The Curious Case Of Shahrill Ramli : It’s All A Mere Simplicity.

When I have butterflies in the stomach or experiencing nerve-racking attack, I can’t sleep. And when I can’t sleep, my mind automatically thinks and ponders. And in this 2.17 A.M., I opened my notebook and siphoning out what I have in mind just to clear my system. Maybe that’s why I love writing. It’s a valve; a channel; or a pipe for me to pour in what I may not able to say out loud- when you speak your mind verbally; sometimes it can be easily misunderstood.

It has been a colorful phase of life. And I have nothing to say but truly blessed (Alhamdulillah!). It’s true that I’ve been etching this for like bajillionth time but it is. Strangers might not able to see- all they see is a simple TEACHER who perhaps in their eyes don’t match their corporate white-collared statuses. But as they learn the real color beyond this simplicity, they are taken and bewildered and curious to know more. The whole processes are cliches and yes, I have to say I love the idea of shocking people with peekaboos of my true color and talent – beyond the fabricated naivety.

But of course, I can never deny that I’ve always been this simple nerd. It’s always in me although I’ve evolved a lot from the facade. And honestly, I just love the fact that of who I was and is. I don’t go for branded stuffs; my hair is absolute nerdish toupee; my clothes aren’t trendy (I am most comfortable in old Pagoda white shirts and jeans and sport tracks).; and I love reading! It could be a little bit stirring for others who are definitely brand-conscious or status-conscious and I am sure they do scorn and jeer at me – but like I said, it is who I am, and I am proud of it.

And it’s just overwhelming as well as therapeutic to have someone come up to you and say :

“Your simplicity is what makes you so unique. And to have it with your ideologies and opinionated words, it makes you a wholesome YOU.”

But of course, haters always have different opinions. Of that, I rest my case. But for aficionado, simplicity is what I am best at. And is. (,”)

End of writing at 2.41 A.M.

Everything I Am Is Borrowed Heaven : My Verses Of Love Unveiled.

Different people have different qualities and moral values they hold on to. These are the things that really build up the essence of a person. Some are nosy; some are observant; some are talkative big-mouth; some are sharp-writing; some are show-off; some are genuinely sincere – we all come from different packages and I am not going to criticize or judging others because it is not in my nature.

As for me, I siphoned my thoughts in a platform I called a blog. Of course, peeping tomcats LOVE the idea of reading other people’s splurging; especially of those they know. But, I am a person who don’t write bad things about others; it’s all simply about me and how I felt and without trespassing anybody’s sensitivity, I guess it’s no harm’s done. But one thing for sure, I HATE people talking bad things about other people or whispering/gossiping bad things about other people. It’s just not my nature.

Sometimes in life, we tend to go off from the track especially when we are showered with bliss and bless. Honestly, I am grateful to Allah SWT for everything. I am in a phase of my life where I am happy and content; although I have to say that a few ‘blast from the past’ are trying very hard to meddle into my life again despite being totally assholes! They just keep coming and coming; manipulating words and situation- which only make you feel sick and wish you could slap/punch them in the faces. Then again, revenge is sweet when it is channeled in the most subtle way, isn’t it? (,”)

Above all, thank you Allah SWT. I pray that these bless won’t fade away; although of course, everything is Borrowed Heaven. In the end, we would be left with nothing except our faith to Allah SWT. I just hope that my shield is strong enough and my faith is still burning; till the end of time, hopefully. Insya Allah.

Desir pasir dipadang tandus
segersang pemikiran hati
Terkisahku diantara cinta yang rumit

Bila keyakinan ku datang
Kasih bukan sekedar cinta
Pengorbanan cinta yang agung
Ku pertaruhkan

Maafkan bila ku tak sempurna
Cinta ini tak mungkinku cegah
Ayat-ayat cinta bercerita
Cinta ku padamu

Bila bahagia mulai menyentuh
Seakanku bisa hidup lebih lama
Namun harus ku tinggal kan cinta
Ketika ku bersujud…

Bedazzled By Malaysian Electroluminescence Night @ I-City, Shah Alam.

