Holidays have arrived once again (even though it has arrived for quite some time already)... Still, I kind of hate it when it comes to holidays. Even though we are with our dear family, the activities that we planned to do will be disturbed or cancelled due to the commitments that our parents have...
Take me, for instance. My father's a navy and when it comes to holidays, he'll still be working Mondays to Fridays. So, that leaves me, my mother and my siblings. And my mother is the one kind who hardly takes us to go out just for fun. Only my brother does that, and even that needs him to be 'in the mood' because being in a house with a fast-speed internet connection, he hardly leaves home. We will only go to the Pernama building (inside the base) to play bowling and sometimes to Sitiawan to the cinema. Other than that, home is our lair to actually do almost EVERYTHING.
For me, I'll either surf the Internet, or read my novels. And trust me, being in a neighbourhood without ANY CLOSE FRIENDS, one will actually stay in the house unless forced to go out. That's happening to me now... My dear old friends are all in Parit Buntar and Perlis and since I'm in Lumut, I have NO ONE TO GO OUT WITH apart from my siblings..
So, a little reminder to my readers, when it comes to holidays, try and spend A LOT OF TIME outdoors... Especially with friends & family...
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
Down Memory Lane...
Hmm... Been a while since the last time I updated my blog, isn't it? And to be honest, I can't seem to actually put my fingers on what to write anymore. Not that I don't have any stories to share, it's just that when it comes to writing something for others to actually read, it seems hard to make it interesting.. With few English vocabularies, one can never actually describe with bombastic words (and I know some of you will actually say "No need to be bombastic, just tell how you feel."). Again, this is where I'll go blank.
I'm one of those people who never express true feelings to others. Even when I'm having a major problem, I'll always smile and pretend that nothing's wrong (which is hard). And trust me, that's is even harder to do.
Earlier today, my friends and I had filled accommodation forms for our studies in University of Otago next year. While filling in those forms, it brings me back to those days when I was in Paris visiting my parents. And now, here I am, looking back on my experiences. Bearing in mind that I am leaving my family soon, it feels a bit sad. Even though I'm used to being apart with my family, this will be the first time that I'm going away while the rest of them stays.
Now that I'm looking back, there are two ways to actually do this: from the beginning till now; and from now, and goes back in time until the beginning. And trust me, I can never decide on which way to use. So, I'll use both ways. I'll look back through time by linking the events together, regardless of when it happened.
Where shall I start? TESL Gala 2010? That was fun. In fact, it was the BEST night I've ever had in my life! Our theme that time was "True Colours" that makes us show who we really are. And guess what? I dressed as the MAD HATTER! I think most of my friends know how ANNOYING I am now. And hyperactive. I said that I'm always smiling, right? Like there's nothing happening. Well, that's why. I don't want people to know, and I also want others to be happy always. There's a saying, "Every dark cloud has a silver lining." I always hold on to that. Until now. And I also hold on to a quote by Ellen DeGeneres saying "Silence is Golden" which is the exact opposite of who I really am.
Which brings me back a little bit to our Biro Tatanegara (BTN) camp that we had last week. We had an activity where we have to write a letter to our parents, telling them what we have always wanted to say. And truth be told, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY. Because to be honest, being apart from them has taught me how to live on my own.So when the facilitator said that we have to write a letter to our parents, I was dumb-struck. And I actually cried that night. A LOT. Even my friend Shah cried along with me when he saw me crying. Why did I cry? I hardly contact my parents. Even when I do, I won't be able to keep the conversation for a long time. And sometimes, they are busy, being in their profession as a navy and a teacher, they both have their own commitments and jobs. Which leaves me alone and, to me, it feels like I'm actually forgotten.
Which brings me to my birthday. This year, for the 3rd time, only a few wished me verbally. My family? Thanks to the technology we have now, only texts are the replacements of their voices singing "Happy Birthday" to me. And that's only my mother and my siblings. Aunts? Uncles? Cousins? No answer to that. What more with Facebook! Wall posts kept coming like a clown car! And there's no way to stop them! Except when the day's over, that is. And that is because I've decided to show my birth date on my profile. What if I didn't? Would they still remember my birthday?
