I can't believe I am in lab right now, while the truth is my flight to Hong Kong is only a day away. Scribbling facts and arguments about sustainable energy and filling out form in Japanese (yes, in kanji mind you) is the last thing I could ever imagine to do before heading south to a warmer climate. Geez. I should start reading fiction, lazying around or at least packing some stuffs! But now the real picture is my home in total mess, and I'm still here getting my kanji writing right.
Stop babbling and it'll make you an old fart.
So, updates? Well, a lot actually. I learned how to ski, went to my French buddy's housewarming party and tonnes of karaoke meets. Don't let me start with other thing because its all academic, and I am not really sure you delighted to read that.
Oh, and I failed my JLPT. As expected. I remember walking out from the exam hall with dizzy head figuring how to read long Japanese articles and essays as my Kanji illiteracy still slows down my reading. And true indeed, my vocab and reading comprehension marks are the lowest. Listening is the only savior (thanks to frequent Japanese conversation and ridiculous Japanese TV show), but when the other two papers suck, nothing can be done anymore. So here I am, repeating the paper this July, hoping soon I can read Japanese essay as fast as I could (Mr. Haruki Murakami, help me!)
Can't wait to backpack in Hong Kong! Despite my tight budget and financial constraint (hmm, that's the trait of backpackers I reckon? We're the under-privileged people who eager to explore the world :p), I am so gonna explore the sight of Cantopop and Hong Kong movie background. I used to be a big fan (and still do, just not as frequent) of TVB dramas back then (all thanks to my mom who is a drama craze of all genre, and now the gene is inherited to her only son). And of course not surprisingly, I do listen to Cantonese songs from Hong Kong, from Sam Hui mellow, feel good romantic song to newer act like soul kid Khalil Fong (well his songs are in Mandarin, but he is based in Hong Kong anyway).
Oh I'm listening to it right now. Just to get the feel. Call me silly folks.
The weather report shows Hong Kong will be rainy this week long. Not a good sign for backpackers like me who initially plan to walk around town and discover narrow streets and alleys. I should pack my see through umbrella (which I believe only available in Japan, seriously I never seen it been sold anywhere else! If my fact is true, Japan should consider patent it to be national trademark :p)
Toodles, people. See you in a more humid and warmer environment in few days time.
Showing posts with label Daily Mumbles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Mumbles. Show all posts
Can't hardly wait for the bronze autumn leaves season (紅葉）to come.
My friend, Nauwar asked me whether I can be contributor (co-author) for her entertainment blog covering the news and updates of Japan music industry, considering that I am currently dwelling in Japan and my interest in Japan entertainment industry. I posted my first post (in Bahasa Melayu, mind you, what a biggest challenge to write in my own mother tongue :p) about weekly song ranking in Music Station. You can read the post here.
Another challenge is the WordPress platform. I have been a loyal Blogger user since the year 2002 (although I have changed blog and address few times) and when I first write my post in WordPress, I really had difficult time to find the way how to publish it. I have been considering to change my blog platform from Blogger to WordPress (especially because of their super cool layout) and also Hatena (the Japanese blog service, I think they have pretty cool layout and intergration service as well), but with my problem is getting used with the new blogging service make me daunting.
Too many things in my head right now. About whether I should change my blog platform to Hatena or WordPress. About whether I should get that Canon G11. Whether I should subscribe to Yoga Journal and Monocle.
I reckon what I need is Decision Making 101.
My friend, Nauwar asked me whether I can be contributor (co-author) for her entertainment blog covering the news and updates of Japan music industry, considering that I am currently dwelling in Japan and my interest in Japan entertainment industry. I posted my first post (in Bahasa Melayu, mind you, what a biggest challenge to write in my own mother tongue :p) about weekly song ranking in Music Station. You can read the post here.
Another challenge is the WordPress platform. I have been a loyal Blogger user since the year 2002 (although I have changed blog and address few times) and when I first write my post in WordPress, I really had difficult time to find the way how to publish it. I have been considering to change my blog platform from Blogger to WordPress (especially because of their super cool layout) and also Hatena (the Japanese blog service, I think they have pretty cool layout and intergration service as well), but with my problem is getting used with the new blogging service make me daunting.
Too many things in my head right now. About whether I should change my blog platform to Hatena or WordPress. About whether I should get that Canon G11. Whether I should subscribe to Yoga Journal and Monocle.
I reckon what I need is Decision Making 101.
It is second day of Raya and here I am at lab, connecting to the Internet since I lost my connection at home (serve me right for stealing, sigh). Too lazy to upload Eid pics to Facebook, instead I spend the day reading the news and blogs I missed since last week. Not much of updates, in Japan mostly it's all about the new Hatoyama line up and his plan to cut out CO2 up to 25%. The new environment minister, Sakihito Ozawa would soon pass the basic bill to Diet regarding the emission trading system and environment tax to meet Hatoyama emission vision.
