Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part IX) : Reunion-Turned-Into-Tete A Tete With Affin Banker Ex-Colleague. “Captain America”, The Star Spangled Banner Superhero @ Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur. Welcoming Holy Ramadhan Al-Mubaraq 2011.

Initially, it was supposed to be an eleventh-hour informal reunion/get-together but unfortunately some of the invitees couldn’t make it except for Mona “Moana” Marzukhi. But still, the objective needs to commence despite the glitches, aite? Hahaha! Roamed around Pavillion, KLCC and also a peekaboo into Starhill; we then watched “Captain America : The First Avengers” starring Chris Evans donning the Star Spangled Banner outfit. On whole, catching up with Moana was a nice reminiscence of those ole days in banking days; and she updated me with what’s-happening-in my old working place.

Carl’s Jr Portobello Mushroom Burger at Pavillion! DELICIOUS!!!

Don’t be deceived by this demure look. A somebody’s wifey, she possess a lady-boss etiquette, a go-getter and persistent banker who works her ass off in Treasury. She’s a tough chick!

Anyway, she told me that a few ‘junior executives’ who came to work with AFFIN after our batch knew about my blog! Apparently somehow, my name got popped out and one of them described me as “the skinny-guy-who-quit-and-then-become-a-teacher”. Geez, no wonder I’ve come across A LOT OF Affin-related search keys leading to my blog particularly pertaining “salary for management trainees”; “affin bank+salary+trainees”; “affin bank interview”, etc. I guess it’s natural for them to Google about the company they were about to go interview and lo! There, they stumbled into a personal ex-staff who never really hide any identity under pseudonyms – first hand experience. Well, that’s what Moana told me anyway. So, I guess, my blog has done good thing : additional flavour in pushing tender meats yearning for the taste of corporate world! *Smirk*

From chiselled-humongous body, Chris Evans’ body frame has been shrunk into scrawny-fit by the magic of CGI!

“Captain America : The First Avengers” with Chris Evans as the Steve Rogers, Hugo Weaving as the protagonist (Johann Schmidt) and Hayley Atwell as love-interest, Peggy Carter was overall a lukewarm masterpiece but that doesn’t mean it is a total turkey or a flop. It’s a watchable flick, I say. Of course the much hype went to Chris Evans’ chiselled muscled body-turned-into-scrawny-skeleton-and-frail by using a new CGI technology; but I love Hayley Atwell – she seemed very poised and classy in that 1940s Industrial Era outfits and make-ups. On whole, 3.5 stars outta 5 from Pavillion Cineplex.

Maybe it’s because I like Trench-Coats or the outfits from Post-Revolution Era (1940s) & Industrial Era (1920s); but I think she looks poised and classy. With the hair and the lipstick, she’s a reincarnation of Jean Harlow!

Anyway, just I was about to drive out my car from Pavillion’s car park (with immense cars thronging! Well, it’s Saturday Night in heart of KL, what do you expect??!); a motorcyclist was fighting the flow of the traffic and blocked my way! I was shocked and instantaneously, I HONKED at him. Furious by that, he was cursing me verbally and drove away and SLAMMED my bonnet amidst the congested traffic flow! I was FURIOUS that I lowered my window and yelled “OIIII!!!!!!”. (Un) fortunately, the traffic was so congested that I was in hurry. If only I could CURSE him! Urghhh! All I could do was just to ‘istighfar’. Well, I do unexpected things when I am mad. Don’t be deceived by my dainty features, strangers!

Today, I went to Putrajaya for 1st Ramadhan as well as to settle the loss of my motorcycle grant (long story; involving my parents); So, have to go to JPJ Putrajaya tomorrow to settle. In the evening, Kakak, Abg Zam, Rifqi and I went to Subang Parade just to have peekaboo on anything “buy-able” and spending quality familial time prior to Ramadhan. I hope that this year, I can fulfil my duty in executing fasting without any glitches like last year – being Tonsillitis as my MAJOR obstacle. Insya ALLAH, all will go well.

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part VIII) : The Durian Feasts & Final Leg Of SK Serendah’s Co-Curriculum Carnival 2011 (Cultural Performances, Booth Sales & Marching Competition).

For the whole Thursday night, I’ve been dwelling with sorrow. And the emotion was so apparent the next morning that when I went to school, my colleagues said I looked SO sombre. Well, yeah, that’s what you looked like when you just cried vehemently – with puffy eyes and murky facial expression. But yeah, I like to swirl myself with Positivity. To dwell in sorrow is not good for my health – shunning away the Negativity and summon the Positivity is the essence to rejuvenate my mind and my innerself, I always believe. So, I make a pack with myself to NOT letting myself goaded by Negativity no more.

Courtesy of Google Image.

