having fun together. Jeles sebab I takde kat tempat kejadian. Hehe.. Ntah pape je kamu ni Amirah. Macam budak2 okey!! Tapi tak kira, nak jeles jugak..=(

I reckon how time flies very fast. It is almost a year now. I'm emotionally stable already. But the fact that I still don't like the feeling of being away from my loved ones is still there. Takpe2, sabar sikit je lagi kay. Nanti kan dah nak balik. 2 kali lagi pulak tu.. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, remember?

Okay, now stop all the gloomy miserable parts. Cheer up!! I've got tonnes of things to do at the moment. I think I have to start making lists again. I haven't had to do that for a while- Okay, I haven't done it for AGES. I'm starting to feel the pressure. Gosh!! The panicky busy feeling is now return. Cool down.. cool down..

Well, here's another thing that I wanna share with you. If you are having conversation with a PhD student, please avoid these following questions okay!! Kind of funny though. But somehow I could say that they are particularly true. Bukannya apa, terasa ooo bila sedar diri tak progress macamana yg orang harapkan. huhu.. Tapi nak buat cmana, hidup ni kan ada ups and downs. Ececeh!! Pandai la bg alasan kamu ni Amirah.hehe.. So, check this out!!:p

p/s: But sometimes I do need somebody to ask me all these questions. Kalo tak, sampai bila la tak sedar diri. Tapi kalo tanya lebih2, ada yg kena ketuk gak karang. Mind you!! Tapi sesungguhnya kalo kena ketuk memang sy tak sengaje. Luar kawalan diri. hehehe..:p :p

Kaspersky ohh Kaspersky

Hey you Mr Chronicle..

I just completed installing Kaspersky Internet Security 2010. Pheww!! What a relief. Hopefully my dear handsome lappy is fully protected for another 365 days from now. Hey, it is very important for us to get things updated especially if you are one devoted internet user... like me! I use internet at all time; work, shop, bank, or even play online! So, you need something like this as a shield for a safe and secure internet experience.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010.

You know what, saya ni memang tersangat lah lembab dalam bab-bab komputer ni. I'm totally not a computer freak!! My computers are just for me to do my mathematical programming and connect me to the world using internet. That's all!! Jangan suruh I godek-godek komputer tu, lain yang jadi nanti I tak jamin okay! So, in this case, I depended a lot on Mr Bf. Dari zaman kecik-kecik lagi tau. (Hang on, kecik la sangat kan masa buat degree dulu. haha.. Perasan!). Yeah, sometimes I think he's getting sick of me being like this. Pemalas sangat nak amik tau!! Semua nak harapkan dia je. But I told him, this is why I have him with me. To comprehend all my weaknesses and help me to get over them. Betol kan?? hehe.. Bodek!!:p

But, don't you worry dear. I'll try to learn bit by bit okay. Saya mmg slow la bab-bab ni. Cuba awak suruh saya makan, mesti blom sempat awak habiskan ayat, saya dah habiskan makan dgn semangatnye. Sebab yang tu memang saya pandai..:p Ok2, kidding!! I need to learn more about everything in life. Being a doctorate student doesn't mean that I know about EVERY SINGLE THING. NO!! Banyak lagi benda yang saya kena belajar dalam hidup ni. And I'll slowly gain all that through my experience in life. Do help me okay!!=))

p/s: Dear Big Bos, thanks for all the trouble in getting me this new antivirus. I really appreciate your help. Saya rasa sampai bile2 pun saya tetap akan susahkan awak la sayang. Kene marah pun takpe la. I'm mentally prepared!! Hehe..:p

Char Kuey Teow

Ada sapa-sapa nak bukak stall Char Kuey Teow (CKT) kat sini????