And my fingers not really in the mood of typing. In my mind now:
1. internet connection at home (thinking of NTT Flets Hikari),
2. English teaching certification,
3. Copenhagen and aurora trip (watching aurora in front of my eyes is one of my life must-see list and I always want to backpack to Scandinavian country albeit its crazy super expensive cost), 4. Olympus Pen EP-1 (oh, that Panasonic GF1 looks good too),
5. autumn peacoat at Hanjiro (definitely must buy),
6. United Arrows's Green Label Relaxing chronograph (surprised to know their sunglass and wrist accessory collection are not that expensive),
7. walk around Ochanomizu neighborhood (to look for sax and some cheap CD title include My Favourite Ennio Morricone presented by Junichiro Koizumi) and Ueno.
8. Panasonic essay contest (still deciding what to write though, sigh)
On another note, Murakami Haruki's Norwegian Wood is awesome. Still few chapters more to complete, what a difficult book to put down. Murakami Haruki definitely one of my favourite author to date, especially in modern Japanese literature. Really can't hardly wait to be able to read his pieces in Japanese though I know that need a lil bit of hard work (kanji, and so on, sigh again)
I'm trying my very best to stop listening to Raya songs this few days, but still can't stop listening to Amy Mastura's Setahun Sekali
and Black Dog Bone's Cahaya Aidilfitri.
And the new Yuzu's Niji comes in between.
Have a lovely day everyone.
And my fingers not really in the mood of typing. In my mind now:
1. internet connection at home (thinking of NTT Flets Hikari),
2. English teaching certification,
3. Copenhagen and aurora trip (watching aurora in front of my eyes is one of my life must-see list and I always want to backpack to Scandinavian country albeit its crazy super expensive cost), 4. Olympus Pen EP-1 (oh, that Panasonic GF1 looks good too),
5. autumn peacoat at Hanjiro (definitely must buy),
6. United Arrows's Green Label Relaxing chronograph (surprised to know their sunglass and wrist accessory collection are not that expensive),
7. walk around Ochanomizu neighborhood (to look for sax and some cheap CD title include My Favourite Ennio Morricone presented by Junichiro Koizumi) and Ueno.
8. Panasonic essay contest (still deciding what to write though, sigh)
On another note, Murakami Haruki's Norwegian Wood is awesome. Still few chapters more to complete, what a difficult book to put down. Murakami Haruki definitely one of my favourite author to date, especially in modern Japanese literature. Really can't hardly wait to be able to read his pieces in Japanese though I know that need a lil bit of hard work (kanji, and so on, sigh again)
I'm trying my very best to stop listening to Raya songs this few days, but still can't stop listening to Amy Mastura's Setahun Sekali
and Black Dog Bone's Cahaya Aidilfitri.
And the new Yuzu's Niji comes in between.
Have a lovely day everyone.
Forgive me for being a lazy blogger. I did have a lot of fun in my life during my hiatus time, but my sluggish trait just hold my thoughts from being spilled here for much a longer time.
One of the big and major news clouding over Tokyo is the past few weeks include the spreading case of swine influenza in Kantou area (Kantou covers the Tokyo and its suburbs area), starting with Hachioji and Kawasaki. Both areas are located near Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture, which is pretty far from my location in Chiba and Kashiwa. But the fast H1N1 virus spreaded fast to Saitama Prefecture in just mere days, and since Saitama is even closer to Chiba, supposedly I think, the time has come to get freaky.
But apparently it was not. The number of people wearing mask in the train or in the busy street of Shibuya is just normal, and it is perhaps due to the slowing outbreak (I think there is no more new cases reported around Kantou, and the government starts to announce that things are getting better). Nevertheless, the virus is still around, so it is better to stay safe and alert.
I am currently on a marathon run of reading all Murakami Haruki's psychotic fiction but since my life is more preoccupied of academic thesis, IPCC reports and IEA journals, the fiction reading activity has been slowing down a bit. Murakami's new anticipated novel, 1Q84 (which can be pronounced as 1984 in Japanese) is a hit before it even reaches the bookstore's shelf. The publisher got 480,000 orders for first run copy and that is really quite a number. Too bad I still haven't attempted to read any Japanese fictions yet, so I can only let my finger crossed on 1Q84 to be translated to English as soon as possible.
On a more personal note, the entrance exam is getting near. I really need get my hands done on every essential mathematics before the burden comes.
Wish me luck and have a nice day.
ps. picture of 1Q84 in bookstores, courtesy of Japan Times/AP
Sunday is always on lazy mode for me, and I believe for everyone else too. The cloudy, rainy and windy weather here in Kashiwa make the feel even stronger. I love sipping the coffee at home and watching the minutes go by, just like that. Unproductive, you tell me, but somehow I feel good doing that.
I had a busy and full of activity last week where I need to present two papers in my lab's seminar. The first one is about McKinsey&Co.'s Pathway to Low Carbon Economy paper and the second one os International Energy Agency's Carbon Capture and Storage paper. The former paper is all about economic terms and et cetera, so I had a tough time wiki-ing and googling all those terms. Both presentations went well though. Praise to Allah.
My university campus ground supposedly had a BBQ party last week but it was canceled due to crazy wind in Kashiwa. God, I never feel this windy before. It almost made me change the lane in my bicycle ride. Oh yes, I have the bicycle now. Just like I want it, slightly smaller 20-inch type. So cute, just like the rider.
