After Ages...~

Yesterday was the much awaited day for me.

The very reason is, I was all-ebullient to meet my old friends from Kajang High School. We have been apart since we left KHS back in 2003. But that does not mean we were totally out of touch with one another. We normally have the annual meeting (at least once a year) which will re-unite us back after months of silence.

To be honest, I am very blessed to have a bunch of friends from both Convent Kajang and KHS who embrace the notion of solidarity. We will always try to make ourselves available for our gatherings, although at times some of us can only spend a mere hour for the gatherings. Well, we do respect the big commitments each of us have. So, as long as the willingness is obvious, that would be very much appreciated by us all.

Albeit the bond that has tied us into this solidarity, I must still admit that I also had the chance to came across several individuals whom I expected to add the numbers of my 'friends for life', but apparently, my expectation turned to be a false one. Although up until now me and my friends do not understand why those persons are acting that way, but deep down I know they do have reasons.

Well well, it is the individual autonomy to make choices of their own, so no biggie. However, I do not understand how they can relace the bond of solidarity which has been built for almost half of our age with some other stupid reasons, instead of finding the right way to iron things out. Ok, it is personal choice. Whatever.

But again, I am all blessed to have a bunch of lovely friends who really care about the value of this friendship and still embracing it.

So last night is another gathering for me and m KHS friends. For those who are not from Kajang, KHS is a boys school, but they do accept female students for Form Six. After completing SPM, most of my Convent friends went to Matriculations and colleges. As for me, I went straight to Form Six for two bold years. Well at first I thought that I will very much be a lone-ranger in that new school, but again, time has proven that I was more than totally wrong.

In KHS, I made lots and lots of new friends. Lots of good friends, indeed. It was a beutiful evening to be spent with them. Most of them are attached here and there, which is a good news to me.

And there seems to be one obvious trend amongst the boys, the Myvi trend is in now. That shows how the model has penetrated the market, espcially those in their 20's. Coolness!

I will always pray for my friends big successes in their life, regardless whee they are and what they do.

I am also hoping to hit the same chance again and again in the future to spend more time with my friends!

My Thursday's Thought

Right after I posted the previous blog entry, I dressed up and drove my way to one of KL's heaven, Kinokuniya!

I was looking for new books for my thesis writing and besides that, I endeavored for a book that discusses about the international relation between the rich nations and the the poor ones. The latter was not my priority, but alhamdulillah, I found two books for both endeavors.

I got myself the Mediamorphosis (written by my lecturers) and The White Man's Burden which was well written by William Easterly.

Well, I have been dearly wishing to buy the Mediamorphosis to support the justifications I wrote in my thesis. In the first place, I had this very naughty intention. I wanted to ask for a free copy from my lecturer. Or at least, she do not mind to lend me one. But when I come to think of it, I know, it is better for me to make the investment for my own benefit.

So I did.

On the other day, one of my lecturers assigned the with one interesting assignment which denoted a brilliant thought. We were asked to study the function of the media in giving international coverage for the underdeveloped countries. In simpler words, it is very much to finding one country which has been badly devastated due to the media occupations.

Well, my intention here is not to discuss about that particular country which me and my colleagues studied for that task. But, throughout the study we made, I finaly realised that the West, through their heterogeneous media channels, have played their part under the ticket promote the rights of the people.

But as it obviously is, the West efforts to aid the sufferers have done so much ill and so little good. These were all made possible through the power of the international media. Without they world realizing it, their occupations have dumped the people into a worst deprivation of human rights.

So, what is up with 'the white man's burden?'. The media plays a pivotal in this situation. The media can either make it or break it. The results show their blistering indictment in aiding the poor nations. Well, that is basically how I see the condition. It is undoubtedly precarious and daunting.

I am hoping that the new book explain to me better. I read the first chapter before purchasing it. And the articulations sound tremendously provocative, thus I jatuh cinta with it!

It is always interesting to study the mass media effects on societies worldwide. Different societies see the roles and functions of the media differently. And if we were to study the international media coverages on our dear Malaysia, we should not be suprise to see how they have moulded the world's perceptions towards the country.

