Tadau Kaamatan 2012

It's a different feeling altogether just to stay at home during Kaamatan for the first time today. For the past few years, my annual outing activity with my siblings, cousins and aunties ( plus grandmas on certain years ) is going to the KDCA hall to watch the Unduk Ngadau competition.

The usual activity is waking up bright and early on the 31st, pack some food and water plus cushion/mat and off we go to Penampang. At one year, kami naik bas lagi tu. Sanggup ni bersusah payah. But as of late, my dad or uncle will fetch us. Anyway, all this we endure just for the sake of being a true Unduk Ngadau fan. Haha.

Some last minute food shopping must be done before 9am because we want to enter the hall before the TYT comes in for the perasmian. Must find good spot! and our usual spot is at the right hand side of the hall ( if you are facing the stage ) next to the gongs and PDRM orchestra. Hehe. Pigi chop tempat then make ourself comfortable ( plus on the look out for potential latecomers yang suka pigi rebut tempat duduk ni )

But, this year due to the hectic work overload, I decided not to go. Feeling a little different now seeing updates from facebook saja. Last year, bukan main lagi involved ( I even co-emceed the gala night with Constan ). A break is good too.

All hail technology for making it possible getting updates almost real time. Mr David Chong ( David Aramaitii ) also is doing a very good job covering the event; sa pinjam dulu gambar ko ah.. hehe. It will be a looottttt better if there's live streaming of the event via internet. ^_^

Anyway, here's my top 7 pick for Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2012 ( in random order, but I really like to see someone wearing the tinombunan costume win this year )

papar

kk

likas

Tuaran

Penampang

Tambunan

Telupid

So, whose your pick? The second round result will be out soon as I am typing. Around 6pm or so, there will be a new queen already.

Have a happening Kaamatan you all! Party responsibly, don't harm others.

Taking a break!

The school break is here. Oh, how glad I am!

The chaotic moments of the first two days of the school break has subsides and now only I have the time to write something here. The final school week for the 1st term was filled with sleeping at 2 or 3 am because of the paper marking frenzy.

Tangan pun ikut jadi merah juga. See how tidak terurus I am, cat kuku pun picah-picah sudah

To top it all off, I had this Dance Workshop by Disney Channel happening on the very same week plus I gotta finish the choreography for that dance before the students go for holidays.

Group photo + choreographers

Came the 25th, is the rehearsal for the KDCA-ISCEP in which some major tropical thunderstorm moments in the head happened due to miscommunications and some retarded colleagues. Fuel for the car also ran like water because I have to go back and forth from Tamparuli and Penampang a few times. Came the concert day as well made it all the more hectic.

My mind was running on auto pilot since the 25th since the experience last year of handling things alone taught me on how not to care so much but one incident caused all the emotional burden to just erupt like a volcano. This one teacher who is supposed to also fetch some of the asrama kids home suddenly went home without notifying me. There were 7 kids who didn't have their parents came in to fetch them because they are the asrama students, so I already negotiated with the other teacher in the morning that we will "bagi-bagi" the students to fit in our cars since my car is only a Viva, can't take it too many kan.

To my horror, she left! Sakit kepala dia bilang. * #$^%^&*&(&^$#$^%&^*())&^!&!(@(#( ___ insert some vulgar words here______ $^%&^*&(*^%$$#@@#%%*

Yes!! Memang sa mengamuk sudah tu malam. Sudah la saya penat jaga the kids since 25th and her turn is actually on the 26th saja and itu pun saya datang juga pigi tolong babysit since I also have to assist the KDCA-ISCEP alumni ( the group which I joined to Korea last year , they are performing as well ). KDCA-ISCEP punya group itu pun huru hara juga sebab tiada yang babysit. Astaga..memang kalau dia ada depan time tu memang habis kana trash talk oh.

I knew she left because one teacher, who has her kids joining the school performance team came to fetch her son, texted me telling me that the (*vulgar word here*) teacher already went home. And I was the last one to know, even the students knew. Cilaka!

For a moment, I just felt like killing someone. But, the students yang ikut saya balik tu cakap that they really had a very good time for the past two days during the whole event made all the difference. And seeing the smiles on their faces because of the proud moments of them being on stage.

SMK Tamparuli Bamboo Orchestra

Also getting the chance to once again spend some time with the KDCA-ISCEP alumni group made all the time spent in KDCA for two days all worth it.

That small matter about the (*vulgar word here*) teacher can be brush off aside. Tidak payah mo ingat urang yang bikin sakit hati begitu. Bikin darah tinggi jak.

