It’s a world of laughter, a world or tears
its a world of hopes, its a world of fear
theres so much that we share
that its time we’re aware
its a small world after all
CHORUS:
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world
There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It’s a small small world
(Doing my cultural assignment about Paris Disneyland)
(Sung to the tune of BJ Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head”)
Raindrops keep falling on my clothes
They were about to dry but now they’re all just soaking wet
Nothing seems to dry
Raindrops keep falling on my clothes
They keep falling
So I just wait for the sun, a day that’s fine
But every time it comes I’m in my studio drawing lines
Asiah’s too far
Raindrops keep fallin on my clothes
They keep falling
There’s just one thing I know
The dryer in Amina, costs two ringgits
It won’t be long till bankruptcy comes up to meet me
Raindrops keep falling on my clothes
The wind blows them ’round and they fall down onto the floor
I wash them all once more
raindrops are falling on my clothes
they keep falling
Coz I’m busy
stuff is worrying me
Happy
Yeah, I’m happy,
For me and for you
But that’s why I’m sad
So sad
Wish i could be just as true as you,
Just like you
*when words fail me, fragments are all that come out*
Imagine this. You’re showering and glance up at the high windows in the shower cubicle and see a head poking through, watching you. Well, that’s what happened to a resident of the ground floor of Block E in Asiah. The girl screamed her lungs out and the ******* scampered away, escaped, and is still at loose. When they checked outside the window, a crate was placed there for him to climb on. This happened during the day, this morning.
So to all female residents of all mahallahs, please beware and take caution when showering, and even in your rooms. Shower on the upper floors, lock your doors and close your windows, please. Have the security on speed dial.
Sometimes, the only thing that will wake you up from a sleepy building services class is a phone call telling you that your hostel is on fire because it got struck by lightning. Which is exactly what happened to me today. But for some reason I found it funny. Worried, of course, because I was told to go and save my belongings, but funny because I was thinking, I don’t really have anything valuable in my room, and I couldn’t really believe that my hostel would be in flames, as it was raining cats and dogs at the time. But anyways I rushed out of my class, thankfully Qil could drive me back as it turns out, there were 2 bolts of lightning (followed by a huge thunder boom which woke everyone up in class) which struck the water tank which then burst into flames. Weird also, because it’s a water tank, filled with water. Made sure everything was okay, then went back to studio. But then got another phone call telling me I had until 7 to get whatever stuff I needed from my room because our block would be under quarantine. Rush back and gathered my stuff. Thanks again to my Qil and Jah for letting me bunk in their room…A break from the dullness of daily repetitive life, also a chance to mingle with my block mates.
Papitos is flying off to Kazakhstan tomorrow. Ho Hum.
Something is seriously wrong with me. I mean, who in the world falls asleep while they are writing their midterms? It happened to me twice this week already. I fall asleep in each and every class, in midterms, in cars, sitting, standing, reading, writing, drawing. Everywhere and all the time. This semester is definitely, definitely doomed. I have no idea what has been covered in class. My studio is going nowhere real slow. Working drawing is consuming every minute of my precious time. Culture report, where in the world am I going to find time to go visit an “entertainment hub”? Malay group report about the relevance of IT, not even started and I think its due on Thursday. Wednesday is Working drawing submission and Informative speech presentation. Next Friday is our final crit – all the details should be done but I’m still at my single line floor plan.
I’ve banged my head on walls on purpose just for fun, whacked my forehead with various books, this must be a sign of craziness right?
Coffee does nothing, internet is a distraction for only a while, studio is freezing or too hot, and me, I keep on complaining about things when I should really be working towards solving issues. Off I go, then, drawing door jambs. Oh joy.
Today most of my batch plus a few others went on a walkabout trip of Kuala Lumpur. The purpose was…well, I’m not entirely sure. But by the end of it, we were supposed to have produced 24 quality sketches which formed a quarter of our midterm total. Yes, a quarter, of 20% which makes those 24 quality sketches worth only 5%. Sketching is not my forte especially when I’m not really in the mood and if the building is too complicated like Masjid Jame’. All I ended up doing was ruining the beautiful architecture by my extremely flawed sketches, all lopsided and out of perspective. Unlike some people who are really good at it. This semester looks doomed for me…
Of the three places we visited, namely Badan Warisan, Masjid Jame’, and the Chinese temple near Petaling Street whose name I *think* is Kuan Lew temple but I’m not so sure, the ones I liked most were the first and third.
At Badan Warisan, we toured around the Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman, and it was gorgeous and calm and beautiful made me sad to think I never had or will never have the experience of living in a wooden kampung house. But we spent so little time there, and a lot of the time we were busy sketching.
