Just Think About It

I'd like to share with you something I found interesting in a book that I am reading right now. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

2 Dutch researchers did a study in which they had groups of students answering fairly demanding questions. The first half were asked to take 5 minutes beforehand to think about what it would mean to be a professor and write down whatever that comes to mind. The other half were asked to sit and think about soccer hooligans. The former group answered 55.6 percent of the questions correctly while the later only had 42.6 percent.

The first group wasn't smarter, more focused or more serious. They were simply associating themselves to something 'smarter' which was being a professor compared to the other group. Hence, they managed to score higher.

I like to think myself as an optimistic and open-minded person. And apart from pure dumb luck, I believe that this is what got me to where I am today. Okay, so where I am is not very high up in the whatever ladder there is right now, it is just that if I had not been this way, I really think that I could have been worse off.

My mother introduced me to The Secret a few years back. It goes like this. When you want something, just let it be known to the universe and the universe will give whatever you wish back to you. I think what Gladwell writes makes more sense.

• When I'm taking a test, I think that I am the smartest person in the exam hall.
• When I'm about to run the 100 metre sprint, I think that I am the fastest runner in the line.
• When I'm about to go for an interview, I think that I would be the greatest asset to the company.
• When I go on stage, I think that the audience will only look at me and noone else.

All this while, I thought I was being a closet narcissistic, but truth the matter is, it has actually helped me without me being aware of it.

There's nothing wrong with loving yourself. Try it out sometime, and maybe you'll see a 180 degree flip in your life.

While you do that, give the book a try too.

Excuse moi?

I was at KLCC yesterday, with my bro and Shida. We were getting off the elevator when Shida turn the other way towards Topshop. So, I turned to call Shida. Then, this man who was, I guess trying to get into the elevator shouted right to my face,

"OI! BUTA KE?!?!"

I was utterly shocked and I literally did not move which only then made the situation worse. How rude can a person be? Wouldn't a simple 'excuse me' be sufficient? Or bahasa kasarnye, kalau tak reti sangat, if he said 'tumpang, dik' or even 'tepi skit' I wouldn't have thought anything of it. Need I point out that he is a man and he was spitting out on a lady, namely me.

One thing I know is that, I have been brought up to observe and practice good manners . Obviously, this unidentified man grew up in a different kind of environment. I feel bad for his friends and family who have to put up with him. And above all, I pity him for not being able to get the respect every man should be able to gain, for he seem to throw it away mindlessly.

Everybody, a moment of silence for 'Elevator Guy'.

Ka-Ching!

Yezza! Me finally got the wallet that I wanted. All the way from Country's Hide in Sunway Pyramid. Although I still owe Shida cause I borrowed money from her to buy it. *shame*. All because I had to go for the medical check up which cost me RM 235. Aaah. my wallet burnt deep. My old wallet that is. Hence, no new notes to put in the new one. =(

My arms are numb from the jabs. *ouch ouch*

Currently devouring a book that I should have read a long time ago.

Thumbs Up

Why do we always seek for approval by our peers?

When I dress, I think about what my friends think of the way I look.
When I talk, I am conscious whether the topic is what others find interesting or funny.
When I cut my hair, I'd wonder if they find it just awesome.

My every move is dictated by people around me. Something happened today that made me really look into this way of thinking that we have so easily adapt in our life.

Should this really be how we live?

Give me the strength to overcome the labels one hangs upon himself. And let others see, that I am more than just a name card, forever stuck with the curse of being just....that.

PS : I really wanna play that Guitar Heroes thingy.

Stuff

A lot of stuff have been going on that i have yet to update. Due to the ongoing 'stuff', I have been tired most of the time, hence sleeping my ass off. Just now, I woke up from a 7 hours sleep and it's only 10 pm.

First off, Student Dinner was last Wednesday.Lots of fun. Okay-ish food, great crowd, superb atmosphere. All in all, a cam-whoring night.=). After that, a few of us head off to Heritage Row for the after party. Dance till my feet felt like giving out. Let me share a tip with all future Bar Club go-ers. Do not go on a Wednesday night. The dance floor is ridiculously fill with smoke and laser tags in an attempt to create, I don't know, an ambiance? I was about to roll over and have an asthma attack. Call out the ambulance! Well, if i do have asthma, then that would have happen. However, it's not about the place, it's about the people you are with. So, love love, I had a great time that night. Pictures available on my facebook here.