Tolong la..tolong la.. I just need one full plate of this signature dish of my beloved hometown, Penang!! Then I'll stop bothering you. I Promise!! I'm craving for one rite now. Me did my own?? Nahhh. Baik beli je sepinggan besar RM4.00. makan puas-puas. kalo tak cukup bole tambah lagi sepinggan kecik..:p

Saya rindu kamu la budak kecik!!
(photo courtesy kucailiah.fotopages.com)

For those who never tried one, go get it now!! It is a wonder. Trust me!! Hehehe.. Promote gila2 nampak.. Tapi btol la.. I miss all those delicious Malaysian foods. Especially budak kecik CKT nie. Jahat tau!! What makes this budak kecik so yummie??? Kerang dan udang fresh yg tergolek-golek, taugeh & sayur kucai yg main sorok-sorok kat celah kuey teow, kuah banjir pekat2.. Gosh!!! Bole balik jap tak malam ni nak mkn kat Permatang Pauh? I promise lepas makan I terus naik last flight balik Wollongong..:p

p/s: Okay, please stop all this nonsense Amirah. Pinch your nose!! Ingat awak tu ade kat mane. Be good! Ok?? Baiklah... =( Ni la akibatnye kalo stress masa buat keja. Saya akan mula google benda yg bukan2 mcm ni la..makanan ohh makanan.. come to me baby.. :p :p

Balik Kampung Part 2

Dear diary,

I told you that I'm going back to Malaysia in September for Hari Raya like only a week ago rite? And here I am again, telling you about another balik kampung trip. teeheee..:p And this time in November. Can't wait!! The e-ticket is already in my hand now. Just need to wait for the time to come..=))

ITINERARIES

SYDNEY-KL (Malaysia Airlines)

Date : 9th November 2010

Depart : 3.40pm

Arrive : 8.50pm

KL-SYDNEY (Malaysia Airlines)

Date : 27th November 2010

Depart : 10.10pm

Arrive : 9.00am (+1)

Sebenarnya, dah lama I berkira-kira nak beli tiket untuk balik masa wedding abang ni. I did the ticket hunting since like a few months ago. Tapi tiket mahal gila!! Paling murah kalau naik MAS pun AUD1100. Even low cost flight like AirAsia could cost me around AUD900 for a return ticket. Woohooo!! Saya memang tak mampu. Sebab masa tu dah start peak season end year holiday.

But then, somebody told me about the MAS offer in which I could get a return ticket for only AUD700. Hahhh!! Apa lagi?? Terus la booking. Mula-mula plan kononnye nak balik 2minggu je. Tapi, bila tengah syok2 booking, dengan "tak sengaje" I pilih untuk balik 3 minggu. hahahaha. Nasib kamu la Amirah. Prepare la nak meng"ayat" supervisor cemane nanti yek.

Kudos to MAS!! I love you.hehe..:p

Owh, fyi, the ticket has been sponsored by my big brother. Yeah, the one who's getting married. Dear abang, thanks heaps for the tickets for me to be at your wedding. Really appreciate this. Adik tak payah transit kat Melbie kalo naik MAS. Yahuuuu!!! Nanti adik belanja abang okay. Emporio Armani Diamonds gift set for both you and Mai for the hantaran!!=))

p/s: For those yang ade plan nak datang jalan2 Aussie hujung tahun ni, bole check website MAS kat special offers, ada banyak trip ke Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast etc.. cepat2!! offer valid sampai 19th June!!. Ish, dah macam promoter pulak. takpe, sebab I dah dapat my ticket, then bole promote kat org lain. Sharing is caring!!hehehe..

Welcoming Winter

Good afternoon!!

Today is the last day of autumn and tomorrow will be the start of winter. As autumn ends, and winter comes, the day is getting shorter and shorter. And most of our daily activities are now restricted in regard to the cold weather. Bila dah sejuk2 camni, ramai orang akan pilih utk hibernate dekat rumah je la jawabnya.

Weather change also means a change in fashion here. You can't simply wear sweat shirts and pants as you'll end up freezing in coldness. At least you need a warm winter coat to cover your body. Pakai la cantik cmane pun, last-last kena pakai jacket jugak kat luar.hehe.. So people, forget about being so fashionable during winter. Nobody cares!!:p

Speaking of welcoming winter, here is my wishlist of things that I'll "probably" need. Probably here means memang tak mungkin dapat la since they will cost me a fortune. hahaha. Tapi berangan ape salahnya. kan? kan? :p

Wishlist items

(photo courtesy www.polyvore.com)

