Walking in UBD with Jesse as a guide

I was at the UBD library looking to open my resources widely. It's definitely bigger and more high tech than ITB (and the wifi works on my macbook) but I'm not saying we should all go there. Most people appreciate the homely feeling of the library in ITB. In any case, walking in there is like entering Singapore's International Airport. The security guard helped me around to find the information desk so I can get a layout of the place but I guess without any help, I might get lost again. Fortunately, and it is inevitable, the people I know in PTEB were excited to see me there. In turn I was happy to see some familiar faces.

But I needed help from my close friend. Who else than my best friend, Jesse? Sent her a text and next thing you know we both went around the campus with Jesse as a guide. I was lucky enough to have Fakhrul days ago to show me around but I'm afraid if I arrived there alone, again I'd get lost. You're seeing now a person with no sense of directions. As theorized and proven true by my big sister.

We went to FASS, SHBIE, the Canteen (which is surprisingly called Taman Selera, "Garden of Delicacies"?) then ending up in the Language Centre where Jessie's Japanese class starts at 2pm. I stayed for awhile chatting about Japan, my trip there and her experiences in her Japanese Club (can't remember the abbreviation). Ka, if you're reading this, Jesse finds you an inspiration :) She's going to Japan sometime and might like to meet you once.

Oh, while at the language center, who's name did I find on one of the doors? My cousin, Kaka Suci ^^

So we ended our stop at her Japanese class an hour before it starts. She with her lunch and myself with the macbook showing pics of my trip to Japan last year, we discussed what'll it be like living there and how much food you can take in and still lose weight. Just like old times.


Here are some pics of the people I met in the library. Oh, to explain the hat, I'm currently bald :D

Azizi my home boy. Always a laugh!



Met Fifah and her gang. I really miss them PTEB people.

Forgot to take a picture with Jesse. Next time then. I'm happy and fortunate enough though to see Jesse. Someone asked us if I'm a new student there. "No," said Jesse. "He's my best friend since how long? Since Form 3 right?"

"Form 2, we've been friends for seven years."
Amazing how old friends bond.

Why do we need heroes if we can save ourselves?

I'm currently experiencing a drawback. I cannot shake this sense of paranoia, something I acquired during my unsettling years in SMJA, in which I think had caused a lot of people harm and myself especially. Sometimes I tend to damn people in my mind, but at the same time I feel great sadness and pain inside. After that, I stop being sad and feel pity with a big sense of longing.

Why do people act the way they do? How come there are people who can't get rid of being spoon-fed, always wanting someone to depend on or blame on. Why do we need heroes if we can save ourselves?

I'm sorry. Someone told me how to do my job and I feel upset. Upset of feeling betrayed or feeling wrong, or hating myself. Eventually, I stop being sad and feel only pity. Pity towards whoever doubted me and those who can't appreciate faith in a person. No, I shall not change for anybody or else we lose ourselves. I shall never be insecure for your petty needs.

Don't think me wrong. I don't hate anybody, I learned that lesson. Sometimes you do feel like you want someone to burn and die, but then when you play with fire you get burned. And then it becomes a cycle, a forest fire, all from your own doing.

This is my first depressing note after a long time. Hopefully, it'll be my last.

I used to be in place where the best way to help pain is hugs, chocolate, cake, funny conversations, lent ears, and soft speech. Now, I am in a place where nobody would do any of them. I miss the people then, whose smiles were free.

Twitter

I've only started Twitter-ing recently. Now I'm updating it every hour. I can see now it's addictiveness. From what I know about about Twitter is that it's like those status updates in Facebook, but you update them anytime, anywhere using your phone or on the computer.

Here's something I read. Twitter is an application for microblogging, like blogging here only in a few words, built to ask you the simple question, "What are you doing now?". In turn, you can follow your friend's 'Tweets' or follow your favorite media personality. Then it brings you up-to-date information on who you are following, written by the people themselves. You can see it's impact on the media culture today, it's arms stretching across many topics from politics to education to business to entertainment news.

It's neat. If you're looking for me, go type in Ziggy Latif. I'll be tweeting :D

MIcrosoft Office 2008 for Mac

Software suites, what a coincidence. I was studying about them for a quiz in Business Computing 1. Passed it too, I will have to thank my curiosity on the workings that differ a Mac and a PC as well as waiting for the MS Office for Mac software that was recently purchased. A student discount too, getting into ITB does have its benefits.