I found the video about Copenhagen City of Cyclist promo and I find it absolutely cool. Bicycle is a normal transportation here in Japan although everyone knows Japan is one big leader in automotive manufacturer. I certainly feel it is good if Malaysia should be the same, everyone cycles to work/school everyday, less traffic congestion and lesser carbon emission, of course.
Oh I'm listening to the free tracks of Coldplay from the album of Left Right Left Right. Awesome tracks and it's free! Download now from here. Can't wait to watch them in action if they come here in Tokyo.
May is already halfway and it means my time for preparing for the entrance exam is getting less and less day by day. I really need to focus and getting my nerves back on math.
ps. My June want list grows to Levi's skinny jeans, Muji yoga mat and clothing, francfranc laundry basket, and stuff from ettusais men and Lush handmade cosmetics!
pss. Kansai region (specifically Kobe prefecture) has their first H1N1 influenza case. Don't you dare to hit Kantou, Mr. Influenza. Please.
I had a busy and full of activity last week where I need to present two papers in my lab's seminar. The first one is about McKinsey&Co.'s Pathway to Low Carbon Economy paper and the second one os International Energy Agency's Carbon Capture and Storage paper. The former paper is all about economic terms and et cetera, so I had a tough time wiki-ing and googling all those terms. Both presentations went well though. Praise to Allah.
My university campus ground supposedly had a BBQ party last week but it was canceled due to crazy wind in Kashiwa. God, I never feel this windy before. It almost made me change the lane in my bicycle ride. Oh yes, I have the bicycle now. Just like I want it, slightly smaller 20-inch type. So cute, just like the rider.
I found the video about Copenhagen City of Cyclist promo and I find it absolutely cool. Bicycle is a normal transportation here in Japan although everyone knows Japan is one big leader in automotive manufacturer. I certainly feel it is good if Malaysia should be the same, everyone cycles to work/school everyday, less traffic congestion and lesser carbon emission, of course.
Copenhagen - City of Cyclists from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
Oh I'm listening to the free tracks of Coldplay from the album of Left Right Left Right. Awesome tracks and it's free! Download now from here. Can't wait to watch them in action if they come here in Tokyo.
May is already halfway and it means my time for preparing for the entrance exam is getting less and less day by day. I really need to focus and getting my nerves back on math.
ps. My June want list grows to Levi's skinny jeans, Muji yoga mat and clothing, francfranc laundry basket, and stuff from ettusais men and Lush handmade cosmetics!
pss. Kansai region (specifically Kobe prefecture) has their first H1N1 influenza case. Don't you dare to hit Kantou, Mr. Influenza. Please.
I am so bad at blogging and I don't feel like updating any longer. But there'd been lots of tremendous things going around me and I kinda like to blog the snippets here.
1. My golden week holiday was filled by a road trip to beaches of Kamogawa in Chiba and exposure to Japanese pottery art in Kasama, Ibaraki.
2. I am going hiatus again after this. Perhaps a long one. Busy with academic matters, entrance exam, seminar's presentations etc.
3. I swear I want to learn and do everything I want after the hell of entrance exam is over (with the good outcome of course) and I don't want to procrastinate this thing anymore. Let's start with saxophone, shakuhachi, climbing Fuji mountain and being a loyal yoga practitioner.
4. I really need to learn the art of organizing my financial matters and sorting out my ever growing need and want list.
5. I start to realize that you won't get any possibility of brighter skin when living in a temperate climate countries. Yes, I was that conservative.
6. I predict I am going to dream more about climate change and carbon dioxide after this. Geez.
7. Apart from my busy schedule of entrance exam this August, I do have plan to go to Hokkaido this summer. Looking forward to that.
8. There are rumors spreading around that Panasonic will release Lumix LX6 in third quarter of 2010. I don't think I can wait that long if I still stick to L-series for my wanted photography gear.
9. Volunteering, part-time jobs, freelancing and being a climate activist are few things that keep rotating in my mind right now.
Have a good life, peeps.
No, I am not busy. Maybe not yet. But to post something about what's on my mind is somehow kind of complicated. There are so many things in my mind right now that not easily composed in one complete essay. So, for the time being, let list it down to few points:
1. I love shinkansen (the bullet train). Contrary to popular belief and my own otherworldly mind, it is not really feel fast inside the train. Yes, you can still see the view from the window and read the letters from sign board and so on. But I believe the train runs fast from outside view.
2. I love Land Rover bicycle and I want it for my ride. Forget about Freelander folks. They are too pricey for my current financial flow right now, and I am going environmental. Not talking about saving another whales, but living eco-friendly life and stop releasing another CO2. Yeah, and I didn't even bother to switch off the light during Earth Hour campaign because I was totally forgotten that campaign. Sigh.
3. I have Konosuke Matsushita: His Life and Management Philosophy book to review (and to write report to Panasonic as well) and Kafka on the Shore by Murakami Haruki to read now. Finally. I have been hesitating to read Murakami's for almost 2 years because there's too much to read in my reading list and I just don't bother to read in train sometimes (back in my working life back then).