Owh dear, I'm dying to get that exquisite light gray shearling jacket. Sangat cantek lah!! It looks perfect to be paired with that white turtle-neck. Ok,ok, I already got one. But I'd LOVE to get another one if somebody sweet could offer me a new piece of this clean looking turtle-neck. Anybody? No? Sighs.. Saya sungguh kecewa.hukhuk.. Ok, now look at the vintage worn style with heavy destruction skinny jeans. Nak! Nak! Bestnye kalau dapat yang ni. I xde skinny kaler tu lagi.. I eyed for one, unfortunately the price is wayyyyy too far from my budget. So, cancel!! hehe.. And I'm so inlove with that flirty ankle booties as well!! Senang cite, saya nak semua lah!! Boleh?? hehehe..

p/s: Ok, dah boleh berhenti berangan sekarang ye Amirah. Bangun..bangun.. Back to reality. Tadi mengantuk sangat. So, bukak google nak cari benda lain. tiba-tiba "ter"google benda2 alah ni. Camni la pompuan.. hehe.. :p :p

Another beautiful day

Hello dear!!

Can you see me smiling now? No? Ape la kamu nie.. tak alert langsung. Merajuk nanti baru taw.. :p Well, it's another happy smile that perhaps I can't explain why. Ok, ok, I know my heart has always been at cloud nine lately. But you always know that a smile is just a simple curve that sets everything straight, don't you? So, that's the reason why I always fill in my days with that very simple sincere curve on my lips..=))

As usual, I talked to Mr Bf again today. He's in Melaka now, visiting his parents at home. Alhamdulillah, keep being a wonderful son for them kay sweetheart. Well, we chatted only for a couple of minutes. Kejap je kan? Ok la dari tak sempat cakap langsung. I just got back from my office and he wanted to take a short nap before going out playing badminton this evening. But, what's so interesting with this? Ha!!! tengok gamba kat bawah. Look at how we happened to wear the same shades of blue by chance. Sy suke la awak pakai baju tu sayang!! Sebab same dgn sy.hehehe..:p

Look at us. Sama kan? I like..=)
(Click picture for better view)

Right after talking to him, I went out for groceries shopping at fruit market. Masa baru je I nak ambik troli, ade satu BMW Z4 masuk parking betul2 kat sebelah I. OMG!! My legs suddenly turned into jelly. Dah la kete cun, tengok2 awek cun pulak yg bawak kete tu. Gila la!! It was amazing to see how sophisticated and beautiful when that gorgeous young lady step out from the car with Louis Vuitton handbag clinging from her hand. Pakai sikit punya vogue, tibe2 datang fruit market beli buah. hahahaha. Memang tak bole blah!! Tp kira ok la kan, at least dia tak mengada2 macam setengah orang kaya lain yg tak penah jejak kaki kat pasar pun. Salute you babe!!=))

Gempak tak kalo nampak awek cun bawak kete ni?

At least kalau orang tanya tau tak cmane rupa BMW Z4, I bole cakap I dah penah berdiri kat sebelah kete tu kat pasar.hehehe.. Berangan sampai mati pun blom tentu dapat kete tu okey!! So, these are the two things that made me smile today. Hope there'll be more beautiful days coming tomorrow and forever..=))

p/s: BMW has always been my dream car. Tu yang teruja je bila npk kete ni. Ade sape2 nak kasi free?? Takde?? Kedekut!! Takpe, I still have my loyal Blacky at home. Syukur dgn apa yg ade kay Amirah..=))

Trip to Pebbly Beach

I'm here again!!

You know what, I forgot to tell you about my sweet escape last weekend. My bad.. It had been a week, but I think it is better than not telling at all rite..:p Actually, Laili's friend, Kak Zura came over from Canberra. So, Laili planned a one-whole-day trip for her and I was so lucky to get myself involved in the interesting outing. There's another person joined us. Farizal, who's the driver cum the photographer cum the stand-by mechanic..:p

We started our journey exactly at 9am and drove all the way to the South Coast. Our first stop was at the Pebbly Beach which is located between Ulladulla and Bateman's Bay. Fyi, Pebbly Beach is widely known as the home of kanggaroos. You'll find a large population of kanggaroo quite happy to be patted or to pose for photos.