Most of the work and data I acquired for assignments and lecture notes required MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Luckily, the MS Office 08 for Mac had all three. I installed them as soon as I got it and tested out the notes and assignments that couldn't be opened in the Macbook. I was excited! Just in time for the PowerPoint assignment next week.

Next to the three, it had MS Entourage. It looks neat then I realized it was in fact MS Outlook Express. Why the name, I don't know. But it did give me a sense of Computer Wizardry now that I have a Personal Information Manager. And surprisingly, it also installed Microsoft Messenger. Now I'm torn between that and Adium. Wicked.

Next on my to-do list is to figure the MS Word out so I can do all my BC1 Tutorials. In the mean time, see you everybody!

Computer Genius

It was one of the activities in Business Computing 1 today. We had to login and play these games that test our knowledge. Knowledge meaning to see if we studied Discovering Computers 2010 Chapter 3. And yes, I studied! (*thumps fist on chest with pride*). So we partnered up into two and played Who Want's to be a Computer Genius? A kind of mock Millionaire game with a button that says "Final Answer" every time you click an answer. Then you gain money and so on.

High Score and the Wall of Fame! Woot!

We got the highest score in the class, well until Khairul's group grrr... We were waving our hands calling for the Lecturer to see our answer. 15 out of 17 right answers. Even got in the Wall of Fame hahaha. To the surprise of the Accounting group whose BC1 tutorial was after us. It's all thanks to Han though, my partner in the activity. Whenever I'm in a rut with the answer, he always got the answer. Man, the way we held our breaths when we are not sure of the answer! Eventually, we get it correct usually ^^

And turns out the games were revision for the quiz after that. Simple Multiple Choice Questions, True or False, and Fill in the Blanks. And what do you know, 22 out of 30, a good start ^^

Is a man not entitled?

"Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?" The words echo from Andrew Ryan's mouth. I may have quote this from Bioshock (one of my favorite PS3 game riddled with objective philosophy set in a dystopian world where Orwell meets 20,000 leagues under the Sea) but I'm really serious about it.

I think the quote stuck while I was studying People in Organizations on Monday how motivation is factorized by the equity of the individual's work. Equity meaning the share but mostly referring to the fairness of their work.

I'm thinking about sacrifices. If a man sacrifices for the sake of everyone, will anyone look up to him? Well, it's either no or yes but there is always that self satisfaction. The idea that you just saved some lives changes everything. You're just happy that you helped.

A man is entitled to the sweat of his brow.

But only the man can taste it.

Don't go Ewww on me! O_O

The Long Patience to get there

Changed my blog template. Hope you guys like it. It's kind of fitting at the moment, I'm now blogging with the macbook on my lap. And I pretty have gotten used to this thing. I got all my homework in here, downloaded some comic books, typed in here for notes and refer to the teacher's presentations right in here. Yes, ITB life is all busy.

I must not forget my goals though. In fact my intentions have all been written in BIG, BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS somewhere in my head. Won't reveal it, but it's got to do with family and spring. Yes, spring. Just so happens I heard my cousin is going there.

Only God can tell how my trail leads. But I've got to see it through with an open heart and a head of steel. Here's to the future, and the long patience to get there.

Happy Fasting

Tomorrow the fasting month starts. It's funny we don't have any change of schedules for ITB yet. Imagine if we don't have any changes and we still have to go home at 3.40pm? erk. Anyway, that means no more morning coffee and any slipping of dirty words until the next month. That's alright, I mean we go through this every year, why worry? I remember I spent most of my time in school last year playing Basketball with Amirul and Caesar, and if I feel extremely hungry, some sit-ups would do the trick. Eventually, I will faint on the couch and wake up on time for sungkai.

I shaved again, starting a tradition every fasting month. I leave it clean on the first day then leave it unshaved until raya. Usually it won't last.