When it comes to celebration, this brings me to the most recent gathering that we had (apart from TESL Gala), which is the Hari Raya Gathering. The gathering was held for 2 major reasons: to celebrate Hari Raya, Moon Cake Festival, Gawai Kaamatan and the upcoming Deepavali at the time and also to welcome our beloved TESL babies of the June 2010 intake. And what a blast we had! And I'm so sorry that I can't provide any pictures for this particular post because truth be told, I didn't have the time to actually take pictures. And when it comes to pictures, as always, I won't be in them. Why? That's because I'm the one taking the pictures, and nobody offered to take a picture of me... Sounds sad?
Not as sad as missing the opportunities to explore the place that you've been living in for the past two years. I'm not one to actually say bad things about my friends; I love them very much. But when it comes to organizing a visit to a certain interesting place in Sarawak (preferably near to Kuching), no one invited me along. I've never been to Cultural Village Sarawak where all of Sarawak's unique culture are under one roof, I've never been to Serikin which is the place to shop for cheap clothings, and I've never been to Bako National Park where nature is breathtaking. The only places in Kuching that I've been to are The Spring, Boulevard, India Street, Waterfront, Wisma Satok, and not forgetting Wisma Saberkas. Oh, and also Matang Wildlife Centre (thanks to the KPLI January 2009 intake). Other than that? Just Saratok for our Leadership Camp and Miri for our JPP Leadership course. Even that is actually because I was one of the JPP last year.
And ever since foundation year, I feel like I'm always remembered when people need my help. And being one of those persons who never say 'no' unless I have other commitments, people seem to be coming to me whenever they need help. Even when it is clear that they have nothing else to do, or they can do it themselves. Why ask for help when you can do it yourself?
One of my cohort friends asked me one time, "Why do you always go out with people who are not from your class?" My answer? Simple. "Why didn't they invite me along?" Even when I go out with others, it is because I wanted to go there and going with them gives me the opportunity to actually go there on a transport that is cheap and fast. Why wait for people to invite you when they always forget? And when I say "I've never been there," they would say "Oh, you've missed the chance of a lifetime!" Of course I missed it. NO ONE WANTED TO TAKE ME ALONG!
Okay, I've burden you all A LOT with my problems now. Trust me, it was unconsciously done because I just type what's going on in my mind. And trust me, this isn't half of it. There's more to it.
So, a quick reminder to everyone who reads my blog, NEVER FORGET YOUR FRIENDS; even if they always forget you.
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
I'm one of those people who never express true feelings to others. Even when I'm having a major problem, I'll always smile and pretend that nothing's wrong (which is hard). And trust me, that's is even harder to do.
Earlier today, my friends and I had filled accommodation forms for our studies in University of Otago next year. While filling in those forms, it brings me back to those days when I was in Paris visiting my parents. And now, here I am, looking back on my experiences. Bearing in mind that I am leaving my family soon, it feels a bit sad. Even though I'm used to being apart with my family, this will be the first time that I'm going away while the rest of them stays.
Now that I'm looking back, there are two ways to actually do this: from the beginning till now; and from now, and goes back in time until the beginning. And trust me, I can never decide on which way to use. So, I'll use both ways. I'll look back through time by linking the events together, regardless of when it happened.
Where shall I start? TESL Gala 2010? That was fun. In fact, it was the BEST night I've ever had in my life! Our theme that time was "True Colours" that makes us show who we really are. And guess what? I dressed as the MAD HATTER! I think most of my friends know how ANNOYING I am now. And hyperactive. I said that I'm always smiling, right? Like there's nothing happening. Well, that's why. I don't want people to know, and I also want others to be happy always. There's a saying, "Every dark cloud has a silver lining." I always hold on to that. Until now. And I also hold on to a quote by Ellen DeGeneres saying "Silence is Golden" which is the exact opposite of who I really am.
Which brings me back a little bit to our Biro Tatanegara (BTN) camp that we had last week. We had an activity where we have to write a letter to our parents, telling them what we have always wanted to say. And truth be told, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY. Because to be honest, being apart from them has taught me how to live on my own.So when the facilitator said that we have to write a letter to our parents, I was dumb-struck. And I actually cried that night. A LOT. Even my friend Shah cried along with me when he saw me crying. Why did I cry? I hardly contact my parents. Even when I do, I won't be able to keep the conversation for a long time. And sometimes, they are busy, being in their profession as a navy and a teacher, they both have their own commitments and jobs. Which leaves me alone and, to me, it feels like I'm actually forgotten.