See, I told you how friendly those kanggaroos are rite..

The beach

Then, we continued our journey to the Whale Point at Ulladulla. Okay, we didn't see any sign of whales jumping or playing from there. Needless to say, we should have spent more time, but because of the time constraint, we only enjoyed the sweeping ocean views which is stunningly beautiful!! Though it was freezing cold there, it didn't stop us from taking a few memorable pictures over there.

Whale point at Ulladulla

After spending some times for photo session, now it's time for us to fill in our tank. We decided to stop at a pie shop in Milton. There were a huge options of delicious looking pies and mouth watering desert at the shop. Don't live there, otherwise you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from consuming the pies EVERYDAY. Trust me!!hehe..

My pie..eating is such a good therapy remember? :p

Okay, now we're ready to move on with our next stop, Kiama Blowhole. I've been there before if you still remember me telling you. It is almost dark that time and because of the low-lighting, the pictures didn't turn out to be as beautiful as the others. Sorry about that Kak Zura.

Low-lighting picture at Kiama lighthouse

From there, we decided to go back to Wollongong before continue our journey to Sydney. Laili brought us to a Turkish restaurant called Kiroran if I'm not mistaken. The noodle is simply delicious. Not forgetting the lamb and chicken skewers. I can still imagine the taste. Yummie!!=))

Our original plan was to go for a karaoke session rite after dinner. But then, it was fully booked. Plus, it was raining that night and everybody was exhausted enough. So,we decided to go back.

p/s: It was really tiring, but it became one of the most exciting trip that I ever had here in Aussie.. More pictures are available in my FB okay. Can't wait for the trip to Gold Coast soon!!=))

Balik Kampung Part 1

Hai Encik Buku Nota!!=)

Updates!!Finally I've bought my flight ticket from KL to Aussie for Hari Raya in September. I've made up my mind to fly back here using AirAsia as it gives me the cheapest option. Though it will be a bit tiring, but it doesn't matter. As long as I could go back, that will be more than enough..=))

Here are the itineraries:

AUSTRALIA-MALAYSIA

SYD-MEL = Saturday, 4th Sept 2010,1830-2000
MEL-KUL = Sunday, 5th Sept 2010, 0045-0700

MALAYSIA-AUSTRALIA
KUL-MEL = Friday, 17th Sep 2010, 2230-0820 (+1)
MEL-SYD = Saturday, 18th Sept 2010 (Pending Booking)

Thanks again Air Asia for giving me chance to travel back home at the lowest price

This means that I'll have exactly 2 weeks at home. There are so much things to be done within that short period. The main idea is to spend most times with the loved ones of course..=)) So, people out there!! InsyaAllah I'll have 2 weeks at home. Let's meet up if u have extra time okay..

p/s: I haven't even let Tim know bout this yet. I have to make sure that my progress is up to his expectation before I could blow up this bombshell.teeheeee..:p

Morning talk makes my day

Dear diary,

First of all, pardon me if this one sounds a bit mushy2. But I can't help it, you gotta hear everything okay.. I don't care!!ehehe..gila kejam!! tak kira la.. harini mood jiwang2 sikit. actually, dari malam tadi pun. hahaha..:p

Well, I normally talk to Mr Bf twice a day. No need to mention through what since you already knew that we're separated by thousands of miles away from each other. One is early in the morning soon before we start our day. And the next is right when he came back from work. And we will continue talking until right before bed time. Then I remember I went to bed last nite with a smile wishing I would be dreaming of him. and I really did!! this is the reason why I woke up with another smile this morning because I knew that he was not only a dream..=))

I also believe that we've got to get up every morning with a smile on our face, and show the world all the love in our heart, Then people gonna treat us better.. Trust me!=))

This is how we date every morning. When both of us are ready for work.

p/s: Dear sweetheart, you have no idea how good it feels to wake up every morning knowing that you are still mine and I am always yours. Love, amrimira.

Bowling Tournament

Good Afternoon!!

I was actually almost gotten asleep at my workplace just now.. Should I blame the weather or blame myself for getting so lazy today??ehehe.. So, it's better if I update you with something instead of sleeping rite.. Let me tell you about another MAS activity which had successfully been done 2 days ago. BOWLING TOURNAMENT on 18th May 2010!!

