How do you count your life?

How have I progressed this year? Am I the same person I was the beginning of this year? Have I done anything to make the world a better place for my children to live in?

Have I done anything to make myself a better person?

Is my life now more meaningful?

Tommorow, will be the first day of a new 365 day segment of our lives.

How will you change the world this time around?

How will you make a difference?

Happy New Year.

Ah what a day.

Oh. :) Results came out just fine.

For those who have not gotten their results via SMS, you can get results here.

Congratulations to everyone!

And since you are in UBD's website, you might as well look at next semester's timetable.

Flying Coffins

The Bandar Seri Begawan from the Sultan's backyard.
Don't become the Frenchman that never goes on topof the Eiffel Tower.
Get on one of these perahu tambangs and have a $10 tour of our waterways.

The Secret Home

Somewhere in this picture *coughs*on the hill*coughs*, is the new palace for the Crown Prince and his wife, still under construction. This is the view from Brunei River.

When you figure out how I manage to be on Brunei River, there will be another post.

Clue: It is the best, most well organised public transportation system in Brunei.

By the way

Results not out yet.

Hyperventilation starts... now.

Have Faith

The local radio brings us updates from the Holy Cities as the Month of Zulhijjah progresses.

Here is an article about it.

Call me defensive but the comments are somewhat speculative aren't they? In the spirit of all things beautiful, loving and kind, I hope no one ever falls for these unfair propaganda against Islam.

The pilgrims. They are warriors. Against hawa nafsu.

I wish the Bruneians abroad performing their Haj have a safe and fulfilling journey, both mentally and physically.

Here is an MP3 of Surah Al-Humaza (The Traducer) recited by the resident imam in the Grand Mosque of Mecca.

Let us all gain learning from it.

Anxiety Attacks

It is confirmed.

Results will be out in a few hours.

Doomed.

McGowan McGowan, what did you do wrong?

Ten days is not enough

So I was just thinking.

In Big Fish (which was on HBO a few hours ago), Ewan McGregor said,

"They say time stops when you look at someone you love"

Bah humbug! Time will only fly faster than ever.

Trust me.

Tinseltown

Merry Christmas everyone!

An excuse to wear red.

:)

Suddenly I am inspired. I apologise to my brain.

I thought I was being artistic when I took this shot of a candle.

Little did I know that someone else caught me!

I did say "soon"

Them technicians at Empire are pretty busy.
Jitterbugs anyone?

Uninspired Times

I am as my Title suggests.

Sister's wedding coming up.

Too much free time.

Can you endure shoe blogging?

Will post next time.

I come up number one for "Setarak" in Google

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"no idea but in things": 09/11/2005
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Is it so hard for you to understand that I am capable of change?

This poem was written from the sickbed by Amrita Pritam to her partner Imroz.
Translated from Punjabi by Nirupama Dutt

I WILL MEET YOU YET AGAIN

I will meet you yet again
How and where?
I know not.
Perhaps I will become a
Figment of your imagination
And maybe, spreading myself
In a mysterious line
On your canvas,
I will keep gazing at you.

Perhaps I will become a ray
Of sunshine to be
Embraced by your colours,
I will paint myself on your canvas
I know not how and where—

Maybe I will turn into a spring,
And rub the foaming
Drops of water on your body,
And rest my coolness on
Your burning chest.
I know nothing else
But that this life
Will walk along with me..

When the body perishes,
All perishes:
But the threads of memory
Are woven with enduring specks.
I will pick these particles,
Weave the threads,
And I will meet you yet again.

Ghalia & Gaza

Hungry and contemplating a meal at Gadong Properties, caught sight of this quaint little place across the street.

Perhaps it was the name, but I initially thought this place sells food of Middle Eastern origins. It reminds me of small Sydney delis run by the Lebanese selling hommus and Greek salads.

So me and the Significant Other went across the street to look a little closer. This is what stands out:

CHANGI CHICKEN RICE - $2.00

Curiousity hugely aroused, we went in.

Note: Don't push the door. Pull. It won't open if you push.

