Visit Malaysia

I normally go and visit my mum whenever possible. As of now, she is in the hospital and undergoing treatment for diabetes. Basically, she is undergoing ozone treatment to heal the cuts beneath her feet.

On my way back and forth to the hospital, I have to travel approximately 300 kilometres to Manjung District in Perak. Of which, I will go through roads where oil palm plantations are aplenty. What surprises me was the fact there was an area – vast one – that reminded me of wheat fields in the United States.

Daerah Manjung is one of the oldest civilization areas in Malaysia. It history dates back to Lembah Bujang, may be at the same time or older (I am not sure?). It was also one of the early civilizations in Tanah Melayu – where the Hindu Rajas built the temples or candi(s).

Anyway, the area is now booming through plantation and tourism. I forgot to mention that the most famous town is Lumut – the home of Malaysian Naval Base. What intrigues me during my journey around this area is that the vastness of padi fields, coconut plantation etc. That reminded me of how unappreciative of me of the beauty of this country!

The government is currently promoting agriculture and tourism what I wish to suggest is that the government looks into promoting and introduces this area as a ‘agro-tourism’. This idea is not new. Most Malaysian students do apple picking etc during their studies @ overseas – a similar concept should be adopted in our education system ie the promotion of agriculture as a business. A concept similar to what Israel is doing where they would allow students and/or volunteers and whomsoever wish to learn about agriculture business and at the same time promotes a sense of community. The kibbutz also serves as a get-together place and provides session for the Jewish communities around the world to exchange ideas and to bond. They use the kibbutz – which is a farm, where majority are citrus fruit farms, for this purpose of "bonding".

Hence, other than PLKN, we should give an alternative to teach our youngsters to ‘berbakti pada tanah’, business and agriculture – and at the same, to have fun! Education should be a process of lifelong learning and should be made fun.

Thus, this is just one of my rantings and we should always remember – be appreciative of this country and be thankful always. Visit Malaysia!

Obsession of Sotong Bakar

Hmmm...sedap!!! Delicious!!...Yum, yum....hingga menjilat jari....:)

You wonder what ? It is object of my obsession (including someone else, you know who you are)...It is SOTONG BAKAR!!

It is something that I looked forward to eating whenever I am in Terengganu (other than at Zie's corner) . Who does not know what Zie's corner, please, you are invited to do so at Kuala Terengganu to check it out! They have the best pancake in town of KT.

I remembered those days when there were 5 of us in SEV. Five including Fakha, myself, Shamsul, Diana and Maryam. During those heydays of initial recruitment for SPIKE program in Terengganu, Siti Maryam would be the one who volunteers to accompany me. Other than work, she jumps to the chance of having the opportunity to eat her favourite food...

Our usual itinerary of the day whenever we are in KT, the both of us will be doing work from early the morning up till around 2++pm ie after lunch hour of government officers. Then, it is time for both of us.

Lunch was a feast for both of us! We both love simple foods. So, we either end up at Mat Binjai Restaurant or some gerai by the roadside, to have lunch. Menu of choice would be ulam and sotong bakar. Sotong bakar is a must! The succulent meat of the sotong (fresh from the sea) was a pleasure indeed and not forgotten whenever you eat the sotong bakar, they should be coupled with sambal belacan or budu!!!...hehehe...for those who does not eat budu...what a waste!! You missed out an 'adventure' in life! Never mind what Shamsul told you that if you were to see how budu is made, you would not touch the stuff. (Bro, jangan marah! We only live once. Hence, we must try everything (tolak batu, kayu and benda2 haram)).

So, in my recent trip to KT, sotong bakar was my 'staple' diet once again....So divine!!

Ija....I know you are satisfied this time around....hehehe....

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED: Men Are Just Happier People--

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves.

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President.

You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal.

You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of whic h way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $500 0. Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time. !

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

You know stuff about tanks..

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a m oustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

BLOGGERMANIA

My son is now 10++ years old. He is in Standard Five. I have been sending him to English tuition every Saturday.

For what purpose you may ask? I guess being a parent; I am trying to ensure that my son is not left behind in his academics. All for Survival of the Fittest!! Though both my husband and I communicate via the English language almost every single day of our adult lives, it does not seem to ‘rub’ on my son. We wonder why?

Is it due to shyness or insecurity or lack of self esteem to using the language? Ironically, most of his friends speak the language fluently. I always ask him why does he not reply them in English? He just gave me a stony silent. I got infuriated with his behaviour and therefore, decided to send him to an English class that will allow him to boost (more so) his self confidence to be able to communicate reasonably using the English language.

We found one tuition class in Bukit Jelutong. For all who does not know where Bukit Jelutong is, it is in Shah Alam. The class is similar to Victoria Readers (who are married and have children would be aware of this kind of offerings) basically does not stress on how correct your grammar is or anything related to the doctrines of the English language. The teacher basically promotes the usage in terms of speaking and reading as well as public speaking.

My son has improved quite remarkably. Though I still believe there are a lot more rooms for improvement. Still shy to speak – like my husband said he has a ‘firewall’ around him! But I still pray that over time, he does change his attitude towards the practice of the language.

So, since the gurus of SEV (kudos to Farith and Fakha) in their quest to promoting the English language among the SPIKERs and SEV team via blogging, I have decided as well to promote the practice in my home. I have requested (more forcing than request…J) that my son practice his writing via blogging. I told him to just to write anything that he wants. Created a blog for him and now, waiting for his first ‘masterpiece’.

Write son, write…!!