Alhamdullillah the tournament went on very well and congratulation to Rauf and other MAS members for handling this event to a huge success. 12 players were divided into 3 groups which made 4 person in one group. This is the time where everybody showed their own professional or even funny skills. After all, I could say that everybody who played that day is good in playing bowling. Except for me of course. I tumpang menyebok je..ehehe..=))

Have fun checking on the pictures below. More pictures available in Kak Emy's FB!!

Group photo: Pemain dan penyokong

Champion: (from left: Farizal, Kak Emy, Syaril, Abg Syam)

Second place: (from left: Thaqeef, Mira, Fairus, Abg Ariff). Yes, it's me!!hehe..=))

Third place: (from left: Jiwan, Abg Kamal, Rahimi, Rauf)

Top bowler: Syaril. Bukan je menang score, gaya pun menang jugak. Salute la bro!!=))

As usual, lepas main mesti lepak..McD FairyMeadow.

p/s: It was a real tiring day. But it was fun doing it. At least I do have something else to do other than put my head to toe into never ending works at the office.

Life as a PhD Student

Hye there!

Here I am again. Just got back from seeing Tim. I don't wanna say much here. The feeling is just freaking "AWESOME!!" (say it in the other way around pleaseee..). Can you imagine how the hell is my feeling rite now?? Come I show you something that could perfectly describe my situation.

(click picture for larger view)

Supervisor: I want this project to finish by next week
Student: Next week? Um...
Student (thinking): If I tell him how impossible it is to finish by next week, he'll think I'm inconsistent.
Student (thinking): But if I complaint of all the nighters that I'll have to pull to actually do it, he'll think that I'm not commited to the project.
Student: Sure. No problem!
Supervisor: Hmm, sounds like you don't have enough to do, Can you also bla..bla..bla..
Student: DANG!!!

p/s: I need a break now. Terribly!! Small cup of chips and regular hot chocolate sound sensationally delicious at the moment. Hmmm, I never knew that having chips while looking at the falling autumn leaves could be very soothing and calming as well. Well, eating is such a good therapy, isn't it?

Visit from PM Dr Izani

Good Morning Mr Diary!!

I'm in such a happy mood today. Now I'm all ready to see my supervisor with A LOT of questions to be asked. Owh, I wanted to update something since last few days.. But I really had not enough time to do so. So, now here we go.

You know what sweetheart, I was so delighted to get a visit from PM Dr Izani, my Dean from USM last Wednesday, 12th May 2010. Eventhough it was just a very short one, I think it is very meaningful for me. At least now he knew who's the person that I'm working with and how does UOW looks like.

He's actually in a series of promoting USM's postdoctoral program for those who are interested from all around New South Wales. And since I'm the only fellow who's here in Wollongong, I played a big role in making sure that he got such a worthwile visit. Alhamdulillah everything went well and hopefully there might be a good collabration between UOW and USM after this.

A memorable visit.

From left: Me, Assoc Prof Dr Izani (Dean from USM), Jacqui Rammage (Head of School UOW), Rachel Weine (International Officer Faculty of Informatics).

p/s: Yesterday I watched the last episode of Adamaya. I never missed to watch it online since the very first episode came out. Comel gile cite tu. Very simple and easily understood. Yang penting semua pelakon dia sempoi. It is almost impossibe for a guy like Adam to ever exist in this world today rite? But we can simply catch cheating wife like Maya these days. It happens everywhere. Hopefully I'm not gonna be like that. Amiinnn. Tapi kan, nak request anak mcm Amani satu bole???? bole la..bole la..hehehe..:p

I love my mum

Assalamualaikum,

Yeayyy!! The day has finally come. Today almost everybody in the whole world is celebrating their beloved mothers. First and foremost, I would like to dedicate this special entry to my mum, Puan Kartini binti Abdullah. She's now spending her quality time with my family at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort.

Dear Mak,

You are a mother of six children with six different characters.

You are a career woman with tonnes of responsibilities on your shoulder.

You taught us on how to survive in this whole challenging world.