Got back at around 4 in the morning, 9 am = head back to college for graduation rehearsal at 10 am. aaarggh..the torture! Slept through the whole day,and stayed up the whole night. At 2 am, a knock on my window embarked me on a mission to break into the swimming pool. Mission accomplish. 6 wet girls, some leftover souvenior ;) and simply unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

The last night of KYUEM, just like the last time, we had the junior girls over in my room for some gossiping, picture viewing and mindless girl-fun. Damn, I'm gonna miss them. But even though we may not be around each other, our friendship doesn't end here.

Graduation day was unmemorable. The only note that should be taken is that I did not fall on stage wearing the impossibly high and painful shoes. It sure damn hell better look good!

My last week in KYUEM is arguably the best one ever. I know I'll miss the place and the people in it. But that chapter in my life has ended. And it's time for me to move on. Much love to those who have added streaks of colours in my life.

Witchy Wit.

Another un-productive day at home. I managed to catch a movie which I have not watched for a long time on Star Movies. The Disney's adaptation of Hocus Pocus featuring Bette Midler,Kathy Najimy and my favourite sex columnist Sarah Jessica Parker.

I am a big huge fan of Sex & The City, hence the obsession with SJP. Even though she had a small role in this film, she played a part that I could really relate to. A dimwit ditsy blond witch. Haha. And in this movie, she was GREAT! The epitome of what every brainless blond should be.


In the words of the clueless witch. Lalalalalalalaaaa.....

Birthday Dinner

Last night, my mom, bro, Shida and I went out for dinner to celebrate my 19th birthday. Venue : Las Carretas, Damansara Hights. Best place to get quality mexican food.

So, we were eating, and I realised that the waiters and waitresses were being extra attentive. Even the assistant manager, I think that's his post, came out to greet us. When we were just about to finish up, I thought how much nicer the atmosphere would be if there were guys in sombrero singing with guitars.

Suddenly, the asst. manager guy came out with a guitar. And it looked just like mine! So, I was going all excited because how ironic that i was thinking about the very same thing. Just so you know, when I am in the zone, I totally forget my surrounding.

Then, Shida shouted 'Suprise!'. That was when it dawn on me that guitar man was playing the 'Happy Birthday' song. And after that..... only did I realise that there was a woman holding a cake to my face.

-_-

It was a blur and VERY blond moment for me.

Then, ploop!, came the bright pink sombrero. It was all a bit fuzzy after that. I know there were some dancing, wish making, blowing the candle and pics. It all happened too fast cause we were in a hurry to get to the P. Ramlee Musical all the way in KL.



Lovely night. I now announce that my mother is not just a planner, but have upgrade to an executer. I love you. Thanks for doing this for me.

More pics will be on facebook

Quest For Knowledge

The end of Econs paper 3 just now marks the end of my academic journey in KYUEM. I thought it would only be appropriate to recap what I have gone through. Could be good for any future A-Level takers.

So, these are the subjects I took, in no particular order.

LAN subjects
I start with the lamest most unnecessary subject. Compromising of Malaysian Studies, Islamic Studies and ICT(information communication technology <----????something like that). I attend class, plug in my iPod, and do my homework for my other classes. If it's a morning class, uurmm, I don't think u'll find me there. The only reason i go to ICT : to log on the net, Msian Stds : borak with G, Islamic Stds : steal Nabeel's yummy gummy bears.

IELTS
Another unnecessary class if you already have a good command in English. My advice for you peeps in KYUEM. Just take the IELTS exam so you can drop the class. The test is not that hard anyway. But Ms Rena class was fun on some days. When we have movie days or when discussing interesting topics.

Thinking Skills
Another one taught by the delightful Ms Rena. Hmm.. nothing much I can say about it. If you got it, it'll be a snap. If you don't, you have to work harder at it than others. It will be much easier for students who have a good proficiency in English because the language part can be tricky. The maths part is just thinking thinking kinda stuff. Again, the words in the maths questions could trap you. Shouldn't be too hard on most students. I enjoyed the subject tremendously.