The third place was the temple, I liked it because it was a new environment and it was also quite peaceful. The hanging spiral incense made the place smoky and the sunlight filtered through the smoke in the courtyard. It was very interesting, and it was my first time inside a Chinese temple. i loved the big red wooden doors the most. I sketched inside most but after about an hour my eyes began to sting so I had to rush out for a breather. I don’t know if I would have survived in Sri Mahamariamman since they use strong incense and strong smells make my head spin. I was already having a headache from the heat and sun, added with the incense from the Chinese temple. Thank god the hindu temple was being renovated. Instead we were asked to draw shop houses, but I was too lazy and just stood around itching to walk back to the air-conditioned bus.
The only thing I think I gained from this trip besides being exposed to the interior of Chinese temple and the history of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman was how small and interconnected KL is. I know many parts of KL, but today I actually connected those places in my head while walking. It was quite satisfying.
Today I was apologized to twice, both by guys, both by the ones who weren’t actually the ones who should be apologizing if I had even noticed that there was anything to apologise to me for. But thanks for the sorries anyways 🙂
In English, addressing yourself is as easy as saying “I”. In Malay, though, how are you to choose between all the different pronouns? There’s aku, saya, kita, being the common ones. but everyone has their own preference, and some people take offence or look at you weird when you use the “wrong” one. My grandma told me “kita” is actually royal talk, like the king or something. But thats the one I use at home if I’m speaking Malay. And “aku” is deemed very crude to some, completely normal to others, I use this when speaking with a certain group of old friends. “Saya” seems a bit too formal. I don’t really use this unless I’m talking to people I don’t know.
So my flawed solution is to call myself by my name. As in, Maryam. And it still feels weird, like i’m a kid that doesn’t know the first thing about grammar. So people, tell me which one i should use in your presence and I’ll gladly try to rename myself.
(oh. and no funny I/you business. as in, I nak gi makan,you nak ikut? ewww…)
there’s so much work
I think i’m starting to panic, which is not good.
I’ve had truckloads of work before, but then I’ve always had the resources to be able to complete each task up o my standards. Now its just scary how those standards are dropping.
Panic.
Today in the Kaed Musolla Zalikha told me that a lot of people say I’m unnaturally, weirdly quiet. To which, she replied “Biarlah…!” (thanks Za)
I know I’m quiet. Unnaturally? Maybe sometimes. Ok, maybe more than sometimes. But thats just one part of a million-faceted MH.
First, there are language barriers. I’m not naturally conversant, even less so when I speak Malay. Very the kekok. The number of times my name would have been up on the ‘bolog’ would be embarrassing. Thankfully I don’t speak that much, no one notices, or even if they do, they don’t put me up. not that I would care lol.
But in my Presentation skills class, I’m more talkative. Perhaps its because my very bubbly friend Sumeyra is with me, perhaps its because its presentation skills after all. Perhaps its because I know that these people don’t know me, they don’t have any assumptions as to how and who I am. For all they know, I could be a foul-mouthed chatterbox (hopefully i’m not) I’m in with a (relatively) clean canvas for others to paint on.
Then my family know me, how I’m like at home. My sister once told her friends that I’m actually very crazy.weird at home and I like to make nonsensical blurbs. They, of course, wouldn’t believe it. I doubt anyone would, because no one except my family sees it. Even my family doesn’t see it all. When I was a little girl my mother tells me I was always bubbling around asking questions non-stop about everything under the sun. When people asked me how come I changed, i answer “I came to Malaysia.” That may sound snooty and stuff but what I mean is when I moved back here, I didn’t speak Malay. So therefore I didn’t speak. And truth be told – I remember that even when I was in Canada I was still shy. At least at school. I guess when I came back home i went question-berserk to make up for my keeping mum during school
So yeah – I’m weird. And before, I used to mind it terribly. After all, I was always the outcast – the weird one out. But now I don’t mind. Its liberating.
—-
I’ve become a studio rat (to my standards) all my free time is spent in the studio – so far its been wrking drawings, site analysis and precedent studies.
I’ve been so so busy the past few weeks that I haven’t even had time to think – its 1.40 a.m and I just got back to my hostel room. Had to write something because my brain was saturated with fragments. There’s so much that I want to write about – my trip to Ulu Yam, our 4-day study trip to Cameron highlands and Kelantan, My crazy schedule, the SRC Elections, Studio, Friends, The semester in general, my cat, Our trip to the orphanages, Debate and presentation skills, etc.
The rest can wait, but The SRC Elections are on Thursday, and this time around, I actually know some of the candidates. The dilemma now is – who to vote for? It’s a close call, but I’ve promised100% of my support to one of them and Scorpios are apparently a loyal bunch. May the best candidate win, Insha ‘Allah.