Anyway to recap; on last Wednesday, the school organized some-sort-of Durian Feast (“Makan-Makan”); on courtesy of Kak Sarah ( and last Tuesday, some Musang King Durians by Kak Masitah!). It was a blast especially for me who never opened durians because I am sort-of a pampered son (Yes, I admit I am ‘anak manja’. LOL!) and everything was done by Ayah who refused to let me do anything seemingly ‘dangerous’. So, Kak Sarah and Kak Zuraini were jokingly forcing me to open the durians by using ‘parang’ (machete)!! Hahahahahah! So you can imagine how my DAINTY fingers holding the machete. Hahahhaa! But it was a nice get-together with all my colleagues and we also feasted on “pengat durian” (some soup-like dish made from the flesh of durians) and also rice! It’s been ages since I last ate durians (scare if I were to fall sick); so I just ATE and ATE and ATE! Hahaha, feeling a little bit nauseous and feverish after that, though. But, Alhamdulillah for the ‘rezeki’! (,”)

Musang King Durian – Courtesy of Google Image.

This morning, Friday 29th July 2011; is the finale of the 3-weeks Co-Curriculum Carnival. The atmosphere was topsy-turvy and what’s more with rain pouring down cats and dogs since 4 A.M. until 7.30 A.M., the initial plan to conduct the Marching Competition was replaced to the Cultural Performances, slated first. I was roped-in as the eleventh hour emcee (MC) for the Cultural Performances since Kak Mala (the initial MC) was having some errands she needed to handle. So, Kak Lin asked me a favour and I have no qualm on helping them too. It was pretty amazing seeing all the uniform bodies representatives performing their talents! I have to say that SK Serendah’s pupils DO have exquisite talents and with brilliant ideas generated by creative TEACHERS, we can go further if only we were given chance to showcase the talents. Bravo!

Tunas Puteri a.ka. The Brownies performing Endang Dance.

Tunas Kadet Remaja Sekolah a.k.a School Cadets bringing 1 Malaysia comes to life with Malay Zapin Dance, Indian lamp Dance & Chinese fan Dance.

After done emceeing the Cultural Performances, I went to have a peekaboo at the English Society’s booth where we were supposed to sell old magazines and books. Initially, I was slated to join Kak Sabihah & Kak Halina but because I was roped-in as the last minute emcee, I didn’t have the chance to join them. But I’ve done my part by announcing and gathering old magazines and books from the pupils and teachers 2 weeks prior to this Friday! Alhamdulillah, the books were sold out like hot pieces of cakes!

Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia a.k.a. Red Crescent performing PuisiDra 1 Malaysia.

Pengakap a.k.a. The Scouts performing Boria 1 Malaysia.

Pergerakan Puteri Islam performing Dikir Barat.

The marching competition was conducted around 10.30 A.M. All the 5 uniform bodies marched proudly and showcased their sturdy and smart marching lines. Around 11.30 A.M., the school organized an informal “cleansing the school’s compound” competition amongst the uniform bodies and we called the day off around 12.00 o’clock. On whole, it was an exhausting yet satisfying event for all of us, SK Serendah’s teachers, staffs and pupils. 

The all 5 uniform bodies donning their respective sturdy uniforms and marched gallantly.

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part VII) : Two Tears From Prayers – 11th Hours Setbacks In Malaysia Vs Singapore (Asian Zone World Cup) & I Turn To You, Allah SWT.

My eyes water and my body shaken when I heard about it. Someone who I am close to, a dear soul when I am in falter has met with an accident tonight. The condition is still under surveillance of doctor. Imagine you are being hit by a car and then thrown away and landed on the hard-rock road with your back thumped mercilessly! And then the ambulance came. A shocker? Indeed it is. Ya Allah. I was instantaneously crippled when the news struck me. But after I consoled myself and read a page of Miftahul Qulub Al-Quran, my emotion is alleviated and not surprisingly, I can confine my over-spilled emotion I was having just now. I pray to ALLAH SWT that nothing bad happens. I guess it’s a natural thing for me to feel like that.

Anyway, to add salt to the wound, I heard the news when I was watching the 2nd leg match between Malaysia & Singapore for the Asian Zone World Cup. Malayan Tigers are doing OK on second half with Safee Sali managed to score a goal when suddenly, the Singaporean lions scored one goal to crush the short-lived mirth Malaysians were overjoyed. Needless to say, the lions deserved the victory although they used a lot of foreigners and imported players to patch up their football talents. Although Malaysians should be proud with the 100% authentic local Malaysians talents we are relying with, it’s a high time we shouldn’t be so arrogant especially the mass media who keep put provocative titles just to sell the newspapers! Arrogance must be toned down, that’s what I feel. MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Today is filled with setbacks. Ya ALLAH SWT, I hope for Your Grace. I always believe that God will always be there when I am in my weakest point. When I have no one to turn to, I turn to God. Allah SWT. 