Mathematics
Consisting of pure and applied. I'll just combine them cause these classes I don't remember anything much of. Due to lenient Mr. Mahadzir and couldnt care less Mr. Hamdan, I was not there for the most part of class. Just make sure before A-Levels, don't be going to a Black Eyed Peas concert, cause you will be in trouble. Hence the B that I got and the reason I have to re-sit. Which brings me back to 2 conversation I had with 2 different nameless friend of mine.
Friend A
talking about Further Maths
" You got a B for Maths. Tak rasa moral down ke nak amik Further Maths?"
Friend B
After a super duper hard Maths P3 paper last week
" Oh my God! I cannot get a B for Maths. WHO gets a B for Maths?!?!"

However, I don't let petty things bother me anymore.

Futher Pure Maths
Also referred to as Dr. Bano's class. Her ability to make you cringe at her very sight crowns her class as 'The Only Class I Never Skip For No Reason'. Her very intelligent mind makes mine seem far inferior in comparison which leaves me dumbfounded in class most of the time. (Also because of her thick Indian accent). But just as I am about to think that I am a mere wallpaper in her class and able to sneak unnoticed, she suddenly goes "Amira, are you okay?[in very very thick Indian accent]" . I think the big question mark on my face gave it away. BUT, don't let her fierce demeanour fool you. Behind all that she is a caring teacher who would always take time to help you. Anyway, on the subject matter itself, Further Pure is very technical and requires high level of understanding the workings of Mathematics. Not one of my favourite subject because to me, it is too boring and bland. Classes in the cafe were always good substitutes though!

Further Applied Maths
Everybody's favourite teacher, Mr. Alderson or lovingly known as Mr. Aldie. Extremely important class, for every class is vital due to the very demanding subject. The times that I did 'overslept', Mr. Aldie makes me feel guilty just by looking at me. He never says a word, but I have already made a vow not to miss class(which of course didn't last very long). He is by far, one of the smartest and most passionate person I have ever met. I feel extremely lucky to have him as my lecturer. For a really tough subject, he delivers it very well and if any of us did badly, it was all because of our own doings, never his. Applied Maths itself compromise of Mechanics and Statistics. Statistics are generally viewed as easier but not to be confused as easy.To cut it short, I hate Statistics but am probably gonna see more of it in the coming years. And the irony of it all, I simply enjoy Mechanics! I was actually really sad after my Applied Paper because I would not be learning it any more. Which reminds me of anther conversation i had with Mr. Aldie.

"What will you be doing in university Amira"
"Economics,sir"
"aaaah..So you definitely won't be seeing Mechanics again. It's a pity, you're actually very good at it"

Please allow me some bragging rights.

Economics
Finally, the subject that should matter the most. It started on the rocky side maybe because at first I didn't take a liking of my lecturer. But somewhere around my final sem, I start to feel that I am finally starting to embrace it and have thankfully chosen the right subject for my degree. Miss Zai makes a commended effort in teaching us its content. For the loose ends, she makes it up with diligence and perseverance. Due to her being my tutor and also me having a close relationship with her, I might be biased. But, if those who attended her last few weeks of classes (which many didn't, but I did. Yay for me!), you would find how very useful those classes were for the A-Levels. Economics are not to be taken as an easy A subject as many science-students perceive. It takes hard work and a lot of applying it in the real world. Reading articles outside of the textbooks actually made it much easier for me to understand the concepts besides making it more interesting. However, I could only do this after I finish the syllabus because only then did I understand the whole picture. I look forward to learning it at greater depth in university.

All in all, I think it was a great experience learning in KYUEM. Kudos would have to be given to my lecturers. Without you, we would still have a mind, but what use is a mind that is not sharpen.

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years. ~Jacques Barzu

Someday, I'll make you proud.

smiley smiles

I had a good birthday this year. Even though the obvious oblivion of the majority of 9.5 batch that it was my birthday. But watching their guilty face when they wish me at 11.59 pm was an evil pleasure of mine. muahahaha!