To those who attended the concert that night, the LCD wasn't working because the person in charge tidak datang. Haiya, itu lagi satu story. Tapi nda payah la ingat tu. So all the multimedia presentation that night tiada and this was supposed to be "aired" during one of the singing performance.

Weekend Blogger

Am I? It seems the only time that I really do have time to write is on weekends. ( Note to self: must be more rajin to blog )

Nothing interesting to blog juga bah dats why. Apart from being tormented much with the loads of papers to mark

And also jadi kepoh at the alumni KDCA-ISCEP 2011 dance practice in SMK Bahang. Rindu la pula sama ni budak2 semua. But things had changed, I felt we were only a family while we were away in Korea, now everyone seems to be strangers again.

Bulan 5 ( May ) is always with the Unduk Ngadau fever and also I think time buat dosa the most. Why? Because the kutuk-mengutuk session goes one forever once we have the competition going on. Kalah kana kutuk, manang kana kutuk, cantik kana kutuk, bida laaaaaagi lah kana kutuk. Hmmm, whatever lah. Am trying my best not to fall into the kutuk mengutuk session but sometimes being human you can't help being judgemental. Dalam hati punya kutuk pun kira dosa juga sudah tu kan. Hehe.

Most of the districts have selected their own reps sudah. It's about time the photos of all the reps will be compiled together and we can already start judging from the photos. ( Ni la ni kalau yang fanatic punya fans kan ) - and its rather a big challenge not to mengutuk. Haha.

Currently am so in love with the Linangkit pattern. This is the attire that should be posted to my cousin in Sarawak.

Talking about our neighbours across the borders, my friend Cheryl , in Kuching, got her hair shaved and now she is bald. I really have to give a standing ovation to her for her courage to accept the challenge for this Cancer Awareness campaign.

Cheryl in pink leggings

Irritating ringtone

We choose our ringtone because we love the sound the best and it should be a joy listening to it especially when the phone rings.

But these days, it is not something that really pleasant to my ears. As of late, I am usually awakened by the sound of messages coming in and even more dramatic; phone calls from work. You see, I teach in the afternoon and my working hours doesn't start until 12noon. Why should I be entertaining calls from work right at 7 or 8am when I am still in bed or just about to wake up. It really does made me to wake up at the wrong side of the bed. Ruining my mood the whole day. -_-

Moreover, these phone calls or messages are usually from my principal or the penolong kanan. Sigh. And also I have been moody for the past few days because of the workload and catching up deadlines therefore I put on airplane mode for my phone last night and slept early.

Hey, I got a restful sleep despite some minor toss and turns when my mind starts to think about work. I turned on my phone back to normal mode half an hour ago and guess what theres indeed a miscall by the boss at around 8am which I haven't turned on my phone that time. Muahahahahaha. Biar. If it is that urgent they will call back definitely.

In the meantime, I gotta persevere and pull through this torturing week at work. Happy teacher's day to me and all the teachers out there. We are the champions of minds!

The weekend it was

After the chaos of the Tuaran Unduk Ngadau starts to fizzle out, I felt battered the day after. Luckily my Friday's schedule was not so hectic. But on another note, I have to focus on school/work. And you know what is every teacher's nightmare when the exam week came and the papers have been photocopied?

YESSSSSS. clipping the papers!

Thank God for the willingness of my youngest sister to help me. But nothing comes for free mind you. Ada bayaran lagi kana minta. Bayar pun bayar lah. Janji siap.

Saturday

We had a show at Louis Pang's studio re-opening in Likas Square and after that we kinda rushed home because Didi wanted to go for the Jay Park showcase.

I managed to go in because Dino gave me one pass. Thank you so much for that Dino!

Honestly, I don't really know who Jay Park is - but my sisters and cousins are crazy about him. But pigi tinguk sajalah since he is in KK kan.

Terus terjumpa budak budak skul saya sana lagi - adui, malu juga lah sikit. Hahahaha

I tell you...inside the arena (as I called it ), it was packed!! Especially the area which allow them to go for fan meeting after the showcase ( mine was only for showcase ). Jay Park is big here and given that he speaks good English because he is Korean American, made all the communication better because he doesn't need a translator.

My sister and I trying to stay clear from the crowded places but to no avail when the rest of the people came swarming in. Didi and my cousin were way in front at the other area ( fan meeting zone ).

Once the show kicked off, all I can see is this.

Heads, hands and camera phones... Hmmmm, typical Malaysian style of watching a live show. Mesti mau rakam. Heran saya. Go there for what, tidak pandai enjoy live show betul.

Basically I just can't see anything except through the screen of those phone cameras. Well, at least that's something that I can be thankful for the hundreds of phone cameras.

