IPod Nano

I've been thinking about these really thin aluminum pieces a lot lately. Every time I enter AV Electronics my focus tends to wander at the IPods since I got the Macbook. Actually, even before the thought of owning a laptop, my mind was already spinning through the rainbow of Nanos.

What pulls a person to the IPod? Is it its sleek design, the futuristic look, the numerous features, the amazing sound, the clear screen, the large number of songs, its internet capabilities, the personality of its colors, the earphones, the small pocket size, the mobility, and so on?

There will be a day. What I can only do is pray. What more I can say. Except Rhyme away.

Ping.fm

I signed up in this website called Ping.fm and I really like it. It's neat because how it works is it updates your blogger, Tweets and Facebook status in one single website, even simultaneously. I recommend you give it a try at http://ping.fm/ then add up the networks you want to update. It kind of helps in removing the tediousness of visiting each website just to updates your statuses.

The fun part? I typed up this post in Ping.fm :)
The not-so-fun? I had to post the image in Blogger again. But good things come to those who wait right? I'm sure it's possible some day. It's the future anyway.

Hello again

Now that I changed my address, I can now stop worrying about my outdated blog address. I mean, seriously. The Zeolot Diary was some thing I came up with in Form 3. It'd be a pretty awkward name now that I am studying HND.

It's like a breath of fresh air I guess now that I'm blogging again. A lot has happened between my last post and today. First of all, I turned 20 last Saturday. ^^ The big 2-0 is not as scary like what people say. I do look forward to 21 though, just hope it's not crazy. We celebrated by holding an open house during Raya, so its alot of work. Alot of our friends came along and we had all this food that when the day ended we got to enjoy it while it lasts.

Paramore's new album came out a few days ago. I got to listen to it on my macbook and I love it. You could see the change. If Riot is all energy, then Brand New Eyes is all emotion. I won't forget All we know is Falling, that's still a kick-ass awesome first album. I can already imagine myself in a Paramore concert joining in voice with the rest of the audience singing to The Only Exception.

Also, there's the blackouts. I haven't had this much sweat since I played rugby. Three days straight, even in school I was sweating a lot. Especially on Tuesday. You could feel all the perspiration steam all over the roof in the lecture room (air-con's busted, been like that since we arrived). Poor Maya, pray she'll be alright.

Spore is now on my mac. I'm going crazy on it but once I reached the space age, it's way out of my league. However, I still get to make my creature look badass. Named it after the one-hundred armed giants in greek mythology, but that doesn't mean I gave it a hundred arms!

And finally, its the first of October. How many friends have left? I do feel guilty not seeing them off but I do get really upset with all those goodbyes. So I apologize, but let me know when you come back. We'll go have some fun.

Oh and yes, I'm waiting for my allowance so I can quit my job and get myself something nice. See you everybody!

Polar girl

Walking in The Mall, I met Kak Fae (Kak Naj's friend) on this booth for donations for the Polar Girl. There she explained about the Polar Girl, a woman named Era who will go on the Commonwealth Women's Antartic Expedition. Must have been a great honor, being one of the first few women and the first Bruneian to explore the Antartic.




I remember I dreamt of exploring the South Pole too, traveling the pure white desert of ice on my skis. Although a dream like this is almost impossible for me to realize, it's amazing to know that there is someone in Brunei who will be doing such a task. How it will fare for her with the weight of history on her shoulders. I salute you.

In any case, try dropping by The Mall on Monday and donate as little as one dollar. If that's not motivating, what about a bookmark and a free session in Rock Climbing? I promised Kak Fae I'd let all my Rugby mates now (lol!).

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/

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.

Fudge My Life

I stayed up for awhile to blog some stuff up. I wish I could write about the art in the act of blogging but then my thoughts on most things end up as endless ranting so I'll spare you from boredom, yes?

I thought I'd be posting stories in my blog once I'd get a laptop for myself which was meant to be this week. If you heard of my love for the Macbook you will understand my obsession with it. Anyway, my plan was to have it last Wednesday.