I have always seen friends and acquaintances in Facebook update their endeavors in the highly-acclaimed I-City, Shah Alam; so I decided to see the place for myself, rather than keep yearning and biting-nails! So on Sunday, 20th November, off to the capital state of Selangor, Shah Alam to witness this place for myself!

All I can say, it was definitely a place for every Malaysians to visit. Not because of the fascinating electroluminescence attraction nor because of it been dubbed as a new “IT” place to visit. It’s because of the existence of I-City as the epitome of Malaysian technology and creativity, to be proud of! Who would ever thought of manipulating LED lights as an amusement park? Although the fascination merely lingers around the flamboyant colors of these electroluminescence and nothing much to be bedazzle about; I feel it was a worthy visit (for me!). So, to really judge the excitement, why don’t you guys go there for yourself? Get to know the place first. I don’t think there’s any harm done! (,”)

Aidiladha (Part II) : SK Serendah’s Sacrifices. A Year Haul As Science & English Teacher. Farewell From Little Mafia.

When other schools already began their End of Year holidays, my school’s was halted due to an already-planned collective Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration on Friday which happened to be the last day of schooling calendar in 2010. Initially, I was assigned to ‘skinned off-and-cut-the-meat’ but to my delight (hehehe), there were a lot of other experienced men who voluntarily did the task. Nonetheless, it was still a new experience for me (being a town boy) to witness this sacrificial ritual. On whole, it was indeed a brilliant plan held as a platform for parents and teachers mingling with each other and for the whole school to bond with one another. Kudos to the committee!

With Friday, 19th November 2010, it has already been a year since I become a teacher. A year haul passes within a blink of an eye, I feel. A year full with introductory phases to the teaching world in Malaysia. An introductory phase to the political atmosphere in education world. An introductory phase to master the arts of teaching and tackling pupils’ interests. An introductory phase to get familiarize with the working culture in typical Malay cliques. An introductory phase to identify the curves and the bends on trustworthy colleagues, superiors and cultures etched when one becomes a Government civilian.

I have to say that from the fateful date of 4th January 2010 when I began the tenure until 19th November 2010, I have had the most valuable and pleasurable experience as a greenhorn teacher. I have been blessed with colleagues and seniors who are generous in helping me to master the arts of teaching and imparting knowledge- especially in Science & English. A warm appreciation dedicated to my Science Panel and also to the English Panel! Besides, the other colleagues are also very generous in sharing knowledge about their experiences and I really appreciate that.

I have to say that the toughest and most enduring challenge of the year would be on 19th July (if I am not mistaken; we can always check the entry in the blog!) when I was attacked by the parents of a pupil who accused me for ‘beating’ her. It was a shocking experience and I got tired when rumors speculated by strangers’ mouths. Luckily, most of the colleagues were being supportive because it always happened here- where parents think they hold the power and attacking teachers at the school sound like a ‘grandeur’ act for a small town inhabitant. My appreciation to my English Panel sisters for the moral support and it did help to assuage the system.

And so happened that after the incident, the girl became ‘one-of-a-kind’. Always hanging around at the place where I parked my motorcycle in the morning and tried to cut my paths and eyes. I was like – “Hello? Maybe you are having hormonal problem but I ain’t gonna make appease with you not until you parents come and ask for forgiveness. I would act normal but I ain’t gonna treat you friendly like how I am treating the other pupils, get it?!!” Of course, this is not voiced out verbally. Hahahaha. Suit her right!

And of course it makes a bittersweet end of the year as a pupil of mine, Vimalan is moving away from Serendah. He was a 4 Flexible pupil and a part of a little ‘gung-ho’ clique called Top 36. Nonetheless, a diligent pupil when comes in English lesson. And for the final exam, he scored 52% which was considerably a good result given the fact he was in 4 Flexible. I will miss him and pray that he will have success ahead in his life. I am always a teacher who exhibits entity of ONE MALAYSIA. I love all my pupils irregardless their races or entities. The adult Malaysians now are becoming more vicious and prejudices amongst each other and I DON”T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION. With all my might, I will try to nurture them the mutual respect towards other races. That’s my ambition.