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part VI) : 2nd Leg of SK Serendah’s Co-Curriculum Carnival 2011 (Gadget-Construction & Survival Food). SK Serendah’s Annual Charity Dinner 2011 @ Serendah Community Hall. 2nd-Time Premiere of “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” (Part II) With Trench Coat @ The Mines, Kuala Lumpur. Amy Winehouse Gone R.E.H.A.B. Forever.

The hectic school schedule of July continues with the 2nd leg Co-Curriculum Carnival on Wednesday, 20th July where pupils partook in gadget making and also Survival cooking competition among the uniform bodies. It was an awesome event where pupils demonstrated their skills in building creative gadgets (mainly from bamboos) and also exhibited some sumptuous dishes ala “Survival” (mainly sandwiches, though) – much guidances are learned from their respective teachers, which I think is so cool to have teachers and pupils bonding together.

“Pengakap” (Scouts).

Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia a.k.a. BSMM (Red Crescent).

“Puteri Islam”

“Tunas Puteri” (Girl Scouts/ Brownies) 

“Tunas Kadet Remaja Sekolah” (TKRS)

On 23rd July, the school organizes a Charity Dinner or affectionately known as “Majlis Makan Amal” which happens to be a sort-of  annual event for SK Serendah. The objective is of course to serve as a platform to raise viable funds for the benefits of our pupils. Infrastructures and facilities are all closely-knitted with cash flows (wow, it’s been ages since I last use this word!! The jargon that is so ubiquitous when I was in the banking days *nostalgia*); so that’s why we need to raise funds. Alhamdulillah, this year, I am NOT the Master Of Ceremony (MC) as Cikgu Khairul Muzammir, the more-experienced and seasoned teacher in emceeing had been trusted with that responsibility; along with Cikgu Syazana. Alhamdulillah, at least I could enjoy and savoured the meals for that night! Hahahaha. On whole, although the event was a lukewarm, but I guess our objectives and targets achieved – that is to raise funds; as well as bonding the school staffs with the surrounding community. It’s a great platform, I guess.

Anyway for the 2nd time, went to watch the anticipating finale of the Harry Potter saga – “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” (Part II); this time I watched it at The Mines.  It was on Monday, 25th July (YES, on weekdays y’all!). For the second time watching, I became more immerse with the flow of the film and really get into the mood of Harry-Potterish -mania. It really a heart-wrenching scene when it came to the part where Professor Snape confessed his love to harry Potter’s mother, Lily Potter to the audiences. And also the part where Maggie Smith who played Professor Minerva McGonagall summoned the statues of Hogwarts to be alive and protect the school. I just feel similarities between us; disciplinarian, no-nonsense, adamantly-stubborn & fierce when the rights are denied – but possesses soft spot in a rightful time and place. When she summoned “Piertortum Locomotor!”; that brought chills, man!

At The Mines, I managed to buy myself a short trench coat which is of course, non of a branded house nor pricey! It’s considerably cheap (if you compare to those trench coats belong to The House Of Burberry or ZARA) and UN-branded; but I feel elated and excited with the facade and texture of the trench coat! I don’t know, I have this weird taste for trench-coats. It ain’t proper to wear in tropical weather as usually, trench coats are donned in temperate seasons when it is rainy. But ….. I DON’T GIVE A DAMN! I do what I like to do, and if you feel like hating that; I guess you have the rights to badmouth me. But… I would say….. FU*K YOU! (awww… shocking? Na’ah!). Oopsie daisie! Can’t wait to experiment it in cool weather – especially for my upcoming VACATIONS! *Weee!*

Trench Coat. UN-branded & UN-pricey. Cheap. YET, satisfying. (,”)

Last but not least, I’ve to cover this. Apparently, Amy Winehouse, the talented English singer-yet-problematic has been found dead on 23rd July. She was 27 years old (Wooo… same age like me; but she was born in 1983). The cause of death is still classified as “unexplained”. I guess, she has gone to rehab forever now. And as usual, Hollywood who always taunts and criticizes Winehouse, began to pour a lot of  ‘sympathy messages & condolences’ and some tribute programmes & discovery biodata. Superficial. Anyway Miss Winehouse, Rest In Peace in the Rehab. 

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part V) : Miss Sarah Salleh, A Copycat!

I can’t believe that someone STOLE my “Harry Potter” premiere entry (previous to this) and put it in her blog and decided to alter/modify to suit as if it was her own!!!!! Masya Allah, why would someone do that? Honestly, if you don’t know/not that good in that language, why don’t you just use the language you know best? WHY MUST YOU TAKE OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCE AND TREAT IT AS YOUR OWN????? It doesn’t make sense…frustrating and annoyed at the same time!

Today when I open my blog, there is a comment from a good samaritan saying that someone has totally COPIED and STOLE my entry!!!!! This is her blog : http://sarahsalleh.blogspot.com/2011/07/collection-of-my-harry-potter-books.html#comment-form and this is my entry https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/juggling-the-jigsaw-puzzles-of-july-part-iv-90000-enchantment-hits-on-harry-potter-the-deathly-hallows-part-ii-premiere-pavillion-kuala-lumpur/  .