Thanks to all well wishers. Just as you, I do hope 19 will bring more happiness and joy.

To the one who made my day, you know who you are, i think.

To ma, who 19 years ago huff and puff trying to get my big forehead out into this world <---so someone says

To abang, XBox Fo Life! XP

To the singing duck from down under. Thank you so so much for calling me. So kaya now, can gayut some more.

Lastly, a shoutout to Ainul, who gave me the first present of the day. In memory to u, I christened him..

BABY MARDY
=))))

Last paper at 3pm today. I can taste the freedom.

Gender Lines

Today, as i was enjoying my lunch in the lush dining hall of KYUEM, I was struck by what my peers told me. The conversation started roughly like this.

Aisyah : Myra, did you line up at the boy's line?
Myra : Umm, yeah. Why?
Nadirah : Ooo..scary.
Myra : *looks utterly confuse. As far as I know, there is no rule not permitting me to do so nor is it abnormal. The line was shorter, hence logic overrule my thinking*
Aisyah : Didn't you know. That guy wrote in his blog about girls queuing up in the boys line. He even took a picture of it.


My initial reaction was of course just as any of those on the table. WTF? So, before any rash words or writings comes out from my sometimes incontrollable self, I decided to give the article a read here.

Now that I have read his side, I shall proceed

I understand the need to be respectful especially in front of our everyday rezeki which is our food. Hence, the matter of girls and boys behaving less than adequate which includes jostling and squeezing amongst each other for our food is not appreciated.

However, I feel the need to ask. Is it because of the integration of genders that causes such behaviour from the students? If there was a single line of male and one of female,would not there be the same amount of pushing around to get your meal which ultimately leads to the same agenda?

In the days of our Prophet, the men in the family came first. In the Victorian era, ladies was the priority when chivalry was not yet dead.Now that we are in the 21st century, gender lines are not as clear as before. Therefore, it is not a matter of who goes first. What we learn from the past was that we had sound respect for others.

If you have not see what I'm trying to convey, let me sculpt it for you. Be it man or woman, if that person has been waiting a considerable amount of time waiting to get his/her food, it is only courtesy for you to move on with the line. If everybody practice this in an orderly manner, there should be no problem that has been hastily brought up before.

I have had my fair share of lining up in the supposedly 'male' and 'female' line. Trust me, in both lines, there is an equal fight to get the nicer makcik or in trying to get the better piece of chicken. However, we don't live in an idealistic world. Therefore my mechanism of instilling integrity and respect among students might seem far fetched. But, by segregating only serves to ignore the problem rather than taking steps to improve the mentality of Malaysian students, whom let me remind you would be living in the UK in the coming years. See, if there are separate lines there?

I do not condemn what the writer has written for as what is stated, his words are private, therefore is a summation of his opinions. What i wrote, is what I think and reflects my morals. If I should say what he did, which makes us girls look like hungry vultures and totally ignoring the fact that boys do join the 'girls' line,was wrong, it would be the same as me agreeing to Raja Petra being detain by the ISA.

So, I'll see you at dinner. And if the girl's line is long, you know where I'll be.

*should the writer of the article that i have linked above wish for me to remove it, please leave a msg.*

yes no?

Today is me birthday. They say a year older, a year wiser. yes no? my answer would be : i don't know.

What i do know is, 18 was definitely a good year for me. The big ONE-EIGHT is most notoriously known as the coming of age for most. Couldn't be more true for me. But not in the same sense as i probably think many of you readers would think. The normal Just Legal activities have long been ventured due to my more liberal family.