On whole, Alhamdulillah for all. I hope Allah SWT will bestow my paths with ease and bless for the upcoming years, Insya Allah.

Aidiladha 2010 (Part I) : Serendah-Jitra-Putrajaya Apparition. Bront Palarae! “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” Premiere.

Aidiladha fell on Wednesday, 17th November 2010. The day to commemorate the sacrificial deed of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. (Abraham) and Prophet Ismail A.S. (Ishmael). The day where sacrifices are remembered and become the essences. The day where the fortunate Moslems who get to perform pilgrimage (Haj) are enjoying the blessed ritual. The day where sincere heart is tested and love to God SWT is professed.

Most schools prolonged the Aidiladha holidays and merge them with the upcoming End Of Year holidays; but not my school. Due to delicate and technical issues, the school initially announced that Aidiladha holiday would only be a mere ONE DAY. So, since Kakak would be going back to Pahang to her in-laws, I decided to go back albeit it was just for a day. What Muzem told me about appreciating parents when they still alive kept ringing in my head; so I instantaneously decided to go back. Booked a coming-back flight ticket on the Wednesday night itself.

But of course, spontaneity eleventh-hour “adjustment” stirred the plan. Alhamdulillah, the school was given holiday on Thursday as well BUT for Friday, all pre-booked leaves are frozen; all teachers are made MANDATORY and COMPULSORY to attend the Aidiladha Celebration (school level) cum collective slaughtering/sacrifices!! For me, I have no problem because I already planned to spend most of the holidays in Putrajaya; but for the others, it didn’t seem nice at all. Anyway, car-pooling with Kord who came all the way from Pahang (convoyed with his friend, a Penangite teacher of his school) and it took approximately 8 hours to arrive at Jitra! Traffic was so ever congested at Perak Tunnel and also at Sungai Dua. Probably, everyone was keen to go back to the Northern Region, I assume.

My Aidiladha was a mediocre. Mak did cook “Nasi Tomato” and “Laksa” but we didn’t go it all the way in festivity aura. Perhaps, it was because of the recent flood (Alhamdulillah that my parents’ house did not go flooded!) or maybe because of my grandfather who is not in the pink of health – Ayah and Mak are so dedicated nursing him. I have to say that I am amazed with Mak and particularly Ayah who took care his father-in-law without complaining. I wish I could be like that for them- they deserve good repayment to the good deeds they are doing now *sniff*.

Flew back to Central Region and guess what? Bront Palarae, the newly-awarded Best Actor was on the plane and was sitting one place next to me! Hahaha! Star-strucked? Quite, but I kept my cool!  Hahaha, it’s a no-biggie but I still wanna include that in MY blog. So shut the BIG TRAP, thanks! (,”). Arrived late in LCCT and whisked spending the night at Putrajaya.

Thursday comes. It was the day for “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows”!!! As a Potter-freak, I have to admit that this second last installment (the novel is split into 2 films) is greatly anticipated. I re-read the novel to grasp the aura back and to go inside the mood and the characters of the novel. Definitely the novel is all full with mysteries, emotional conflicts, romances and friendship-attesting; it would be quite hard for a director to translate these elements into ONE movie. Besides, the details pertaining Horcruxes and Hallows are quite complex and audiences who don’t read the novel would find it hard to keep abreast with the terms used; hence will not find it enjoyable. Nonetheless for us, the Potter freak, it is one of an excellent film adaptation that stay true to the novel! I give 3.5 stars outta 5 stars!

After the 2 hours and 15 minutes flick, I boarded commuter and went straight to Serendah; preparing for the school’s celebration of Aidiladha tomorrow (Friday) which set to be the LAST DAY of the schooling days of 2010 for me! Can hardly wait y’all.

Anchoring SK Serendah’s End Of Year Dinner 2010.

Being an MC means that you are entrusted with responsibilities of ensuring that an occasion is executed in a seemingly smooth-flowing. An MC also is responsible to response to spontaneous adjustment made by The Authority in the eleventh hour. Quick thinking and quick talking; ideas should flow from the mind to the mouth effortlessly. Au naturel, I daresay. Although I pride myself to be able to execute my responsibilities as an MC for the recent End Of Year Dinner, it’s quite a little bit wearisome especially when one has to succumb to the spontaneous adjustment made by The Authority in accordance to The Mood. Always conflicting with the already-prepared schedule, eleventh hour adjustment seemed to be the culture.