PLEASE, repent (bertaubat). This is not a good ethical way, Ms Sarah Salleh. And this is her Facebook account http://www.facebook.com/pr​ofile.php?id=1043197662 that I found in her blog. Pathetic and sad, right?  *Sigh*.

*** NOTIFICATION UPDATES : Anyway, after lamenting in Facebook with tonnes of statuses; I guess a few of my friends and acquaintances did FLAGGED ABUSE and sent comments to the copycat, Ms Sarah Salleh because seemed like she has already deleted the entry she copied from me. But, Allah SWT is there for people who have been persecuted. A friend of mine managed to SAVE the SUPPOSED-ENTRY- SHE (SARAH SALLEH)- COPIED from the page before it was deleted!!!

Try make comparison to my previous entry on Harry Potter with up here. Same right? *Sigh* Masya Allah. To Miss Sarah Salleh, maybe you want a lot of people to come and read your blog; but there’s another way of doing that. BE YOURSELF. LET OTHER LOVE YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE; NOT FOR WHAT YOU HAVE. Sad, isn’t it? Lesson learned – BE YOURSELF!

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part IV) : 90,000 Enchantment Hits On “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (Part II)” Premiere @ Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur!

Seems like my blog has now garnered more than 90,000 views!  Lots of peeping tom cats, aite? As long they mean nice and perusing information, it should be OK, I guess; but for those who have been lurking for “leak-up” information, well, you’ve come to the wrong page. The blog might transcript expressive details; but only the intelligent can read between the lines. So…. buzz off.. or in a harsher manner… FU*K OFF! (I used to write it full but now since there are a lot of educational staffs who LOVE to peep into my blog, I would soften the spelling. Still, the message is clear, no?) (,”).

Anyway, the long-anticipated finale of “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” finally is here and I’ve to admit that for a moment I was a bit deluded about it as I was too occupied with my professional errands as a teacher (you know, July is the month where the school practically compresses everything to fit the picture prior to the arrival of holy month Ramadhan!). So, hollered my bestie Kitty Kat and she says she’s free on Saturday because on Sunday, she was to run for the Olympic Run in Stadium Merdeka and I myself planned to Qadha’ (pay back) my last fasting days that I skipped last year due to the bad Tonsillitis. Went to Jalan Ipoh and took her at her apartment via my beloved fuchsia-coloured MyVi, Dagny; off we went to Pavillion, KL! It’s been quite ages since I last go there and hanged out with Kat; so might as well just go there although I am sure the place must be VERY crowded because it’s weekend, baby!

True to the realistic ‘premonition’, the cineplex in Pavillion was immensely CROWDED with people thronging just to buy tickets! I miss the air of Pavillion; reminded me of those AFFIN bank days. Queued up the line and managed to secure the MOST FRONT seats in the cineplex! Initially, we were like a little indecisive over the ideas but then proceeded with it.

While waiting for the film to commence, we killed our time singing our lungs out in the nearby Red Box Karaoke. It was a fun experimenting ourselves with new songs and let our hairs down! It was like relishing those “Doncha Club” days…sans Efy of course. Still this coming December with our reunion, we shall rock the days, folks!

Luckily the cineplex in Pavillion is quite comfortable albeit it was the most front seat. On whole, the film was enjoyable but because it was originally a film that was done simultaneously with the 1st part, the continuation could be a little blurry for the non-novel readers. On whole, it is satisfying for the ending finale of this magical saga and relieved to see what you’ve been imagining when you read the words in the novel were fleshed out into silver screen gems brilliantly!

I still remember that I started to read Harry Potter when I was so bored waiting for my matriculation result for university intakes that I began to fill the time loopholes with reading the J.K. Rowling’s masterpieces; beginning with “Prisoner Of Azkaban” which happened to be the 3rd novel. From then on, I’ve become avid reader, collecting all the 7 books and on the little covers of each books, I left small note about my life that happened when I purchased the novels :-