So, on this auspicious day, I'd like to share with you what 18 year old Myra have learned and lived that the 17 year old self and before didn't know. (well, the ones that I can think of at the moment)

1. It is okay to be just myself. A huge part of myself have been served to please others. I may seem independent and self reliant. Truth is, the things I do are to gain acceptance by my peers. And in my path in doing so, I lost myself
2. Having fun is not a crime. In the past, there was always something ahead of me that I wanted to grasp. I keep pushing and pushing myself and for what? I've learned now to live in the present and enjoy the moment.
3. Everyone has opinions of me. None that matters more than what I think of myself. Referring back to my point No.1, it is healthy to hear what others say but not to take it to heart and let it dictate my life.
4. Open up and other people will embrace you with open arms. Alas, I'm still stigmatised as the cold bitch upon first meeting someone new. If I put my insecurities aside, other people will start seeing how different I am. Everybody have insecurities.
5. My family is there for me if I only let them be. I've never considered myself a family kinda girl. This may be due to me being highly independent at such an early age. Needing a family does not mean you are weak. It means that you are lucky enough to feel a family's love.
6. A true friend transcends time and distance. It is not the amount of time you spent with each other that measures the friendship, it's the way you make every second count with the little time you have with each other.
7. Letting go, though it's hard to do, will come eventually. Only when you let go of the past will your future come.

Aite, this is all that I can think of at the moment. And this is the closest to emotional bla bla that I will post. It's my birthday, so I deserve some lee-way.

Let's hope this year will be as meaningful and enlightening as the last.

Oooze out 18,
Here comes 19.

My Boys

Celebrity Crushes. Everybody haves them. Well, i'd like to think so anyway. cause i don't wanna be the only weirdo. But i know I do. So, I've decided to give tribute to all the celebrities who i have gushed and daydreamed about when i was way too young to think any better and see if their hotness still applies to present Myra.
in no particular order

The first one would have to be Jonathan Jackson.
First encounter : [myra age = 10ish] an episode of Disney's Boy Meets World where he played a minor role as Topangga's love interest. One look at his dark suit and demeanor, I was hooked.
Later on : He acted on another movie where he was a druggie trying to make amends with his brother. Was also on Dirty Dancing Havana Nights and a bunch of others that i didn't get a chance to see.
Verdict : One look at his scraggly physique in Dirty Dancing makes it sure that Jonathan Jackson is definitely a thing in the past.


Another Jonathan worth mentioning is Jonathan Taylor Thomas
First encounter : [myra age = 8ish] Of course the highly popular tv show Home Improvement where he played one of Tim Allen's 3 sons. He was an absolute fixture in my daily life. I daydreamed about being on the show! yes, it was that bad.
Later on : He acted on other feel good movies, not worth mentioning. Apparently managed to earn a degree and graduated from Harvard U. Brains and beauty.
Verdict : Last i saw of him was in 8 Simple Rules. And, yes, he still got the goodies!


Next one, which might be most shocking to some, but still holds the record as longest celebrity crush i've ever had, is the not so recent gay-becoming Lance Bass.
First encounter : [myra age = 11ish]The very well known pop boyband N'Sync which i was a huge fan of. When everybody was swooning over the likes of Justin and JC. My pick was the blue eyed blonde, Lance. He occupied every inch of my brain and i seriously considered him in my future life.
Later on : He did a movie 'On The Line' and when N'sync split up, there was talk of him being an astronaut or something. And of course, the highly publicized event of him coming out as a gay man with his partner, that guy from Amazing Race.
Verdict : Ummm. He's gay. Need I say more?

This following star would just HAVE to be my favourite celebrity crush, but first, let me show you the earlier age of the chosen celebrity.


First encounter : [myra age = 14ish]Even Stevens. Disney's tv show about the day to day workings of a mischevious boy with his best friend, always finding ways to taunt his perfect sister an equally nutty parents.I was in LOVE with that scrawny little boy, and everyone thought i was weird! HAH! look who's laughing now!
Later on : After the success of Even Stevens, he acted in other Disney movies but gained international success in the big box office hit 'Transformers'. Other movies includes Disturbia, Constantine and the newest addition to the Indiana Jones adventures.
Verdict : In all of his movies, he was hot, hot and hot. He is the only celebrity crush to date that has pass the test of time. And the best part is, we share the same birthday!Haih..i think it is just meant to be.

That wraps up my celebrity crushes.So, i leave you with the sexy more matured Shia La Beouf. All together now...*drool.......*

hai-ya!

~ everybody say kungfu fighting! ~

damn.i have that song stuck in my head. Went to check out the movie ' Kung Fu Panda' just now. Absolutely adorable. One could not possibly NOT fall in luuurve with a panda looking Jack Black. I just wanna hug his big juggly belly. I didn't know it before i watch the movie. But there is a great line-up in the movie with the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu.