Anyway, the event was organized at the school itself; a far cry from lavish places from previous years ago. The reason? The Authority wanted to make it a ‘close-knitted’ affair; hence it should be done in the school. Unfortunately for the downside, the cost spent when one organized the event at the school skyrocketed HIGHER than if one were to organize the event in hotels. But, we don’t have any say. It was decided.

The scheduled dinner was started half an hour late due to technical problem. The PA system was terrible throughout the night. Microphones were on and off a bit here and there. And there was a time when I had to scream out just to get the crowd’s attention for the Lucky Draw bidding. Luckily, my voice is the impeccable Loud. For the moment, I felt as if I were in the class, teaching!

As an MC, of course I didn’t get to savor all the foods served. Roasted mutton, “Mee Kuah”, satays, “rojak”, “gado-gado” and various beverages were served.

On whole, Alhamdulillah it ends well. Despite hiccups and unwanted stirs happened which definitely dampen the spirit.

Learn Secrets & Why Guarded : You Are The Best Thing That’s Ever Been “Mine”!

Taylor Swift has her way to find her musical niche in me because of her honest style in expressing herself. Own experiences are etched in lyrics and immortalized in melodies. Much like me preserving almost all my emotions and experiences in the blog. Honest and naked. Well, almost; depending on how the readers decipher and deduce.

Each picture I put in the blog contains messages. If one uses the Inner Sight, one knows how to decipher. Without lies brewing sins.

I got hooked up with Ms Swift’s latest single “Mine”‘s lyrics and melody. It seeps in me. It engulfs my spirit. It engenders my soul. It speaks my mind in volume. IF. You understand the lyrics. (,”). Now, don’t make assumptions to soon; prejudices procreates envies. And envies produces lies. AND LIES BREW SINS. (,”)

You were in college working part time waitin’ tables
Left a small town, never looked back
I was a flight risk with a fear of fallin’
Wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts

I say “Can you believe it?”
As we’re lying on the couch
The moment I can see it.
Yes, yes, I can see it now

Do you remember, we were sitting there, by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine

Flash forward and we’re taking on the world together
And there’s a drawer of my things at your place
You learn my secrets and you figure out why I’m guarded
You say we’ll never make my parents’ mistakes

But we got bills to pay
We got nothing figured out
When it was hard to take
Yes, yes, I thought about

Do you remember, we were sitting there, by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine

Do you remember all the city lights on the water?
You saw me start to believe for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine

Oh, oh, oh

And I remember that fight
Two-thirty AM
Yes, everything was slipping right out of our hands
I ran out crying and you followed me out into the street
Braced myself for the goodbye
‘cause that’s all I’ve ever known
And you took me by surprise
You said, “I’ll never leave you alone”

You said, “I remember how we felt sitting by the water
And every time I look at you, it’s like the first time
I fell in love with a careless man’s careful daughter
She is the best thing that’s ever been mine”

You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing that’s ever been mine
Do you believe it?
Going to make it now
I can see it
I can see it now

Beach Getaway @ Bagan Lalang, Sepang Gold Coast : Haven Of Sun, Sea & Seafood!

Deepavali/Diwali’s holidays was stretched from Friday till Monday. With that 4 days hiatus from working, a good retreat is deserved and whilst my sister is busy savoring herself with her Aussie back-packing rendezvous, I guess I could do worthwhile retreat locally too- BEACH STYLE! Hahahaha (,”). The nearest beach from Putrajaya is definitely Bagan Lalang where I usually go for seafood; So, without further ado, just packed my bag and off to Bagan Lalang!