Being short is not helping also for this kind of event. Hmmmm.

Sunday

Again another show at the Louis Pang Studio show. It is a privilege to sing for one of Asia's top photographer studio re-opening. Sama kana bagi ini lagi. Happy!! Wheeeee...

Then, of course at home in the evening ada our own Mother's Day celebration. 

Suddenly blackout kunun right before the potong cake session, but the program has to go on juga kan. Photos are also a must. So, Mimi's phone provide the "wireless flash" using her torchlight app and I took the photo using my phone.

The outcome is quite nice juga oh. Jadi juga itu wireless flash technique. Haha.

And the blackout also turned the dinner to be a candlelight dinner lagi. Smart kan?

Happy Mother's Day MAM! We love you!

And also happy mama's day to all supermoms out there ^_^

UNDUK NGADAU TUARAN 2012

And so my hiatus is because of this. It has been like hell week for me, juggling work, this kaamatan thingy and singing practice.

I was the emcee for the Gala Night and as well as for the Finals of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Tuaran 2012.

Congratulations to Raemma Justin for winning the title. A UMS student and also my ex student in SMK Tamparuli. The third placing girl on the left is also my ex student. Dang! Terasa macam aunty2 sudah sa ni. Cisssss..

Hopefully she will bring the state crown back to Tuaran again this year, perhaps. Anyway, it was an exhausting and exciting experience to be involved in this event.

Backstage photos of some of the girls. Personally I think all the girls are pretty but in the end sometimes physical advantages ( example: height ) really matters.

My feet was aching due to all the standing throughout the event and I just don't know why am so not in the mood to emcee the event yesterday. I was practically was kinda dreaming all the way through.

Sudah la have to get ready awal. I also kepoh wanna make up lawa2, sempat lagi mintapuji trip pakai crown si Miss Jovenea. Hahaha. We went to the same MUA.

But I don't really like my make up yesterday, made me look like ahjumma. Atuiii..betul2 wrong choice ni. Ka memang pun sudah tua.. Erkkk!!!!

Anyway, sa bukan Unduk Ngadau so who cares.

photo credit: David Aramaitii

Ahhhh...this photo reminds me of this photo of mine back in 2007. Raema was in the photo as well. The one pakai baju tindal behind me. That time dia baru habis skul tu and I was like at the end of my "Unduk Ngadau career".. ahahahaha.

Seriously...after looking at this photo I felt that  I need to lose weight. Hahaha.

Kotobian Tadau Tagayo do Kaamatan everyone!!! Aramaiti kita.

grown ups kunun

have you done yours? after the tax and now moving on to bills. The monthly salary won't stay very long in the bank account for sure. It's meant for paying this and that.

This is definitely a Friday full of errands. Thank God for online transactions and such. Yeay, for skipping the queue.

Kusut masai

Kamu tau ka perasaan yang kusut masai macam mana? I just can't describe it in proper words. I just can see a mess of tangled strings of events and tasks altogether. Practically feeling helpless and having no idea where to start.

Well, first of all, my room is already in a mess with all the files and books piled up on the floor. Kept bringing things home but ended up not doing any. Sounds familiar to any teachers?

Yesterday, I sort of "sumpah" my student saying "saya harap ko mati". Because he kept giving excuses for not going to school that he is sick maka kedapatan melepak in town with his gang. Still, after the rage subsides, I tried to talk to him nicely and let him know that he needs to be in school for his future.

And today, more drama, during class, a student wanted to go out saying that he need to find the compass (jangka lukis) because am teaching the topic. Half an hour passed and he is still not in and one of the friend saw he was loitering around at the nearby block. So, when he finally came in; all hell break loose.

I shouted and threw a duster to him. The penolong kanan petang was teaching at the block opposite so I can see he was looking at my class. I asked the student to tell the PK petang why he left my class for so long but he opt not too. So I halau him from the kelas. I just don't care anymore.

Sometimes, I wonder why I can't be nice to these students. I felt sorry for them. They may have their own side of stories for everything but today is just not the time for this. Maybe this is PMS or maybe this is a burnout syndrome. At times, I felt like taking a break from teaching and just do something else.

I guess being human sometimes you need a break or at least motivation to get going. At this point, I really need supportive colleagues to get me going for only they know how's the school environment is. Telling this kind of things to others will be slightly different because they don't feel the situation.

Sigh! And the lists of things still unchecked. I need to return this call like two days ago but haven't got the time to do it.