Which brings me to my birthday. This year, for the 3rd time, only a few wished me verbally. My family? Thanks to the technology we have now, only texts are the replacements of their voices singing "Happy Birthday" to me. And that's only my mother and my siblings. Aunts? Uncles? Cousins? No answer to that. What more with Facebook! Wall posts kept coming like a clown car! And there's no way to stop them! Except when the day's over, that is. And that is because I've decided to show my birth date on my profile. What if I didn't? Would they still remember my birthday?
When it comes to celebration, this brings me to the most recent gathering that we had (apart from TESL Gala), which is the Hari Raya Gathering. The gathering was held for 2 major reasons: to celebrate Hari Raya, Moon Cake Festival, Gawai Kaamatan and the upcoming Deepavali at the time and also to welcome our beloved TESL babies of the June 2010 intake. And what a blast we had! And I'm so sorry that I can't provide any pictures for this particular post because truth be told, I didn't have the time to actually take pictures. And when it comes to pictures, as always, I won't be in them. Why? That's because I'm the one taking the pictures, and nobody offered to take a picture of me... Sounds sad?
Not as sad as missing the opportunities to explore the place that you've been living in for the past two years. I'm not one to actually say bad things about my friends; I love them very much. But when it comes to organizing a visit to a certain interesting place in Sarawak (preferably near to Kuching), no one invited me along. I've never been to Cultural Village Sarawak where all of Sarawak's unique culture are under one roof, I've never been to Serikin which is the place to shop for cheap clothings, and I've never been to Bako National Park where nature is breathtaking. The only places in Kuching that I've been to are The Spring, Boulevard, India Street, Waterfront, Wisma Satok, and not forgetting Wisma Saberkas. Oh, and also Matang Wildlife Centre (thanks to the KPLI January 2009 intake). Other than that? Just Saratok for our Leadership Camp and Miri for our JPP Leadership course. Even that is actually because I was one of the JPP last year.
And ever since foundation year, I feel like I'm always remembered when people need my help. And being one of those persons who never say 'no' unless I have other commitments, people seem to be coming to me whenever they need help. Even when it is clear that they have nothing else to do, or they can do it themselves. Why ask for help when you can do it yourself?
One of my cohort friends asked me one time, "Why do you always go out with people who are not from your class?" My answer? Simple. "Why didn't they invite me along?" Even when I go out with others, it is because I wanted to go there and going with them gives me the opportunity to actually go there on a transport that is cheap and fast. Why wait for people to invite you when they always forget? And when I say "I've never been there," they would say "Oh, you've missed the chance of a lifetime!" Of course I missed it. NO ONE WANTED TO TAKE ME ALONG!
Okay, I've burden you all A LOT with my problems now. Trust me, it was unconsciously done because I just type what's going on in my mind. And trust me, this isn't half of it. There's more to it.
So, a quick reminder to everyone who reads my blog, NEVER FORGET YOUR FRIENDS; even if they always forget you.
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
Independence Day, Aidilfitri, Malaysia Day - Where's the Fun?
Don't get me wrong, but it's the truth.. At least, for me..
Reflecting back to someone's quote on Facebook last night (I won't say who), I think it's true... People nowadays don't really celebrate Independence Day like they used to back then. Independence Day is the most crucial celebration here in our country. It is celebrated by EVERYONE in Malaysia, regardless of race and religion, and yet, very few wants to celebrate it with pride and joy? What's wrong??
Okay, out with the Independence Day, in with Aidilfitri... Somehow, I don't find celebrating this particular event as happening as before. Of course the Duit Raya tradition is still being kept alive, but now I don't find this interesting. Money will come and go, as always... And, there's no fun anymore because there's not much to talk about once you visit someone. Awkward silence will come and go.. And it's always like we are waiting for the other party to break the silence... I wonder...
Ah, I'm babbling again... Huhu.. Sorry for making you all read this rather depressing entry... Hihihi...
Anyway, to all Muslims out there, I wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin... And to all Malaysians, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!! MERDEKA!
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
Reflecting back to someone's quote on Facebook last night (I won't say who), I think it's true... People nowadays don't really celebrate Independence Day like they used to back then. Independence Day is the most crucial celebration here in our country. It is celebrated by EVERYONE in Malaysia, regardless of race and religion, and yet, very few wants to celebrate it with pride and joy? What's wrong??
