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!!

Frustration

Assalamualaikum Encik Diari,

Hari ni saye dgn bersemangatnye jalan kaki datang ofis dan bertungkus lumus buat keje sampai x sempat nak panggung kepale..(ok ok,I tipu..sempat check emails and FB and download satu lagu..teeheee..). Well, u know Friday is my meeting day with beloved Tim rite..So, right when the clock struck 12noon, I proudly walked to his room. Hoping to get all my problems solved. Ketuk punye ketuk, nobody answered. It was really silent in there. Hmm, he must be at the coffee area or restroom, I mumbled soundlessly..

I decided to wait at the hallway so that I would be able to see him in case if he comes back. After a couple of minutes of waiting, one of my colleagues who's working under the same supervision with Tim passed by. (and honestly I forgot his name..my bad..sighss..). Dengan bangganye saye bagitau mamat tu yang saye sedang menunggu Tim. Suddenly, he told me that Tim is not around since last Tuesday and until next week.

Uwaaaaaa!!!rasa mcm nak jerit2 je.. It's not his fault though. Right after that guy told me that, then only I remembered reading Tim's email mentioning on his absence this week..tu la Amirah, lenkali nak buat pape fikir dulu..jangan main serbu ikut dan jek..kan dah frust.. Ok, sila ikut tips di bawah untuk hilangkan stress ni.ehehe..:p

(photo courtesy: www.puerro.net)

That's all about my frustration today. Kejap lagi ade appointment dgn Kak Emy lepak2 dekat Picasso. Regular hot chocolate 3 days in a row. Good job Amirah!! Sila jgn complaint kalau muka makin kembang..ngeeee..(^_~)

Wedding Bell

Hai!

Guess will be hearing the wedding bells soon?? or later?? I couldn't say much here. All I can tell is that the wedding is expected to happen somewhere around early next year if everything runs exactly as planned, InsyaAllah. I can't wait for the time to come. Hey, don't be so surprised honey. Well, no! Not me! Bukan saye yg akan berkahwin tahun depan okay.. Sila jangan salah sangke..hehe..

Remember about my brother's E-day that I mentioned not very long time ago? Alhamdulillah, everything went well and now Mai Nazura is officially engaged to my brother, Muhammad Hanif. I'm so glad to welcome her in the family and I'm sure that she's gonna fit in the family soon. Well Mai, eh salah, Kak Mai, welcome!welcome! You know how close and crazy we are rite? and I know that you wouldn't have any problem on how to make yourself comfortable around us..=)) Yeayy!! Mulai hari ini, saye akan ade seorang kakak (Ignore the difference in age ok sis!!teeheeee). Penat la asik jadi kakak je selama nie.. Kali ni it's your turn to act as my kakak..:p

Nothing much to say since I was not there to witness the ceremony. But I'm really proud to introduce my brother's fiancee aka my soon-to-be-kakak to you little sweetie. Check these photos (which were taken from FB) out..=)

Officially engaged: Muhammad Hanif & Mai Nazura

Momentous event: Mum with her first soon-to- be daughter in law

Sisters: Can you tell who's missing there?? Me, it's me!! =(

p/s: I'm so happy on behalf of my brother. Hope everything is gonna be as planned. I'll probably going back again for their wedding next year. yahuuuu!!

Fortran VS Maple

Happy!!Happy!!Happy!!I'm sooo happy today!!

Ok,now I can spill out everything. I went to see Tim just now (after 2weeks of not seeing him because he was away somewhere in Morocco or whateva). Well, I did checked on him yesterday, unfortunately he wasn't there. I really2 Need to show him my pile of "unsolved" works; stucked programming, a few Mathematical terms that I never heard in my life, half-derived numerical solutions and never ending reading materials.

So, I tried my luck again this morning straight away after I arrived at my office. I went to his room and could see the door was slightly open. Finally, he was there, yes!!!! I knocked on the door and he answered. Eventhough I was a bit nervous to see him without anything that I can be proud of, but I don't care. If I didn't see him today, I'm going to get my works abandoned for another 1-week because tomorrow is the start of Easter break.

I asked him a few silly-but-not-so-silly questions and showed him printed output of my stucked programming. He commented a few things here and there. Dalam hati ni dok menyumpah2. Nape die cakap laju sgt nie??? Dah la aku ni tak pandai bahasa Inggeris. Berpusing-pusing otak nak paham ape dia cakap. Pastu nak tangkap slang kampung Wollongong ni pulak. Aduhai..masalah2. Rasa macam bengong pun ada. Rasanya balik nanti Mesia nanti makin bengong English aku dok terikut2 Aussie accent nie.haisshhh!! Ok, that was exactly what I felt everytime I went to see Tim on our weekly regular meeting. Too bad rite..=(

Okay, that's not the point. Here comes the happy part. After he explained all the things that I need to do next, he said something that made my heart blooms like a balloon.hehe.. He said, "Well Amirah, should I give you my program written in Fortran so that you could use that as a guideline in solving yours?". Omg, he actually offered that?? Is this for real?? I still couldn't believe my ears hearing that. So I straight away answered him before he change his mind, "If it is okay with you, I would LOVE to have that". I stressed the word LOVE there. Dalam hati dah dok meloncat2 tak tentu arah dah. yess, yesss!!