Not at all like the Sydney delis. It is designed with minimalism in mind, splashed with rich shades of cinnamon and burgundy. The space is small, yet cosy. Warm lights are put in strategic places and it gave the place a somewhat retro 70s feel to it.

Ordered the bidollar meal.


It was delicious. To the extent that, we devoured every single bite in silence. No sound of talking. Only occasional grunts of approval.




Until it was all gone.

Remember the name. Ghalia and Gaza. Try it. Like it.

Oh hmpph

So she's Miss Iceland, the Miss World 2005.
Right.
What the hell is her real name?

Or the real question is, how on earth do you pronounce that

Images from Spirit Fingers

Life has only just begun

Is there any salon out there who would like to sponsor me for a hair colour touch-up?

Reasons why you should:
I am a walking advertisement because I am everywhere.
Random people stop me to ask about my hair.
My roots are showing.


Sponsor me!

O:D

To me a Rhombus looks like this

Dear Ms. Maurina,

Here is an article of mine entitled 'English as a global language' that appeared in the Nation Islamabad. I think I've already mailed the same to you. However, I m afraid u didn't get its clearer copy. Now I mail it again to you in the attached file in the pdf format. You must have acrobat reader installed in ur pc in order to be able to read it. It has been tipped by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute to be one of the good article of its nature. I await ur comments.

Thanx and take care,

Amer Rizwan

Dear Amer,

I have read your article. I am very impressed by the way that you have articulated your ideas. In my second year of University (I am doing a TESL course with extended Sociolinguistic modules), I have come to terms with World Englishes- the notion and the reality that English is not exclusively for the British or American or the Australian only but for everyone.It resonates lucidly with your article.

Indeed I think it is an article worth sharing with the Bruneian blogging community. I have a weblog over at this link, http://turquoiseandroses.blogspot.com and I am wondering if I can have you permission to post this article there? I will give you your full credits of course. The blog is rather informal and I host a few of my own academic articles up for download (cleverly disguised under the skin of a breezy and congenial facade to attract the target demographic).

I hope that you will consider. The article reflects a lot on the Bruneian use of Enlglish and it is interesting for my readers, to ponder on. If you decide against it, I would understand. I am putting no pressure on you. :)

Maurina

Dear Maurina,

Thannks for your encouragement. You can post this article on your weblog. Indeed, it would be an honour for me. One thing you must understand that I am not an expert on English Language or English Language Teaching, I have interests in a plethora of subjects, and I want to explore every nook and corner of the infinite expanse of knowledge. I know that I cannot do so in this short span of life yet my noble pursuit is on.

I'd visit your weblog as a layman, and I hope that you'd forgive me if my understanding of the stuff fall short of your standard. Waiting for reply.

Amer Rizwan

Click this link over here to download the article (pdf format).

UHU

All purpose adhesive.
Perfect for everyday jobs around the house, at school, in the office or for handicraft works. It is crystal clear, clean and easy to use on virtually every type of material: wood, cardboard, paper, fabric and textiles, leather, pottery, glass, china, marble, metal, felt, cork and straw.

Note from Blogger: It does everything it says. Has the consistency of melted mozzarella cheese. Smells like, erm, that stuff people get high on.

All for the price of $4.90 (Makrojaya Jerudong)
Support local businesses!

In a Bubble

Yawn, was it the Brunei Greatest Marathon yesterday? The Kenyas probably won.

I wonder how the Damita and Izzy did.

Me? I was doing my own marathon at home. Making boxes.

Yawn. I'm pretty much missing out on things.

Agh! The sun! Must sleep!

Five in Fiction

5 fictional characters I would date
These are characters, not the people who play them. (Doh)

inspired by Tina

WARNING: Please ignore the pattern in my dating habits. Thank you.

1. Zachariah Rasheed from this book. Beautiful eyes that looks like lapis lazuli. Not only I'd date him. I'd actually marry him.

2. The Phantom! Or the "angel of music". All he needs is a little tender loving care and who better to give it than me. (Oh I am just so brimming with goodness).