• “Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban” – 10th May 2003; Mak’s birthday, and a day before Mother’s Day. “This is my first Harry Potter book. It really drives me crazy and I’m really lookin forward 2 buy others. At the same time, I’m all excited to be enrolled into university by this 1st of June!”
• “Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire” – 15th May 2003. “This is my 2nd book in Harry Potter’s series. I indeed find a pleasurably-exciting readin’ in this book.” “I hope that I can go 2 University.” – “Yeps. I’m 2 enrol 2 USM doin’ biological science. Hope till da’ end.”
• “Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix” – Fajar Bakti. 21/6/2003. RM80.91. “This is the latest Harry Potter’s series. And, this (today)’s the grand opening of this book’s unleashing world wide!!!” “I’ve been interviewed by The Star when wuz about 2 buy this book at Popular, KOMTAR! It wuz nice… my very first fiction-book in First Year’s at USM, majoring in biological science!!!”
• “Harry Potter &  The Half Blood Prince” – 16th July 2005. “This is the book bought at the pre-order matrimonial routine (what the hell I was thinking when I used this word? LOL!) and at the BJ Popular. I must say, the RM99 spent is absolutely worth as new evolutions of magic and characters unveiling has been injected by J.K. Rowling.” “One of the best and now I’m in my third year in USM doing microbiology under biological science.”
• “Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone” – “This book is bought on the same day as Harry Potter 6; 16/7/05. Originally from the RM50 coupon of lucky draw!!!”
• “Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets” – “This book’s also bought on 16/7/05. Due to coupon of lucky draw RM50 and Naz’s RM55; a must collection for Harry Potter avid fan cum reader.”
• “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” – 21st July 2007. “This is the last Harry Potter novels series and I’m now about to start my intern with AFFIN Bank and convocation. Pre-order at POPULAR Alor Star.””What secret lies beyond the scar and prophecy? This book will answer everything!!!”

So now you can see how Harry Potter is closely knitted to my adolescent life. The saga was very enchanting and I shared the same passion with a USM friend of mine, Naz. I remembered that we were so excited prior to the releases of films and novels; and we quizzed each other about the trivial facts on Harry Potter! Sounds nerdy and geeky right? Well, I am happy to say that I am a self-confessed Harry Potter freak; so… whatever! Hahahhaa!

I’ve always imagined myself a student in Hogwarts and imagining myself attending those magical classes of Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions & of course, Defence Against The Dart Arts. But now since I am a teacher, I’ve gotten myself connected with the teachers’ characters. Amongst the teachers in Hogwarts, I would probably feel related to and describe myself as Professor McGonagall. Why? Because she’s a no-nonsense teacher; always uphold the sanctity of rules & regulations; stern; fair; and defensive when it comes to opinions – she’s very much like me, a disciplinarian. Crazy,aite? I know!

Mind the sentences “pre-order matrimonial routine”! Honestly at that time I didn’t even know the meaning but thought it was cool so tried to experiment using it without knowing the meaning. However, I didn’t want to use liquid-paper to erase it though; so yeah, I’ve gone through my bonker English experimenting days. All via Harry Potter! Hahaa!

After 4 years of the final book, now is the finale part of the film. Harry James Potter, Hermione Jean Granger and Ronald Billius Weasley will always remain in the nostalgia and the actors that portray the characters- Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Ruper Grint will always enter our imagination of the characters when we read about them. It’s a wonderful and magical journey of life; Avada Kedavra!

Call me Minerva McGonagall because I am truly her essence. No-nonsense, a disciplinarian and stern when it comes to rules & regulations. Despite that, I have my own soft spots too. A defensive person to what she believes is right; that’s me! 

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part III) : Lumut & Felda Sg. Klah Hot Spring. Educational Shenanigans For Malaysian Teachers. 1st Leg of SK Serendah’s Co-Curriculum Carnival 2011 (“1 Malaysia” Poem Recitals & First Aids Demonstration). The Most Beautiful Woman In The World Is A Pregger!

I never expected that I’ll be returning to the shore of Lumut within the span of 2 weeks but an invitation by friend who had some errands to settle in Lumut brought me back to the hub of naval base and maritime tourism in Perak. It was a serene and tranquil escapade from the hustle bustle life in the Central Region; especially as a solace from the ever-congested professional schedule in this month of July.

Lavished ourselves with the seafood (well, you are in the seashore area; what else would you lavishing yourself with, aite?); and pushed off to the Central Region via old road sans PLUS toll! On the way, performed prayer at a little cute mosque in the Southern Trolak and not far from the mosque, there is a signboard to Felda Sg. Klah hot spring! What wasn’t planned became an instantaneous idea!

The location of the hot spring is somewhat in a secluded part of Felda Sg. Klah. Along the road, you can see lines of palm trees and when you reached the Felda, cute housing estates mirroring the typical Malay village emerge. It was surreal and even enthralling when you see that the Hot Spring is located further deep. But how shocking it was seeing a lavish resort in the middle of palm-trees plantation and the recreation park was on par with its recreational counterparts in Kuala Lumpur, I say! The management created trails and wooden bridge around the park and there is segregation of hot springs according to the degree of temperatures. There is also big artificial waterfall rock ala Sunway Lagoon; cascading water into a big hot spring pool and a few stalls selling beverages and fast foods. There is also a place for people to boil eggs (due to the hot temperature of water) and also to relax foot in the water! With RM20 per entry, it was a worthy experience!