You supported us in everything we do.

You are always there for us no matter what condition we are in.

You sacrificed everything you wanted for the sake of fulfilling our needs.

You are the first to know whether we're in the happiest or saddest moment.

You always know how to love us just in the right way.

You understand us when no one else can.

For everything we did, you always said that a mother's love endures through all.

And I know that when Allah swt invented mothers, He gave me the best!!

With this, I would like to present this award to you as the best mum in the world..=))

Here are some photos of me and my mum in our most unforgettable moments.

My MSc Convocation at UTM (August 2008)

The day when I flew to Australia (July, 2009)


Mak with all my siblings skype-ing on my very first hari Raya abroad (September 2009)

Summer holiday (February, 2010)

p/s: To mak, when you read this, I just want you to know, even that I'm not there beside you now, but my prayers follow everywhere.. I love you so much and thanks for being with me through it all. I am who I am today because of your love and prayers.

Mother's Day

Dear diary,

Today is the third day of May. And everything around me are all about Mother's Day now. In case if you did not notice, Mother's Day is celebrated most commonly in May particularly to honour mothers and motherhood. This celebration applies to most countries in the world including Malaysia and Australia and we set the second Sunday of May as the day to commemorate our mothers.

The celebration can be done in many different ways. It depends on the family themselves. I know all mums in the world never ask for anything in return. I will give you one example of a typical mum's trait. Let say if there are only three pieces of pizza for four people, a mother is the person who promptly announces she never did care for the pizza or she hates to eat pizza eventhough it could be their favourite dish. They would fulfill their kids desires rather then filling theirs.

You know what sweetie, I remember that I have been kissed by my mother (very often). And I also remember that I may have been scolded by my mother once or twice in my whole life. But as for now, I realize that no matter it is the kissing or the scolding part, only the LOVE that matters. And normally, the scold and kiss come together. Ni berdasarkan pengalaman sendiri. Saya tengok mak marah adik2 atas sebab tertentu. Tapi, lepas adik2 dah tido, mak akan datang tengok, usap kepala, mak akan cakap mak marah sebab mak sayang anak2 mak. Tapi masa tu adik2 dah lena tido. Diorang mesti tak sedar. But I was there. Witnessing the moment. I know how much my mum loves each and everyone of us.

Mum and Daughter two hearts pendant. Isn't it beautiful?? I wish I could have this for me and my mum one day..=))
( photo courtesy www.shiels.com.au )

p/s: I will never be able to write things to describe how wonderful my mother is as everything beautiful in the world describes my mother.

Sempurna

Dear diary,

I woke up late this morning coz it is a public holiday. A bit surprised upon receiving one message in my FB inbox. It was him sending me this video. Reminiscing our sweet times together a few years ago. How thoughtful of him. Thanks sweetheart! You know how much I love you too.. September is coming soon ok dear. very soon!

Kau begitu sempurna
Dimataku kau begitu indah
Kau membuat diriku akan slalu memujamu

Disetiap langkahku
Kukan slalu memikirkan dirimu
Tak bisa kubayangkan hidupku tanpa cintamu

Janganlah kau tinggalkan diriku
Takkan mampu menghadapi semua
Hanya bersamamu ku akan bisa

[Reff:]
Kau adalah darahku
Kau adalah jantungku
Kau adalah hidupku
Lengkapi diriku
Oh sayangku, kau begitu
Sempurna... Sempurna...

Kau genggam tanganku
Saat diriku lemah dan terjatuh
Kau bisikkan kata dan hapus semua sesalku

Janganlah kau tinggalkan diriku
Takkan mampu menghadapi semua
Hanya bersamamu ku akan bisa

[Reff:]
Kau adalah darahku
Kau adalah jantungku
Kau adalah hidupku
Lengkapi diriku
Oh sayangku, kau begitu
Sempurna... Sempurna...

Kau genggam tanganku
Saat diriku lemah dan terjatuh
Kau bisikkan kata dan hapus semua sesalku

p/s: I remember the time when we keep listening to different versions of this song on our 8 hours journey back from JB to Penang over and over again. Sebab kat highway kan xde signal radio,kene dengar cd je la.hehehe..