3. Tristan Ludlow in this movie. I just want to marry him and cook for him, and have all his children and comfort him and kiss all his troubles away. I'll whisper to his ear everynight "I'll never leave before you do"

4. Jake Perry in Sweet Home Alabama. Also desire to marry him.

5. Henry. I love you. Dump claire. Marry me. I'll be your wife.

Just a Thought

I wonder if anyone ever thought my blog's domain name is inspired by them.
It is.

Disturbing

Eek!

Pro-weblog Awards

Following the link from Tina's post on the blog awards, again I say, the awards are a great idea. This is what I posted in her comments section;

December 8th, 2005 at 1:16PM
Maurina danced:

I LIKE the idea so much it hurts. Lets do it! Lets do it! Whats wrong with a little popularity contest. Popularity means that the weblog is writing what the target demographic wants and likes to read. You have to give kudos for that. And on that pre made layout thing, you can always make a separate category for them. Best Blog with Pre-Made Layouts or something like that. Judged more on the content more than their layout selecting tactics? Besides it will give publicity to the new blogs and looking at the bigger picture, if we generate a lot of buzz about this, look at all the credibilty bloggers will gain. Imagine! We might be held in the same high regard as journalists. Lets have the award thing! I am giving this 100% support. Bruneian Bloggers need exposure and we need credibility. We need to take the negative view non-bloggers have on the Blogging community and replace it with the positive. Look at the bigger picture! Lets support this! When you look at it this way, the drama is really not big a deal. If you think of the award shows on MTV and stuff, it is not only about winning, it is a whole load of things crammed together into one event. Lets have this!

A whole load of things and a lot more.

Ack! Hot!

I have accidentally burnt my cheek with a curling iron.

What am I doing with a curling iron at 5am you ask? Well, that is a very good question. What's that? Oh yes thank you for noticing my already very curly hair which does not need any more curling using the hot curling iron. Interesting that you should point that out.

New mattress. Enough said.

Gasp, the traffic in my blog is dwindling

Before long I would have to pose nude to generate traffic.
Egad.

Pardon our Dust

Haha. Click here for the new and fantastic Gap commercial.

Caution: It is directed by Spike Jonze.

Genius.

Three Days - I miss Naz

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

I live in a horticultural park

I have just realised that my home is a freaking jungle!

Look at the interesting fruit trees that I found outside of which their origins are pretty much unknown.

<1>

Citrus fruits ranging from the small Kasturi Limes, medium sized Labi Oranges, to the huge Pomelo fruits

<2>
The ciku!

<3>

Papayas galore!

<4>
Bananas fresh and green still in their pyjamas

<5>

We've got a lover-ly bunch of coconuts alive and dead
*try saying that with the Monty Phyton accent*

<6>
Chillies! The small kind.
'Lada Padi' as we say it here.

<7>
The mengkudu for medicinal purposes.

<8>
This tree is still waiting for the fruit to arrive. According to the Mama, it is too young. This is the pengalaban. Authentic Bruneian delicacy.

<9>
Season fruit (and judging from the absence of the fruit, I assume this is not yet the season). The Mata Kucing. Literal meaning "cat's eyes". Name is probably derived from the physical appearance of the fruit. A semi transparent flesh with a black coloured stone inside. Sweet and juicy.

<10>
DURIAN! Also a season fruit.

***

Well these are the ones I could identify. There are at least 5 others which I have never seen in my life. They are probably just weeds. But that's what I thought of the Durian.

I live in a jungle.

Pay Your Electric Bills

As Naz has pointed out, the Brunei Electrical Services records debts in arrears of unpaid electricity bills amounting to B$250 million. That is a staggering amount of money that will take me two whole lifetimes of overtime to accumulate.

Lets see the amount once again.

B$250 000 000

And so, in aid to this earth-shattering amount that could feed a whole third world country to the brink of obesity, the Ministry of Energy is launching the first ever Brunei Energy Awareness Month.

The Ministry of Energy with the collaboration of Radio Television Brunei in its weekly Consumer News launches an Energy Awareness Month to educate Bruneian families, businesses and government agencies about the importance of energy savings.

I for one, think that that is a great idea.

THE ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH.