As for professional tentative; on Tuesday 12th July, all the class teachers were given “In-House Training” by our Examination Secretary, Ustaz Shuib on exercising the latest education system posed by Ministry of Education under the newly-imposed NKRA act, that is “Sistem Analisis Peperiksaan Sekolah.“ Through this system, class teachers MUST

• key-in all the details of biodata,
• family background,
• moving-in-and-out  (pupils’ transition and whereabouts),
• performances in pupils’ achievements,
• head counts,
• subjects analysis

and as for subject teachers, updating the TOV (target of pupils’ achievement prior to examinations) and also analysing subjects they teach! Ministry always come up with innovative ideas to improve teachers in Malaysia yet THOROUGH RESEARCH ON THE IMPACT AFFECTING THE EDUCATION STAFFS & TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS IGNORED. In Malaysia, teachers are now computerized clerks to key data; teaching and imparting knowledge? perhaps only 30%. But of course when press conferences are held, there is always hankies-pankies go around and Ministry promises to alleviate the burden of teachers being clerks these days – Still, the workloads piling up. What to say? “Saya Menurut Perintah” oath. *Sigh*

On Thursday morning dated 14th July, the 1st leg of Co-Curriculum Carnival 2011 commences with “Pertandingan Mendeklamasikan Sajak Antara Persatua/Kelab” in Malay Language. And of course, I was the emcee (MC) for the event. Approximately around 11 pupils from various societies/clubs represented their respective houses and recited poems with 1-Malaysia theme. And yes, as the Head Teacher of English Society (Persatuan Bahasa Inggeris), I had to choose a representative for my society and Suraya volunteered. Despite her petite and demure persona, she always anticipated to enter poem recitals and stage performances.

I penned myself a 1-Malaysia poem (of course I won’t be sharing it here because I know there are a lot of PEEPING TOMS throughout Malaysia scouting for free 1-Malaysia poems! I ain’t going to give in to plagiarism, no sire!). With short notifications, teachers don’t have ample time to train the pupils and I just squeezed time over here and there to train Suraya. On whole, the girl has talent and good persona but she has butterflies in stomachs when she is alone on the stage facing thronging crowds (well, we all do!). But on whole, it’s just great to see pupils braving themselves up there showing their talents. This reminds me of my good old days as a pupil; I was always active in Malay Language & English stage performances – whether it was debate, elocution, poem-recital, story-telling…. etc! (,”).

After school hours; around 2 PM, a “Latihan Dalam Perkhidmatan” session was conducted where an officer from Jabatan Pelajaran Selangor came to give a talk on “Rekod Penyemakan Buku Latihan/Kerja Murid.”  Honestly although the concept seemed very idealistic on paper and even the practical approach, the implementation is sure to be shouldered by teachers. Apart from all the clerk errands, teachers now are expected to systematically record all the homework given, the skills mastered by pupils and also teachers MUST identify the every specific weaknesses of each of his/her pupils! Books collected MUST be returned at most within 3 days WITH SPECIFIC corrections highlighted! Teachers also MUST be able to inject improvement in pupils.

Sometimes, I get annoyed with all these MUSTS! Ministry comes up with brilliant ideas but they didn’t do thorough research on the implementation. Always emphasizing for the qualities yet the segregation of workload always scarce – everything is focus on the so-called educators/teachers. You expect us to be educators yet the percentage of teaching now is merely 30% whereas for the other 70%, Malaysian teachers now  SIMPLY clerks – documenting data and information for Ministry to boast when press conferences are done so that society will be satisfy with fabricated education policies!!!! *Sigh* But whatever it is, “Saya Menurut Perintah”…. again!

Kak Lela – the oldest contestant? So passionate! Hahahhaa… Kak Lela being so sporting reciting poem in the interval session whilst waiting for the judges to deliberate the result. Teachers are jack of all trades, eh? (,”)

Anyway, just perused the Internet and found out that The Most Beautiful Woman in The World (she scored the highest mark amongst the Miss World; she herself was Miss World 1994) ,the beauty queen-turned-into-Bollywood-actress, Aishwarya Rai Bachan is now pregnant with her first child with Abishek Bachan. Apparently, the grandfather-to-be, Amitabh Bachan blurted the news via his own blog! Well, I am a Bollywood fan as well (didn’t I tell I am a universal soul? LOL!) so this update clearly reflects that. So,congratulations to Abhi -Ash, a portmanteau coined for Aishwarya and her husband Abhishek; a ripple from supercouple term coined concurrent to the likes of Brangelina. Congratulations Abhi-Ash!

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part II) : Precursor Pharyngitis. The Demise Of A Microbiologist. Reincarnation of 13th May 1969? Lusts Behind The “Serban” In ‘Tahajjud Cinta.’

Come Friday, 8th July; marks 3 days since I am experiencing the wrath of Pharyngitis; a precursor to Tonsillitis. On Wednesday morning, I was quite lethargic and woke up circa 6.15 A.M. getting ready for school ( my school starts at 7.10 A.M.) proved to be a hassle! My throat was feeling sore and my eyes and body were very weak. I had no choice but to send SMS to my GPK 1 (Curriculum) informing that I couldn’t make it because of the bad state I was in. So, went to Mediviron Rawang and was issued an MC by the doctor. Seemed like my tonsils were starting to swell and a white patch was visible. No wonder am feeling lethargic and feverish. It all depends on the weather and I am still recovering.