It is scary to accept the fact. So there go the needs of our very own media practitioners in providing good portrayal about the country to naturalized the negativities out there.

Let's take the challenge, y'all and be more responsible.

Blogging in Big Smile

It has been a month since my last post. I've been dearly waiting for this chance to come again. Finally finally.

By now, it is already half of this semester. Alhamdulillah.

Although the journey was not that easy, but generally, I am blessed with the strength given by Allah SWT that has helped me to pull through the situations. Nothing can comes easily without hard work, determination and perseverance. Finally, tawakkaltu lillahi ta'ala.

My heart has been crying really hard to blog. But again, the crazy schedule and deadlines have disabled me from doing so. I had hard times redefining the priority when it comes to this. Ceh!

I am so not sure what should I say and where should I start now. Well, these fingers will be typing as intructed by the mind. So, I bet I need not to worry. Hee!

What's up with my third semester?

Well well. This semester is one of the toughest ones so far. But, there is a big YET. Yet, it is beutiful. Apart from the fact that I am surrounded by lovely kakaks (the classmates), the three courses I am taking this semester denote beutiful challenges that make me a better person who can better appreciate the meaning of life. It sounds weird, I know. But that is the significant impact of this semester to me. And the fact is, I am so LOVING IT!

At first, I personally thought that the Telecommunication Media Management course is so going to be a dull one. In fact, I had this very skeptical perception towards the Media Laws and Regulations even before the curtains were raised. Apparently, things turned the other way round and proved that I was totally wrong. I am all happy for that fact.

I keep telling myself that the root answer is always in me. I have the autonomy in deciding what is good and what is not for myself. Therefore, I know that I should not point finger to someone or something else if things failed to turn in the desirable way. It's basically my own decision. I must be responsible for my own life.

I have anticipated that my third semester schedule is going to be crazy. Well, IT IS. The third semester is the time when I have to juggle between several commitments (the three courses + Thesis + endeavor of my destiny!). The time has finally come to me and currently, I am squeezing myself into those three commitments which demand full commitment and patience. I believe that I am where I am because of the latter.

However, several remedies have soothed me well. I had my second appointment last week and the doctor explained that both of my toes are doing well. The new nails are growing and that is what I have been praying for. Additionally, two days ago, I went to collect my prize which I mentioned in the previous post. I am blessed with all this! Alhamdulillah.

::In Real Big Smile::

I want to welcome myself back to the addiction of writing my things!
Thee hee hee..~

I had to keep myself so intimate with the proposal writing in order for me to move to the second level of my research study within this semester. That commitment gave me no option rather than I had to adjourned myself from any other ecstasies- blogging and Facebooking are two of those ecstasies!

Before she left the school for her six-months medical leave, my mentor explained to me that I mustn't be way too restless about the thesis as the Graduate School and faculty are expecting us to go for the prelimenary stage for this semester. And in our final semester, which is just next semester, we are then expected to really concentrate on completing the research studies.

But knowing my own colours...

I knew that I have to swallow all of the restless-ness in order for me to accomplish my thesis in time.

I am a slow learner. I am not born brilliant, so I always remind myself to double up each and every of my efforts to be better and to seize what I wish in my life.

It can take the rest of my life to accomplish a single commitment if I were to take my very own sweet time. I started writing my research proposal two weeks before the third semester kicked-off, and I took almost a solid month to complete writing it. I submitted my proposal on last Monday.

Two days ago, I had another appointment with my Supervisor.

Alhamdulillah, she has fully approved my proposal. "You shall enter the second stage now, Intan", she adviced me so. But still, she reminds me to add more information for the Literature Review section that will only be included in the final report which is to be submitted next semester.

I am blessed to be under my Supervisor's supervision. Apart from the fact that she's an adept in Citizen Journalism studies, she's jovial, enthusiastic and supportive at one same time. Working with her is all about working hard, play hard and lough out loud. Throughout our forty minutes discussion on the previous apointment, she adviced me to put balance hours for my studies and thesis that will help me to stay focus and motivated. InsyaAllah, will do so, Professor!