But oh my god, the fact that it is on RTB for less than 12 minutes everyday at 8pm is not enough. That is so not enough people!!! So, I am calling all Bruneian Bloggers from all four corners of Brunei to be a part of this energy awareness campaign!

Let us all understand that we can't just dwell on the problem, we must take neccesary actions to remedy. Let us all concentrate on the solution instead of the problem. Let us be a part of this campaign, let us all increase awareness on energy conservation! We owe it to our country, to our Sultan, to our Government, to our futures and to the future of our sons and daughters. One little move, CAN and WILL make a difference.

Once again, let us all promote the conserving of energy! Let us all give the much needed publicity that the campaign sorely seeks!

CONSERVE ENERGY
CONSERVE ENERGY
CONSERVE ENERGY
CONSERVE ENERGY
CONSERVE ENERGY

The simians are plotting something

World domination..

Youth is wasted on the young

Sitting around doing nothing.

Valuable Sociolinguistic Case Studies: More Shameless Self Promotion

Here is a report I did for a Sociolinguistics assignment.

Here are the reasons why you must read this report;

1. You are extremely bored and you have absolutely nothing else to do
2. You have interest in the situation of code switching in Brunei and is looking for free documents online written by intelligent and beautiful women doing ESL degrees
3. Voyeurism
4. You have no life
   
5. You are curious of my family situation
6. You are an ex-employee of my father and is now considerably interested in his daughter
7. It is 4am and you still can't get yourself to sleep
   
8. You are a sociolinguist particularly interested in code switching, its relation to basic human institutions and the sociocultural implications it has on the individual
9. You like to read anything about Brunei published online
   
10. You read my last article entitled Green Sea and Brown Mud and would like to read more of my beautiful writings
    

This is the Abstract:

This is a brief report on a comparative study on members of my family. It looks at the distinct differences in speech patterns between me and my family members. There is a specific emphasis on when, where and why there is code switching between the languages Malay, English and Danau. In this report I also found the special use of third person pronouns which is an uncommon feature of speech in the Brunei Malay community, a unique way of intonation, and differences of accents in speech.

It might just resonate with your own family situations. Interested readers can download the .pdf document by clicking here.

Births and Days

Fortified chocolate drink!

It has begun.
Days of hyper idleness and extreme unproductivity.

Treasures from the Pearly Heavens

THAT is a an extremely beautiful handmade treasure chest.
My enormously talented other half surprised me with this gift this afternoon.


This is an extremely blurry picture of the elegantly done engraving of my name which was also manually carved with the help of a knife and hammer.

If you have magic eyes, you can also make out the very beautiful antique lock set.


This is the amazing period piece handle fixed on the side. Bought at an antiquarian. It is supposed to be a door knob apparently, but now has been modified to suit treasure-chest-making purposes.

I hate the lighting.

The chest is gorgeous.

Sexuality is empowering

[L1] Malay: Bida jua eh laki-laki yang hosting Miss World Vote Me atu eh. Bida banar-banar!

[L2] English: That man hosting the Miss World Vote Me program looks absolutely horrendous. Seriously.

[L3] Danau: Andi munchoi agak oo miyanai hosting Miss World ino. Matai ko.

Nasty. Yuck.

Thurber, I want to write like you

One afternoon a big wolf waited in a dark forest for a little girl to come along carrying a basket of food to her grandmother. Finally a little girl did come along and she was carrying a basket of food. "Are you carrying that basket to your grandmother?", asked the wolf. The little girl said yes, she was. So the wolf asked her where her grandmother lived and the little girl told him and he disappeared into the wood.

When the little girl opened the door of her grandmother's house she saw that there was somebody in bed with a nightcap and a nightgown on. She had approached no nearer than twenty-five feet from the bed when she saw that it was not her grandmother but the wolf, for even in a nightcap a wolf does not look anymore like your grandmother than the Metro-Goldwyn lion looks like Calvin Coolidge. So the little girl took an automatic out of her basket and shot the wolf dead.

Moral: It is not so easy to fool little girls nowadays as it used to be.

James Thurber, Fables of Our Time

If You Hate Me

These people are to blame.
They are also responsible for three more of my kind.