But my vote, for being the greatest kickass she-tiger is Angelina Jolie a.k.a Tigress. I just think there's something hot about a woman who scares the shit out of other people. And she looked cute. I have a thing for furry animals you see. The way the character was drawn up plus her sexy voice just made everything work.





I entered the cinema, looked over in dismay as kids ran up and down the aisle. It was 11 pm, mind you. What kind of parents let their 6 year old kids out that late? But little did I know, the sound of kids laughing actually made the whole experience of watching animation movie even better.

So check it out.

Clean & Clear

Yesterday, i woke up at 7.30 am. After a mere 3 hours of sleep. Rush to my Economics exams. Ace it (hopefully). And spent the whole afternoon after that devouring my guitar which i have left nicely kept in its casing due to my exams. Aaaaahhh. the lovely feeling of strummed notes under my fingers.

Last night, was an all nighter. Venue : Bar Blonde, Asian Heritage Row. Finally met up with Ayesha whom i have not seen for more than half a year.By the time i reached home, bout 5 in the morning. I could barely keep my eyelids open.No pics though. sorry. left the damn camera in college. Oh well, there will be next time.

I was awaken again at 8.30, by my ever reliable alarm clock ---->my mom.

You have facial appointment today. Wake up!

This usually goes on for about half an hour till i'm up for real. Straight to the facial lady. I dont know who said facial was relaxing. People who say that are definitely in denial. It's painful, smelly [as in the ubat kinda smell] and again very very painful. I think my skull is dented from all the pressing and pinching. Trust me, I'm not exaggerating. There's a price for beauty. A huge one.

The best part is when they give you a massage. Total orgasmic! And then the cold mask. When i can catch some much needed zZzzzZ.

I'm surprise how totally un-hangover i am. hmmm... my tolerance must be increasing.

I've been eyeing for a particular wallet for awhile. I think today is the day I'm gonna get it. If i'm not too tired to angkat my lazy bum.

Numero Uno

*cues Star Wars starting music*

In cyber galaxy far,far away. Arm with an iPod in hand, Myra enters in the scene, loaded with enthusiasm and optimism. In hope of enlightening those who dares to cross her path.

I'm back for another attempt of blogging in the world of cyberspace. My two failed pathetic tries clearly shows my hopelessness in keeping up with anything remotely regular in my life. Nevertheless, the other day, as i was blog hopping(which i do much of now, due to KYUEM's increasingly improving internet connection, hence allowing me to waste time on my lappie), when suddenly the question "Why not?" arise.

On a totally different occasion, but related. I was having a conversation with a nameless friend when she came up with.

Eh myra, you got no blog? there's always something happening in your life. and you always have a lot to say.(<----at this i could only -_-"). I'll be your regular reader.

eh?whadya think bout that?amazing how what one person says makes you feel like you've been flattered and embarassed at the same time.

Anyway, so i decided to do this after i finish my A-Levels. Technically, I'm not done with A-Levels yet, one more paper to go.But i have a one week interval. so again "Why not?"

I'll try to make this blog as interesting as possible within my limited capabilities without any emotional jargons. But, am a girl. No escaping that. it will be kept minimal, i promise. There's a lot of blogs, i noticed, bout teenagers expressing on political or other means of intellectual pursuit. while i enjoy reading bout it, i don't think i could go as far as that. But i definitely won't be one of them who reports on what they are eating on a daily basis. So, somewhere between those 2 extremes.

Things i promised to do after my A-Levels:

1. start a blog (my first tick)
2. open a facebook account <---another sign of my lameness (another tick) do add me http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=629212602
   
3. get my driving license (need i say more?after much buggering, i finally have to succumb)
4. get my laptop organized.
   
5. show my family more how much i love them. suddenly, 2 months seemed like a short time. i'm running out of tick-tock

Currently on replay:
~Jesse Mccartney - Leaving
although i like to deny it, my inner 15 year old blond still emerges

~Jacks Mannequin - Everything In Transit [album]
Andrew McMahon makes playing the piano uber cool. A review on the album will come soon.