Next week, I'll put my hands on designing the interview protocol for my future in-depth interviews with my respondents. And I am praying hard to be able to do so in two weeks time. I am planning to start doing the interviews during my two-months semester break which will starts in April. As for now till the end of this third semester, I've to focus more on my assignments, projects, tests and final exams. Deadlines are approaching me badly.

But now, I am so focusing myself for the two-days excursion (should I call it as an excursion or trip?) with a bunch of my lovely kakaks to Umbai and Port Dickson. Sea foods, jet-ski, banana boat, kayak and loads of photos are what we looking for. Hihi! Well, since a few of my classmates are going to tie the knots somewhen this year and early next year, so I consider this as the 'Bachelors' Days Out!' :)

And just a matter of sharing...~

Yesterday a person from Speedy Video called to inform me that I've won the Grand Prize of the Sex and the City's contest and will bring home RM1,000 worth of frangrances, body lotion, cream bath, etc. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulllah. I always believe that Allah SWT will answer His capliphs' prayers. InsyaAllah, COVET, my all time favourite frangrance is on my way for free. I've been desiring to have one of it, but COVET is pretty expensive for a student's budget like me ;)

Till my fingers meet the keyboard again..!~

:)

::SNAKE MASSAGES, anyone..?::

This is much safer and better than the slithery one

While I was waiting for my turn to see the doctor on last Friday, I knew I am so supposed to bring reading materials to be my companion.

True enough, I reached the hospital sharp at 9am. I was an hour late then my scheduled appointment. The bumper-to-bumper crawl sucks oke. But anyway, I waited for almost one and a half hour before they called me in.

They don't allow people to use laptops in the hospital. I don't have a handphone-cum-media player. My Nano is dead a very long time ago. So obviously, I can only read too kill the time. I brought the latest copy of Reader's Digest and my one of my thesis references to help me stay alive.

Kids were crying everywhere. Adults chatted in almost their loudest voices. Nurses were screaming to call-in their patients. Demmit. It was way too hard for me to focused my mind reading my thesis references and I finally decided to read R.D.

R.D has never put me off. The way they do their writings are simple. Public-interest is all that they offer in their copies. Not-so-serious way of conducting journalism that makes their content cut for all regardless of anything. A perfect escapism for to save me from the chaotic immediate surrounding.

Of course, the interview they had with Obama is the precious middle-page content. But what attracts me best is the 'Right Here, Right Now' section which introduces the Snake Massages.

The photo depicted a man handling four snakes of different colors (but all look poisonous!) on another man's body. Hwa hwa hwa....~ Geli-geleman ako.

Oke oke.

Let's get straight to the story. A health and beuty spa located in northern Israel offers a service designed to make their customers' tensions slither away as the snakes slither on their bodies in a very slithery way. But of course a pro will handle those creatures but that ensures me no safety anyway. Snakes are always snakes, right?

So, the treatment consists of non-venomous snakes (ya righttt laa!) wriggling and hissing accros the client's aching muscles and joints. Such a treatment cost 300 shakels (+-$78). And one of the therapists explained that many people find the snakes have a soothing effect. That makes me ponder..How in the world could that be?

Mind to give that a try, peeps?

Hah!

:))

:Living Like an OKU:

The Shape of My Friendship! This is one thing that keeps me going.

I guess the toes have taken too much of my attention.

As much as I have sacrificed my blogging hours for attending the toes.

But, the attention I devoted to the toes weren't futile at all. I went for a dressing session just now in the morning.

"The wounds look beutiful, Intan", the doctor said in big smile while undressing the bandages which have been there for the past nine days.

"How can those toes without nails be beutiful, doc?", I asked in ignorance. "Your wounds have healed. Quite fast than what I've expected for your particular condition", he replied in his very polite voice. And the doctor is a quite-good-looking man, though ;)

Alhamdulillah.

Allah SWT has answered my prays all these while. I really need the wounds to recuperate fast. I really need to get rid of those bandages that enfold my toes very tightly. The condition is never comfortable for me.

But, enduring this condition is way better than standing the pains caused by the in-growing toe nails. The nails were like 'growing thorns ' in my flesh!

Three days ago, finally I got myself behind the wheel. Ahh, since the surgery, I've been in dire need to be able to drive again. I hate the idea that I always need assistants to bring me to places I want to go.