When I find the time – hopefully during the Chinese New year holiday a.k.a our midterm break (isn’t that cheating – using public holidays as school hols? They should be separate!) I’ll be able to post some pictures and proper text commentary.
Twittering is fun – I reiterate – especially when no one cares, and I add, especially when you can twitter from your phone!
President Obama’s Inaugural Address
“…For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist...”
This is the first time I’ve actually bothered to do a list, but if writing them out and broadcasting them to the public will help me get them done, then thats what I’ll do. In no particular order,
1. Read more Qur’an – and try to understand it too.
2. Work on my fitness/energy level – Hiba and I are planning to do some sort of physical exercise every week at least – keep me honest Hiba!!
3. Gain some weight – Now I weigh almost 45kg (!) gunning to gain at least 2kg which would put me in the ‘normal’ BMI range. which entails eating more I guess. And exercising, which would by right make me hungry/need more energy.
4. Start learning another language – UIA offers classes at night for Mandarin, French, Arabic and some other languages. There are plenty of online options. Choose one!
5. Maintain or upgrade my CGPA – It fell for the first time last semester. Do my assignment on time. If its groupwork make sure its up to par. Study for exams earlier, with a study plan followed through. Read all questions carefully and check. Recheck. Again. Apply whatever knowledge/tips from last semester’s studio. Consult more. Explore.
6. Strive to become a better person – Overall. Be more mindful of others. Don’t take anything (or anyone) for granted. Be positive and passionate. Give unconditionally. Less paranoia.
7. Write more – Improve vocabulary and Academic writing. Try writing in a variety of genres with different target audiences, different content and delivery.
8. Read more – Read more intellectual stuff. Read all the news, not just the headlines. Don’t skip through sentences. Read each word carefully and understand.
9.Learn a new skill (or more) – Like web design. Working on that already.
10. Manage my time more wisely –
11. Budget!! – less chocolate binges. less coffee truck. basically less impulse (food) shopping. Write down expenditures.
12. Driving license – working on it already
13. Figure out (or work towards figuring out) my life goals
14. Pound some discipline into my system
15. Work on my people skills
16. Figure out how my mind works (or doesn’t) and fix it
Any suggestions/comments?
I realised something today, something devastating. What if I had committed any sins towards arwah Dr. Shukri? What if I had inadvertently slandered him, thought ill of him, let fitnah worm its way into my mind and out of my mouth? What if i’d done this to other s as well? Who am I to apologise to now?
So to everyone reading, and to all those not, please, forgive me for any wrong that I have ever done to you in the past, present, and future, whether it was on purpose or accidental. I sincerely apologise for everything.
Our friends the Joneses came up for a short visit on the last leg of their summer vacation, so I spent the day with Ayesha and cutie Maymuna. Ayesha wanted to see Tr. Murad – so I thought hard and recalled he worked for the rector. So obviously he must be in the rectory building. But where? Just by luck, we stepped into the elevator and level 4 was already pressed. might as well get off there. turns out he was on level 4, and he was shocked to see Ayesha. We had a nice long conversation about a wide range of topics, from refugees, fake passports, the four seasons, sheep (of course), grass, we even sang a song or two. It was great. The boys went off to play basketball meanwhile, so after we left Tr. Murad’s office we hung out in the mosque waiting for the boys to be done. we waited until maghrib, and then headed home for dinner with our guests, Hesham, Ayesha, Maymuna, Lutfi and Fikri.
Good times – but way too short. Maymuna is such a model poser! She loves the camera – and we have proof! But she’s so cuuuuuute!!!
Ayesha mentioned something today which I always thought but never said. “It’s really weird meeting people you see on facebook” and its so true! Because, you know them even though by right, you don’t. and you feel weird because even before being introduced you know a fair dinkum of what that person is about, their full name, you read their comments and posts and build up your own mental image of how this person’s persona might be. I always feel odd meeting someone I know about but never actually met or was ever even mentioned to me directly. Somehow I feel I’ve violated their privacy. like by knowing snippets of online conversations they’ve had with my friends, seeing their pictures float around. After all – you don;t want to appear stalker-ish, do you?
Oh, and school started today. Our major project this semester will be to design an orphanage.
Once again – for alimited time only this will be up for public viewing (hmmm that sounds odd..)
In my backyard there is this majestic, beautiful place. No, not Batu Caves, but Bukit Tabuh/Tabur/Taboh. My sister and brother climbed it a few days ago, but I couldn’t join in the fun because I was bedridden with some weird stomach flu.
You can read about their adventure and see pictures here.
I used to call the ridge “Stego” bfore I knew what it’s proper names were, because it reminded be of a stegosaurus. Others called it white elephants or Dragon’s backbone.