Anyway, on the latest news of my life. I've been completing my homework and assignments, some easy some not, and this kept me busy pretty much the whole week. In school, the lecturers helped me a lot whenever I don't understand. Now, I pretty much understand most of the business concept. In any case, everything is all so familiar. It's like studying English, Sociology, Statistics, Accounting, and Computing. Computing is a lot of fun, I enjoy the learning experience. Most of the time, I'd be sitting down and scribbling notes in every lesson, but now with the macbook I can always type it down . Well, that is if the lecturer allows it.

For my macbook developments. I can now easily blog in my room and listen to music on it whenever I feel tired. Just recently I purchased Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac for a discount. I thought the low price was hard to believe but it turns out the MOE is paying for the rest, thus the Student discount. With Business Computing requiring Microsoft Office 2007 in its assignments, how can I resist?

In other news, as a Group Representative for Marketing, I have to provide some easy way to spread updates and information to my other mates. So I made a blog, because it is easier and more familiar to me. Have a check, see how much stuff we have to handle.

My ITB Blog for my course mates:
http://itbbmk2509.blogspot.com/

Winning Days

It's the last game of the season for the Black Yachties. Never thought new jerseys was fitting to end the season. Light weight and sweat absorbent. Perfect. Third place isn't so bad. Some who haven't came to see the game and the finals might feel bad. What's great is it isn't really about winning or losing, it's about surviving. But to quote last year's Bandar Black cheer: "Do we like winnning? YES!"



There's always a valuable lesson in things like these. I'm not going to touch on them here because I've been talking about it every rugby post. But to me, the best part will always be after the game. It's like a movie with a cliffhanger (no pun attended Clifford!) every time. And you will always want to play more.

Thanks Lisa for the shots. I have immortalised your photos in my blog hahaha.










I was really nervous at first, I never thought I'd play. Since ITB and the sprain foot I thought I lost my chance for the final game, but thankfully the front rows got rolling substitutes and I got the first 15 minutes. Real proud boys. Real proud and grinding myself to play much better again.

You Gotta Have Somebody

The important part of being in a University, as well as College is working with your peers. I mean, sure there are 100+ people in the same department split to five groups. But then assessments involves group work. It's scary at first. The lecturer is right, we've been working our way to the top individually that we never got to learn to work in a group. Before this, its almost always a rivalry between all of us. Now to gain marks is a group effort.



I make friends easily, it's how I am. Some needed a little push just to get to know each other. Others tend to be a bit withdrawn. Thank God none of them came at me with a knife. Sometimes you need someone to be, let's say, a mediator for everyone. It's like a job you know, getting everyone to be really confident and to not panic whenever time is of the essence. I got to know nearly everyone and I'm thankful that I got 60% of their names (hehehe sorry!). Anyway, it's already the second week and already we are fooling around together on the Macbook. Here are some jewels featuring Mawi, Abby, Alicecia, and Cdah.





Did I mention I am a Group Leader representing Marketing? That reminds me. I've got to meet the Student Liaison Officer concerning the Textbooks. Then there's the notes needed to be printed and the money needs to be collected.. business is good.

3B Reunion 2009

The last time I remembered during last year's reunion is that I was bald and beardless. How did that happen? Anyway, before Hidayat and the others leave the country to study, I think it was Irma who suggested we'd go bowling during the weekends. Some who didn't come last year came today while there are others who are still incommunicado.

Fae stole my phone and locked the car door. Not only she took my mobile, she took Dzafiran's car keys as well hahah

I think the most surprising part is Saufan, sporting long hair and a beard after 5 years we haven't seen each other. We had lots of fun, driving around and talking about new stories and old stories, about love and heart break, about growing up and changing etc. Yes, old friends do tend to have lasting bonds ^^

Macbook

I never thought buying a computer would be this epic. Not only it speaks to you, it plays this real cool welcome video making you feel special just for getting a macbook. Well congratulations Ziggy, now you have no worries to do all those assignments right? Erk. But then you can't help admire its Polycarbonate beauty.

The moment it wakes from its slumber

*Beowulf growl* It speaks!

*Epic music plays*

Welcome in many languages. Dad went: "No Selamat Datang? Salam Sejahtera?"

No fun and games this week (though I am typing this blog post). Maybe I'll put some songs in there and a few movies LOL. Anyway, big hugs to my mom for making it happen and Zani for being a lucky charm (seriously! Why is it whenever he's around something great happens?). Here's to Zani: I swear dude, one of the voiceovers in here sounds straight from RTS videogames!