4. I listen to Ayumi Hamasaki new album, Next Level and Koda Kumi's Out Works and Collaboration recently. They're good.
5. I just downloaded Okuribito, the Japanese film who won the Oscar. Some of the cinemas here is still rolling it but I don't want to watch it alone and I don't want to spend another 1500 yen for it. And please somebody upload Talentime as soon as possible because I am desperately want to watch it too.
6. Another so called sustainability stuff. I love it when the bus driver here turned off the engines when they stopped in traffic light. That's super awesome. Malaysian (and the rest of the world too) should follow this good move.
I am extremely exhausted. Off to bed people. Have hanami date tomorrow.
1. I love shinkansen (the bullet train). Contrary to popular belief and my own otherworldly mind, it is not really feel fast inside the train. Yes, you can still see the view from the window and read the letters from sign board and so on. But I believe the train runs fast from outside view.
2. I love Land Rover bicycle and I want it for my ride. Forget about Freelander folks. They are too pricey for my current financial flow right now, and I am going environmental. Not talking about saving another whales, but living eco-friendly life and stop releasing another CO2. Yeah, and I didn't even bother to switch off the light during Earth Hour campaign because I was totally forgotten that campaign. Sigh.
3. I have Konosuke Matsushita: His Life and Management Philosophy book to review (and to write report to Panasonic as well) and Kafka on the Shore by Murakami Haruki to read now. Finally. I have been hesitating to read Murakami's for almost 2 years because there's too much to read in my reading list and I just don't bother to read in train sometimes (back in my working life back then).
4. I listen to Ayumi Hamasaki new album, Next Level and Koda Kumi's Out Works and Collaboration recently. They're good.
5. I just downloaded Okuribito, the Japanese film who won the Oscar. Some of the cinemas here is still rolling it but I don't want to watch it alone and I don't want to spend another 1500 yen for it. And please somebody upload Talentime as soon as possible because I am desperately want to watch it too.
6. Another so called sustainability stuff. I love it when the bus driver here turned off the engines when they stopped in traffic light. That's super awesome. Malaysian (and the rest of the world too) should follow this good move.
I am extremely exhausted. Off to bed people. Have hanami date tomorrow.
One of my friends told me that by the time I arrive in Tokyo, it already warm. So, don't buy thick clothes as they no longer useful. And it will be much cheaper in Tokyo (of course, if only you don't convert the price tag to Ringgit).
But it's freakishly freezing now. When I woke up this morning to brush my teeth, snow fell and I can see the beautiful view from my friend's house window. And the sakura already starts to bloom. I walked down the street of Yokohama and I can hear the Japanese talked about the weird weather and the coldness of the weather, although April is near and approaching.
You can blame the global warming for all the weird things happening in this Earth. But you will realize later that all your pointing finger will returned to yourself, as global warming itself caused by you.
On another note, I got apartment to live near Kashiwa campus ground (about 10-15 mins walk). There are many kombini (read:convenience store) and supaa (read:supermarket) within the vicinity and also some cafes and restaurants. A good way to start I guess.
Japanese way of renting house is a bit complicated for those who are new to the country. Normally those who wish to rent a house need to pay three times of the house rent to the agent when they first entered the house.
I love Kashiwa, the campus of University of Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Really. I really wish I will pass the entrance exam of University of Tokyo and become a permanent student there.
2 weeks. 11 days to be exact. I'll be starting a whole new different life. Although some parts are still the same, but I guess most of it will be facing major lift.
Transition is something that I never enjoyed. When I was starting my form 1 class in a government based school, I had a hard time to get along with my peers as I come from a private religious primary school. When I first start my life in a boarding school four years after, again the same thing happen. But thank goodness I didn't face too much problem when I first entered university and later start my day job. But here and there, the transition phase had troubled me somehow.
I guess the same thing happen when you are married, have your first child, grandchild and so on. And right now, going to foreign country is another transition phase that I need to face. I hate it, but it is something that I can't decline.
I'll save the drama for the next two weeks. I want to enjoy my very last moment in home before it slowly fades away.
Transition is something that I never enjoyed. When I was starting my form 1 class in a government based school, I had a hard time to get along with my peers as I come from a private religious primary school. When I first start my life in a boarding school four years after, again the same thing happen. But thank goodness I didn't face too much problem when I first entered university and later start my day job. But here and there, the transition phase had troubled me somehow.
I guess the same thing happen when you are married, have your first child, grandchild and so on. And right now, going to foreign country is another transition phase that I need to face. I hate it, but it is something that I can't decline.
I'll save the drama for the next two weeks. I want to enjoy my very last moment in home before it slowly fades away.
As some of you had heard, I has passed my JLPT Level 3. Although it's not really appropriate to reveal the score here, but I am happy to say that I received quite a high marks and what surprises me more is that I can score a few marks from Listening paper (which I still feel that I made a major careless mistake) but praise to Allah, I able to tackle the challenges smoothly.