Indigeneous Australians

Assalamualaikum,

Today I'm in the mood of sharing something that I think you have no idea at all (because I never told you so.ehehe..:p). This is about the original inhabitants of the Australian continents, or INDIGENEOUS AUSTRALIANS. This Australian aboriginal culture can claim to be the oldest living culture on the planet. Hmmm, is it true?? Maybe..

Pst, pst, sebenarnya mat salleh yang konon2 cun and hensem kat sini bukan la penduduk asal bumi aussie ni pun. pendatang je..hehe.. Care to know on how the origianal Australians look like?? Check this video out..=))

p/s: This video was taken during Diversity Week as what had been mentioned in my previous entry. Look at the way he moves his ass. Horror jugak kot2 kalau kain merah (cawat la tu kan) mamat yg dok terloncat2 tu tertanggal. Hohohoho..:p

Diversity Week

Good afternoon!!

Ciannye die asik kene tinggal sorang2 je lately..Blame me..blame me..I'm sorry okayy..But now I'm back!! Happy aite?? I know you will..=)) By the way, have you ever heard of Diversity Week in UOW?? I don't have any idea on what it is all about only until I got myself involved in this thing. This is the week when we celebrated the huge diversion in races, ethnicity, religion, origin, sexuality, gender, abilities and disabilities etc. As a proud Malaysian, MAS (Malaysian Association for Student Club) decided to join this activity in a way to promote our delicious Malaysian foods. So, on 21st April 2010, rakyat2 Malaysia di Wollongong sangatla berbesar hati sebab dapat lepaskan rindu dgn makanan tradisional, pakai baju kebangsaan, dan yg paling best, lagu2 berkaitan dengan negara kita berkumandang dengan bangganya di UOW..=))

My day started as early as 6am that day. I went to Kak Emy's house to prepare our famous karipap and burger Malaysia. Owh, all my way from my house to Kak Emy's, I think I looked like an alien walking around with my kebaya on. Apa tidaknya, pagi2 orang lain keluar jogging, dog walking, gardening and so on. I pulak jalan kaki dgn pakai baju yg bagi diorang sangat lah pelik and x sesuai dipakai di pagi hari. One of them said, "What a stunning dress you have full with embroideries (mula2 ayat manis puji la dulu kan). But don't you feel awkward walking in that skirt??" HAMPEH!!! kain batik tu dipanggilnya skirt. iyola pakcik!! I can't blame that pakcik though. Ye la, for them, wearing something like that early in the morning is something weird and unusual. They all had their jumpers, track bottoms, sweat shirts and even pijamas on, only me did the walking in my "alienated" outfit.

Kain batik yang dipanggil skirt

Bukti yang saya dok uli doh karipap..=))

Ok, back to the program, we set up our booth exactly at 12noon with all the delicious kuih displayed, Malaysian flag was proudly hanged, Malaysian songs were played, and colourful traditional dress worn by the committees. Owh, saya sungguh bangga!!! It really made me missed my beloved country. Start je event, booth Malaysia la yang paling ramai orang serbu. Free foods sapa yang tamau kan. Ada kuih bakar (Kak Azreen), seri muka (Kak Yati), popia basah (Kak Hajar), kuih sagu (Kak Faie), puding labu (Kak Fai), donat (Kelly), karipap and beger Malaysia (Me and Kak Emy). Yang paling best adalah teh tarik yang disediakan oleh Kak Yati and Abg Ariff. Paling mencabar nak terangkan kat mat salleh pasal ni la. Kitorang ckp nama air tu "pulled tea". hahahaha. padan muka dorang kena klentong!!:p

MAS executive members. Back row from left: Ilyas, Mira, Mad, Rauf. Front row from left: Jiwan, Fendi, Kak Emy, Baem. (Aint we look colurful??)

Quarter of the foods

Fendi while demonstrating our "pulled-tea"

The crowds

More crowds

Lepak2 lepas abis event. This is autumn people. the weather was just so perfect!

p/s: Being a Malaysian is something that I'm proud to let other people know. We're so rich in everything. Cultures, foods, places of interests and many more. Btw, all the pictures are taken from Kak Emy's FB. Thankss!!