Anyway, I just received a shocking as well as a sad news from Mak this evening. Kak Naja, the relative I visited during my birthday (REFER TO MY BIRTHDAY ENTRY) has died yesterday evening and apparently Mak had just informed me today. She was trying to control her sobbing but it was crystal clear that she was crying. My heart went to Kak Nazirah, Kak Naja’s sister who now is left with no one because their mother, Cu Timah passed away at the end of last year. Luckily, Kak Nazirah had a son, Fuadi to rely on. It is just sad to reminisce back to the moment when I met Kak Naja when I met her. Although she was so weak due to her anaesthetic state, she still smiled and welcomed me graciously despite her body and hands were all wired up! I remembered that her friends burst into tears when they visited her and my eyes watered when I saw her. May ALLAH SWT bless her soul, an ex-microbiologist, who was a brilliant student. Al-Fatihah….. 

To add salt to the wound, on the way to the funeral, Kak Naja’s cousin (Abang Jie’s sister), Kak An met with an ugly accident and it was said that she was badly injured! Her children however, were discharged! Masya ALLAH! It was as if like double trouble. So sad; but indeed we come from ALLAH SWT and we’ll go back to ALLLAH SWT.

Supposedly, the school will be organizing a Qiyamulail for the Year 6 and asnaf pupils and Yours Truly is set to take care of the discipline (since I am the Discipline Teacher for Year 5) & also to do night-parole! Eeeek, I know right?! But (un) fortunately, the event was cancelled due to the fact that a socio-fiasco is happening right now in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently, there will be a few numbers of ‘unregistered’ gatherings to be held in Kuala Lumpur under the token of ‘demanding to cleanse the supposed political & litigation corruptions’ and many more.

I won’t be commenting on that because that will stir uproar but all I can say is that, I always believe in harmonious approach and I adamantly DISAGREE with methods of using provocation and ‘smearing-your-country’s name-in-the-eyes-of-the-world-just-to-uphold-your-personal-agendas’ motives!!!! I have to say I am quite frustrated and sad with some people who are SO OBSESSED with their own political agendas that they refused to acknowledge what is right and what is wrong! Of course, it is your prerogative to choose whatever political stands what you want; BUT DO NOT SELL YOUR COUNTRY’S DIGNITY BY MAKING ALLIANCE WITH OPPORTUNIST DEVILS OUT THERE! I don’t want to see another May 13th incident or the bloodshed Kampung Medan fiasco. It’s sad to know that Malaysia’s beautiful history to be smeared by shenanigans corrupted by sly outsiders. *Sigh*

Scenes during the bloodbath 13th May 1969 where Malaysians with different ethnicities fought amongst each other. Learn from this! Do not let outsiders oppress the minds, no more! Be smart!

I’ve always like Islamic theme although superficially, I may not looked like a pious-person-donning-‘serban’. I am a Gemini; so there is always a duality persona in me; there are times when I feel like an angel with piety as my wings and there are times when I feel like a dirty bondage slave with belt as my lasso. But all in all, the duality emerges one; and that is me. TV3 starts airing a new Islamic-themed drama entitled “Tahajjud Cinta”, directed by Erma Fatima. From this first episode and the hype in the newspaper, I think that this drama is going to be a hit; with high quality contents immersed with new perspectives on Islam.

Erma Fatima tries to uphold the role of women in Islam which has always been ridiculed by the Western World as oppressive whereas it is actually the other wise. Islam upholds women to the highest hierarchy in comparison to other religions; but only those who manifested the religion abused it and use it to satiate their own lusts! Besides that, she also try to expose the existence of people who masquerade their evil ferocious beasts inside by using pieties, donning ‘serban’ and giving ‘tazkirah’ as superficial masks!

It is scandalous; it is controversial; but these kind of people DO EXIST. Why I said that? Let just say that my first ever relationship was based on this. Someone I thought was pious and very well-mannered, reciting Holy Words and ALWAYS attend “tazkirah” (preaching) in surau, madrasah and mosques was someone who is ACTUALLY a cheater and unfaithful!  For this, I applause Erma Fatima for having the bravery of exposing such persona. Well done!

Life comes with so much colours. The canvas marks our brightest hues and our dullest tones. It’s up to us to paint it according to our heart; or to succumb to other people’s vision. I’ve also learned lesson not to judge people based on his/her superficialities because what you see outside may fool you. Just because someone recites prayers, attending ‘tazkirah’ or wears ‘serban’ or ‘hijab’ DOESN’T means he/she is cleansed from Nafs and perfect beings. And doesn’t mean someone who is friendly and befriends with anyone is a promiscuous or a slut! Don’t judge.  Have faith in God and yourself and be brave to thread this life. Insya ALLAH, God will always be with you – I always believe that.