And now, it is just a few weeks before departing to Tokyo and start the new phase in my life. Excited and nerve-wrecked, I realize that I will miss many things and peoples here in Malaysia and at the same time, wondering whether I can assimilate well into the Japanese society later. Being introverted, I am known as a person who not really talk much to strangers or new acquaintances and until now, I believe that is the major make-over I need so much to start making new friends.
On another note, some little updates I wish I could elaborate and post it here, but I keep procrastinating because of my daily workloads and my TOEFL preparations (I am scheduled to sit for TOEFL this Saturday):
1. I really can't wait any longer to watch Slumdog Millionaire, not just because they are the monopoly of Oscar trophies, but the cute kids and inspiring storyline. Inspire me, people.
2. Zara starts their final clearance and I really need to do some retail therapy on spring clothes. It is 7 degrees in Tokyo, and I reckon I need some layers instead of jacket. Previously I was drooling over trench coat, and I found a nice one from Armani Exchange (with a nice price tag mind you), but they ran out of my size so there goes my bargain list, another deferment.
3. I need luggage. Or suitcase. What ever you call it. What I have in my mind is the Globe-Trotter super-awesome luggage. But of course, I will only get it in my dream considering my current financial situation.
4. Still on bag topic. I love Monocle and its content including all their merchandise items.Their collaboration with Porter for bags is what I think a smart man will choose for travel(but they're actually too pricey). Pay a visit to their online shop.
5. I need a new chronograph. But put aside all the formalities, I think I opt for more casual design this time. What I have in mind is Bell & Ross military green watch. Better get one before I depart to Tokyo.
6. I will start applying for visa next week.
7. Panasonic Scholarship Office has arranged for us a visit to Japan Foundation on 18th March. Time to practice my rusty Japanese and bow.
8. I am thinking of being a member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE, UK) but apparently my degree is not accredited by them.
9. I need a new reading material. Right now I am still reading Heat by George Monbiot but I think I need some fiction to turn me back to the world of literature. Haruki Murakami is on top of my list now.
10. Last but not least, still on books. I just finished A World Without Poverty by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and I was in awe, what an inspiring person he is. I wish there could be more people like him (especially Muslims) who can inspire people to the max rather than complaining and downgrading the moral values of the society.
11. I am currently hooked up with Anggun's latest album, Elevation. Seize The Moment not really sounds like her previous tracks but I admit I like her new experiment. Good job, Anggun!
More to come soon. But until then, give me some time to check out what it takes for me to prepare for my TOEFL.
And now, it is just a few weeks before departing to Tokyo and start the new phase in my life. Excited and nerve-wrecked, I realize that I will miss many things and peoples here in Malaysia and at the same time, wondering whether I can assimilate well into the Japanese society later. Being introverted, I am known as a person who not really talk much to strangers or new acquaintances and until now, I believe that is the major make-over I need so much to start making new friends.
On another note, some little updates I wish I could elaborate and post it here, but I keep procrastinating because of my daily workloads and my TOEFL preparations (I am scheduled to sit for TOEFL this Saturday):
1. I really can't wait any longer to watch Slumdog Millionaire, not just because they are the monopoly of Oscar trophies, but the cute kids and inspiring storyline. Inspire me, people.
2. Zara starts their final clearance and I really need to do some retail therapy on spring clothes. It is 7 degrees in Tokyo, and I reckon I need some layers instead of jacket. Previously I was drooling over trench coat, and I found a nice one from Armani Exchange (with a nice price tag mind you), but they ran out of my size so there goes my bargain list, another deferment.
3. I need luggage. Or suitcase. What ever you call it. What I have in my mind is the Globe-Trotter super-awesome luggage. But of course, I will only get it in my dream considering my current financial situation.
4. Still on bag topic. I love Monocle and its content including all their merchandise items.Their collaboration with Porter for bags is what I think a smart man will choose for travel(but they're actually too pricey). Pay a visit to their online shop.
5. I need a new chronograph. But put aside all the formalities, I think I opt for more casual design this time. What I have in mind is Bell & Ross military green watch. Better get one before I depart to Tokyo.
6. I will start applying for visa next week.
7. Panasonic Scholarship Office has arranged for us a visit to Japan Foundation on 18th March. Time to practice my rusty Japanese and bow.
8. I am thinking of being a member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE, UK) but apparently my degree is not accredited by them.
9. I need a new reading material. Right now I am still reading Heat by George Monbiot but I think I need some fiction to turn me back to the world of literature. Haruki Murakami is on top of my list now.
10. Last but not least, still on books. I just finished A World Without Poverty by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and I was in awe, what an inspiring person he is. I wish there could be more people like him (especially Muslims) who can inspire people to the max rather than complaining and downgrading the moral values of the society.
11. I am currently hooked up with Anggun's latest album, Elevation. Seize The Moment not really sounds like her previous tracks but I admit I like her new experiment. Good job, Anggun!
More to come soon. But until then, give me some time to check out what it takes for me to prepare for my TOEFL.
If somebody asks me what is my feeling right now, I would summarize my feelings into three words: worried, frightened and terrified. I am worried to death to wait for my Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 3 result, and the feeling has been intensified day by day. My scholarship is conditional to JLPT result which means I am only qualified to receive the scholarship if I passed the test. I admit I hate that conditional clause badly because it does interfere with a lot of decision I need to confirm right now, but after all, it is already stipulated by the sponsor, and being grateful as one of the nominees, all I can do is nod and wait for the outcome to reveal.