Fencing

I wonder why this sport is called fencing. Fencing, fence = pagar, so fencing is berpagar? Haha. But being one of the advisor teacher for the fencing club am obliged to be at the fencing centre when there's a tournament; just like today.

I learned a bit about this "alien" sport just because my sisters are so into this sport. I have never tried it myself but I know the sport is not cheap. It is such a privilege to have the club in school because the students from my area (luar bandar) could have a taste of a more "urban" kind of sport. I guess my school is one of the few school in Sabah to have this Fencing Club in our school.

But somehow being at this centre, of course, one could see why we should feel inferior towards the "city" counterparts. They came to the tournament with their own sword, own attire, own mask and we have to borrow the soiled ones provided by the centre. Well, beggars can't be choosers right.

Somehow these "beggars" have showed potential and some of my ex students even have made it or almost made it to the Sukma team representing Sabah. Hoping that the spirit to try and be at par with others will continue to go on and hope the coaches from this centre will continue to guide the kids from my school.

This is my sisters warming up for the event later. Haha. The attire looks funny right? Oh, another long day sitting here and watching -_-

Safe and Sound

When I woke up this morning, this song is playing in my head. It was kinda weird to have a song playing in my head the moment I opened my eyes from a good night sleep.

Must do a cover of this song one of these days.



It's almost 9 am already. At 10.30am, I have extra class to teach. Anyway, other than waking up to a song auto-playing in my head, it is so good to know that my bestie, Sheila, has safely delivered her baby. Baby boy! Terharu sa dengar tu news oh. Congrats and get well soon moi! Hope you and the baby is doing well.

Have a safe and sound day people! Tomorrow will be Friday, so kerja la rajin-rajin today. Hehehe

The Voice

I saw Adam Levine on TV today and the news about his break up with the girlfriend suddenly came to my mind. YEAY! He is back on the market. HAHAHAHAHA

Anyway, read on the net that the cause of their break up is that Adam is not ready to go down the aisle with the girlfriend. Hmmm. Well, I can understand why Adam is not ready. He is waiting for me. Ahahaha. No lah, but still marriage is a big thing and it is a commitment. 

I hope when the time comes for me it won't be a problem or a matter of not being ready. 

Adam, it's okay that you don't want to walk down the aisle, I still love you.

Adam, y u so yummy?

Oppa..oppa..

This was taken at the end of the show. Felt so privileged to be featured as one of the opening acts alongside with the talented Abang Jon and Alvin MY. Kinda felt small, so the experience also equally nerve wrecking.

Party Play was the venue. Kinda small but it was very happening. And the for the first time, there's people who can understand the words in our song ALONE IN SEOUL. Words like " Oppa " is familiar to the crowd since most of them are KPOP lovers and they are exposed to the Korean words. Ah, thank God because most of the time that we performed this song somewhere else it would be more likely a puzzled look was given to us. And of course the oppa from Redsoul find it very aegyo. Ngehehehe!

Anyway, back to the event. I guess KK is the most happening showcase that they had and I think KK crowd really made the boys from Redsoul feels like superstars. Although the setting was pretty much humble compared to the ones in KL but everyone really did have a good time that evening. Yes, including me!

Since BigBang or 2PM are rather expensive to bring here, the boys from Redsoul is equally good in their own acapella way. Cool right? Bought their CD too and I can say there are quite some fantastic songs in the list.

In a nutshell, KK is more awesome and made these oppa remember us forever. Don't believe me. Do watch these videos and judge yourself.

Redsoul at the Media Listening Event in KL


Redsoul at their Showcase in KL


Redsoul at their Showcase in KK


Fantastic Baby!

Kapas is now Kupas

I have a puppy and his name is Kapas. But he is not as fluffy as a kapas anymore because his kepala already terkupas.

This was yesterday when we went to the vet to clean the wound

 This particular dog has been a frequent visitor to the vet. Within 6 months he has been there in like 5 times, sampai the vet pun very kenal with him. So many problems. But the recent problem was caused by being too friendly and innocent to the neighbor dog that he was bitten in the head by a crazy bigger dog

Aiyo kapas, kapas! Suka cari penyakit bah kau!
Now since the gash on his head tidak boleh jahit already so just gonna let it heal and must clean it everyday for him. But the lalat is driving him up the wall, so mesti sedia the fan to drive away the lalat for him. First class betul. Hmppphh!

Ignore the messy shoes and sandals..hehehe

Say Hello to Kitty!

I made this today. Sort of a DIY kind of thing but I guess it's merely decorating it with cute and fancy ornaments, not exactly categorized as DIY kan?