Okay, out with the Independence Day, in with Aidilfitri... Somehow, I don't find celebrating this particular event as happening as before. Of course the Duit Raya tradition is still being kept alive, but now I don't find this interesting. Money will come and go, as always... And, there's no fun anymore because there's not much to talk about once you visit someone. Awkward silence will come and go.. And it's always like we are waiting for the other party to break the silence... I wonder...
Ah, I'm babbling again... Huhu.. Sorry for making you all read this rather depressing entry... Hihihi...
Anyway, to all Muslims out there, I wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir & Batin... And to all Malaysians, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!! MERDEKA!
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
A Tribute to Friends - Part 2
Hmm... Here's part two... I know that I've promised to write about 4 friends here, but now I can't seem to put my fingers on the other 3, because basically, ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GOOD PEOPLE!
Huh, where to start, ek? I wonder...
1) Zariq
Well, this particular person is already mentioned in my previous entry... So, what else is there to write??
2) Felicity
Hah! This is the ONE person apart from my lecturers who dares enough to come face-to-face and tell me about my weaknesses. I still remember what she actually told me:
"Hafiz, you shouldn't use your group members to do your job for you.. You must contribute as well."
Well, Felis, thanks to you, I've learnt my lesson! Truth be told, I actually did my work that time (I'm sure you know when) and, I didn't share it because I didn't include examples, which I know Mrs. Lim would be furious at! Huhu.. (Correct my grammar if it's wrong anywhere.. hehehe) Oh, and she's also very good in making sure we are behaving in a very good manner, although some might find it a bit annoying.. Thanks, Felis!
3) Zai Qurratu 'Ainie
Hah, this particular sister... I'm not really sure what to talk about this particular person... Apart from being a very good listener and advisor, her special talent is FASHION! Hehe.. Zariq, this doesn't mean I'm not looking up to you! Hehe... She's a person who follows fashion and ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE with it.. She even keeps us up-to-date with fashion! Hehe... Because of her (and Zariq, of course!), I know what to where and HOW to wear those clothes... Hehehe... Oh, did I mention she also provided me with some TV series before? Well, that was before my Internet connection got slow.. Hehehe...
4) Barbara Jane
Now, this is a girl that any guy would be lucky to have as a girlfriend... Wanna know why? She's very kind, very attractive, and she's caring! She's always there for me whenever I'm down (it's not just Zariq who really care about my feelings =p) and she's also very helpful.. She's saved my butt a lot of times before... And, she's a very good listener too! She never judge people and she's one who keeps a secret really well.. If I can't tell Zariq about it, Jane is my shoulder to cry on... Jane, thanks for being there for me.. I'll always do the same for you!
Well, more to come tomorrow (or some time in the future).. But for now, these four are on my top list as VERY GOOD FRIENDS! Zariq, Felicity, Zai, Jane, I THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND...
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
A Tribute to Friends - Part 1
Why a tribute? Well, since I've been living in Kuching alone for 2 years now, friends are the closest thing I've got to family. I love them very much. But, there are few who made it to my top list. I'll be writing about 4 friends here. So, there'll be 4 parts of this blog. More coming up!
Who's on top? Haha.. Jeng jeng jeng!!
His name's Zariq Farhan... He's from the town of Semenyih, Selangor.. Why is he on top?? There are a few reasons why...
1) A Good Friend
For someone like me, Zariq understands me a lot.. And I mean A LOT! I'm pretty much of a loner back in Kuching, so he always asks me if I want to go out (and usually, I just tag along). Even though he sometimes didn't invite me (and I know for sure why), whenever I need him, he's always ready to help me (if he's not busy, that is).
He is a person of great talents & has a very unique attitude and personality. He's very friendly, funny, likes to gossip, and sometimes very spontaneous. For someone like Zariq, he sure knows how to keep secrets.. He even keeps some from me! Haha.. Zariq, you understand me too well!
2) A Great Leader
Now, I can't really brag about this part of Zariq.. Because you have to see it for yourself! When given a task, Zariq always did it in a way that most people doesn't expect him to do. Sometimes, it seems like it is out of his hands! And whenever he needs help, he always gets it easily... Why? Go back to point 1 on the part "very friendly" and you got it! You see, Zariq really knows how to kick start a conversation that would seem never-ending! How do you think he's got a huge number of friends! I don't even know how many he's got! Okay, that's out of the point.. Leader, now that's the point I'm trying to talk about.. Gosh! Anyway, Zariq always lead his group in his own, funny & strict way. He's very serious about his work, very concern about the people in his group. He always ask his group members about the task at hand. And that's why sometimes, his group has the BEST TEAMWORK ever! I'm not kidding! You can ask a lot of people in our campus and they'll tell you the same thing..