I am quite confident about the test actually. I really hope I could pass the test not just because it is the scholarship requirement, but because I have learned Japanese by myself for as long as I can remember, and passing the test would mark another life achievement to me. I didn't bother to register to sit for the test previously because I couldn't care less about it.
But being confident alone is not helping. This feeling is torturous. I simply hate it.
I am quite confident about the test actually. I really hope I could pass the test not just because it is the scholarship requirement, but because I have learned Japanese by myself for as long as I can remember, and passing the test would mark another life achievement to me. I didn't bother to register to sit for the test previously because I couldn't care less about it.
But being confident alone is not helping. This feeling is torturous. I simply hate it.
There are so many things evolve in my head everyday, give me some sort of urgency to blog it out. But I am currently not in a mood to elaborate and lengthening the sentences for any kind of writings, my head is spinning around, and I just had a fever yesterday, and a mild one today. It has been so hot in Malaysia lately, albeit the usual rainy season. Blame it to the global warming I guess.
I think I just point out some of the things in my head recently. Some of them might get special attention for further elaboration but for the time being, let it be.
1-Che Det open letter to Barack Obama - funny and witty in Che Det way, I am totally going to give him a standing ovation if this speech is given right from his mouth in any occasion. The time has come for the States to change their foreign policy, respect the UN and sign the Kyoto Protocol.
2-Although I love to read some of the magazine like TIME, Newsweek, GQ and National Geographic, it doesn't change my opinion towards some of the global issues. Apart from these mags, I am a big fan of Monocle. Do check it out. It covers all topics that took my interest, politics, economy, environmental and also fashion. It costs about RM50 here for one latest issue of Monocle, so I prefer to buy the backdated issue which costs only RM10 in mamak news stand! They had listed 20 new heroes who deserve a bigger stage to 10 clever companies to watch in 2009 but since I am not a subscriber, I can only wait until next month to read it. And they just opened their merchandise shop in London! I am so excited to buy some of the their suitcase (join with Porter) and furniture, but they're so pricey and London is not my future stopover anytime soon. They also had named Munich to be the most livable city in the world (last year ranking), and that easily make Munich to be plotted in my travel map.
3-I just finished reading Laskar Pelangi by Andrea Hirata. Nope, they're not Japanese. Andrea Hirata is actually an Indonesian novelist from Billiton (Pulau Belitong, Indonesia), kilometres away from Borneo. The Billiton people is actually Malay, so they speak Malay just like I do. Laskar Pelangi is about 10 poor children in Billiton who strive to live the best in their life, including to get better education for better future. I must say it has been years since I read Malay novel, let alone a good one, but I'm glad that Laskar Pelangi is one of them.
4-With Gaza Carnage 2008 issue and some of personal issues, I started put my interest in Islam Reformist and try to find some info from the Internet and books. My findings stumbled upon Tariq Ramadan and Muhammad Yunus. I tried to buy their books in Kinokuniya KLCC, but there's no stock left and I need to wait until end of the month to get them. More about them soon.
5-With my resolution to start learning how to play oboe, I tried searching for the instrument from major music instrument shop in Kuala Lumpur, but unfortunately, they're not available. To make it worse, some of the staff even don't know what is oboe. I reckon classical music is not a mainstream genre among music fan in Malaysia, thus not many people actually know what is oboe, and its influence in modern mainstream music. Coy mentioned in her blog that there is one neighborhood area in Tokyo, called Ochanomizu, known for its various musical instrument stores. I hope oboe is available there since I know there are few famous Japanese oboist (is that the right terminology?) so they're more exposed I guess. My sister even had told me she wants a new violin and PSP when I go to Japan (unfortunately sis, your brother is not Bill Gates or Mittal whosoever!).
6-I have added one more new resolution in my previous list, which is to buy Panasonic LX-3 and shoot more awesome pictures. Materialistic I am, I know.
Okay that's all for today's ramblings. This topic will be explained more in later posts. Have a good day everyone!
I think I just point out some of the things in my head recently. Some of them might get special attention for further elaboration but for the time being, let it be.
1-Che Det open letter to Barack Obama - funny and witty in Che Det way, I am totally going to give him a standing ovation if this speech is given right from his mouth in any occasion. The time has come for the States to change their foreign policy, respect the UN and sign the Kyoto Protocol.
2-Although I love to read some of the magazine like TIME, Newsweek, GQ and National Geographic, it doesn't change my opinion towards some of the global issues. Apart from these mags, I am a big fan of Monocle. Do check it out. It covers all topics that took my interest, politics, economy, environmental and also fashion. It costs about RM50 here for one latest issue of Monocle, so I prefer to buy the backdated issue which costs only RM10 in mamak news stand! They had listed 20 new heroes who deserve a bigger stage to 10 clever companies to watch in 2009 but since I am not a subscriber, I can only wait until next month to read it. And they just opened their merchandise shop in London! I am so excited to buy some of the their suitcase (join with Porter) and furniture, but they're so pricey and London is not my future stopover anytime soon. They also had named Munich to be the most livable city in the world (last year ranking), and that easily make Munich to be plotted in my travel map.