Juggling The Jigsaw Puzzles Of July (Part I): SK Serendah’s Open Day @ Report Books Day. “1 Murid 1 Sukan 1 Malaysia” National Run. A Royal Wedding In House Of Grimaldi Of Monaco.

Coming July, the professional schedule is all hectic and packed as every possible events that are compulsory to be carried out by the school will be executed throughout this month of July; prior to the Holy Month of Ramadhan which is expected to commence on 1st August 2011. In a blink of an eye, we are already reaching to another phase of Ramadhan and I hardly can wait for that!

Well, as the overture of the hectic schedule, the school organized The Open Day of the school a.k.a. The Report Book Day. So, fresh from my one-week hiatus-from-the-school-due-to-MBMMBI course, I had to work my ass off to finish up all the ADAP books (report books) for my class; luckily I’ve finished some before I went to the course. Other class teachers however, had advantage as they had 1 week extra in comparison to me! Anyway, come Thursday, parents were thronging the school and as for my class 5 Gallant which happened to be the last class of the Year 5 Stream, I already expected that not many parents would turn up; due to family mishaps and background & meagre financial of their lives; thus they do not pay heed to the education parts of the children.

Nonetheless, it was really nice to have the chance meeting parents who did make effort to come to school and shared their plights with me. I have to say that I was touched when I met the parents of one of my pupil who is not that brilliant and his ‘pick-up’ in class was very slow. I shared thoughts with them and gave them moral support. Initially they already expected bad comments from me but was quite mesmerized that I didn’t lament on the bad traits. I focused on the good traits and of course, advised them to give my pupil full support from the family system. In a way, it was a nice tete-a-tete and I could see tears of joy in their eyes. Alhamdulillah.

Apart from that, an aunt of my pupil who is actually having familial mishaps came to see me representing the parents who apparently have no awareness of the importance of education. Poor pupil have to be absent from school just to take care of her mother who was just given birth to her brother. And what’s more, she has to walk all the way from the secluded village to the school and couldn’t eat during recess because hardly has money! Imagine a little girl walking alone under a small underground tunnel which link the secluded village to the school? My heart sank for that and I told the aunt that I will try my best to convey the matter to Administration Board, Insya ALLAH. 

This is the beauty of being a teacher, the ability to delve into humanities and empathies; the satisfaction I wouldn’t experience if I were to still remained being a bank executive (Assistant Relationship Manager). I always believe Allah SWT works in the most mysterious way. Always the setbacks are blesses in disguises, no? Alhamdulillah.

Anyway, on Friday 1st of July, the school conducted “Isra’ & Mikraj” celebration to commemorate the night travelling from Baitul Haram to Baitul Aqsa & the ascension of Prophet Muhammad SAW from Baitul Aqsa to the 7th Heaven Sidratul Muntaha.

And on Saturday 2nd of July, the school conducted the “1 Murid 1 Sukan 1 Malaysia” run which was done simultaneously throughout Malaysia, in conjunction with the recent education policy launched by our Deputy Prime Minister & Education Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin which emphasizes that every pupils and students in Malaysia are ought to register at least 1 sport under his/her wings of co-curriculum vitae.

It was fun to have a gathering like that with pupils and also colleagues. And of course, I as the MC of the day was in helter-skelter! Why I said that? Imagine when everything was done not in accordance to the scheduled tentative and everyone was giving instructions to the MC? 10 voices giving orders and merely one voice is expected to say out those supposed instructions?! But of course, in the end, all went well despite the minor glitches – which I am sure that everyone agrees that is so NORMAL when one organizes an event, no? (,”)

With all the hullabaloos of events back-to-back, I decided to lead a quite and passive weekend this week. Just laze around and of course pay back (Qadha’) my fasting days that I skipped last year due to bad Tonsillitis I had last year. Anyway, today is my 3rd day and I only have another 1 day to go!

Anyway, this could be a late news but yeah, I just perused the Internet and found out that the House of Grimaldi of Monaco had a lavish royal wedding – Prince Albert, the prince of the Hollywood legend-turned-into-Monaco-Princess, Grace Kelly had tied the knot with his fiancee, Charlene Wittstock ( a German swimmer who represented South Africa in Olympic Games). I love European royalties and I have passion about them. Getting to know the heritage culture and the protocol are closely related to my passion towards history, I say.

Monaco is a small country but it is known to be lavish due to its casino-generated income and luxurious sea-side lifestyle. And what’s more, the marriage of Prince Rainier III (Prince Albert’s father) to the famous Hollywood leading woman of the Hollywood Golden Era, Grace Kelly (which then styled as Her Serene Highness Highness Princess Grace Kelly) catapulted Monaco in the eyes of the Western World.

The legendary wedding of Prince Rainier III & Hollywood leading woman, Grace Kelly in April, 1956. 

So much of a hectic July! Upcoming events are coming ahead, y’all! (,”)