Well, most of the points I want to talk about are already in the two points above.. So, basically, Zariq is a very nice person, a very good brother, and a great friend to have. Anyway, Zariq, this post is definitely for you.. I can't stop myself from writing more about you, but I know you don't really like babbling or bragging..
Zariq, I LOVE YOU TO BITS!
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
Why Do People Always Think of Themselves?
I don't really want to talk much right here (technically because this is not my computer AND I'm not in the right place and position to say this) but I think it's time that people should realize something.
PEOPLE SHOULD REALIZE THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE HAS FEELINGS AND RIGHTS
Why do I say that? Well, after seeing a few incidents in the past few days (I can't really describe here, though), I must admit that people nowadays are growing more and more selfish by the minute!
I mean, seriously, if you are living in a hostel, shouldn't you be aware that there are others who are sharing the space with you? Using the same appliances that are provided there? Is it really THAT HARD to flush the toilet??
Is it really THAT HARD to just abide by the rules and regulations? Should we break it just because we always do that when we are home?
I can't believe that these people (SO CALLED PEOPLE) are totally ignoring these rule-breakers and just ignore the power that they have JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING THE EXACT SAME THING!
Don't ask me why... Just reflect back and think.. What have you done to help or make others happy? What have you sacrificed to achieve it? Think, people, THINK!
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
P/S: Listen to the song "Sweet People" by Alyosha, Ukraine's entry for Eurovision Song Contest 2010..
PEOPLE SHOULD REALIZE THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE HAS FEELINGS AND RIGHTS
Why do I say that? Well, after seeing a few incidents in the past few days (I can't really describe here, though), I must admit that people nowadays are growing more and more selfish by the minute!
I mean, seriously, if you are living in a hostel, shouldn't you be aware that there are others who are sharing the space with you? Using the same appliances that are provided there? Is it really THAT HARD to flush the toilet??
Is it really THAT HARD to just abide by the rules and regulations? Should we break it just because we always do that when we are home?
I can't believe that these people (SO CALLED PEOPLE) are totally ignoring these rule-breakers and just ignore the power that they have JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING THE EXACT SAME THING!
Don't ask me why... Just reflect back and think.. What have you done to help or make others happy? What have you sacrificed to achieve it? Think, people, THINK!
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
P/S: Listen to the song "Sweet People" by Alyosha, Ukraine's entry for Eurovision Song Contest 2010..
Where Is The Love?
People always say: Love is important. We can't live without love.
My question to you: Is this true?
Be sure to answer this question after you read this entry...
HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE THE EARTH? Earth Day was last week (22nd April). How much did we do to save the Earth? Or better yet, HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO DESTROY IT? I can bet if we were to put side to side HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO SAVE EARTH and HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO DESTROY IT, the DESTROY part would be much more than SAVE. Is this LOVE?
HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE EACH OTHER? Enough to leave babies on the side of the road? Enough to just look at sick people on the street and NOT OFFER ANY HELP? Enough to START A WAR AND NEVER STOP IT? Look back in your life and tell me HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO SHOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE EACH OTHER...
So, people, I am writing here to make you all (including me) think back. Think what would have happened if we were the ones on the receiving side.
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
My question to you: Is this true?
Be sure to answer this question after you read this entry...
HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE THE EARTH? Earth Day was last week (22nd April). How much did we do to save the Earth? Or better yet, HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO DESTROY IT? I can bet if we were to put side to side HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO SAVE EARTH and HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO DESTROY IT, the DESTROY part would be much more than SAVE. Is this LOVE?
HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE EACH OTHER? Enough to leave babies on the side of the road? Enough to just look at sick people on the street and NOT OFFER ANY HELP? Enough to START A WAR AND NEVER STOP IT? Look back in your life and tell me HOW MUCH HAVE WE DONE TO SHOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE EACH OTHER...
So, people, I am writing here to make you all (including me) think back. Think what would have happened if we were the ones on the receiving side.
With all due respect,
Hafiz Khairuddin