3-I just finished reading Laskar Pelangi by Andrea Hirata. Nope, they're not Japanese. Andrea Hirata is actually an Indonesian novelist from Billiton (Pulau Belitong, Indonesia), kilometres away from Borneo. The Billiton people is actually Malay, so they speak Malay just like I do. Laskar Pelangi is about 10 poor children in Billiton who strive to live the best in their life, including to get better education for better future. I must say it has been years since I read Malay novel, let alone a good one, but I'm glad that Laskar Pelangi is one of them.
4-With Gaza Carnage 2008 issue and some of personal issues, I started put my interest in Islam Reformist and try to find some info from the Internet and books. My findings stumbled upon Tariq Ramadan and Muhammad Yunus. I tried to buy their books in Kinokuniya KLCC, but there's no stock left and I need to wait until end of the month to get them. More about them soon.
5-With my resolution to start learning how to play oboe, I tried searching for the instrument from major music instrument shop in Kuala Lumpur, but unfortunately, they're not available. To make it worse, some of the staff even don't know what is oboe. I reckon classical music is not a mainstream genre among music fan in Malaysia, thus not many people actually know what is oboe, and its influence in modern mainstream music. Coy mentioned in her blog that there is one neighborhood area in Tokyo, called Ochanomizu, known for its various musical instrument stores. I hope oboe is available there since I know there are few famous Japanese oboist (is that the right terminology?) so they're more exposed I guess. My sister even had told me she wants a new violin and PSP when I go to Japan (unfortunately sis, your brother is not Bill Gates or Mittal whosoever!).
6-I have added one more new resolution in my previous list, which is to buy Panasonic LX-3 and shoot more awesome pictures. Materialistic I am, I know.
Okay that's all for today's ramblings. This topic will be explained more in later posts. Have a good day everyone!
I have been showering this blog with a stream of feeling to blog recently. I just came back from Jakarta, Indonesia for a short holiday trip with family and to attend my uncle wedding ceremony last Sunday. Still not fully recovered from the dust and polluted air of Jakarta, I am back here to spill some bollocks.
I will blog about Jakarta later, but before that..
I was in Senayan City Shopping Mall in Senayan, Jakarta which is located near my hotel where I stayed. And I managed to do window shopping (because as usual, I am dead broke) and found myself astonishingly glaring at few Yohji Yamamoto silver men sneakers to put into my wannabes list.
But I was actually looking for white shoes and a pair of white Onitsuka Tiger catch my attention too.
Yohji Yamamoto is too pricey, but they looks fantabulous. Silver is too hard for me to say no. Onitsuka Tiger on the other hand, is a must have.
Here I am, stuck between two shoes.
Hey where is my paycheque again?
I will blog about Jakarta later, but before that..
I was in Senayan City Shopping Mall in Senayan, Jakarta which is located near my hotel where I stayed. And I managed to do window shopping (because as usual, I am dead broke) and found myself astonishingly glaring at few Yohji Yamamoto silver men sneakers to put into my wannabes list.
But I was actually looking for white shoes and a pair of white Onitsuka Tiger catch my attention too.
Yohji Yamamoto is too pricey, but they looks fantabulous. Silver is too hard for me to say no. Onitsuka Tiger on the other hand, is a must have.
Here I am, stuck between two shoes.
Hey where is my paycheque again?
It's been a while since Eid, and I know, there is too much to report right now. Let's have some snippets on updates that will follow (sooner or later, let's hope):
1. The Fatwa Council of Malaysia is banning yoga for Muslims. For more info, click here
2. I was away to Bangkok (and Pattaya), Thailand for backpacking trip and it was awesome.
3. I had submitted my application to University of Tokyo for next year admission of research student.
4. I was asked to give an acceptance speech tomorrow in front of Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin and fellow honorable guests from Japan for Panasonic Scholarship Award Ceremony. Yes, I am currently nervous like hell, and yes, I hate public speaking THAT much (but I'm trying to improve that)
5. I read Hanis Zalikha's blog and ready to list down my 'senarai kesyukuran' (list of grateful things?). And true, I am ready to blog in Malay. Be careful, be very careful.
6. I am so interested to blog more about sustainability and climate change (since I am going to be seriously involved in that field starting next year), but hold on, I am preparing before pulling it full throttle.
7. I am also interested to blog about The United States Presidential Election, but I do not know whether I have sufficient info for that matter.
8. So in a nutshell, give me time to read and be ready for the next post. We'll take it from there.
Till then.
1. The Fatwa Council of Malaysia is banning yoga for Muslims. For more info, click here
2. I was away to Bangkok (and Pattaya), Thailand for backpacking trip and it was awesome.
3. I had submitted my application to University of Tokyo for next year admission of research student.
4. I was asked to give an acceptance speech tomorrow in front of Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin and fellow honorable guests from Japan for Panasonic Scholarship Award Ceremony. Yes, I am currently nervous like hell, and yes, I hate public speaking THAT much (but I'm trying to improve that)
5. I read Hanis Zalikha's blog and ready to list down my 'senarai kesyukuran' (list of grateful things?). And true, I am ready to blog in Malay. Be careful, be very careful.