And to Milla. Shuck-it.

Happy Birthday Safrizan

Well we did have that "surprise" birthday party at Capers. And we did give a big "FUDGE YOU" for coming in late. But tell you what Saf, it's not one of those stories you put in FML.com. Turning 20 is not that scary (unlike some people who still think life ends at 20). We both understand that turning 20 can be fun. I mean like it's still one year before legal age right?

Pastas, Pizzas and Cake. Oh yeah!

Wondering if you're treating everyone at some fancy restaurant somewhere. That you can put in FML.com. Have fun and stay cool, cheers buddy and Happy Birthday.

Connectivity Everywhere

I'm trying out this Zoom Broadband (and for security purposes, I'm not saying whose heheheh it's not mine...). Initially, it's working quite well and so far, no problems. It's pretty fast, well fast enough to match the house's e-speed connection and I'm writing this in the Mall.

I talked to my Dad whether if I could get one myself. You know, when I get that "Computer" *hint hint* It's a good idea too. The WiFi in school is impossible at times and since I am now in a learning environment that DEMANDS internet connectivity, wireless broadband connection with a carry-around USB modem seems to be the most appropriate now. Especially with its Student Promo hehehe.

I had another weird dream today. At first it was Macbooks and Rugby, then I dreamt I was Cobra Commander?? Maybe it's my body saying "Go watch the GI Joe film Dammit!". I awkwardly woke up that afternoon blurting out "COBRAAAAAA" out loud. (...)

Taboo

Who would have thought Taboo, that board game where you have to guess the word by having your friend describe it without using any banned words or actions and sound affects to hint it, affects the overall grade for the semester.

No, seriously!

Turns out the whole idea of this class is verbal creativity, a key aspect on Communication in Organisation, a unit in my course.

Most of the descriptions I did I had to reference movies (of which I knew the most) like Fuzz: "The sequel to that Simon Pegg movie, Shaun of The Dead? Hot?". Surprisingly the lecturer was waving her hands, excited that she knew the answer while nobody else did. Skipped to the next question. How to say Woody without referencing Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story, or Tim Allen? Easy. Think the 1st 3D movie, Two main characters, and one of them is Tom Hanks. Hahaha.

If only exams were easy as this ^^

Oh, and I got electrocuted just now while trying to fix my guitar. The adapter had a blown wire and while trying to figure out why the pedal connected to it wasn't on, a surge of electricity almost burned my fingers.

Bummer.

Sleeping Disorders

What's the thing about school and sleeping disorders? Was it really about when you wake up in the middle of the night just to go back to a dream that kept repeating every time you shut your eyes? Like a fever, images keep haunting you every time you sleep.

And I don't even have homework yet.

But all of this is familiar to me. I mean, I had them before last year in Form 6. Maybe it's my body trying to adjust myself to the early sleeping and waking hours and six months of late sleep and waking up late is one routine that is hard to shake. I remember someone said If the mind forgets, The body remembers.

But I did shake it off anyway.
Best cure? Fruit juice.
Apple. Orange. Grape.

Cheers, and have a lovely night.

Schedules, Laptops, and Birthdays

Today I came home to surrender the car to my brother because honestly seeing from the schedule I received recently, it looks like there might not be any time for me to get my sister from school.

Now I am blogging in the span of 15 minutes before my brother sends me to ITB again. This way I can finish the library assignment with my other course mates who sadly some of them had to stay in school, away from KB, for 2 hours before the next class starts. Maybe it's time to figure out where Giant Hypermart is?

Ok, next story. I booked for a laptop along with a 'special discount form' and by one or two weeks I'll have my first taste of my very own laptop. The one word to express it: Woot!

Also yesterday I went to Capers to celebrate Safrizan's 20th and let me give you advice. Don't order Spaghetti if you're gonna go on a pasta overload. Try this combination.. Futteceini , Ravioli, Penne and a Slice of Pizza. Heck yes, you will get a tummy ache but then you wouldn't mind if you get that much pasta right? Pictures come later ^^

Happy Birthday Safrizan.
And Damn you Faizul for not telling me you came back.