You know what sweetheart?? It took me almost a month to come out with a couple lines of programming for this Camassa-Holm equation. And still, the result is wayyy too far from my desired output. So when he offered his program for me to refer and come out with my own programming using Maple, I felt sooo relief. At least I don't have to waste my time doing things that I'm not sure about..

p/s:Okay, that's all about my happy, happy day. Hari ni nak balik cepat, nak masak, nak makan!!yummie2!!=))

Focus

Dear diary,

How is it going for you? I'm not in the mood of doing anything now. Yeah, I'm at my office. Working out on Camassa-Holm equation as I need to find both numerical and analytical solutions for this equations. It is damn hard you gotta know that!! I've been working on the same sort of problem for almost two weeks. But here I am, still empty handed. Luckily Tim will not be around until next week. Otherwise I would feel like killing myself out (way of exaggerating of course, you know i'm not gonna do that..:p).

The ideas are already there but I do not know on how to execute them. I don't even know on where to start. Should I solve analytically using the Modulation Equations first or is it possible for me to start with the 2nd Order Implicit Finite Difference Method for the numerical solutions?? Bluerghhhh!!!! I really had no idea on which one comes first.

I know that I could solve all the solutions separately cause in the end I just need to make sure that both solutions come in good agreement. But the thing is, whenever I started solving the analytical solution, I will automatically think on the the numerical methods and vice-versa. Gosh!! I should have focused on doing one thing at a time despite trying to do both things that I knew is definitely far beyond my will. Focus please Amirah dear!!

p/s: Okay, dah puas membebel untuk diri sendiri. Back to work Amirah. Owh, one more thing, shut the internet connection off pleaseeeeee sayang...:p

Malay Wedding: The Dowry

Hye there..

I come back with something heavily thought in mind rite now.. Let me start with telling you one good news. My elder brother is getting engaged in less than 2 weeks from now. And too bad that I'm going to miss the very first event in the family because I'm here, all abroad. Shame on me. But what else can I do apart from watching the momentous event from here. Video conference maybe??hehehe..When it comes to engagement, both families have agreed on certain things regarding the wedding that is planned to happen somewhere around February 2011. And this time I'm not gonna miss it!! I'm going to be there no matter what.

It has been a common practice these days for children to get married after they graduate. For a guy like my brother, he is expected to have a stable career (Alhamdulillah, he is now doing a lot of money more than everyone), a car, a house and of course some money for his wedding including the dowry. The dowry is something that a groom is obliged to give to his wife on their wedding day, usually, but not always, in monetary form. Talking about this, he agreed to give the amount of RM***** to his future wife. Lucky her. I know my brother is more than able to give her that amount. The thing is, I'm sure that people will start talking about it especially the ones in our own family. But who cares? As long as he affords to do so.

But!!Yes, there's a but over here. I hate it when people start comparing the amount of the dowry to the education level. Let say if the bride is a diploma holder, she NEEDS to get AT LEAST RM8k. If she graduated as a degree holder, she MUST get AT LEAST RM10k. And the amount increases gradually until the bride reaches the highest education level. Yeah, I know it is not compulsary but it is traditionally applied to the Malays nowadays.

An example of dowry for the bride
(photo courtesy from www.sleeplessinkl.com)

I'm not going to bother about this matter if it has nothing to do with me. Unfortunately, I do have to care since people start talking about MY dowry while I haven't even yet completed my 1st year since I started my PhD. Those people said, "Tu nak pi belajaq tinggi2 tu sebab nak hantaran tinggi la kan". Some people also said, "Sapa la nak masuk meminang kalau kat depan nama ada title Dr Falsafah". It hurts me the most when some of them said, "Nanti bila dah belajar tinggi mesti nak cari yang sama taraf ja. Yang dok ada tu kena tinggal la". It was really hurt hearing people talked about something like that behind your back.. Sighss..=(

Sometime I asked myself, is it a right decision to continue my study up to this level before I get married? One part of me says yes. But another part of me says no. And I keep thinking hard about this. I know that I should not bother about what people say. Do whatever the best and what I think the right for me. The rest, let Allah swt handles. But I still wish that I could just keep those people mouths shut one day!!ehehe..=)

p/s: We always emphasize on what other people may think, may say about us. However, do we think of what Allah will say about us? Think about it dear Amirah..=))

Back on the track

Dear diary,

It has been sooo long after I last wrote something in here. More than a month ago rite. I really had no time to do so. Trust me. The very last time that I scribbled something to share is when I was on my way back for a short holiday in Malaysia. Now only I realized that it had been almost 2 weeks since I came back from home. That is how the time passes very quickly. I never seem to have enough. But the time still flies.

I miss everybody and everything at home. Really. Each and every one of them. Yeah, I need to level up my courage and strength to complete my studies as quickly as possible so that I could go back on time. It took me some times to get the momentum back to the one before my long break but still, I need to work hard on it. Cheer for me okay sweetie..=))

I do miss you, you got to know that. It was a bit strange everytime I sat in front of my computer without having time to even sneak a prompt look on you. That is how busy I was at home. Apparently, I had my super great time with families and friends. Eventhough the holiday was just a short one, I love each and every moment I spent with them. Can't wait to see them again soon..=)

Latest family picture

p/s: You know what, I didn't cry at all when I was at the airport waving everybody good bye. Not even a drop of tears. Strange. But I'm proud of that. Thanks sweetheart for all your words. You really give me strengths.