Bagan Lalang is situated on the beach area in Kampung Sungai Pelek. The nearby provincial towns around are Pekan Sungai Pelek and also Pekan Sepang. It is 45 minutes journey from Putrajaya via Dengkil en route. I usually go there in nighttime for seafood and didn’t have the chance to savor the panoramic view of Bagan Lalang beach. Therefore, it was a bit enthralling to see the beach during day time – devouring the sea breeze, the sandy beach and the willowy trees all around!

During night time, went to savor the seafood. And of course like usual, I am all about the fried-with-flour squids a.k.a. calamari. Bagan Lalang’s IS THE BEST! Finger-licking and lips-smacking, I tell you!

A great beach getaway for all! (,”)

Al-Fatihah Condolences To Muzem. SK Serendah’s “Children Day & Co-Curriculum Carnival.”

I just received a shocking news this morning when I was at the beach (will update this later on). Muzem’s mother had passed away in Makkah. Being cliche empathetic me, my heart was thumping madly and felt sad for Muzem. I called him and he was sobbing. I didn’t know what to say to console him. It makes me sad to know that bad/sad things happen to people who cross my life. I guess, that’s why I am suitable to be a teacher. Two hours later I called him again just to make sure he was OK and I could sense strength in his voice. Maybe I’ll give him time to calm. Al-Fatihah.

Anyway, on last Thursday which was the end for the 1st week in November marked the merge of 2 important events in the school calendar into one; SK Serendah’s Children Day & Co-Curriculum Carnival. It was a tiring and patience-constraining for the teachers to control 1500++ pupils within ONE session but it was an enjoyable thing, nonetheless. There were stall set-ups from societies and clubs, marching competition, sports (teachers and pupils), stage performances and Starlet Idols (“Bintang Kecil”).

On whole, it was a “let hair down” moment for the kids! The day was for them all. (,”)

See-Sighting Malaysian Genealogical Tapestry @ Historical City Of Malacca, Malaysia.

Like I said, November proves to be a hectic month with mountainous events! Yesterday (Wednesday, 3rd November), The Guidance & Counseling Club co-joined by The Moral Panels and School Resources Society organized a trip to the historical city of Malacca. The tentative comprises visits to Malacca Zoo, Malacca River Cruise, The Seafarers’ Museum & The Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Museum. Although we didn’t go the Portuguese’s Stadhuys and A Famosa which I really wanted to go, but it’s just a nice thing for a historical freak like me to be able to set-footsteps on the historical place in Malaysia; the place where the empires of sultanates in Malay Archipelago begun.

We pushed off from SK Serendah at 7.30 a.m. but somehow much to the dismay, we arrived in Malacca at about 10.30 a.m. The first destination was Malacca Zoo. I thought we were the only school visiting the zoo but there were actually around 5 other schools visiting the zoo on the very same day! I have to say that on comparison to the National Zoo, The Malacca Zoo is quite well-kept and cleaner. And not to say that an ‘incident’ happened when Kak Sue was somehow harassed by a seemingly-retarded guy and I came to the rescue! Hitherto, it was a laughable experience (,”)

Then, we moved to the Malacca River Cruise. It was a relaxing one to sail in a canal that goes into the city. At both sides of the riverbanks, we could see antiquated buildings that mostly recognized by UNESCO. It was a historical moment for me. Next, we ate our lunch and then proceeded to The Seafarers’ Museum which is by the way in a form of a big Pirate-ship replica. The museum exhibits the histories of the olden Malacca which literally was generated by its maritime trading once upon a time.

The last destination was a nearby TLDM (navy) museum exhibiting all kinds of maritime paraphernalia. I was a bit disappointed of not having chance to explore The Taming Sari Tower, The Portuguese’s Stadhuys or The A Famosa! Maybe next time, I’ll come back.

On the way back to Serendah, the kids were talking non-stop; just like when they were about to go. Maybe that was because mostly comprising of those kids from lower-income families that never had the chance of going out away from Rawang. Warning had been given to not keep yapping because the journey was miles away but they chose to ignore. Of course after that, a pupil who talked a lot then threw up!!!! Ewwww!!  Now, THAT WAS THE LESSON IF YOU DIDN’T LISTEN TO YOUR TEACHER!

On whole, I enjoyed the experience immensely! Alhamdulillah, it was a smooth-flowing journey.