Anyway, comel kan? I am loving it so much but it's gonna be quite a challenge to handle it with care ( takut tercabut itu kepala Hello Kitty sana)

Reality Bites

Feeling a little dizzy while driving to 1Borneo just now, maybe I am a little too hungry I guess. So, me and my sis decided to have dinner at Marry Brown.

My sis ordered the new item advertised and sort of being glorified as the must order item. Besides its only RM5 each.

And so we got this

Atukoi punya lah disappointing. -_-

It doesn't taste that good either. So, if you happen to be tempted so much by the ad, remember... DON'T order this. Other items may taste better and look better.

Hmmm. Well, at least we know one thing really worked well and achieved its goal; the GLORIOUS advertisement.

Double Take

I am sure some of you will know who is Double Take. But to those who don't, they are the dynamic duo; Roger Wang & Mia Palencia. And they have been doing their music for the past 12 years.

Me and my sisters felt so honoured to be the opening act for their charity concert this evening. The show was great! Mia's jazzy vocals and Roger's exceptional guitar skills really set the stage on fire in a very jazzy way.

They are on tour now. The next two stops are JB and of course KL. Here's a photo of me and Mia. Gambar mahal ni, jarang2 dapat jumpa dia these days because she is based in Aussie.

Mint Green

I am seeing Green this Monday. A Green Monday ( although I really had Monday Blues today ). I hate to wake up facing the fact that today is a Monday.

When my mom knocked on my door to wake me up this morning, I really thought that I have to go to church. Then I came to my senses and knocked myself silly with the fact that today is a working day. Dang!

Again I am seeing green. I am currently hooked to one shade of green = MINT GREEN. I have never been a fan of green before. But I am, now, actually considering to have this blog layout to be in mint green instead of pink all the way. Oh well, maybe a combo of some pretty pastels then. ( I can never sacrifice my pink ). Hehehehe.

Ahhh..can't get enough of the mint green shades. And now I feel like having a peppermint ice cream. Hmmmm. Better sleep soon before I am craving more of sweet stuff because am seeing too many sweet colors around.

Holy week

Holy week is also the holiday. But the holiday will be spent mostly in church. I am quite hungry right now. Been here since before sunset and now it's almost 9pm. So much discussion and preparations to be done. I am working closely with the choir and have to coordinate with the rest of the other church members. Happy Holy Week all! Might be on hiatus for a while.

is it Monday today?

It sure feels good to have a very good workout everyday. Did Zumba today - at least it is a consolation for the rest of the not-so-good Monday that I am having.

I was at the TLDM Sepanggar Hangar today for the MSSB Barat Netball tournament. Our team, Tuaran, is totally the underdog. Been at the last place since like forever. Haha. But, it is my first time coaching the team for this year. I was given like a week to form a team with players from 4 different schools. So the result is kinda like a half-baked cake. Hmmppph.

One thing for sure that most of the players are lacking is the mental power to overcome their own fear and nerves inside the game. I told them numerous times " You are who you think you are, if you choose to feel scared the moment you step into the court, then you will be scared "

Ahhh. But not all will absorb it like a sponge. They continued to be scared and only one or two will listen to the coach and fight the battle of their own.

I believe in them to perform their best but the simplest thing to do for themselves, that is to believe that THEY CAN DO IT, they fail. Sigh!

We have one more game tomorrow against Ranau team. I am hoping the girls will find inspiration to believe in optimism in their sleep tonight.

April Fool, Fools!

It is April Fool day today. Anybody kena April-fooled?

Well, there's nothing much interesting about this April Fool day today except that my tweets timeline is a bit flooded with tweets about pranks and what nots. And some I can say are totally lame. It is well..uhm...very much expected sometimes.

So, the home phone rang around after dinner just now and it was a phone call for my mom. My nenek called. I can't really hear what my mom was saying over the phone. But, my sisters at the living room was laughing already because apparently my nenek called my mom to pull an April Fool prank. Adeh, my nenek lagi tu! That's the funniest part. Siapa lah yang ajar my nenek suruh kasi April Fool my mom ni. So cute though! ^___^

hahaha.

Funny oh! Then I remembered the conversation I had with my sisters and mom over a meal. Me and my sisters was saying something about Foursquare, checking in Foursquare and what other nonsense about Foursquare. Then, suddenly my mom said " Itu Foursquare jahat tu kan. Dia suka pukul orang tu kan."

Me and my sisters looked at each other puzzled ni. Semua ada ???? on our faces.

My mom added on, " Itu Foursquare bah yang kuning-kuning tu "

HAHAHAHAHA. LOL!

And we said " Mom, itu Spongebob lah!!!!!!! "

ROFL