Once in the driver's seat, one of the doctor's funny statements triggeed in my head. "If you're going anywhere, you're now eligible to park at the OKU's parking bays. Even if you're not the driver. As long as you're in the car, so everyone can enjoy the benefit!". Heh.

Living life this way gives me sobering thoughts of this life. Out of Allah SWT's perfect creation, I've taken my life for granted in certain ways though. I finally realized that I've overuse the cliche so much, 'Nothing's Perfect'. But the fact is, humans can always be 'perfectable' out of the cliche's notion. As a human, I am the one who make all pieces of decisions in my life.

The bandages are still on my toes.

I've to admit that it's pretty difficult to move, to work, to put on the flip-flops and the hardest part is during my bathing times. I've to keep the wounds dry from any kinds of wetness. So, you go and imagine the condition I'm explaining now.

Ibu always advices me not to use my foots too much. The doctor advices so. The muscles need to rest. But I know I cannot just send commands for people to get my things done. I kept telling myself that I can move. I can drive. The process to putting on those flip flops would be easier after few times practices and I can bath like normal. In simpler words, I can work my-things-by-myself and should not take advantage over others' willingness that could over pampered me. Done deal.

Each time I found it hard to work in this condition, I remind myself that this temporary weakness is never a biggie. There are thousands of people with the same or in tougher conditions out there, yet they survived really well and even seized significant victories in their lives. They are real high achievers in ths world.

So, why shouldn't I?

:)

::A Call for All Agents of Changes::

While I was driving to campus last week, I listened to one preview of an interview on HOT.FM with one of Malaysia's renowned broadcast journalist (BJ) who has been doing tough tasks in media entertainment industry.

If I were to mention the name, everyone will undoubtedly has something to say, to comment or even to critic.

So, I choose not to state the name or where this particular person is attached to because his 'status' is nothing interesting to me.

But, one of his statements has strongly gave me a reason to share my say.

Something that is 'completely interesting".

In response to a question asked by one anonymous caller, he firmly replied in one simple yet thoughtful answer, "The journalists aren't human. Journalists are journalists".

Although I decided not to work with the media, but I have all reasons in this world to appreciate the media industry, especially the restless efforts taken by the newspeople to provide the best scoop to their dear audiences. They took all pains to feed the hungry-for-information audiences out there. Journalists carry the toughest commitment to the public. It's a fact that shouldn't be doubted. The heterogenous public rely on what the media got to say.

To the laymen, media practitioners, especially the journalists are their watchdogs.

Such a position has given these people what I deciphered as 'added responsibility over any other responsibilities'.

There's an interesting saying that articulate about the role of journalists- "The journalists can either make it or break it!". It's undoubtedly true that 'mata pena lebih tajam daripada mata pedang'.

But that should not make them, the journalists (reporters or most profoundly Americans called them as the press) less than human. On whatever situation, journalists are still humans who carry a very high standard of responsibility to the public. At the same time, they have to operate accordingly to the pillars of journalism.

Go and ask the journalists.

"What is one of your biggest conflicts in performing the job?"

And no journalist would say no to "Public interest versus right to privacy" as the answer.

This is because, in most conflicting situations, it's really hard for the journalists to decide the point of the 'golden mean' when the two interests compete in one picture. In order to reveal the truth, sometimes they got to break the right to privacy. And if they choose the latter, they have to fail their utmost responsibility, that is to serve the public interest.

At times, even the pillars of journalism cannot provide means to save such a situation.

Desperately, they may use what Machiavelli offers to the industry- 'The ends justify the means'. When they were questioned on their less ethical decision(s), some of them would simply quote Machiaveli's words and arrogantly hide behind the profound responsibility, that's to meet the public interest. To say the truth, nothing but the truth.

But I am a strong believer that the moral conviction will always offer an ideal way to say the hardest truth. Even the sensational stories can be written responsibly. By putting it this way, the press need not sacrifice anything yet saved the situation at stake. Mills called this as the 'conscience of the agents'.

Journalists are always human. They operate under the name of humanity, at all times in whatever situation.

It's a noble job.

Always.