But I find it really sad that the local authorities don’t see it as something of value. Here is a letter posted on Malaysia Kini
“The Klang Gates quartz ridge is one of the longest, if not the longest quartz outcrop in the whole world.
It is possibly the most stunning geological feature, and certainly the most obvious, in Peninsula Malaysia, as it creates a magnificent backdrop to the north of Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Sadly, this magnificent natural heritage goes unrecognised and unnoticed by so many Malaysians. The 1996 structure plans for the Selayang area did not even put the ridge on its map, when in fact there may be 5 kilometres or more of it that run through Selayang.
The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), meanwhile, has approved a large number of developments all along the ridge, as if it does not even exist. In October 2003, the former Selangor menteri besar launched the Selangor State Park study in the shadow of this magnificent giant. In August 2005, the deputy prime minister stood at the foothills of the area, and declared it part of Taman Warisan Selangor (the Selangor State Park).
Yet still no protection has been offered for this magnificent ridge and development plans continue unabated.
The slopes of the Klang Gates ridge are largely class 3 and class 4 slopes and combined with the quartz soil, the area is unstable for most types of development. It will be a real tragedy if the government remains so disinterested in this geological wonder, and allows it to be destroyed and desecrated by wanton development; the way the beauty of Batu Caves has been destroyed.
Why has it not yet been declared a national-natural heritage site? Why is it not a proper part of the Selangor State Park? Will no one in authority stand up, recognise and protect this spectacular gift that God has taken a millennium to create and man intends to destroy in a few decades?
Let’s hope someone takes and interest besides the housing developers.”
And another letter that appeared in The Star
“THE STAR
Monday October 20, 2008
Klang Gates Quartz Ridge unprotected
WE travel to as far as Australia to admire the Blue Mountains and Ayers Rock; or to Krabi, Thailand to admire their vertical outcrops jutting from the sea; or even to the Grand Canyon in the United States. But little do most Malaysians realise what an amazing natural treasure lies in our own backyard.
I am talking about this magnificent natural heritage of ours, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge in Selangor which, unfortunately, is unprotected.
The area around the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge has been designated as an environmental sensitive area (ESA), but we are already seeing and feeling the effects of development with so many housing projects being located dangerously close to these areas.
One wonders how much of the land around the quartz ridges have already been approved for development by MPAJ and the former State Government!
If you climb up Bukit Tabur, which is part of these magnificent quartz ridges, the view is breathtaking on one side and heartbreaking on the other. It is heartbreaking to see the devastation, ugly scarring and flattening of the hillsides in the vicinity of the Klang Gates dam and around Taman Melawati, Kemensah Heights, Kampung Kemensah (once famous for its streams and waterfalls which have now turned muddy) and Taman Zooview.
Further down all the way to Batu Caves too, we see commercial as well as housing projects mushrooming close to the ridge. The developer and local authorities may comfort us with arguments that all mitigating measures to ensure “minimum effect on the environment” will be carried out.
They may come up with an impressive array of engineering solutions to protect the slopes and the environment and they may even say this is only a low-density development that will not affect earth movement.
But we know from experience, as in the case of development on hillslopes in Taman Melawati and Kemensah area, that “low-density development” does not mean low impact on the environment.
Do we really believe that all that piling will not affect the stability of the ridges? And when huge chunks of the ridge come crashing down, after all the damage is caused, are the developers or MPAJ going to very magnanimously offer for our safety to build ugly cement retaining walls to patch up the quartz ridge just like they did in Taman Zooview?
Is that the view we want of our natural treasure – all patched up, plastered and cemented?
The Quartz Ridge of the Klang Gates is a unique natural heritage. Let us not throw away our chance to preserve and protect this heritage for our future generations. “
Finally here is an article on the WWF website. By the way, contrary to rumors, the ridge is not on any UNESCO list. Malaysia only has 3 listings on UNESCO, Kinabalu, Mulu, and the cities of Georgetown and Melaka.
You suspect there might be something wrong with yourself when, looking through your brother’s A-Levels Mathematics exercise book, you have this wild craving for mathematics that hits you so suddenly and shockingly you almost fall out of your chair. Remember the days when you used to say, you HATE math? Absolutely loathed it? That it made no sense whatsoever to study something you won’t be using in your daily life, ever, EVER?
Now you look back, as a wizened old student of architecture, and sigh. Those were times when things, however ridiculous, still made copious amounts of sense compared to the fickle subjective nature of what you’re pursuing now. And even though you don’t particularly like math either, you think, it sure as heck should be a lot more straightforward and manageable than all this torture.
This torture that begins in a gut wrenching 6 days…and I’m not kidding when I say even thinking about it makes my head spin and stomach churn.