However, you see ladies and gentlemen, fate has this way of trying to screw you in many directions. My excitement for it burned to cinder when they told me there wasn't any in stock, leaving me to wait for it for a much longer period of time. Like how I told Naddy, only ONE word could describe how I felt then.

(wait for it..)



(Ok, here goes. *inhales*)

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Phewh!

So anyway.
I'm reaching the end of my ITB orientation week tomorrow. I'll have to remind myself tomorrow about bringing the passport photo in a digital copy. But who knows what'll happen tomorrow? Maybe some more exciting games to play or some more valiant stories to be told. Looks like we are already eager to get in the classroom studying. I know I am.

Good night everybody. Please pray I'll do these 2 and a 1/2 years alright.

5000

So I reached Five Hundred page views on my blog. I'm glad because it's like I finally reached something. Apparently, if I had been updating my blog like I did months ago, I would have reached 5000 earlier and maybe by now I would have 9000 (just a theory!).



Thank you everyone for reading my blog. I am know hoping you guys would come back and start trashing my tagboard with messages. Always fun to read and always a pleasure to hear from all of you.

Cheers.

Dream Machine

White polycarbonate shell. The word swirls repeatedly in my mind floating in the sea of dreams. *sigh* Good things come to those who wait but you can't help but think of those good things while waiting.

13-inch
2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB DDR2 Memory
160GB Hard Drive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Standard Keyboard
White polycarbonate shell

Yes, I'm talking about the Macbook!

I remember Cikgu Rahmah, my Form 5 Geography teacher and serial movie spoilering favorite (Thank you Teacher for telling me who dies in whatever film that I plan to watch. ARGH), recommended to me time and time again to get a Macbook as a first choice in computers. Well, I always take Cikgu Rahmah's advice at heart (and your movie spoilers. ARGH) but I already made my decision earlier.

First of all I remember the Windows Vista being a big disappointment and how people tend to stick to the XP most of the time. Then there was this rage for laptops and people are clawing their heads for either a DELL, or an ASUS, or an HP etc. Most of the time its for its gaming capabilities (graphic card, processor, RAM, space).
However, the thing about me wanting macbooks is not for the games (did I hear someone say liar?). It's true. In fact I'm really in it for its publishing aspects.

Nowadays all the creative stuff gets done with the Apple Mac, like Garage Band! Imogen Heap uses a macbook on live shows and there are cartoonists using macbooks to complete their works. Plus, there are programs for webpages. Maybe someday I'll start blogging on the thing.

I'm going to fall asleep now and start dreaming a macbook and hopefully I won't drool over the pillow. See you dudes!

Hey Yat, thanks for coming by my house!

Yes, you guys too (Abu, Fakhrul, Ali, Kelvin, Nadz and Kay). Till next time, once Tekken 6 is in the market ^^.

Back for the holidays. Hair!

Where am I at?

I'm guilty, sorry everyone! Yes, I have not been updating, but face it. There is always a period where everything is put on hold, like the years between Star Wars films Return of the Jedi and Phantom Menace (using this reference because Empire Strikes Back on HDTV brought back my Star Wars Fanaticism. Fanboy at heart^^)

Most of the time, a period of absence mostly ends with a big comeback. Since you guys know me so much, I do like to make a big spectacle of myself. But no, not today. I just want to let everyone know I'm back writing. Only God knows if I'll keep updating but you know what? I love blogging so yes, I'm sticking by it.

One wasn't fortunate though. With Michael Jackson gone, all that hoping for Michael to make that big comeback is now forever impossible. I grew up listening to Michael, even attended both concerts when he came to Brunei and I remember vividly the stage where he danced in the distance from where I sat. Electrifying, Colorful, Amazing. Pretty much he's one of the few great memories of my childhood in the once flourishing amusement park where the show was held. Even now I still can't do the moonwalk.

Let's all stop this grieving, because Michael lived to make the world smile.