6. I am so interested to blog more about sustainability and climate change (since I am going to be seriously involved in that field starting next year), but hold on, I am preparing before pulling it full throttle.
7. I am also interested to blog about The United States Presidential Election, but I do not know whether I have sufficient info for that matter.
8. So in a nutshell, give me time to read and be ready for the next post. We'll take it from there.
Till then.
I'm trying to change the layout of this blog since yesterday, and so this is the result. I finished my report last week and submitted it, leaving me now with all the freedom in the world since my boss back to UK. I don't know whether I like this new blog layout or not, somehow i feel it rather too Apple like and boring, but it seems cleaner this way (and the cool date in every post title rocks!)
Besides doing the layout, I'm also has been busy on wiki and updating the software in my Mac. I am suddenly interested to know more about denomination in Islam (Sunnis, Shiites and Salafis) and might doing a mini research on that. Things just get clearer when you start to know something that you been heard relentlessly all this while but you just don't have a slight idea of what it is.
I have also downloaded the new Ne-Yo album, Year of the Gentlemen and like few tracks innit (including the catchy Closer, of course). Will review about it later.
Book wise, currently reading A Backpack and A Bit of Luck by Zhang Su Li, a bit slow paced but hope to get the story soon. Hoping to finish it sooner, and start buying new books (my head thinking of Murakami Haruki, some Freakonomics and chic lit haha), although there's still few books left in my desk, untouched.
I might change the layout again today, so just bear with this one for the time being.
Besides doing the layout, I'm also has been busy on wiki and updating the software in my Mac. I am suddenly interested to know more about denomination in Islam (Sunnis, Shiites and Salafis) and might doing a mini research on that. Things just get clearer when you start to know something that you been heard relentlessly all this while but you just don't have a slight idea of what it is.
I have also downloaded the new Ne-Yo album, Year of the Gentlemen and like few tracks innit (including the catchy Closer, of course). Will review about it later.
Book wise, currently reading A Backpack and A Bit of Luck by Zhang Su Li, a bit slow paced but hope to get the story soon. Hoping to finish it sooner, and start buying new books (my head thinking of Murakami Haruki, some Freakonomics and chic lit haha), although there's still few books left in my desk, untouched.
I might change the layout again today, so just bear with this one for the time being.
Submitted my report this morning and now I feel liberated. Free like a bird. It's been a while since I use the internet facility in this office to the max (the real max I tell you :p), so then the time has come to do it now. I have a lot of things to share in this blog, but workloads resist my intention.
First of all, Happy Ramadhan to all Muslims in this world. Let us cherish this moment of blessed month. Personally, I really looking forward to Ramadhan, ever since I was a young kid. Surprisingly, not for Aidilfitri (The Hari Raya). I prefer the fasting month although it means to be hungry and restless all month long. I prefer this month just because the joy you feel in Ramadhan is beyond words. People buying foods in the evening for berbuka puasa, people go to the mosque for Tarawih and many more. Something you will not find in other period of time.
In Ramadhan every year, I used to perform my Tarawih prayer in Wilayah Persekutuan Mosque in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur ever since I'm in secondary school (or college, which does not matter). Loads of people will flood the mosque every year, but ironically this year, it is not happen. Less people coming, only few cars parked, and of course smaller crowd. Looking smaller and smaller the crowd turned day by day saddening me, left my mind wondering why this happen? The current unstable political situation? Expensive fuel price?
This year would be my last year celebrating Ramadhan in Malaysia before I left for Japan next year. I strongly believe the Ramadhan would have different aura in Japan, certainly not as good in Malaysia, but I do hope the blessed month does have the magic anywhere else in this planet.
Forgive me God, for whom I am sinned.
First of all, Happy Ramadhan to all Muslims in this world. Let us cherish this moment of blessed month. Personally, I really looking forward to Ramadhan, ever since I was a young kid. Surprisingly, not for Aidilfitri (The Hari Raya). I prefer the fasting month although it means to be hungry and restless all month long. I prefer this month just because the joy you feel in Ramadhan is beyond words. People buying foods in the evening for berbuka puasa, people go to the mosque for Tarawih and many more. Something you will not find in other period of time.
In Ramadhan every year, I used to perform my Tarawih prayer in Wilayah Persekutuan Mosque in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur ever since I'm in secondary school (or college, which does not matter). Loads of people will flood the mosque every year, but ironically this year, it is not happen. Less people coming, only few cars parked, and of course smaller crowd. Looking smaller and smaller the crowd turned day by day saddening me, left my mind wondering why this happen? The current unstable political situation? Expensive fuel price?
This year would be my last year celebrating Ramadhan in Malaysia before I left for Japan next year. I strongly believe the Ramadhan would have different aura in Japan, certainly not as good in Malaysia, but I do hope the blessed month does have the magic anywhere else in this planet.
Forgive me God, for whom I am sinned.
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