My foot healed but I still limp from time to time. Gloriously I got back to training and real eager to get my ass back on to the field for some blood letting, but with the H1N1 flu going around this weeks training and maybe leading to Puasa, looks like every team is on hold. $4!+!

Anyway, more good news. I got admitted to ITB (Institute of Technology Brunei) under Business Marketing. It's a long shot from the actual subjects that I'm really good at, but you know.. you must always keep your arm up and your hand reaching for the sky. Best part? 13 out of 15 in my course are women. ^_^

Post-Game Fun

We settled down on a Gerai on-route from KB, eating Nasi Katok and smoked fish as we (my team mates) discuss about the earlier game. All of a sudden, constant croaking turned our curious eyes to an unlikely creature taking refuge in a man's pocket. At first we thought it was a parrot, we saw one in a cage, of which we thought it must be a parrot talented in ventriloquism (That is impressive!). However, there was really an animal hiding in the guys pocket where it is being fed to. As the curiousity intensifies, the most unlikely creature that we ever saw in that gerai was a Flying Squirrel.

Alai with the squirrel on her shoulder.

Can't see it? Here's another image.

The squirrel and its penetrating eyes.
I'm really thankful for the squirrel. Next to the meal it kind of cheered us up after the Pythons game. Don't misunderstand. We did great, the Pythons were great sport during and after the game. Now we can only see if the next game will be amazing. Anyway, it's great to feel at one with the team outside the rugby field.

Restaurant City

Dreamt it once, my own restaurant. But never turned out this way. I blame Jessica for mentioning it now I got the rest of the family addicted, Namely, Mom and Aira who have restaurants of their own. After some new arrangements on decorations (both interior and exterior) and changing Cafe name. I finally settled down on Azure Sky Cafe, not just to remind everyone how great picnics are under the sun and atleast its better than the earlier title: "Cafe o' War".


Azure Sky Cafe
With only a few tables in the ready and with the most impatient customers in the world wide web, the restaurant is gaining popularity as I write this. Just leave them with 100% stamina then do whatever you want. But rearranging the tables and chairs to better match the popularity is really difficult. Especially if all you're doing is trying to rake some cash.

My avatar. The shirt is like the one I used for the prom, minus the suit. But the scar? Hahaha
Anyway, getting your restaurant in order is tough. Unlike real restaurants, however, you have to get up a few levels to get bigger restaurants (and employees T_T). Fun part? You get to employ your friends even if they are not playing. Dress them up if you want, but sometimes they're in the game already and they already look fabulous (Got Danial cooking, check out his restaurant ^^).

Here's some screenshots or my restaurant as well as Mom's and Aira's.
Blackforest chocolate cake design, just to make you hungry.

Sushi freak, but really effective.

Mom likes to employ family ^^


Felt real guilty recently for not checking Pet Society in a while. So I went to check on my pet WAR to see how he's doing. Predicting he's be hungry, depressed and in serious need of hygiene; surprisingly I think I left the application too.... long. It's a bigger surpride WAR didn't get real pissed off (refer to http://thezeolotdiary.blogspot.com/2009/01/internets-working-great.html and you'll get what I mean T_T)

Sorry for the absence but thanks for all the gifts you all gave ^^

ITB Interview

Some of you might have heard (or read). I got shortlisted for an interview at ITB for Business Marketing. It was a surprise though, Zani just found my name on a list in their website. So I had to prepare all my certificates and stuff. I got everything prepared and looks like I did ok with my interview.

They were asking me a lot about my hobbies and why my graded subjects should benefit Marketing. I gave my answers with confidence and, as I told my friends after the interview, with Rugby spirit! They said they enjoyed the interview maybe due to my opinions on teamwork and competition. I told them, in response to the question "If there is a problem during a project, and it's one person's fault, what would you do?", "If its one man's fault, then it breaks the team. It's better to accept responsibilty together then to let one person take the blame."

So any of you going for that interview in ITB, remember to breathe, be confident with yourself and my best advice? Be passionate. And overall...


DO YOUR BEST!